The All-Time Greatest Fictional Mad Scientists

Switchdoctor
Updated October 2, 2023 6.1K votes 784 voters 28.6K views
Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The All-Time Greatest Fictional Mad Scientists
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Based on notoriety, eccentricity, and blind devotion to their work; often causing danger to themselves and others.
Latest additions: Doctor Neo Cortex, Dr. Horrible, Dr. Finkelstein
Most divisive: Dr. Sheldon Cooper
There's a long-standing saying that says that the smartest people have the least common sense. While it is true that most mad scientists are in fact dangerously maladjusted sociopaths, it must be remembered that “mad” can mean “eccentric and unorthodox” as well “batshit crazy.” Some may have benevolent or good spirited intentions, even if their actions are dangerous or questionable, which can make them accidental villains. While this kinder, gentler version of the mad scientist is not quite as common as his evil counterpart, he is a popular archetype in certain types of fiction.
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