4. Grant Ward (Agents Of SHIELD)

Agent Grant Ward was endemic of everything that fans found disappointing the first half of Agents Of SHIELD season one. Bland, wholesome and without any depth. But that was all part of the master plan, making his turn as HYDRA villain in season one’s Turn, Turn, Turn all the more shocking. From the moment he shot and skilled Victoria Hand, Ward became one of the most interesting characters in the series and has got better with each season.

What makes Ward so great is that every time there is a glimpse of redemption he does something even more shocking; murdering his family in an act of cold revenge and then taking control of the remnants of HYDRA after its defeat by the Avengers and SHIELD. Adding in his twisted relationships with Skye and Agent 33, his ruthless nature – his nefarious plan to make Lance kill Bobbi being most memorable – and Ward continues to be one of the most engaging villains within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.