The Movies’ Top Ten Greedy Bastards

Greed is the way of the world. It always has been. Art reflects humanity so it’s no shock cinema obsesses over greed. It’s the most primal of vices. It’s the go-to, off-the-shelf trait for most villains. And it’s a common one for flawed protagonists too. So with the release of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps last week I felt it was time to point out the greediest of cinema’s greedy bastards.

In order to narrow the focus, I chose greed-heads who desire material wealth. Otherwise, I’d have to consider every sex fiend, glutton, and vampire in movie history too. Obviously there were a few “juuust misses” such as Tuco from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Goodfellas‘ Jimmy Conway, Hank and Sarah Marshall from A Simple Plan, and Aguirre: The Wrath of God‘s titular character. Ebenezer Scrooge was another character considered. Yet despite the countless adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” I felt he’s a literary character above all else. Plus, he’s just too damn easy. Not a very good reason. But I’m clinging to it.

So, now that a few possibilities are off the list, let’s roll out this greed parade.

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Marvel and DC

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