Not-So-Clean Beginnings
Heroes aren’t always polished role models straight out of the gate. In fact, a surprising number of them kicked things off with some seriously questionable choices. Instead of swooping in to save the day, they were the ones making life harder for everyone else. Maybe it was ambition, or maybe they just liked stirring chaos. Whatever the reason, their messy beginnings make their transformations into superheroes a lot more compelling. So, here are 20 superheroes who actually started out as villains.
1. Scarlet Witch
Scarlet Witch first appeared as a reluctant villain in the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in X-Men #4. Though she fought alongside Magneto, her doubts about his ruthless methods hinted at a different path. That path revealed itself in Avengers #16, when she joined the heroes.
2. Quicksilver
Unlike many villains driven by malice, Quicksilver’s story began in X-Men #4 as part of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, fighting alongside Scarlet Witch against the X-Men. Just like his sister (Scarlet Witch), his turn toward heroism came in Avengers #16, and despite occasional lapses, he chose to remain a force for good.
Quicksilver All Powers Scenes | MCU Compilation [HD] by Screen Master
3. Black Widow
Before the black suit and electroshock stingers, Black Widow debuted as a Russian spy, opposing Iron Man. Her defection and subsequent role as an Avenger are evidence of her complex narrative. This past made her a standout among the original MCU Avengers, reflecting her comic book origins.
4. Hawkeye
Trained as a carnival marksman before stepping into the world of superheroes, Clint Barton—better known as Hawkeye—was manipulated by Black Widow into opposing Iron Man. His early actions painted him as a foe, but joining the Avengers, he not only redeemed himself but also rose to lead the team.
Avengers assemble hawkeye shoot on loki by Kay Doeve
5. Rogue
Rogue's initial appearance saw her as an antagonist, fighting the X-Men as a member of Mystique's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. After her powers rendered Ms. Marvel comatose, Rogue sought refuge with the X-Men, as she hoped they could help her manage her dangerous abilities.
Marvel Animation's X-Men '97 | Official Clip 'Rogue Goes Rogue' | Disney+ by Marvel Entertainment
6. Emma Frost
Once the villainous White Queen of the Hellfire Club, Emma Frost charted a unique course in the Marvel universe. This powerful telepath eventually became a core X-Men member, even rising to leadership. Plus, she evolved into a mentor and advocate for mutant rights.
Emma Frost- All Powers from the X-Men Films by All Powers Explained
7. Prowler
Hobie Brown, better known as the Prowler, first entered Marvel comics as a small-time criminal using his engineering genius to craft a high-tech suit. Later, when he crossed paths with Spider-Man, he abandoned crime and embraced heroism.
Evolution of Prowler in TV and Movies by Willy_Evolution
8. The Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes)
Brought back to life and twisted into a weapon, Bucky Barnes became the Winter Soldier—an assassin armed with a deadly cybernetic arm. He waged war against his old friend, Captain America, until he broke free from his brainwashing.
9. Black Cat
Felicia Hardy, better known as the Black Cat, first crossed paths with Spider-Man as a skilled cat burglar, drawing her daring persona and costume from classic pulp antiheroines. Over time, she shifted into the role of superhero—and occasionally his love interest—wielding the ability to inflict bad luck on her foes.
Spider-Man PS4 Pro - All Black Cat Scenes + Love Story (The Heist DLC) [4K] by DarkPlayerBrett
10. Deadpool
Deadpool entered the spotlight in New Mutants #98 as a villain facing off against X-Force. He soon leaned into his chaotic nature by embracing life as a hero. Famous for his fourth-wall-breaking humor in both comics and films, he rose to become one of Marvel’s most popular characters.
11. Nebula
Nebula went from space pirate to cybernetically tortured daughter of Thanos, constantly losing to Gamora. But after some serious soul-searching (and sister bonding), she joined the Guardians and Avengers, helped defeat Thanos, and proved she’s got more heart than wires.
Fans Don't Appreciate Nebula - What Changed My Mind About Her by Jay Films
12. Sandman
William Baker—better known as Flint Marko—first menaced Spider-Man as the shapeshifting Sandman. As part of the Sinister Six, he proved a dangerous foe before surprising everyone by reforming. Soon, his later alliance with Silver Sable’s Wild Pack marked a striking twist in his journey from villain to hero.
The Birth of Sandman Scene - Spider-Man 3 (2007) Movie CLIP HD by TopMovieClips
13. Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn’s journey is a fascinating twist. She debuted as the Joker's villainous accomplice in Batman: The Animated Series. However, Harley later transitioned into a hero, as she often opposed the Joker and aided heroes.
Who is Harley Quinn? by ACMI – Your museum of screen culture
14. Songbird
Screaming Mimi, later known as Songbird, originally battled the Avengers. She harnessed powerful sonic abilities, even creating hard-light constructs. However, she later found redemption as a founding member of the Thunderbolts. In short, Melissa Gold’s story is one of the most surprising in comics.
Screaming Mimi - Scenes | Marvel Rising by Lady TV Scenes
15. Wonder Man
Few know that Wonder Man's superhuman strength and durability, derived from ionic energy, were once used for villainous purposes. He debuted as an antagonist, fighting the Avengers themselves. Wonder Man ultimately chose the path of a hero, becoming a founding member of the West Coast Avengers.
Wonder Man | Fan Trailer (2025) Yahya Abdul-Mateen II | Disney+ by Screen Culture
16. Black Adam
Once the dark mirror of Shazam, Black Adam emerged from Kahndaq as a formidable villain. Over the years, his story shifted into that of a complex hero, even rising to lead the Justice Society of America. Portrayed memorably by Dwayne Johnson, his arc remains a compelling study of power and redemption.
Black Adam – Official Trailer 1 by Warner Bros.
17. Catwoman
Gotham’s underworld once whispered the name Selina Kyle as a jewel thief who matched wits with Batman. Known as Catwoman, she grew into one of the city’s most formidable fighters and morally gray figures. Plus, her shifting allegiances and acrobatic prowess keep her story endlessly compelling.
Batman Returns (1992) - I Am Catwoman Scene (3/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
18. Pied Piper
Hartley Rathaway, also known as Pied Piper, tormented the Flash with his sonic weaponry. He reformed and became a surprising ally to the Flash, showcasing a significant character arc. This change included becoming one of DC’s first openly gay heroes.
Pied Piper (Hartley Rathaway)- All Powers from the Flash by All Powers Explained
19. Magneto
The X-Men’s frequent foe, Magneto, once commanded the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. However, he remarkably transitioned to leading Xavier’s School and fighting alongside the X-Men. Additionally, he formed a truce with them against a larger threat, proving his capacity for change.
Magneto Powers Scenes | X-Men: First Class, DOFP, Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix by Keep Cool Scenes
20. Loki
Loki, famous for shapeshifting and gender fluidity, has a complex history. Initially a villain, he frequently clashed with Thor. Eventually, Loki joined forces with heroes in comics and movies. This complicated his role, making audiences question his true allegiance.
Loki becomes more powerful than He Who Remains by VictorTimelySupremacy
