Bad stepsiblings are prevalent in movies, but writers usually point to sisters to fulfill such an archetype. After all, works likeCinderellahave popularized evil stepsisters in the eyes of audiences. However, the opposite sex can be just as terrible.
RELATED:Best Stepsisters In Movies
A plethora of bad stepbrothers permeates the big screen. These guys are responsible for countless misfortunes on their families. They may not be related by blood, but their deeds are no less deplorable. With brothers like these, who needs enemies?
6Anakin Skywalker - The Star Wars Saga
When this pivotalStar Warsfigure leaves home to become a Jedi, he doesn’t count on finding a family upon his return. Lo and behold, his mother marries the man who frees her from slavery, giving Anakin a stepbrother named Owen. Sadly, Skywalker doesn’t give him the time of day. This makes sense, though. Not only is he grieving his mother’s untimely death, but the Jedi Order discourages attachment anyway. However, things get worse once Anakin leaves the Jedi.
Following the Order’s fall, the Empire subjugates the entire galaxy. Darth Vader’s forces find Owen’s family, but far be it from the Sith Lord to show a little restraint. Instead, his Stormtroopers slaughter the innocent farmers due to suspected Rebel ties. Ironically, this comes after Owen selflessly raises Anakin’s son as his own. He’s probably sorry his dad ever married intothe Skywalker family. It seems the members of that line turn into either great heroes or temperamental maniacs.
5Will Scarlett - Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves
The minute thatRobin Hoodjoins the Merry Men in this film, Will Scarlett has it in for him. He repeatedly questions the hero’s intentions and undermines his leadership. This seems to stem from his noble birth separating him from the peasant outlaws, but the real reason lies deeper.
It turns out Will’s mother married Robin’s father years prior. Robin’s anger drove them apart, ruining Will’s happiness in the process. That’s reason enough to be angry, but he needs a better way of acting on that anger. Robin is completely ignorant of this relation. Will could discuss it with him, but he instead sulks with no apparent provocation. His behavior looks worse in hindsight since sowing division could allow the evil Sheriff of Nottingham to prevail. The fact that Will can’t see the big picture shows how blind he is.
4Loki - Thor
In theMarvel Universe, theNorse God of Mischiefisn’t a god at all. Rather, he spawns from the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. It’s understandable that he would feel betrayed by Odin, but is it any excuse for all the affronts to his brother?
RELATED:Strongest Versions Of Loki In Video Games, Ranked
Thorshows nothing but love to Loki, but the little trickster constantly sleights the God of Thunder and threatens those he holds dear. Top of the list is his bringing a Frost Giant coup to Asgard and a Chitauri invasion to Earth. Even after these crimes, Loki keeps worming his way into positions of power, which he uses to humiliate Thor or try to kill him. It gets old when he keeps getting another chance, only to dash it away with his wickedness.Loki may not be the mischievous god that people know, but he’s determined to live up to that title nonetheless.
This degeneratehas more melodrama and sexual frustration than a Stephen King villain. Brad is deeply unpleasant, especially toward women. That begins with his girlfriend, Melanie, whom he wounds both physically and emotionally. The same goes for his dog, whom he cruelly teases with treats and turns into a ferocious mauling machine.
That goes double for his family. Brad dismisses his stepmom in her terminally ill condition; he’d prefer to let her die rather than lend her aid. This would free him up to pursue a relationship with his stepsister. During this “romance,” however, he proves possessive and manipulative. All in all, the writers portray this guy as disgusting as possible so that audiences don’t feel bad about his eventual castration.
2Messala - Ben-Hur (2016)
Messala was always a hateful figure inBen-Hur. As a Roman officer, he condemned his titular friend to slavery. He also imprisoned Hur’s mother and sister, causing immense suffering for the whole family. Worse, he did it all to rise through the ranks. That’s despicable enough in itself.
The 2016 remake amplifies the severity bymaking Messala and Hur stepbrothers. They’re not just friends who drifted apart; their bonds should be stronger. Nevertheless, Messala leaves the hero to a fate that many wouldn’t wish on their worst enemies. Nothing is sacred to this familial traitor. Forgiveness may be intrinsic to biblical tales, but Messala has a long road to redemption after this.
1Derek - Stepbrothers
Characters in comedy flicks are typically exaggerated, but Derek is snooty to a cartoonish degree. He flaunts his success at every opportunity to anyone who’ll listen. What’s more, is that it’s impossible not to listen since he shoves that success in people’s faces.
He’s a successful businessman with muscles to match. If he’s not bragging about his economic success, he’s lifting his shirt to show off his oiled abs. His most frequent target of ridicule ishis brother, which is painfully immature. Audiences might forgive this petty behavior if it was funny, but no such luck. It’s just repetitive and annoying.
