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* Similar to Michael Corleone above, the overarching villain of ''Series/{{Dexter}}'' is [[VillainProtagonist the titular Dexter Morgan]], though most seasons have him opposing an ArcVillain who is more evil than he is.
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* Each movie in ''Film/TheGodfather'' trilogy has a BigBad who only appears for that instalment. However, the series also has an overarching villain in the form of [[VillainProtagonist the main character, Michael Corleone]]. The first film shows his ProtagonistJourneyToVillain, the second shows his journey past the MoralEventHorizon, and the third shows his [[ChronicVillainy doomed attempts to redeem himself.]]
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* Almost every episode of ''Radio/OldHarrysGame'' has {{Satan}} attempting to break the Professor in some way. Occasionally he'll become the NominalHero for a StoryArc.
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* ''Radio/OldHarrysGame'':
** Almost every episodeof ''Radio/OldHarrysGame'' in the early seasons has {{Satan}} attempting to break the Professor in some way. Occasionally he'll become However, after [[spoiler:Satan convinced God to allow the Professor to [[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence go to Heaven]]]], he became the NominalHero for more often than not.
** Downplayed with Thomas Crimp. He's as evil as can be, and plays an important role in every episode. However, [[VillainOfAnotherStory since he's already dead and in Hell by the time of the series, he's really just aStoryArc.
punching bag who never gets the chance to do anything truly evil, not counting the myriad of crimes he committed before we first see him.]]
** Almost every episode
** Downplayed with Thomas Crimp. He's as evil as can be, and plays an important role in every episode. However, [[VillainOfAnotherStory since he's already dead and in Hell by the time of the series, he's really just a
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* [[spoiler:Luke Castellan]] and Kronos in ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians''. The latter only appears directly in [[spoiler:the last two books]], but the {{Big Bad}}s of the first three are his servants.
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* ''WesternAnimation/KidVsKat'' has the family's pet Kat, an alien invader sent to Earth to KillAllHumans. Most episodes centre around Coop discovering and foiling an EvilPlan that Kat is hatching.
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[[AC:Radio]]
* Almost every episode of ''Radio/OldHarrysGame'' has {{Satan}} attempting to break the Professor in some way. Occasionally he'll become the NominalHero for a StoryArc.
* Almost every episode of ''Radio/OldHarrysGame'' has {{Satan}} attempting to break the Professor in some way. Occasionally he'll become the NominalHero for a StoryArc.
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* Doctor Doofenshmirtz in ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb''. Almost every episode has Perry attempting to foil some EvilPlan of his.
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* ''WesternAnimation/DanVs'': Dan himself acts as the primary conflict creator in every episode. Sometimes this is played with by having his opponent be [[EvilVersusEvil equally or even more evil]] with Dan as the NominalHero, but just as often Dan is the outright VillainProtagonist..
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Compare/contrast ArcVillain, a villain who is around for a single story arc. Contrast MonsterOfTheWeek, a villain who is around for one episode. If the Overarching Villain is only indirectly involved, but is a greater threat than the current BigBad, than they are a BiggerBad (again, not all Myth Villains are Bigger Bads).
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Compare/contrast ArcVillain, a villain who is around for a single story arc. Contrast MonsterOfTheWeek, a villain who is around for one episode. If the Overarching Villain is only indirectly involved, but is a greater threat than the current BigBad, than they are a BiggerBad GreaterScopeVillain (again, not all Myth Villains are Bigger Bads).
GCV).
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** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Moff Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
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** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Moff Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' ''Film/ANewHope'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
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* The ''Literature/NewJediOrder'' series has [[MagnificentBastard Nom Anor]]. Introduced in the first book working alongside StarterVillain Prefect Da'Gara, he survives Da'Gara's downfall and becomes the single most recurring antagonist throughout the series, continuing to plague the heroes at numerous points, and even becoming a pseudo-[[TheStarscream Starscream]] later on. [[spoiler: He even ends up outliving both the BigBad ''and'' TheManBehindTheMan, albeit just barely.]]
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spelling
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** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Mof Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
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** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Mof Moff Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
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* ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' series: Dr. Weil. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
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* ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' series: ''VideoGame/MegaMan'' series:
** [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Dr.Weil.Wily]] is famous for being the villain in every Mega Man game, even with the increasingly blatant pretentions that he ''wasn't'' the BigBad.
** [[VideoGame/MegaManZero Dr. Weil]]. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
** [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Dr.
** [[VideoGame/MegaManZero Dr. Weil]]. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
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The are villains who are encountered throughout the series. In other words, they \"overarch\" the other villains in how much they recur.
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* Team Rocket from {{Anime/Pokemon}} always chase after Ash to get his Pikachu. They have been around since the second episode, and ''they are still pursuing Ash''. Even when more competent villains upstage them, they still stick around.
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Changed \"Dr. Gang\" to \"Dr. Claw\" to properly name Inspector Gadget\'s main villian
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* ''WesternAnimation/InspectorGadget'' has Dr. Gang, leader of M.A.D., who sends a MiddleManagementMook Of The Week to do the episode's crime and try to eliminate Gadget when he gets put on the case.
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* ''WesternAnimation/InspectorGadget'' has Dr. Gang, Claw, leader of M.A.D., who sends a MiddleManagementMook Of The Week to do the episode's crime and try to eliminate Gadget when he gets put on the case.
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* ''Franchise/TransformersFilmSeries'': Megatron is a major villain in each film, but is only the BigBad in the first film and in a BigBadDuumvirate with [[spoiler:Sentinel Prime]] in ''Dark of the Moon''. Even when the Autobots are confronting another enemy, Megatron is always plotting to turn the situation to his advantage. [[spoiler:To hammer the point home, his death in ''Dark of the Moon'' is only temporary and he returns as Galvatron.]]
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* [[spoiler:Genevieve Collins (Volumes 1 thru 13) and Firstborn (remainder)]] for ''VisualNovel/CauseOfDeath''.
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* The first season of ''{{Series/Gotham}}'' introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
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* The first season of ''{{Series/Gotham}}'' introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind DiabolicalMastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' has [[MagnificentBastard Crowley]]. While only introduced in Season 5, near the end of the original MythArc, he has since become the longest-running villain on the show, alternating between being a member of the BigBadEnsemble and being in an EnemyMine with the Winchesters, depending on the seasonal StoryArc.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' has [[MagnificentBastard Crowley]]. While only introduced in Season 5, near the end of the original MythArc, he has since become the longest-running villain on the show, alternating between being a member of the BigBadEnsemble and being in an EnemyMine with the Winchesters, depending on the seasonal StoryArc.
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** Comicbook/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
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** Comicbook/{{Loki}} SelfDemonstrating/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
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* ''Series/CovertAffairs'': Lena is this in season three, Henry Wilcox in season four.
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* Gotham's first season introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
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* Gotham's The first season of ''{{Series/Gotham}}'' introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
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** Comicbook/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
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** Comicbook/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film{{Thor}}'', ''Film/{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
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* Thanos is this in the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', with his plan to gather the Infinity Stones overarching all of the movies. He serves as the BiggerBad in ''Film/TheAvengers'' and ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', and will serve as the BigBad in ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar''.
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* Thanos Comicbook/{{Thanos}} is this in the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', with his plan to gather the Infinity Stones overarching all of the movies. He serves as the BiggerBad in ''Film/TheAvengers'' and ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', and will serve as the BigBad in ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar''.
** Comicbook/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
** Comicbook/{{Loki}} has this role in the Thor sub-franchise of films. In ''Film{{Thor}}'', he is the main villain after the DecoyAntagonist Lauffey takes a backseat. In ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'', Malekith and the Dark Elves are the villains and Loki is mostly helping Thor until the very end when [[spoiler: he is revealed to have faked his death in order to seize the throne of Asgard]]. His story also extended into ''Film/TheAvengers''.
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* Tigerstar in ''Literature/WarriorCats''. He dies toward the end of the first arc, but shows up in the Warriors equivalent of hell and remains a major villain until [[spoiler:[[DeaderThanDead his spirit is killed]] and he [[CessationOfExistence is gone forever]] at the end of the fourth arc, which was originally intended to be the last arc following the main storyline.]] He also has a role in several of the side works, including ''Bluestar's Prophecy'', the ''Tigerstar and Sasha'' and ''The Rise of Scourge'' mangas, and a POV novella titled ''Tigerclaw's Fury''.
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* Palpatine (AKA Darth Sidious) in the ''Film/StarWars'' film series. In the prequel trilogy, he initiates AntiHero Anakin Skywalker's StartOfDarkness as part of his plot to sieze power, and in the original trilogy he is the [[OrcusOnHisThrone mostly unseen]] BigBad leading TheEmpire.
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* Palpatine (AKA Darth Sidious) in the ''Film/StarWars'' film series. In the prequel trilogy, he initiates AntiHero Anakin Skywalker's StartOfDarkness as part of his plot to sieze power, and in often allowing other bad guys such as [[Film/ThePhantomMenace Darth Maul]], [[Film/AttackOfTheClones Count Dooku]], or [[Film/RevengeOfTheSith General Grievous]] to do the antagonizing. In the original trilogy he is the [[OrcusOnHisThrone mostly unseen]] BigBad leading TheEmpire.TheEmpire.
** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Mof Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
** Even Darth Vader himself ends up an example of this trope. He is DragonInChief to Grand Mof Tarkin's BigBad in ''Film/StarWars'' and is simply TheDragon (with shades of AntiVillain) to Palpatine in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi''. The prequel trilogy doesn't technically have him but rather, continues to give us hints at the villain he will eventually become. Vader as we know him, doesn't show up until the last few scenes of Episode Three.
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* ''WesternAnimation/InspectorGadget'' has Dr. Gang, leader of M.A.D., who sends a MiddleManagementMook Of The Week to do the episode's crime and try to eliminate Gadget when he gets put on the case.
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->''I have the feeling we'll meet again, each and every week. Always in more sexy and exciting ways.''
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----
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* Thanos is this in the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', with his plan to gather the Infinity Stones overarching all of the movies. He serves as the BiggerBad in ''Film/TheAvengers'' and ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', and will serve as the BigBad in ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar''.
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[[AC:Western Animation]]
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* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
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* ''Manga/OnePiece'':''Manga/OnePiece''
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[[AC:{{Film}} (Live Action)]]
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[[AC:{{Film}} (Live Action)]]- Live Action]]
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[[AC:Live Action TV]]
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* The closest that ''DoctorWho'' has to a MythArc is that the Doctor is a Time Lord and he time travels and fights enemies. That said, the Master would count as an Overarching Villain because he is also a Time Lord, and pretty much the Doctor's EvilCounterpart throughout the series. The Daleks and the Cybermen would also count as they are two of the Doctor's [[ArchEnemy Arch Enemies]], and are recurring threats throughout the series
* In ''DeadlyGames'', the hero, Gus, designs a video game that comes to life. Each episode was basically playing one level and defeating one boss, but there was also a boss-like BigBad named Jackal (played by Creator/ChristopherLloyd) who also was in every episode, and was supposed to be the ultimate boss.
* In ''DeadlyGames'', the hero, Gus, designs a video game that comes to life. Each episode was basically playing one level and defeating one boss, but there was also a boss-like BigBad named Jackal (played by Creator/ChristopherLloyd) who also was in every episode, and was supposed to be the ultimate boss.
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* The closest that ''DoctorWho'' ''Series/DoctorWho'' has to a MythArc is that the Doctor is a Time Lord and he time travels and fights enemies. That said, the Master would count as an Overarching Villain because he is also a Time Lord, and pretty much the Doctor's EvilCounterpart throughout the series. The Daleks and the Cybermen would also count as they are two of the Doctor's [[ArchEnemy Arch Enemies]], and are recurring threats throughout the series
* In''DeadlyGames'', ''Series/DeadlyGames'', the hero, Gus, designs a video game that comes to life. Each episode was basically playing one level and defeating one boss, but there was also a boss-like BigBad named Jackal (played by Creator/ChristopherLloyd) who also was in every episode, and was supposed to be the ultimate boss.
* In
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* MegaManZero series: Dr. Weil. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
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* MegaManZero ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' series: Dr. Weil. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
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* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': A Lampshade is made in "Simpsons Spinoff Showcase" when Chief Wiggum and Principal Skinner move to New Orleans to become {{Private Eye}}s and have a run in with a local crime boss named Big Daddy. At the end of the episode Big Daddy gets away, and Wiggum says the page quote.
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* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': A Lampshade is made in "Simpsons Spinoff Showcase" when Chief Wiggum and Principal Skinner move to New Orleans to become {{Private Eye}}s and have a run in with a local crime boss named Big Daddy. At the end of the episode Big Daddy gets away, and Wiggum says the page quote.
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->''I have the feeling we'll meet again, each and every week. Always in more sexy and exciting ways.''
-->-- '''Chief Wiggum,''' ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''
As ArcVillain is to StoryArc, Overarching Villain is to MythArc. This is a villain who sticks around for the entire series or at least the majority of it, overlapping any story arcs. Because of that, they usually have a big role in the MythArc. The villain doesn't have to stick around for the ''whole'' series, but they must be around for a significant portion of it.
Sometimes, a Overarching Villain will be behind an ArcVillain or MonsterOfTheWeek if that villain is working for them or being manipulated by them. This can result in the story being HijackedByGanon if the Overarching Villain has been introduced previously.
Not to be confused with BigBad. The BigBad is the villain who directly causes the bad things that the heroes are in conflict with. This is merely a villain who has a role for the entire series or at least a significant portion. BigBad and Overarching Villain usually overlap, but not always.
Compare/contrast ArcVillain, a villain who is around for a single story arc. Contrast MonsterOfTheWeek, a villain who is around for one episode. If the Overarching Villain is only indirectly involved, but is a greater threat than the current BigBad, than they are a BiggerBad (again, not all Myth Villains are Bigger Bads).
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!!Examples
[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]
* This is the role of Dark Bakura from ''Manga/YuGiOh''. Though, in the manga at least, he doesn't appear until the third story arc (this was before Duelist Kingdom, when the story arcs were short), he sticks around for the rest of the series, working out his mysterious plan. Because of this, Dark Bakura is considered to be the BigBad of the series.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
** Blackbeard spent several arcs (most of the time offscreen) planning to become strong to be a Pirate King, which involves recruiting several powerful people to his pirate crew and, with Dark-Dark Fruit's power, gains Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power and then taking over Whitebeard's position as one of the Four Emperors (4 strongest pirate crew in the world). And after the TimeSkip it's hinted that he has gained more fruit powers, and he has expanded his pirate crew into lots of fleets.
** Donquixote Doflamingo as well. Aside from being introduced as one of the 7 Warlords of the Sea, he was TheManBehindTheMan for the ArcVillain of the Jaya Arc, the owner of the slave house which caused all the issues in the Sabaody Arc, a direct enemy in the Marineford Arc helping a different BigBad, and TheManBehindTheMan for the Punk Hazard Arc. He's the BigBad of the Dressrosa Arc.
* Dio Brando from ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure''. He's the BigBad of Part 1 and 3, and while he's killed off at the end of Part 3, his actions while alive still indirectly influences the following parts in various ways. Especially in Part 6, where the BigBad is one of his followers who wanted to realize his goals. May not apply anymore as the series experienced a ContinuityReboot from Part 7 onwards.
* Team Rocket from {{Anime/Pokemon}} always chase after Ash to get his Pikachu. They have been around since the second episode, and ''they are still pursuing Ash''. Even when more competent villains upstage them, they still stick around.
[[AC:{{Film}} (Live Action)]]
* In the ''Film/{{X-Men}}'' movie franchise, Magneto appears in almost every film and is a major enemy but is only the BigBad in ''Film/XMen1'' and to a lesser extent ''Film/XMenTheLastStand'' (he shares bad guy duties with Phoenix). The other films that feature the character all have different main villains with Magneto often [[EnemyMine helping the X-Men]] while plotting a way to manipulate the situation to his advantage. That's when he isn't simply acting as an AntiHero.
* Palpatine (AKA Darth Sidious) in the ''Film/StarWars'' film series. In the prequel trilogy, he initiates AntiHero Anakin Skywalker's StartOfDarkness as part of his plot to sieze power, and in the original trilogy he is the [[OrcusOnHisThrone mostly unseen]] BigBad leading TheEmpire.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* Voldemort for the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series. He appears in person in only five of the seven books [[spoiler: (pulling a HijackedByGanon in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheChamberOfSecrets'')]], but he's behind the events of the other two (specifically, [[spoiler: ''Literature/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban'']] and [[spoiler:''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'']]) as well.
[[AC:Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has Ba'al, a Goa'uld System Lord introduced among several one-offs in season 5's "Summit". Though he never became a primary antagonist until the ''Film/StargateContinuum'' movie, he is a recurring villain through the remainder of the series five seasons later, and even helps take down [[OmnicidalManiac Anubis]] and the [[GreyGoo Replicators]] in "Reckoning".
* The closest that ''DoctorWho'' has to a MythArc is that the Doctor is a Time Lord and he time travels and fights enemies. That said, the Master would count as an Overarching Villain because he is also a Time Lord, and pretty much the Doctor's EvilCounterpart throughout the series. The Daleks and the Cybermen would also count as they are two of the Doctor's [[ArchEnemy Arch Enemies]], and are recurring threats throughout the series
* In ''DeadlyGames'', the hero, Gus, designs a video game that comes to life. Each episode was basically playing one level and defeating one boss, but there was also a boss-like BigBad named Jackal (played by Creator/ChristopherLloyd) who also was in every episode, and was supposed to be the ultimate boss.
* Cigarette-Smoking Man from ''Series/TheXFiles'' is the closest the series has to a main villain. Though TheDragon to the [[BigBad Syndicate]] in the early seasons, he moves up through the ranks of TheConspiracy, and continues being the major villain even after [[spoiler:the original conspiracy is obliterated by the aliens]] in season 6.
* ''Series/BabylonFive'' has Psi Cop Alfred Bester, a recurring antagonist and [[EnemyMine occasional ally]] through all five seasons. He's an AffablyEvil character with no loyalty to anything but the Psi Corps.
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* Gotham's first season introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' has Ganon/Ganondorf, who is the TropeNamer for HijackedByGanon, so it shouldn't come as a surprise for him to be this trope. Ganon is always Link's {{Archenemy}} and many times the BigBad, even when other villains appear to be this. Even when he doesn't appear, he still has a presence of dread that extends throughout.
* The ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}'' series has [[spoiler:Giygas]], who appears in the first installment, is finally defeated for good in the second, but his influence lingers on in the third, and [[spoiler:Porky Minch]], who appears in the second installment and becomes the main villaing of the third.
* MegaManZero series: Dr. Weil. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' has two of them:
** TheEmpire of Garlemald, AKA The Garlean Empire, who wants to take over Eorzea and rid it of its godlike beings. Even after their defeat the end of A Realm Reborn's initial storyline, they (primarily their emperor's death and the resulting SuccessionCrisis) caused some effects to the storyline (such as driving the Domans to take refuge in Erozea). [[spoiler: Two characters from the empire also take part in a subplot each, one being the TokenEvilTeammate to an exhibition of the Crystal Tower, and the other being dead and revived as Bahamut's servant. Patch 2.4 reveals that they have crowned a new emperor and are coming back in full force int he near future]]
** [[OmniscientCouncilOfVagueness The Ascians]], who remain an active force even after the end of A Realm Reborn, being the main reason why the Primals are summoned in the first place, as well as having an implied connection to The Echo, the same gift the Player Characters and Minfilia were given.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'', and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII2 it's]] [[VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII sequels]] have [[GodIsEvil Bunhivelze]] who took over the TopGod position by [[KlingonPromotion killing]] [[SelfMadeOrphan his mother]] as well as sired 3 children; Lindzei, Etro and Pulse. Lindzei, who negligence of the fal'Cie unknowingly (or not) drove the plot of the first game, while Etro, although the only confirmed God that is good, pulled a DeusExMachina and unknowingly doomed the setting in the process, kicking off the plots of the 2nd and 3rd games. Lightning Returns has Bunivelze take a more active role as he formulates a plan to make a new world and an AssimilationPlot, and is the FinalBoss of both that game and the XIII series proper.
* Afoire, personification of {{Digital Piracy|IsEvil}}, is the BigBad of ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptunia'' and the BiggerBad in ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptuniaMk2''. Played with in ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptuniaVictory'' in that while she still appears as a villain, she's not the one driving the events of that game, but a instead a minion of the real BigBad.
[[AC:Western Animation]]
* Fire Lord Ozai is the BigBad of ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''. Despite the fact that Zhao and Azula are TheHeavy, they are ultimately working under Ozai, who is ultimate antagonist of the show.
* ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'' has XANA, the ArtificialIntelligence villain who serves as not only the BigBad of the series, but as the series' only ''true'' villain. His antagonism is the focus of the series, and he is linked to the past of the super computer and its creator, Franz Hopper.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': A Lampshade is made in "Simpsons Spinoff Showcase" when Chief Wiggum and Principal Skinner move to New Orleans to become {{Private Eye}}s and have a run in with a local crime boss named Big Daddy. At the end of the episode Big Daddy gets away, and Wiggum says the page quote.
-->-- '''Chief Wiggum,''' ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''
As ArcVillain is to StoryArc, Overarching Villain is to MythArc. This is a villain who sticks around for the entire series or at least the majority of it, overlapping any story arcs. Because of that, they usually have a big role in the MythArc. The villain doesn't have to stick around for the ''whole'' series, but they must be around for a significant portion of it.
Sometimes, a Overarching Villain will be behind an ArcVillain or MonsterOfTheWeek if that villain is working for them or being manipulated by them. This can result in the story being HijackedByGanon if the Overarching Villain has been introduced previously.
Not to be confused with BigBad. The BigBad is the villain who directly causes the bad things that the heroes are in conflict with. This is merely a villain who has a role for the entire series or at least a significant portion. BigBad and Overarching Villain usually overlap, but not always.
Compare/contrast ArcVillain, a villain who is around for a single story arc. Contrast MonsterOfTheWeek, a villain who is around for one episode. If the Overarching Villain is only indirectly involved, but is a greater threat than the current BigBad, than they are a BiggerBad (again, not all Myth Villains are Bigger Bads).
-----
!!Examples
[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]
* This is the role of Dark Bakura from ''Manga/YuGiOh''. Though, in the manga at least, he doesn't appear until the third story arc (this was before Duelist Kingdom, when the story arcs were short), he sticks around for the rest of the series, working out his mysterious plan. Because of this, Dark Bakura is considered to be the BigBad of the series.
* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
** Blackbeard spent several arcs (most of the time offscreen) planning to become strong to be a Pirate King, which involves recruiting several powerful people to his pirate crew and, with Dark-Dark Fruit's power, gains Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power and then taking over Whitebeard's position as one of the Four Emperors (4 strongest pirate crew in the world). And after the TimeSkip it's hinted that he has gained more fruit powers, and he has expanded his pirate crew into lots of fleets.
** Donquixote Doflamingo as well. Aside from being introduced as one of the 7 Warlords of the Sea, he was TheManBehindTheMan for the ArcVillain of the Jaya Arc, the owner of the slave house which caused all the issues in the Sabaody Arc, a direct enemy in the Marineford Arc helping a different BigBad, and TheManBehindTheMan for the Punk Hazard Arc. He's the BigBad of the Dressrosa Arc.
* Dio Brando from ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventure''. He's the BigBad of Part 1 and 3, and while he's killed off at the end of Part 3, his actions while alive still indirectly influences the following parts in various ways. Especially in Part 6, where the BigBad is one of his followers who wanted to realize his goals. May not apply anymore as the series experienced a ContinuityReboot from Part 7 onwards.
* Team Rocket from {{Anime/Pokemon}} always chase after Ash to get his Pikachu. They have been around since the second episode, and ''they are still pursuing Ash''. Even when more competent villains upstage them, they still stick around.
[[AC:{{Film}} (Live Action)]]
* In the ''Film/{{X-Men}}'' movie franchise, Magneto appears in almost every film and is a major enemy but is only the BigBad in ''Film/XMen1'' and to a lesser extent ''Film/XMenTheLastStand'' (he shares bad guy duties with Phoenix). The other films that feature the character all have different main villains with Magneto often [[EnemyMine helping the X-Men]] while plotting a way to manipulate the situation to his advantage. That's when he isn't simply acting as an AntiHero.
* Palpatine (AKA Darth Sidious) in the ''Film/StarWars'' film series. In the prequel trilogy, he initiates AntiHero Anakin Skywalker's StartOfDarkness as part of his plot to sieze power, and in the original trilogy he is the [[OrcusOnHisThrone mostly unseen]] BigBad leading TheEmpire.
[[AC:{{Literature}}]]
* Voldemort for the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series. He appears in person in only five of the seven books [[spoiler: (pulling a HijackedByGanon in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheChamberOfSecrets'')]], but he's behind the events of the other two (specifically, [[spoiler: ''Literature/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban'']] and [[spoiler:''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'']]) as well.
[[AC:Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has Ba'al, a Goa'uld System Lord introduced among several one-offs in season 5's "Summit". Though he never became a primary antagonist until the ''Film/StargateContinuum'' movie, he is a recurring villain through the remainder of the series five seasons later, and even helps take down [[OmnicidalManiac Anubis]] and the [[GreyGoo Replicators]] in "Reckoning".
* The closest that ''DoctorWho'' has to a MythArc is that the Doctor is a Time Lord and he time travels and fights enemies. That said, the Master would count as an Overarching Villain because he is also a Time Lord, and pretty much the Doctor's EvilCounterpart throughout the series. The Daleks and the Cybermen would also count as they are two of the Doctor's [[ArchEnemy Arch Enemies]], and are recurring threats throughout the series
* In ''DeadlyGames'', the hero, Gus, designs a video game that comes to life. Each episode was basically playing one level and defeating one boss, but there was also a boss-like BigBad named Jackal (played by Creator/ChristopherLloyd) who also was in every episode, and was supposed to be the ultimate boss.
* Cigarette-Smoking Man from ''Series/TheXFiles'' is the closest the series has to a main villain. Though TheDragon to the [[BigBad Syndicate]] in the early seasons, he moves up through the ranks of TheConspiracy, and continues being the major villain even after [[spoiler:the original conspiracy is obliterated by the aliens]] in season 6.
* ''Series/BabylonFive'' has Psi Cop Alfred Bester, a recurring antagonist and [[EnemyMine occasional ally]] through all five seasons. He's an AffablyEvil character with no loyalty to anything but the Psi Corps.
edit this reply
* Gotham's first season introduces several villains, including a dweeby Oswald Cobblepot (later to become iconic Batman villain "The Penguin"). Because of his looks and awkward, creepy behavior, most of the dons and gangsters (as well as policemen) in the show dismiss him as a nobody, a third-rate character not worth their notice, but it is revealed in the episode, "Penguin's Umbrella" that he has really been the Diabolical Mastermind behind most of the goings-on of the season.
[[AC:VideoGames]]
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' has Ganon/Ganondorf, who is the TropeNamer for HijackedByGanon, so it shouldn't come as a surprise for him to be this trope. Ganon is always Link's {{Archenemy}} and many times the BigBad, even when other villains appear to be this. Even when he doesn't appear, he still has a presence of dread that extends throughout.
* The ''VideoGame/{{MOTHER}}'' series has [[spoiler:Giygas]], who appears in the first installment, is finally defeated for good in the second, but his influence lingers on in the third, and [[spoiler:Porky Minch]], who appears in the second installment and becomes the main villaing of the third.
* MegaManZero series: Dr. Weil. Although he only appeared in the third and fourth game, the story makes it clear that most of the bad things that happened in the series are the result of his actions. He was also the one behind the Elf Wars, a GreatOffscreenWar that changed the world considerably and creating many of the in-series problems.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' has two of them:
** TheEmpire of Garlemald, AKA The Garlean Empire, who wants to take over Eorzea and rid it of its godlike beings. Even after their defeat the end of A Realm Reborn's initial storyline, they (primarily their emperor's death and the resulting SuccessionCrisis) caused some effects to the storyline (such as driving the Domans to take refuge in Erozea). [[spoiler: Two characters from the empire also take part in a subplot each, one being the TokenEvilTeammate to an exhibition of the Crystal Tower, and the other being dead and revived as Bahamut's servant. Patch 2.4 reveals that they have crowned a new emperor and are coming back in full force int he near future]]
** [[OmniscientCouncilOfVagueness The Ascians]], who remain an active force even after the end of A Realm Reborn, being the main reason why the Primals are summoned in the first place, as well as having an implied connection to The Echo, the same gift the Player Characters and Minfilia were given.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'', and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII2 it's]] [[VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII sequels]] have [[GodIsEvil Bunhivelze]] who took over the TopGod position by [[KlingonPromotion killing]] [[SelfMadeOrphan his mother]] as well as sired 3 children; Lindzei, Etro and Pulse. Lindzei, who negligence of the fal'Cie unknowingly (or not) drove the plot of the first game, while Etro, although the only confirmed God that is good, pulled a DeusExMachina and unknowingly doomed the setting in the process, kicking off the plots of the 2nd and 3rd games. Lightning Returns has Bunivelze take a more active role as he formulates a plan to make a new world and an AssimilationPlot, and is the FinalBoss of both that game and the XIII series proper.
* Afoire, personification of {{Digital Piracy|IsEvil}}, is the BigBad of ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptunia'' and the BiggerBad in ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptuniaMk2''. Played with in ''VideoGame/HyperDimensionNeptuniaVictory'' in that while she still appears as a villain, she's not the one driving the events of that game, but a instead a minion of the real BigBad.
[[AC:Western Animation]]
* Fire Lord Ozai is the BigBad of ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''. Despite the fact that Zhao and Azula are TheHeavy, they are ultimately working under Ozai, who is ultimate antagonist of the show.
* ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'' has XANA, the ArtificialIntelligence villain who serves as not only the BigBad of the series, but as the series' only ''true'' villain. His antagonism is the focus of the series, and he is linked to the past of the super computer and its creator, Franz Hopper.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': A Lampshade is made in "Simpsons Spinoff Showcase" when Chief Wiggum and Principal Skinner move to New Orleans to become {{Private Eye}}s and have a run in with a local crime boss named Big Daddy. At the end of the episode Big Daddy gets away, and Wiggum says the page quote.
