Top 25 Walking Dead Villains of all time

2. Negan

Introduction: Negan was the leader of the Saviors, and responsible for the most brutal scene in the history of the show, involving Carl’s arm and Rick. Even if you had never watched The Walking Dead before, or had any interest in zombie cinema/shows, this scene really resonates.

Negan’s introduction, where he killed Abraham and Glenn, would already be enough to earn him a high place on this list, but Negan turned it up to 11! Telling Rick to cut his own son’s arm off or he’d kill all his friends, then Carl, then the people of Alexandria, and finally Rick himself after a few years…Negan has been directly or indirectly involved in the deaths of many characters, but nothing approaches the suspense of this Saw-like scene.

Biggest moment of Villainy: Negan asks for a marker from Simon, drawing a line across Carl’s arm, then tells Rick to cut his son’s arm off after not liking the look he’s giving him. At first Negan gives Rick a couple of seconds to process what he’s asked before telling him it needs “to happen now, chop chop,” before pointing Lucille at Carl’s head to show what will happen otherwise. Rick pleads with Negan to do it to him instead but it doesn’t work.

Negan then tells Rick, “Not making a decision is a BIG decision,” as panic and shock sets in for Rick. “Are you gonna make me count? Okay Rick, you win, I am counting!” The ploy fully breaks Rick like never before. “That is the look I wanted to see!”

Everybody Hurts Sometimes: Negan uncharacteristically cries after trying to prod Maggie into killing him in his jail cell at Alexandria. He cites wanting to be with his wife Lucille again.

The Good Side: Negan has a code of ethics, unlike other villains on the show, never harming women and children. He is able to maintain his Sanctuary community to the point residents wish for his return when he disappears. Much like the Governor, Negan knows what’s required to keep a location safe and productive in this world. Daryl once tells Rick, “this is why Negan needed people to bring him stuff. Nothing grows here man, it’s a damn factory.”

First Appearance: “Last Day on Earth” (season 6, episode 16)

Memorable Quote: “Not making a decision is a BIG decision!” (To Rick)

Next: 1. The Governor