Torturers are villains who either commit the crime of torture regularly or are shown committing torture in their appearance (if a one-shot villain). Torture can be classified as either emotion/psychological torture (cruelty designed to harm the mind or spirit) or physical torture (cruelty that involves physical harm but not instant death).

Although not necessarily true for all Torturers, many are sadistic and enjoy their work, though some simply perform their grisly deeds out of a sense of duty or twisted morals. Villains who torture for fun more often than not have crossed the Moral Event Horizon and may be Complete Monsters.