20 times cinema defined obsession and we couldn't look away

Modified Jan 20, 2025 03:10 ET

4) The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The Phantom of the Opera (Image via Warner Bros)

The Phantom’s need for control defines his life beneath the opera house. His obsession with Christine Daaé is not love but possession. He shapes her career and life to fit his desires while isolating himself further. He manipulates and harms others to maintain power over her. His fixation leads to rejection and despair, making him both a villain and a tragic figure. This dynamic gives the story its emotional power and timeless appeal.