7 Most Irredeemable DC Villains, Ranked by Evil

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DC Comics is famous for creating incredibly memorable and wicked villains. Over its 88-year history, the company has repeatedly defined the concept of evil. Traditionally, DC villains stayed villainous – redemption was rare. However, inspired by Marvel’s approach from the Silver Age, DC began to redeem some of its villains. Many have since joined major superhero teams or even starred in their own comic series, becoming significant heroes throughout DC’s publishing history.

Some villains are simply beyond saving. Their wickedness is so profound that fans struggle to see them as good, even if the story tries to portray a redemption arc. Here are DC’s seven most irredeemable villains, listed from least to most evil.

7) Zoom

While Wally West is considered the best Flash, he lacked a defining nemesis for a long time – until Zoom appeared. Hunter Zolomon, a former FBI agent who became paralyzed while working, asked Wally to use his powers to undo the accident. When Wally wouldn’t, Hunter attempted to travel back in time himself, using the Cosmic Treadmill. This failed, but instead granted him control over time. Since then, Zoom believes his evil actions actually improve the heroes, and he genuinely doesn’t see himself as a villain, meaning he’s unlikely to ever change his ways.

6) Reverse Flash

Reverse Flash is consumed by hatred for Barry Allen and relentlessly seeks to cause him pain – it’s the driving force in his life. Even if he were to change, redemption would be impossible. He’s committed unspeakable acts, even murdering his own family and anyone else who displeased him. He’s willing to kill anyone to achieve his goal of ruining Barry’s life, making him a truly monstrous and irredeemable villain. His past actions are far too terrible to ever be forgiven.

5) Deathstroke

Many argue that Deathstroke is capable of redemption, pointing to instances where he’s acted heroically. However, his actions are fundamentally unforgivable. The way he manipulated and exploited Terra, a teenage girl, both as a weapon and in a romantic relationship, is a clear example of this. He consistently uses others, even his own family, meaning even his positive actions are rooted in selfish motives. Ultimately, Deathstroke is undeniably a villainous character.

4) Hush

Tommy Elliot, known as Hush, murdered his parents. While his father was an abusive alcoholic and his mother enabled the abuse, his motive wasn’t the trauma itself. He was driven by envy of Bruce Wayne, who became wealthy and independent after losing his parents. Fueled by this jealousy, Hush repeatedly tried to ruin Bruce’s life, targeting the one person who had shown him kindness. Many heroes overcome abusive childhoods and channel their pain into strength and a desire to help others. Tommy, however, used his past as justification for becoming a villain.

3) The Joker

The Joker is DC Comics’ most famous villain, and he’s truly beyond saving. He commits violence simply because he enjoys it, and finds humor in destroying people’s lives. While stories have sometimes explored moments where his villainy seemed lessened, the fact remains he’s a mass murderer with no regard for others. Even if he were mentally healed, his actions have caused too much harm for him to ever be redeemed – he’s responsible for countless deaths. Occasionally, he’ll temporarily assist heroes, but he inevitably betrays them. There’s nothing left within the Joker that can be saved.

2) Brainiac

Brainiac is a major Superman villain, known for his immense evil. This alien cyborg has destroyed countless worlds throughout his existence. His typical plan involves arriving at a star system, stealing a city, and then obliterating the entire system by destroying its sun – all to collect its knowledge for himself. He’s completely self-centered, willing to betray anyone to expand his understanding. Brainiac is rightly feared across the universe, and he has no desire for forgiveness or to atone for his terrible actions.

1) Darkseid

Darkseid is a purely evil being, incapable of redemption. He embodies the worst aspects of existence and views the entire multiverse as something to be dominated. He doesn’t value the lives or freedom of others, believing only his own will matters. Darkseid doesn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing, justifying all his actions, and would only ever help save the multiverse as a means to ultimately control it. He is beyond forgiveness and incapable of change.

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2026-02-15 17:15