This is why you like villains in movies and series, according to a study

Why do so many viewers love dark and morally ambiguous characters in movies and series? Anti-heroes and villains, with their imagined flaws and psychological complexity, seem to fascinate more intensely than classic heroes.

A study published in psychology of popular media This highlights a fascinating connection between our personality and our appreciation of these interesting shapes. This revelation may explain why we sometimes feel closer to adversaries than to saviors.

Dark Features: An Attractive Mirror

Characters like Harley Quinn or Dolores Umbridge appeal to people who share “Dark Triad” traits. This category includes characteristics such as Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. In the study, participants who displayed these traits were more likely to identify themselves as anti-heroes and villains. These characters, often torn between morality and chaos, resonate with complex personalities in search of identity.

However, antiheroes are more appreciated than outright villains. His duality, his mix of good intentions and questionable actions, makes him more accessible. In contrast, adversaries who display undeserved malice, although admired, are often not regarded as alter egos.

Heroes retreating from obscurity

If heroes are generally admired, they struggle to win over those with opposing qualities. People with high levels of psychopathy or sadism feel little connection to the altruistic and virtuous values ​​of classic heroes. Their uncompromising actions are at odds with personalities who prioritize moral complexity.

However, narcissism is an exception. This personality trait is associated with identification with heroes, especially because of their role as leaders and their search for recognition. This shows that attraction to power and charisma remains a factor of admiration even in the most virtuous characters.

Question of identification, experience with bad people

Beyond personality, personal experiences influence our attraction to villains and heroes.
Some dark figures embody experiences of marginalization or exclusion, which makes them particularly endearing to those who feel left out. For example, a villain who has suffered injustice may resonate with an audience who has experienced similar hardships.

These characters also provide a cathartic freedom. By challenging the rules and breaking norms, they allow us to explore the behaviors we suppress in reality. It’s this mixture of rebellion and insecurity that makes them so attractive.