Sophisticated villains are characters who are very cultivated and refined, often as a result of coming from or interacting with a higher social status. They usually act in a generally polite albeit condescending and opprobrious manner ranging from genuine respect to manipulating others with false kindness. It is also common for them to look down on others they consider "lower" than them.

They are the exact opposites of Barbarians although it is common for them to shed any upper-class natures and become the savage monsters they are if at all (e.g. Ridley, Red Skull, Dr. Robotnik, Professor Ratigan, Hannibal Lecter, Oswald Cobblepot, Esdeath, Mrs. Tweedy, Judge Holden, Green Goblin, Joker, Nicole Wallace, Thanos, Ajax, Cecil Clayton, Morlun, Junko Enoshima, Major and Sir John Talbot).

This may also encompass complex villains with moral standings and views others are unable to describe (i.e. Rick Sanchez, Anton Chigurh and Shadow the Hedgehog).