Sony’s Spider-Man Universe adapted a litany of great Marvel villains, but their respective threat levels deviate notably from the source material. While some characters in the SSU have been adapted faithfully, others have fallen short of their comic book counterparts significantly. This ranking focuses on their depictions within the SSU, assessing their threat levels based on their actions, abilities, and overall presence in the films, as opposed to how they would rank in the comics.
The SSU aimed to expand Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery into a connected universe independent of the MCU timeline. Beginning with Tom Hardy’s Venom, the SSU quickly released two Venom sequels, Morbius, Madame Web, and Kraven the Hunter. The lukewarm reception for most of these led to the SSU’s conclusion long before Sony’s Sinister Six plans. Each of these features a famed Spider-Man villain facing another, often shifting one into the role of tragic antihero. As such, the franchise boasted a wealth of Marvel adversaries with varying degrees of fidelity.
14
Calypso Ezili
Kraven The Hunter
Close
In Kraven the Hunter, Calypso Ezili is reimagined as the descendant of an African mystic who provides Kraven with the herbal potion that saves his life and grants him enhanced abilities. Unlike her comic book counterpart, a cunning and malevolent Voodoo witch, Calypso in the SSU is stripped of her villainous roots. Her role is largely supportive, and she displays no significant powers or intent beyond aiding Kraven’s transformation.
This stark deviation from the comics leaves Calypso as the least threatening villain in the SSU. She lacks autonomy and presence, serving as little more than a plot device. Her portrayal diminishes the character’s potential for menace and complexity.
13
Chameleon, AKA Dmitri Kravinoff
Kraven The Hunter
Close
Chameleon makes a low-key debut in Kraven the Hunter. However, his shapeshifting powers do not appear until the end of the movie, with Chameleon’s powers reduced to disappointing vocal mimicry. While this skill suggests his full potential, the execution falls flat.
One of Chameloen’s most notable scenes involved a comical imitation of Harry Styles during a performance at his club, which significantly undermines his threat level. In the comics, Chameleon is a master of disguise and espionage, often manipulating events from the shadows. The SSU version only hints at this, reducing him to a secondary character with minimal impact.
12
Knull, Creator Of The Symbiotes
Venom: The Last Dance
Close
In Venom: The Last Dance, Knull, the ancient god and creator of the symbiotes, makes his cinematic debut. Seated ominously on his throne, he commands the deadly Xenophages to hunt Venom and Eddie. While this initially felt very promising, Knull never leaves his throne and remains imprisoned throughout.
In the comics, Knull is a cosmic-level villain who wreaks havoc across the galaxy. The SSU portrayal hints at his potential but never shows it. Instead, he simply plots and unleashes the Xenophages. Knull could have instigated a more significant SSU story that displayed his extensive powers, but his limited role here keeps him low on this ranking.
11
Morbius The Living Vampire
Morbius
Close
Jared Leto’s portrayal of Morbius in Morbius transforms the character from a complex villain into a tragic antihero. While he possesses vampiric abilities, including super strength, speed, and echolocation, his reluctance to harm innocents significantly reduces his threat level. The decision to have Morbius consume artificial blood instead of preying on humans further softens his menace.
Related
10 Most Wasted Characters In Sony’s Spider-Man Universe
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe squandered a lot of exciting possibilities, including some of Marvel’s most famous and beloved allies and adversaries.
Posts
In the comics, Morbius is a complex character who straddles the line between hero and villain. The SSU version leans heavily toward the heroic side, making him less intimidating. Despite moments of violence and supposed menace, Morbius struggles to establish himself as a truly threatening figure.
10
Milo Morbius
Morbius
Close
Milo, the primary antagonist in Morbius, serves as a darker reflection of the titular character. Unlike Morbius, Milo fully embraces his vampiric nature, showing no hesitation in harming innocents. His superhuman abilities make him a formidable foe, and his lack of moral restraint amplifies his threat.
However, Milo suffers from a lack of depth and originality, feeling like a generic villain. He is a composite of several Marvel villains, including Morbius himself, but lacks any real dynamism. While he poses a greater immediate danger than Morbius, his characterization is underwhelming. The SSU misses an opportunity to delve deeper into his motivations, leaving him as a serviceable but forgettable antagonist.
9
Shriek, AKA Frances Barrison
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Close
Shriek appears in Venom: Let There Be Carnage as the partner of Cletus Kasady. Her sonic scream powers make her a significant threat, capable of causing massive destruction. In one standout moment, she brings down the San Francisco Cathedral, demonstrating her deadly potential.
Despite her abilities, Shriek is underutilized in the film. Her backstory and relationship with Carnage are only briefly explored, leaving her character feeling incomplete. In the comics, Shriek is a deeply unhinged and dangerous villain, but the SSU tones down her menace. While she’s more impactful than some others, she doesn’t fully live up to her potential.
8
The Foreigner
Kraven The Hunter
Close
Kraven the Hunter introduces the Foreigner as a cold and calculating assassin with hypnotic powers. His ability to make people oblivious to his presence adds a chilling edge to his character, resulting in several tense and eerie scenes. His strategic approach and lethal efficiency make him a credible threat.
Related
10 Worst Lines From Sony’s Spider-Man Universe Movies
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe produced some of the most notorious and laughably bad pieces of dialogue ever uttered in superhero movie history.
Posts
4
However, the Foreigner’s reliance on his hypnosis ultimately proves to be his downfall. Once Kraven overcomes this advantage, the Foreigner is dispatched relatively easily. While he’s more effective than many SSU villains, his limitations prevent him from ranking higher.
7
Carlton Drake & Riot
Venom
Close
The antagonists of Venom, Carlton Drake and his symbiote partner Riot, present a formidable challenge to Eddie Brock and Venom. Riot’s larger size and arsenal of weaponized symbiote appendages make him a fearsome opponent. The final battle depicts Riot’s destructive potential, emphasizing his superiority in raw power.
Drake’s arrogance and lack of adaptability, however, hinder Riot’s effectiveness. Their bond is less harmonious than Eddie and Venom’s, ultimately leading to their defeat. While Riot is a physically imposing villain, Drake’s shortcomings prevent him from reaching his full potential as a threat.
6
Cletus Kasady & Carnage
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Close
Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Cletus Kasady in Venom: Let There Be Carnage was certainly underwhelming. Regardless, when paired with the Carnage symbiote, he becomes a deadly force, using his powers in creative and terrifying ways. The cathedral battle highlights their combined menace, with Carnage’s tendrils wreaking havoc.
Related
10 Worst Decisions Made By Sony’s Spider-Man Universe
With Sony’s Spider-Man Universe in tatters, we look at the worst decisions the franchise made, many of which contributed to its downfall.
Posts
Despite their potential, Kasady and Carnage fall short of expectations. The film’s PG-13 rating limits its brutality, and its rushed storyline undermines their impact. While they remain one of the more dangerous SSU villains, they fail to capture the full extent of their comic book counterparts’ terrifying potential and violent nature.
5
Rhino, AKA Aleksei Sytsevich
Kraven The Hunter
Close
Rhino makes a memorable appearance as the primary villain in Kraven the Hunter, depicting his immense strength and durability. While he only assumes his full Rhino form in the film’s climax, his semi-human form proves formidable enough to subdue multiple foes effortlessly. His transformation into the Rhino cements his status as a physical powerhouse.
In the comics, Rhino is often depicted as a tragic figure, struggling with his limited intelligence and forced criminal activities. The SSU version focuses on his calculated demeanor and brute strength, which, while impressive, lacks nuance. Rhino’s limited screen time prevents him from climbing higher on this list.
4
Ezekiel Sims
Madame Web
Close
Ezekiel Sims emerges as a chilling and methodical villain in Kraven the Hunter. His knowledge of Spider-related heroes and his organized approach to hunting them makes him a significant threat. Ezekiel’s calm demeanor and strategic planning set him apart from other SSU antagonists.
Related
8 Things Sony’s Spider-Man Universe Actually Got Right
The Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is largely considered a failure, there were some redeeming features and moments in which the franchise excelled.
Posts
1
Ezekiel’s effectiveness as a villain is undeniable, despite largely spending the whole of Madame Web hunting teenage girls. He demonstrates the terrifying potential of a well-prepared adversary, proving to be a formidable challenge for his targets. The subway scene in particular demonstrates his lethal ability to take on numerous foes. His portrayal adds a layer of sophistication to the SSU’s roster of villains.
3
Kraven The Hunter
Kraven The Hunter
Close
Kraven the Hunter reimagines Sergei Kravinoff as an antihero rather than a traditional villain. Despite this shift, Kraven’s combat skills and physical prowess make him one of the most dangerous characters in the SSU. His ability to take on multiple foes simultaneously highlights his lethal potential, with numerous gripping fight scenes in the movie.
In the comics, Kraven is a complex and somewhat tragic figure, driven by a relentless pursuit of his prey. The SSU version retains some of this intensity, though his antiheroic turn softens his menace. Nevertheless, Kraven’s capabilities ensure his place among the top-tier threats in the SSU.
2
The Xenophages
Venom: The Last Dance
Close
The Xenophages, introduced in Venom: The Last Dance, are a deadly alien species that hunt and devour symbiotes. Their hunting prowess and lethal efficiency make them a formidable threat, capable of taking down several classic symbiotes in the climactic final battle. Their presence raises the stakes significantly, forcing Eddie and Venom to confront their mortality.
Related
10 Great Marvel Stories Sony’s Spider-Man Universe Movies Wasted
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe set up a swathe of narratives that will now never be full realised, leaving numerous tantalizing teases throughout.
Posts
While the Xenophages lack individual personalities, their collective menace is undeniable. Their relentless pursuit and adaptability make them one of the most dangerous forces in the SSU. The film’s climactic battle underscores their threat, with Eddie and Venom’s decision to make the ultimate sacrifice being the only way to defeat them, cementing their status as top-tier villains.
1
Eddie Brock & Venom
Venom
Close
Eddie Brock and Venom and the SSU’s most successful depiction of a Marvel character. In the comics, they traditionally play a villainous role, but the SSU reframed them as reluctant heroes – the “lethal protector.” Their symbiotic relationship grants them enhanced strength, agility, and regenerative abilities, making them a formidable duo. Throughout the SSU films, they face and overcome numerous challenges, including the deadly Xenophages.
The pair’s perfect partnership poses a huge threat to the villainous symbiotes they meet and the humans who hunt them. Their ability to adapt and outsmart their foes ensures their survival in dire situations. As a team, they embody the perfect balance of strength and strategy, securing their place as the biggest threat established in the SSU.
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
29
7.8/10
Venom
PG-13
Sci-FiActionHorrorVenom is an action sci-fi movie that stars Tom Hardy as the titular Marvel anti-hero. When the Life Foundation begins experimenting on alien lifeforms they find on a comet that landed nearby, Investigative Journalist Eddie Brock begins to investigate them. When an infiltration goes wrong, Eddie finds that one of the aliens has bonded to him, forcing him to learn to live with his new uninvited host. Giving him superhuman powers, the two begin to work together to stop the rest of the symbiote’s invasive species.
Release Date
October 5, 2018
Runtime
112 Minutes
Cast
Woody Harrelson
, Jenny Slate
, Michelle Williams
, Scott Haze
, Tom Hardy
, Riz AhmedDirector
Ruben Fleischer
Writers
Scott Rosenberg
, Jeff PinknerStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Marvel Entertainment
, Arad ProductionsDistributor(s)
Sony Pictures Releasing
Expand
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
18
7.1/10
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
PG-13
Sci-FiActionAdventureVenom: Let There Be Carnage, directed by Andy Serkis, follows Eddie Brock, portrayed by Tom Hardy, as he struggles to coexist with the alien symbiote Venom. The film introduces the antagonist Cletus Kasady, a serial killer transformed into the menacing Carnage after becoming host to an alien symbiote.
Release Date
October 1, 2021
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Tom Hardy
, Woody Harrelson
, Michelle Williams
, Naomie Harris
, Reid Scott
, Stephen Graham
, Peggy Lu
, Sian Webber
, Michelle Greenidge
, Rob Bowen
, Laurence Spellman
, Little Simz
, Jack Bandeira
, Olumide Olorunfemi
, Scroobius Pip
, Amrou Al-Kadhi
, Beau Sargent
, Brian Copeland
, Stewart Alexander
, Sean Delaney
, Ed Kear
, Emma Lau
, Louis j Rhone
, Christopher Godwin
, Tiffanie Thomas
, Rocky Capella
, Sam Robinson
, Greg Lockett
, Sonny Ashbourne Serkis
, Otis Winston
, Vaughn Johseph
, Kristen Simoes
, Miguel Angel Arreguin
, Shaliz Afshar
, Reece Shearsmith
, Simon Connolly
, Rachel Handshaw
, Amanda FosterDirector
Andy Serkis
Writers
Tom Hardy
, Kelly Marcel
, Mark Bagley
, David Michelinie
, Tom DeFalco
, Todd McFarlaneStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
Expand
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
135
8.2/10
Venom: The Last Dance
PG-13
Adventure Sci-FiActionSuperheroVenom: The Last Dance is a film directed by an undisclosed director, featuring the character Venom in a thrilling narrative. The movie explores the alien symbiote’s latest challenges and transformations as it navigates through a world full of danger and new adversaries.
Release Date
October 25, 2024
Runtime
110 Minutes
Cast
Tom Hardy
, Chiwetel Ejiofor
, Juno Temple
, Rhys Ifans
, Stephen Graham
, Peggy Lu
, Clark Backo
, Alanna Ubach
, Cristo Fernández
, Jared Abrahamson
, Hala Finley
, Dash McCloud
, Andy Serkis
, Reid Scott
, Jack Brady
, Ivo Nandi
, Jake Allyn
, Otis Winston
, Jacob Tomuri
, Brooke Carter
, Fflyn Edwards
, Elijah Cook
, Norma Butikofer
, Elizabeth Cook
, Angie Hsu
, Martin McDougallDirector
Kelly Marcel
Writers
Kelly Marcel
, Tom HardyStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Marvel Entertainment
, Pascal PicturesDistributor(s)
Sony
Expand
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
10
2.8/10
Morbius
PG-13
DramaActionAdventureHorrorMorbius stars Jared Leto as the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius set in the Sony Pictures Marvel universe. Afflicted with a terrible illness since his youth, Michael has struggled until he met his new surrogate brother, Lucian, nicknamed Milo (Matt Smith), who shares the same disease. The two bond over the illness, and years later, Michael discovers a potential breakthrough by using a unique gene in vampire bats. When the experiment proves to be a success, it cures Michael of his ailment – however, it also turns him into a bloodthirsty vampire. While Michael aims to curtail his bloodlust, his brother, who has also taken the cure, does not share the same empathy. As a result, Michael will have to manage his powers while trying to stop his brother’s murderous rampage.
Release Date
April 1, 2022
Runtime
108 minutes
Cast
Adria Arjona
, Al Madrigal
, Jared Harris
, Matt Smith
, Jared Leto
, Tyrese GibsonDirector
Daniel Espinosa
Writers
Matt Sazama
, Burk SharplessStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
Expand
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
22
5.3/10
Madame Web
PG-13
Action Sci-FiSuperheroAdventureMadame Web is a superhero movie based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Taking place in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, the movie revolves around a clairvoyant woman who can look into different dimensions. Dakota Johnson stars in the lead role, with Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor comprising the rest of the cast.
Release Date
February 14, 2024
Runtime
116 Minutes
Cast
Dakota Johnson
, Emma Roberts
, Adam Scott
, Isabela Merced
, Sydney SweeneyDirector
S.J. Clarkson
Writers
Burk Sharpless
, Matt Sazama
, Kerem Sanga
, Claire Parker
, S.J. ClarksonStudio(s)
Columbia Pictures
, Di Bonaventura PicturesDistributor(s)
Sony Pictures Releasing
Expand
-
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
76
7.2/10
Kraven the Hunter
R
ActionAdventure Sci-FiKraven the Hunter explores the origin story of Sergei Kravinoff, known as Kraven, as he navigates his tumultuous relationship with his father, Nikolai. This path of vengeance sets Kraven on a journey to become a formidable hunter with a reputation for fearsome brutality.
Release Date
December 13, 2024
Runtime
127 Minutes
Cast
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
, Russell Crowe
, Fred Hechinger
, Ariana DeBose
, Christopher Abbott
, Alessandro Nivola
, Levi Miller
, Chi Lewis-Parry
, Billy Barratt
, Jessica Zhou
, Michael Shaeffer
, Dritan Kastrati
, Greg Kolpakchi
, Elander Moore
, Filiz Fairweather
, Duran Fulton Brown
, Alex Skarbek
, Rachel Handshaw
, Preslav Shipkaliev
, Murat Seven
, Robert RyanDirector
J.C. Chandor
Writers
Art Marcum
, Richard Wenk
, Matt HollowayStudio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
Expand
