What core characteristics makes a viewer like a super-villain?

Question

Most movies villains portray a evil lesser then itself. I found I like super-villains that are either unstoppable. Such as Anton in No Country for Old Men. Memorable characters like Khan in Star Trek 2. That fight to there last breath. Maybe the recent portrayal of Joker in The Dark Knight. Who have motives that are beyond sane comprehension and values that are less then the normal human. This question may draw a line from fiction to breaking down a actual psychopath way of thoughts?

Answer 1

Viewers are drawn to villians because they are wholly different from what we see ourselves as, and unashamedly so.  We see ourselves as angelic and innocent.  The villiain is evil and proud of it.  We are psychologically drawn to this jarring difference.

-John

Answer 2

Hello:

We live in the real world...So for starters we know that good does not always win...except in the movies.  I know in me that this has caused me to root for villains...because we also love the underdog...which the villain most assuredly is...though there are the Kaiser Sosay's of the movie world that do get away with everything.  

I also do not like it when good wins cheaply...A hero needs a villain that is their equal...that can legitimately defeat them...or better yet a villain that stands for something.  

I liked Anton because 1) he was relentless and 2) we could never get him...to get inside of his head and understand what was up...at least as he is presented in the book and movie.  The Joker in the latest Batman is just a fresh take on the super villain...and I don't mean to say 'just'.  He was a villain that could completely know and understand  the motives and actions of all the heros to set them up like he does...and the fact that he is crazy like a fox...at least most of the time...He is a villain worth beating.  

I hope this helps

Rev Phil