Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz)
When you think “villain,” one of the first images that will pop into your head is probably a witch. And one of the most infamous witches in film history has to be the Wicked Witch of the West from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz.
We’re first introduced to The Wicked Witch after Dorothy is transported to Oz. The Munchkins applaud her arrival and say she’s a hero for killing the Wicked Witch of the East, who was crushed by the falling house that Dorothy arrived in. Glinda the Good Witch takes off the witch’s ruby slippers sticking out from under the house and gives them to Dorothy, much to the dismay of the Wicked Witch of the West.
She vows to get revenge on Dorothy for killing her sister. As Dorothy and her new friends try to get to the Emerald City, the Witch tries to stop them along the way. She harasses them and has her winged monkeys go out to do her bidding. She realizes she has to kill Dorothy to get the ruby slippers back, but we all know how that turns out. Wicked Witch + water = “I’m meeeelting!”
The Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz is the most iconic version of this villain, which has been portrayed in many other mediums, including the original books by L. Frank Baum. She has green skin, a hooked nose, and a witchy black pointed hat. You can’t be an iconic villain without a signature look!