It is how some villains have been portrayed as being vulnerable and relatable.

Take a look at Thanos in Marvel's Infinity war. In the comics he was portrayed as the Mad Titan with a nihilistic code (it is canon!) view of life and even loving the embodiment of death. That was his whole reason.

The movie version was made into a more humane (if it is possible) and watching some of the reaction videos I have seen after warching it that a lot f people felt that they could relate to him.

Going a lot nearer how about the Strong man of the Philippines, Former President Marcos who after all the human rights violations, political enemies killed and torture is being hailed as making the country safe and prosperous.
Now his children use his legacy and until now hold power to the province north of the capital and his eldest son almost winning the recent Vice president electiopn.
He is worshipped as a war hero and his tale told that he is a victim of politics.