10 Most memorable General Hospital villains, ranked 

For decades, General Hospital has produced charming villains worthy of pulling teeth from soap opera lore. Storylines carved and rivalries built on these demons have kept a captive audience entertained with their unpredictable and cold-hearted ways. From the true architects behind decades-long vendettas to lunatics with terrifying obsessions almost on the edge of sanity, there has been no denying their presence in Port Charles. Kidnappings, murders, mind control, and grand conspiracy are but a few crimes carried out by some of General Hospital's most famous villains in that show's rich history.

Memorable villains do more than just cause malice; they somehow become an object of afterthought. Some plot behind the scenes, while others come out in the open to torment their chosen victims. Many of these villains faked their deaths only to return with even more dangerous schemes. The anatomy of these supervillains reveals much more than just their being antagonists, as they become a backbone to many explosive, heart-stopping moments that made being part of General Hospital exciting. Their agendas changed entirely, only to haunt their enemies after they fell from power.

Ten of the show's most famous villains deserve their position on this list, having ravaged General Hospital with their crazy schemes, shocking betrayals, and unapologetic quest for power. Their tales just prove that no villain ever made a safe post in Port Charles, and danger is ever so near.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

1. Helena Cassadine

The evil that actually took flesh was Helena Cassadine (Constance Towers), a great lady of evil deeds who afflicted Port Charles for decades. The grand old lady of the Cassadines put into motion assassinations, mind control experiments, and vendettas, especially against the Spencers. Whether through poisoning her enemies or faking her own death on more than one occasion, she has a trick for every occasion. Her influence still haunts General Hospital even after she is dead. The recent unearthing of Cassadine's secrets will assure that her legacy of destruction will continue.

2. Ryan Chamberlain

Ryan Chamberlain (Jon Lindstrom) is not only a bad guy; he's a horror figure brought to life. A manipulative serial killer, Ryan terrorized Port Charles for decades, focusing his wrath particularly on Felicia and Ava. His unsettling knack for impersonating his twin brother, Kevin, resulted in horrific betrayals and killings. Don't think his "death" will keep him down. GH fans know better than to assume he's gone for good. Would Ryan be able to come back again, maybe in a manner no one anticipates? With General Hospital, one never knows.

3. Cesar Faison

Cesar Faison, or Andersen Hove, was very great in disguise and manipulation. His true obsession was Anna Devane, who leads him to fabricate more sinister plots in General Hospital history. Kidnappers and brainwashers, Faison left no moral boundary. However, his links to the WSB and other criminal organizations make him one of the most dangerous threats to Port Charles. Death administered justice to him, but the mark he left still haunts the community. The legacy of that darkness actually continued with his son, Peter August, whose fate was similar to his father's, though of a different clearance.

4. Heather Webber

Heather Webber (Robin Mattson) is the embodiment of unpredictability. From swapping babies to lacing tea with LSD, she has committed an astonishing number of crimes. Her warped fixation on her son Franco and, subsequently, her daughter, Esme, only added to her macabre history. Heather was recently exposed as "The Hook" killer, showing that even after decades, she still harbors a killing instinct. With Esme's future hanging in the balance, Heather's tale could take yet another dramatic twist.

5. Jerry Jacks

Jerry Jacks (Sebastian Roché) was the suave but cunning criminal who always seemed to evade the law. Unlike his virtuous brother, Jax, Jerry lacked a conscience. He poisoned Port Charles' water supply, staged hostage situations, and engaged in cat-and-mouse games with authorities for years. Even when thought to be dead, he returned with another sophisticated plot. His relationships with the Cassadines and sinister groups mean that he is a wild card and can re-emerge at the most inopportune moments. When newer villains begin emerging, Jerry's unpredictability would have him surface again to further disrupt Port Charles.

6. Lisa Niles

Lisa Niles (Brianna Brown) was a scorned woman, but her vengeance was far more than jealousy. After being obsessed with Patrick Drake, she turned to stalking, drugging, and attempted murder. Her breakdown into madness made her one of GH's most frightening villains. Although she was presumed dead after being pushed overboard, her body was never found, leaving the door open for a potential return. Considering Port Charles' past, the past always returns to haunt the residents. Might Lisa return with an even darker grudge? With new physicians in town, it would be easy for her to slip back in incognito.

7. Shiloh Archer

Shiloh Archer (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) was a cult leader masquerading as a self-help guru who preyed on the weak. His Dawn of Day venture entrapped unsuspecting victims such as Sam McCall and Willow Tait, bending them into submission. His hunger for control and power prompted him to commit evil acts such as drugging women and trying to take Wiley for himself. His ultimate fall was satisfying, but his impact is felt. With interest in cult-driven storylines renewed, a new follower could be created, continuing Shiloh's warped teachings. Port Charles might not have heard the last of his evil teachings.

8. Peter August

Peter August (Wes Ramsey) had always lived in his father's shadow, but he quickly made his presence felt by proving himself equally dangerous. The shrewd businessman slowly unraveled to reveal someone capable of orchestrating kidnappings and contract murders and framing innocent people for their crimes. His was a twisted love affair with Maxie Jones that was mired in lies and ended dramatically. His apparent death came as a relief to many, but GH is famed for its last-minute escape of villains. Given the extent of his reach, a secret contingency plan would not come as a surprise.

9. Nelle Benson

Nelle Benson (Chloe Lanier), a brilliant manipulator, very cleverly narrates a sob story to the world around her and plots her same revenge. Her vendetta from Carly Corinthos had been an elaborate scheme for ages now- from swapping babies to gaslighting. Even after her fall from a sea cliff, this name continues to haunt Port Charles. With Esme showing several striking similarities, many continue to wonder whether Nelle could return. Alive or through old secrets, her mark is stronger than ever. If GH teaches viewers anything, it is that a villain's tale is never utterly ended.

10. Mikkos Cassadine

Mikkos Cassadine (John Colicos) laid down a pretty solid standard for villainy on General Hospital. The plan to freeze the world with a weather machine might just be the craziest plot in soapdom, and with his death, Mikkos was unable to carry it out. However, the dark legacy lives on with his descendants. With the recent power struggles within the Cassadine family, his influence continues to loom large. As Victor Cassadine was dying, speculation arose—could another secret heir be at work or perhaps a hidden agenda? Mikkos made it known that the Cassadines always have another scheme set in action, even after death.