SEPHIROTH
Final Fantasy VII
Gender: Male

Sephiroth grew up not knowing who his parents were, but with an amazing amount of power. In the little town of Nibelheim, though, he learns that the alien, Jenova, was his "mother." This starts his descent into madness and convinces him he should become a god.

He was a fascinating character study. Fans the world over fell in love with him - including me. He was handsome, powerful, dangerous, manipulative, and mysterious. He raised more questions than he answered, and left the audience breathless for more.

ITACHI
Naruto
Gender: Male

Itachi, aka Sasuke's older brother, aka the man who killed everyone in his clan for unknown reasons, leaving only his little brother alive. Itachi is very, very powerful - not even Kakashi stands a chance - and was a genius growing up.

While his reasons are unknown, his handsome features, dangerous air, and mysterious attitude made one wonder what was going on underneath, and what his motives were.

He makes it onto this list because of his direct influence on Sasuke's personality. First, he turns Sasuke from a normal, cute kid into a vengeful, angst-ridden avenger. When Sasuke is FINALLY showing signs of coming out of it, Itachi makes another appearance. Suddenly, Sasuke turns back into a pit-o'-angst, forsakes his friendships, and begins what I fondly call the "Sasuke no baka" arc of the manga. For this, I shall NEVER be able to forgive Itachi. And so, he earns a place of honor among my favorite villains. He may not appear for very long (so far), but he always leave a mark!

RIN
Please Save My Earth
Gender: Male

Rin is a little boy who lives in the same apartment complex as Alice, a high school girl. He teases the shy, sensitive girl unmercifully, acting like a brat (because he likes her)... until one day, he falls off a balcony and has his memory jogged of a previous life. Now he has powers and a mission he will do anything to accomplish.

Rin... or rather his past life, Shion, has the worst past history I have ever heard! He beats everyone else, hands down. He's a brat at the beginning, but his love for Alice, combined with his ruthlessness, and his mysterious past life, turned him into a very cool character I absolutely adored.

KUJA
Final Fantasy IX
Gender: Male

Kuja was a construct - a genome - made by a scientist.   Not even the final, flawless product, he was born purely so a better version of himself could be made. Despite this, he learns a lot from his master, and eventually rises up to far surpass him.  In fact, Kuja decided he should take over the world! ... or something like that, anyway.

Kuja is fascinating.  He's eccentric, has the looks of a girl, and wears skimpy, feminine clothing.  His motives are complex, born from his rather unusual origins.  His powers are awe-inspiring. Oh, and did I mention he was pretty?  ~.O

KAIBA
Yu-Gi-Oh
Gender: Male

While later in the series, Kaiba becomes an ally of sorts and maybe even an almost-friend, at the beginning, Kaiba is very different.  This is especially true of the manga, where Kaiba spends lots of time, effort, and money trying to kill Yugi, using less than honorable means to accomplish his goal.  The anime seriously tones down his evil streak, but the manga makes it apparent.

Even once Kaiba is "reformed," he's cold, interested only in Kaiba Corp and keeping his brother, Mokuba, safe.  He makes for a deadly enemy of anyone who opposes him!

FOLKEN
Vision of Escaflowne (tv series)
Gender: Male

In the world of Gaea, fate is controllable, and Folken has learned how to manipulate fate through constructs, science, and magic.

Like many antagonists, he's sure his way is right, and that the hero is going about it all the wrong way and must be stopped before he hurts someone.  He works quietly from the shadows, manipulating people and events to get the desired results.

What makes him interesting is the fact that, despite everything, he truly loves his little brother, and is honestly trying to work for the greater good.

KRATOS
Tales of Symphonia
Gender: Male

Kratos initially joins to help protect the "Chosen."  He is serious, calm, and always has a word or two of advice for Lloyd.  From the very beginning, you can tell Kratos has many secrets, and he'll guard them zealously.

One of those secrets comes out at the ceremony to create a Chosen.  Guess what?  He was working for the bad guys the entire time, and the ceremony of the Chosen isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Things just get more confusing from there.  Whatever Kratos's agenda is, it doesn't necessarily mesh with the main bad guys... but what exactly is his agenda, then?

Kratos was a fascinating character study.  More ally than foe, but foe nonetheless.  And it all ties back in with Lloyd...

VERGIL
Devil May Cry
Gender: Male

Dante's twin brother, and he's damn hot, if I do say so.  He doesn't tolerate failure, and he hates his brother with a passion.  He is a stark contrast to his brother's attitude and flair.

Vergil is made impressive both for his code of justice and the fact that he makes a deadly enemy.  He's nearly impossible to beat in Devil May Cry 3, and I will forever be in awe of anyone who can win in the final battle against him without going the easy route.  (By the easy route, I mainly mean "Heaven or Hell" mode.)

HAKU
Naruto
Gender: Male

It's hard to think of Haku as an antagonist or enemy of any sort, but considering that he was opposed to the main characters, he does technically fall under that role.

Haku is loyal to a fault, serving his master, Zabuza, without hesitation, regret, or doubt.  He hides behind an Anbu mask, killing his own emotions so that he can destroy Zabuza's enemies, even though his true nature is very kind and loving.  He has a dangerous blood line ability that makes him a fearsome foe in battle.

He taught Naruto valuable lessons which Naruto has never forgotten, and made fans weep for his selflessness and purity.