Top 10 NCIS Villains Ranked: The Most Notorious Characters

NCIS, short for Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is hailed as one of the longest-running scripted television series ever. Its rich narrative is significantly enhanced by a diverse array of unforgettable villains. These antagonists not only add depth and complexity to the storyline but also craft some of the most compelling episodes, overflowing with tension, mystery, and emotional stakes. From cunning masterminds to duplicitous insiders, the actions of these villains continuously challenge the skills of the NCIS team, ensuring that viewers remain captivated at every turn.

As a central installment in a vast television universe boasting multiple spinoffs, NCIS has cemented its legacy as a source of thrilling action and engaging storytelling since its debut in 2003. The captivating narratives are complemented by legendary adversaries who push the boundaries for the protagonists and keep audiences wanting more.

10: Michael Rivkin

NCIS Season 6

Michael Rivkin, portrayed by Merik Tadros, emerges as one of NCIS’s most memorable and polarizing villains. Making his debut in Season 6 as an undercover Mossad operative, Rivkin enters the U.S. with questionable intentions under the influence of Eli David (Michael Nouri), the head of Mossad, positioning him as a key player in the NCIS narrative.

At first, Rivkin appears to be a competent agent entwined with Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), a core member of the team. However, it soon becomes apparent that his moral compass is skewed. Though ostensibly aligned with justice, Rivkin’s dubious methods and conflicting loyalties clash with the stringent protocols of the NCIS. His choices culminate in chaos, fatalities, and erosion of trust among pivotal characters, firmly establishing him as one of the series’ historic antagonists.

9: Mamoun Sharif

Season 4

Introduced in Season 4, Mamoun Sharif, played by Enzo Cilenti, stands out as a dangerously intelligent villain who embodies cold ruthlessness. Sharif’s calculated demeanor, combined with his brutal tactics, secures his reputation as one of NCIS’ most formidable adversaries.

A key highlight of Sharif’s arc is the episode titled “Sharif Returns,” which notably became the second instance where a character’s name graced the episode title, following “Kill Ari (Part I)”in 2005. His villainous reputation is cemented when he assassinates a Marine and employs biological warfare with chilling expertise, showcasing his ability to outwit the MCRT team repeatedly. His psychological games with team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs ultimately culminate in his demise, effectively ending his reign of terror.

8: Paloma Reynosa

Seasons 7 and 8

Paloma Reynosa, portrayed by Jacqueline Obradors, is one of the standout female villains in the NCIS universe. As the leader of the Reynosa drug cartel, her character’s motivations are intricately tied to revenge, particularly against Gibbs for the death of her father, which adds a highly personal layer to her menace.

Paloma’s vengeance-driven schemes reveal her as not just a brute force of violence but as a master manipulator. Throughout her quest for retribution, she exploits the psychological vulnerabilities of Gibbs, creating an intense storyline that grips audiences and elevates her status as one of the series’ most compelling threats.

7: Rene Benoit

Seasons 4 and 5

René Benoit, known as La Grenouille, is a fan-favorite villain portrayed by Armand Assante. Making his first appearance in Season 4, Benoit is portrayed as a suave arms dealer whose charm masks a darker agenda. His story extends through multiple episodes, culminating in conflict with prominent teams within NCIS.

His connection to Jeanne Benoit (Scottie Thompson), whom Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) dates to get closer to René, complicates the narrative. His demise in Season 5 raises questions unresolved at his death, especially regarding the fate of NCIS director Jenny Shepard, who believed he was responsible for her father’s murder, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

6: Kyle Boone

NCIS Season 3

Kyle Boone, portrayed by Christopher Shyer, is one of the most sadistic villains in NCIS history. A ruthless serial killer, he first comes to the forefront by committing the murder of a Navy petty officer, prompting NCIS to investigate.

NCIS Episode	IMDb Rating
S3 E3, “Mind Games”	8.0 / 10

Kylo’s character contributed psychological horror elements to the series, revealing his intelligence and manipulative tactics. His threat level escalates following the kidnapping of Special Agent Paula Cassidy (Jessica Steen), culminating in her ultimate triumph over him. Boone’s chilling arc remains a highlight as past seasons of NCIS become accessible on platforms like Netflix.

5: Sergey Mishnev

NCIS Season 12

Sergei Mishnev, played by Alex Veadov, emerges as a formidable antagonist, being the maternal half-brother of the antihero Ari Haswari. His character creates massive disruptions, especially as he becomes Gibbs’ primary enemy after Gibbs kills Ari.

Mishnev showcases a masterful manipulation of NCIS’s investigative tactics, with a chilling diner murder case being a hallmark of his reign. His brand of terror culminates in psychological warfare against Gibbs, establishing him as one of the show’s most menacing figures—even if his tenure lasts only one season.

4: Jonas Cobb

NCIS Season 8

Jonas Cobb, known as the Port-to-Port Killer, first appears in Season 8 and is often underrated even among NCIS’s most notorious villains. This former CIA operative orchestrates a series of murders across various naval bases, demonstrating his mastery in manipulation.

Despite his relatively few appearances, Cobb’s legacy resonates strongly throughout the series. His connection to law enforcement creates a tense dynamic and an ongoing cat-and-mouse game, ultimately making him a unique enemy who embodies systemic failure rather than sheer malice, adding complexity to his character.

3: Trained Short

NCIS Seasons 4, 5, 6, 8, and 13

Trent Kort, one of the franchise’s more complicated characters, toggles between ally and adversary throughout NCIS. First introduced in Season 4, he initially participates in the team’s efforts to take down La Grenouille.

NCIS Episode	IMDb Rating
S13, E24: “Family First”	9.2 / 10

As the series progresses, Kort transitions into one of the more complex villains, committing heinous actions, including attempts on Ziva’s life. The twist revealing his involvement in Jenny Shepard’s father’s death stunned viewers, elevating his narrative from mere irritation to genuine threat.

2: Harper Dearing

Seasons 9 and 10

Harper Dearing, portrayed by Richard Schiff, is arguably at the pinnacle of NCIS antagonists. His emotionally charged narrative evokes a tragic depth—lost in grief over his son’s death in an explosion, Dearing becomes a terrorist targeting Navy vessels in an act of revenge.

Despite appearing in a few episodes across two seasons, Dearing’s chilling depth and the relatability of his motives make him a standout villain. Schiff’s portrayal captures the transformation of an ordinary civilian into a disturbed criminal, further solidifying Dearing’s status in the hall of NCIS infamy.

1: Ari Haswari

NCIS Seasons 1, 2, 3, and 9

Ari Haswari, played by Rudolf Martin, stands as NCIS’s foremost antagonist. His introduction in the inaugural season set the stage for a dramatic arc, which reaches a peak when he fatally shoots Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander)—a moment that continues to reverberate throughout the series.

As Ziva’s half-brother, Ari’s character is deeply intertwined with the show’s emotional fabric, leading to high stakes and complex relations. His eventual fate at the hands of Ziva is a significant turning point, reshaping the dynamics within the team while leaving an indelible mark on the series even decades later, as references to him persist across seasons.

Source & Images