“Bad Guys" in Film: Why We're Drawn to Characters With a Dark Past

The popularity of the 'bad boy' archetype.

Mysterious, unpredictable men with a dark past always catch viewers' attention. Unlike 'proper' heroes, characters like these break rules, project strength and independence, and, most importantly, create a sense of tension and danger.

In partnership with sexologist Ness Cooper and relationship expert Calisto Adams, LoveHoney conducted a survey of 2,000 Britons on the psychology of dating 'bad guys.' The study found that nearly half of women surveyed (49%) have a weakness for 'bad boys.' Among men, that number was far lower — only 35% admitted to falling for a 'bad girl's' charm.

So why are viewers drawn to characters with a dark past, and is there a parallel between preferences like these on screen and in real life — read on in this DeTalks article.

Charisma and Unpredictability

Psychologist Maryna Yelysieieva has explained that in life — especially in youth — we tend to pick the same kind of guys among our classmates and peers, unlike the well-behaved, straight-A students always buried in books and notebooks, since we feel certain that life with guys like these will never be boring, adding that we only start to realize later that this can also be a source of many problems, explains psychologist Maryna Yelysieieva.

In the film My Fault, for instance, protagonist Nick is a typical 'bad boy.' The son of a wealthy businessman, he leads a lavish lifestyle and takes part in illegal street racing. At the same time, hidden behind his self-assured image is a capacity for genuine feeling toward his love interest, Noah. It's exactly this contrast between vulnerability and rebellious behavior that draws viewers' interest.

Sexologist Vitalii Kursik notes that bad boys typically carry a confident, charismatic personality, explaining that their confidence acts like a magnet, since they aren't afraid to be themselves, which makes them incredibly attractive.

The combination of charisma and unpredictability makes a character especially appealing. His behavior keeps shifting: the character can be cold and distant one moment, and attentive and tender the next. Contrasts like these add intrigue to the plot, create an emotional rollercoaster, and stoke the audience's interest.

In The Vampire Diaries, for instance, protagonist Damon Salvatore kills many people throughout the story for various reasons — whether it's his own brother's girlfriend, to deflect suspicion from himself, or a random person, just to 'feed' — nothing stops the vampire. Yet his willingness to risk himself for the woman he loves shows that his cruelty toward others coexists with deep attachment to her.

Why Some Characters Become Iconic, and Others Don't

But not every antihero wins over audiences. That same Damon Salvatore protects the person who matters to him, risking himself in the process. And though his character is streaked with dark traits, he still earns viewers' affection.

A Reddit commenter has described him as the kind of villain who'd sacrifice the whole world for the woman he loves, and that as a vampire, he's especially good at it, adding that Damon loves her too much, and that his trust issues make complete sense, since he's been betrayed by almost everyone he's ever known, shares a Reddit commenter.

Joe Goldberg from the series You, by contrast, seems romantic at first, but gradually loses viewers' favor, since his stalking and controlling behavior only provoke revulsion.

Another user has added that the problem is that no sensible woman could love Joe as he is without going a little crazy herself, adds another user. This contrast shows that a 'bad guy' capable of empathy and sincerity earns more forgiveness from viewers. But if a character remains purely a 'vessel' for evil, he automatically becomes 'unattractive.'

The Parallel Between Reality and the Screen

Psychologist Mark Travers has stressed that in real life, relationships with 'bad boys' can hardly be called healthy, lasting, or safe, noting that recognizing this parasocial pull can let viewers seeking a thrill enjoy the escapism these narratives offer, while remembering that in their personal relationships, they should prioritize healthier, more grounded expectations, stresses psychologist Mark Travers.

The expert adds that the next time you find yourself falling for an on-screen villain, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on what's drawing you in, and using that insight to seek out real connections that bring excitement without putting your emotional well-being at risk.

The popularity of 'bad guys' shows a powerful pull toward this image. But in real life, relationships like these often come with real psychological strain. Charisma and unpredictability work for emotional effect — not for building healthy relationships.