Top 10 Highlander Villains 

In my opinion, the number 1 villain was Duncan himself . This was the episode where Duncan experienced a dark quickening kinda like the exact opposite of what happened to Darius. This was foreshadowed by what Richie said when he asked Duncan the question " what would happen if a good immortal took the quickening of only evil immortals?" Answer: Evil Duncan MacCloud.

I feel like Kurgan being kind of underrated as a villain relates to the fact that the TV show treated his defeat as just another quickening in a game that was far from over when he was originally intended to be the ultimate villain.

My favorite Highlander villain has to be #4, Kurgan. He's intimidating, badass, and not someone you want to screw around with.

Kurgan isn't number 1? What the fuck!

Kurgan's easily in my top 10 villains in film.

Greyson was an epic villain, we really thought Mac was in deep trouble, he was like a boss that mac beat to get the power to withstand everything else he goes through afterwards.

I'd probably put Xavier at number one, as he was definitely my favourite villain of the series. I'd probably have Jacob Kell in there somewhere as well . Always liked Bruce Payne and he's a big part of why I think Endgame is highly underrated.

I remember an interview with the producers who explained Horton was warped as he spent most of his career watching the Kurgan and thus no wonder he felt they were all evil.

Haresh Clay. It's a damn shame he was around for only one episode because he could have been the anti Duncan, or the reverse Duncan...you know? Not only was Clay a psychological fighter but I like to believe he had the technical skill to outlast Duncan for many more episodes. Let's face it, an Immortal who had been around for what? 900+ years? Someone like that doesn't just go quietly into the night..

Great list, well done. For a moment there I wasn't sure if Kalas would make the list and tbh that would've been a bummer. So happy about the deserved place you ranked him in. My personal fave for sure, even though there are the Kurgans, Horsemen etc.

Nothing against the first movie, it opened everything for the franchise but for me the series always worked better. Adrian Paul was fantastic! The stories and time-flashbacks were stunning. They really showed us more of the whole life of an „immortal“! And... Roland Gift! My number 1 villain! And your number 5! The whole episode with Anthony DeLongis was a masterpiece!

I really like that Kalas is number 1. His twisted logic of blaming Duncan for him being thrown out of the monastery and then going after Duncan's friends, makes him an excellent villain.

Grayson had such presence. It would have been cool if he came back in flashbacks.

Mr. "Never Looking For A Fight" Methos Hahahaha That's Great, Dude ♥

The best part about Kurgan was after Ramirez nearly took his head in 1542, when he showed up in 1985, he had taken safety pins and added them to the scar on his neck to make it look like his head had been cut off and he had pinned it back on.

Really enjoyed this, and I liked all the villains you listed. Kalas and Xavier St Cloud were my favs too, but there were soo many it would be hard to pick. The highlander was the first series that I was ever really hooked on, even more than Quantum Leap.

He isn't really a villain but Haresh Clay is my favorite immortal Duncan fought, he was good enough to easily kill Graham Ashe, Ramirez's teacher, so i think he's easily among the most powerful immortals.

Love Methos putting guy in his place XD best part

I was waiting for kalas. Well done.

I liked Nicholas Ward (Vampire S2: E16). Cool looking, plus probably one of the best actors to appear on the series.

you should do (if you have not already) the top 10 episodes. either band of brothers or chivalry would be my pick. as the series went on I was glad to see methos more involved. also liked the Amanda/Duncan relationship.

As a one-off episode villain, Martin Hyde should be on here somewhere.

Surprised not to see Kane, but I couldn't agree more on Kalas. The way his character was written and the way the actor plays it are smart and have that mystical feel that only characters like Kurgan, Methos or Ramirez have had.

Highlander is one of my favorite movies n show. Love the whole mythos of it. I love how they are like vampires immortal living for centuries n the whole quickening. How they behead there rival n gain there power. N i like how they keep score of how many others they killed. They are almost like jedi n sith. Highlander is very under underratted

The Kurgan at #4? Before I go further I will acknowledge that you made mention of knowing that many would hate that you didnt place him at #1. In a different light however that really just makes it worse. I couldnt continue to watch after seeing where you placed Mr. Victor Kruger. He was nearly 3,000 years old at the time of his death, he killed more immortals than any other and he took the quickening of Ramirez who himself was over 2,000 years old. He was the biggest, baddest, most wicked and strongest of the immortals and did it all with pun filled humor. All other immortals were afraid of him, in ancient times he would enter cities and litteraly clear out the entire immortal population single handedly. I read a story where the Kurgan completely overpowered Duncan in a fight where Duncan was saved by falling into a river after being ran through. He beat on Connor for over 400 years. He was in the words of Ramirez "The Paarrffeectt warriorr" He is #1 of all villians.

Loved your list, and your commentary! I grew up with Highlander (I was around 8 and my mother loved the series) and have never grown tired of it. The best part is the very end quote. Thank you for the list.

Wow! great video! I am so glad that I stumbled upon it! I am always glad to see other Highlander fans out there! I liked and agreed with your list except for Giovanni, and I thought that Kurgan should have been at least number three. Hope to see more videos from you Sir!

Kurgan should be number 1. Sure Kalas was sorta koo but the effed-up throat thing IS a throw-back on Kurgan. Plus Kurgan has soo much more personality. Kalas in old days was a priest; Kurgan was a war monger with a skull as a head-dress. He's a nun-harassing, head-tattooed, back-alley murdering 80's punk. And as for longevity; "It's better to burn out than to fade away!"

I loved the TV series highlander. All through the 80s. I had a major crush on Duncan, then I got a crush for Methos. Then it became a problem, I loved to phantasize about both and it sort of was a tie as to which one I would fall in love with at the end. Mostly Duncan. But Methos was special too. He was less muscular yet he made my heart melt. Duncan, aahh Duncan the muscles, the masculinity, the animal magnatism. Pitter patter my heart. I was never attracted to Christian Lambert. I was more attracted to Sean Connery. Ramirez was fun. Connor was interesting as a character but I just wasn't turned on by his looks. Today I suddenly thought about the series and I had a blank about Methos's name. All I could think was Kronos but I knew that wasn't it, I remembered Kronos. Anyway I'm going to watch the whole series again even though I lost all my videos in one of my moves. There must be somewhere where I can find them.

I have loved Highlander movies since the 1980’s. I joined the Navy in 1984. Saw the movie after that. Incredible

The thing about Kurgen is he's one dimensional in the movie. But if he lived to the eighties, let's assume he's been in everyone major war. And is a millionaire like most of the immortals. But you got to love a bad guy that other bad guys are afraid of.

I just wanted to add to Consone's cred by bringing up that his final fight with Duncan is easily the best fight in the entire series bar none. The choreography is just exquisite. They even filmed parts of the duel in freezing rain! Now THAT'S dedication.

I liked Harash Clay and Kern. Kern has to be on the top 10 cause he's the one who killed Duncan's whole tribe in the pilot "The Gathering".

I agree with your list but I think Martin Hyde should be an honorable mention. His style, dialogue and long relationship with McLeod make him a fascinating villain.

Great list! Some honorable mentions I'd consider. Dark Duncan from Deliverance. He's the only one that really hurts not to have on the list. Kenny. He's like the immortal version of Chucky, super creepy. Kantos from season 5's prophecy. An evil immortal with mind control. Ahriman, from the season 5 finale. The evil spirit which got Richie killed and almost took over the world, or something. And if you'te taking the whole franchise... Machiavelli from the novel Measure of a Man. I thought it was inspired to make Machiavelli an immortal, and while I read it some time ago, I really really enjoyed it.

Excellent list. Kallas was a good choice for #1 although Xavier St. Cloud is my top villain. Xavier had more world experience where Kallas perfected the art of caligarphy while hiding in a monestary for too long.

10:46 this is a great example of the lengths immortals will go to kill one another. To draw out the other monk, he spent decades secretly building and then cultivating the reputation of Vanderbilt Hall...just to draw out and kill the other immortal, Brother Paul.

"Sane as a sock drawer full of soup." Love it.

I love Xavier St Cloud. He was always my favorite

My top 10 highlander villains list: 10 Kane(villain from Highlander 3, because he's asentally an imitation of the Kurgan) 9 Katana(the main villain from Highlander 2) 8 Kern(season 3 villain who we learn killed Mac's native family & multiple episodes have flashbacks of their deaths) 7 Xavier St. Cloud(5 episodes) 6 James Horton(9 episodes) 5 Ahriman(ancient evil who tricked Duncan into killing Richie in the season finally of season 5 & whom Duncan continued to battle in the first few episodes of season 6) 4 Kalas(5 episodes) 3 The Four Horsemen 2 Jacob Kell(Highlander 4 Endgame) :In the tradition of watchmojo, some honourable mentions - (A)Dark Quickening Duncan Macleod(season 4. I'll also use this platform to make mention that there is also a dark quickening Conner Macleod, but only found in the graphic novel. His dark quickening occurred after he killed The Kurgan); (B)the guardian(Highlander the source); (C)Slan(from the pilot episode, believed by many fans to be a minion of Jacob Kell sent to kill Duncan in a plan to further hurt Conner by killing off his loved ones); (D)Kortan(the main villain from Highlander the animated series whom 700 from now years has taken over the world Quentin Macleod must battle); plus any others I may have forgotten 1 And #1, …drum roll please, …… no surprise here, from the original Highlander film, THE KURGAN!!!

I liked Hyde, the one who only hunted "seasoned immortals"

Nothing wrong at all with owning even the "bad" versions of something you love. Im a big vampire lover and I will watch and collect any and all vampire related stuff, and yes, even Twilight simply because even though its teen girl vamp themed to me its STILL vampires.

Kurgen is fucking BEAST!!!

10. Christoph Kuyler (A sociopathic assassin who killed people while dressed as a clown/mime, and hopelessly addicted to absinthe.) 9. Walter Graham (An antagonist more than a villain, but so funny and entertaining to watch.) 8. Lord Byron (He's freaking Lord Byron, as an immortal! Emo to the max and a major douche. What's not to like?) 7. Grayson (One of the most badass immortals. Ancient in age, loves killing, and one of Macleod's toughest fights ever.) 6. Otavio Corsone (The biggest sleazeball in all of Highlander. Stuck up and vindictive, when Macleod finally takes his head, you know he had it coming.) 5. Nicholas Ward (An evil immortal, but evil with style. Pretended to be a vampire back in the day.) 4. Xavier St. Cloud (Charming, elegant, and totally lacking in remorse. Takes Macleod three episodes to kill him, and even after that he appears in flashbacks.) 3. The Kurgan (Easily the most badass of all the immortals, no contest! But like the vid maker said, only appeared in one movie. With more appearances, he'd have been No. 1.) 2. Kronos (Leader of the Four Horsemen, plundered and killed alongside Methos himself. His inevitable return was Methos' biggest fear for 2000+ years. He genuinely believed himself to be the center of the universe, and is the self-proclaimed "End of Time.") 1. Kalas (Troubled and tormented Macleod for five episodes, longer than any other immortal has been able to do. An amazing swordfighter, he was nasty and sadistic, caring about no one except himself. He saw everyone else as tools to be used and then discarded. Nearly exposed the secret of Immortals to the world, and without him, we may never have met the oldest Immortal Methos in the series.)

You make some VERY interesting points here. Didn't even think of Lisa...probably because I didn't care much for that storyline. Kristin...ok sure she did have a hold on Duncan which is why Methos had to finish it ("Someone had to."). Christine Salzer IDK about. She wasn't really evil, just consumed with grief. Fake Methos I don't consider a villain. But Dark Quickening Duncan.....wow that should be on the list. That one got by me completely. Good call!

I'd like Grayson to be higher in the list and also Lymon Kurlow to be added , in the place of Promitheus Or Kyrgan perhaps.

Hey, folks. For all the haters out there, I just published "Top 10 Reasons Jacob Kell Sucks". Enjoy!

The Modern Prometheus was my favourite ever episode. I also have to say well done for giving the tv show the credit it deserves. Had some great bad guys. I also have to say I thought that Highlander the sorcerer wasn't to bad. The Quickening and The source did suck balls though definitely. Have to say though I'm surprised Kurgan wasn't #1. Just an iconic role.

Haresh Clay should be on this list, even though he wasn't a typical villian in the series. Most of the single episode villians on the series could be a little one dimensional, but he really should have had more time on the series to delve more into his background. Also, Tyler King from "The Innocent", who was definitely a dramatically under developed and under used single series villian. Both were kind of likable total bastards.

And on the opposite pole.. a list of 10 Highlander's best good immortals in my opinion, again not necessarily in this order: Hamza el Kahir Methos Juan Sanchez Ramirez Graham Ashe Pierre Segur Rebecca Horne Darius Hugh Fitzcairn Brother Paul Timon with honorable mentions of Marcus Constantine, Ceirdwyn, Amanda, Grace Chandel and of course Richie Ryan.

Wow! You posted this right years ago but I just found it. Fantastic video! I adore Highlander, and you really did this list justice. I loved your voiceover too! Great personality!

This is way overdue, but know you should make a list, not of the evil ones, but of the most dangerous ones, this includes former friends, Garrick on top of the list

This was really funny and entertaining! I have to confess to only really being interested because of Roger Daltrey - I do love Fitz! It's a shame they killed him off but I'm glad he came back in flashbacks. They started showing them from the start in the UK but seem to be taking a break now. 😔

Kalas was laughably evil, and quite possibly insane. In my opinion, Xavier "I'll eat it on your grave!" St Cloud is my number one.

Also: Quentin Barnes, Kenny (who was both sympathetic and disturbingly evil), and the crazy sculptor who tricked Duncan into nearly going nuts (can't remember his name but that hooded figure... that was one freaky episode).

I remember when I had hair like 90's Adrian Paul.. I was like 18 back then...

Who were the best women on the show? Amanda will always be #1

Thank you for doing this. No Ahriman on this list. I know the last season was really, really weak but Ahriman was probably the strongest villain in the show.

Got to love a bad guy who is number one, can say that line, and also get the hero to nearly give him his head as well as leave a story arch that could have been used latter but wasn't. He left a immortal CD that if found could expose immortals and watchers.

My two favorites were: -Marcus (Highlander: Search for vengence) -Jacob Kells (Highlander: Endgame)

Absolutely awesome list. I to am a long time fan I found this to be surprising and very insightful. The only thing I would recommend making Horton number one considering that even after his death they chose to bring the devil persona during one of the last season story arcs back in the form of James Horton. Keep up the good work man.

This is a fine list, and your descriptions of each villain are awesome. I would want to just add Kurtan from The Animated Series to the list, if only because he took the big bad Immortal role a little further by becoming a Vader-like warlord who chose to abuse his abilities to rule territories of Earth after the post-apocalypse. He's kind of like a medieval dieselpunk successor to Kurgan, but without Kurgan's gleeful nasty personality.

I wouldn't call this "sci-fi", at all. Immortal people, gaining powers through lightning strikes, after chopping someone's head off? This is pure fantasy.

I agree with your list. Kalas was a true badass and his death scene features a great, Brian May-like guitar moment. His name brings to mind Maria Callas, the soprano, hence the fact he had a beautiful voice, until Mac took it that is.

Duende has the best sword fighting choreography will see in any episode!

I might catch crap for this, but Marcus Octavius from the anime film Highlander: The Search for Vengence. A Roman general who seeks to recreate the glory of Rome across the centuries, he actually makes some good points to Collin MacLeod about wasting his immortality on a revenge, while at the same time being completely evil.

The best villain is Duncan himself.

I probably woulda put Xavier at #1 villain because of how charismatic, and lawful evil that he is. Octavio at 2, Callus at 3, Kurgan at 4, Harash Clay at 5, Four Horsemen at 6, Kell at 7, Grayson at 8, Morgan at 9 and Hortan at 10. This is assuming we dont count "Evil Duncan"

Awesome list! Here is my top ten Highlander villains: 1. The Kurgan 2. Kalas 3.The Four Horsemen 4. Kern 5. Greyson 6.Otavio Consone 7.Marcus Octavius, from the Anime film Highlander: The Search For Vengeance (2007) 8. James Horton 9. Byron 10. Xavier St. Cloud

"You either die a hero, or live ling enough to see yourself become the villain." -Mark Carrigan-

the idea of living forever is both terrifying and fascinating.you'd change but you could easily become cold and cynical,hateful even.but you could learn so much and become a walking storage of knowledge .

Excellent list!!! I was waiting and hoping that Kalas would make the top of your list. He was such a great villain and the storyline arc with him still gives me chills along with Horton's storyline as well. I agree with your picks except for Geovanni from The Source because that is still something I consider to be an acid trip dream and not a true Highlander cannon of any kind.

Hey great list, You know a great Highlander villain that I would have put on the list? Kenny, the kid immortal from the series episode "The Lamb". I mean having a eight hundred year old immortal trapped in a kids body was such a great concept. How he manipulates other highlanders into protecting him and then cutting their heads off behind their backs. What do you think?

Have you ever noticed that Larka and the villain from "Problem in Build A" were never seen together at the same time? LOL they are the same actor.

Great list man. The nostalgia of this series. What great story telling...

My own personal Top 10 Highlander villains: Kurgan James Horton Grayson Martin Hyde Xavier St. Cloud Kronos Otavio Consoné Kalas Haresh Clay Kane

Sorry dude, but Kurgan, as you predicted (maybe should have thought it over after already thinking that) was the ultimate killer and the last of the immortals. Connor being the only other left. Dude was like THE villain. Still, great video, great work on it. Loved how you played ‘she drives me crazy.’

ROFL @ "Fuck you! This is my list! I can do what I want!"

I think Highlander series could have been way better if it wasn't too predictable. Every week MacLeod meets a bad Immortal, MacLeod beheads bad Immortal and MacLeod learns a valuable lesson. In a world where Immortals exist the writers could really have done wonders with the Franchise if only they had a bit of imagination. Still love the Highlander franchise tho and that was a good list.

He didn't hate Horton because he was mortal, he hated him because he murdered his longtime friend and teacher, the saintly, peace-loving Darius who had lived on holy ground for centuries to avoid violence.

You should do a top 10 Highlander Fights too, It'd be interesting to hear your opinions on the matter. One of my favourites is the fight in the episode; The Fighter.

I find it interesting that Ahriman wasn't on the list. After all this is the thing that made him kill Richie.

I like this list, but I would put Xavier is number one. His culture and refinement and total lack of empathy for anybody that he might kill with poison gas made him the most dangerous of any. Even if he weren't an a mortal fighting for the prize he would have been one of the world's most prolific serial killers. All of the others would have been totally different people if it weren't for their immortality.

In the Watcher Chronicles. It was revealed at Horton used to be the Kurgan's watcher. I wonder what made him think that immortals were evil, and needed to be purged?

I would have put Ahriman on this list. He was another villain with longevity, and he was a demon! Not an immortal or a mortal man, but a freaking demon! That was a first for the series and it really stood out.

Agreed that Kalas is the best evil character on Highlander. His character is the best developed of that entire series (films included) and the actor played him very well.

I am so Glad Kalas was number one, he is my fav highlander villain

I had no idea! That is VERY interesting and explains A LOT! Thanks for the comment!

You could’ve done some honorable mentions but still, I love it

Yeah Kenny is on my list. living so long trapped as a young boy. A great story! Glad Grayson was there. I agree he was what helped the show find its footing.

I love how almost every immortal bad guy had a name starting with 'K' or a hard 'C', with the exception of Byron and Larka (although 'Larka' still has a K in it)

I just watched a Dutch Prog-Rock band from the 70's, & believe me, they are fab!

I might take off Geovanni and add the immortal Roland Kantos from Season 5, Episode 1 - "Prophecy". Here is an immortal who developed a power with his voice that was totally separate from his healing and immortality and used it to kill other immortals. Plus, he was so damn arrogant and condescending. He thought he was unbeatable, until... Oh, honorable mention to Kenny the kid immortal. RU-vid standards wont let me say what I really think about him..

A Re-Make of the Highlander Movie/Franchise is something I really look forward to! Done right, and with the cool "immortal" concept behind it, a Highlander re-make could be easily better than the Original and could generate a whole new series of movies!!!

I would have definitely added Kenny, 800 year old immortal that still looked like a kid, Christop Kuyler from For Evils Sake episode, Micheal Christian, cause I just love the actor Barry Pepper, Andrew Cord, Joe's old Sergeant in the military and my fan favorite Paul Kinman. Peter Outerbridge just did such an excellent job at humiliating Duncan in the past and the present. Great series all together! 😁👍

"Duende" was far and away one of my favorite episodes! Partly because I admire Anthony DeLongis for all the work he's done as well! :) *He even taught Adam from Mythbusters how to use a bullwhip. haha Kurgan- "Forgive me Father. I... am a wwooorrrmmm." ROFL! So here it is, 8 years after this video was made (almost to the day, in fact), and I'm re-watching the Highlander series again thanks to Amazon Prime. Great list, CW- well done! Huzzah!!

U had me Scared 4 a moment, when I didn’t C Xavier St. Cloud. Kalas Deserves #1 Spot he was Truly the BEST Villian N Highlander folkLore.

Jacob Kell is the only villian better than Kallas. Bruce Payne played him to perfection. The idea of an immortal, not looking to be the one, but at spending centuries tormenting Connor MacLeod, who has always wanted to be left alone. Connor sacrificed himself, just so Duncan had half a chance to beat Kell. Kell is one of my 2 favorite villian of all films.

All great choices. Really loved Xavier. There was also that kid immortal who I remember.

I don't know if you know this about the Kurgan, but he is part of the reason for Horton's madness. Being that Horton was his last Watcher, he saw all of his evil in those last days. The Kurgan made Horton believe all immortals were a threat.