Entertainment
10 Greatest Disney Animated Villains, Ranked by Charm
When it comes to Disney animated films, our adoration for the movies comes through the vibrant world-building and extraordinary characters. We revere the protagonists of the films who inspire us to do good, but it’s the villains who are just deliciously bad. And we love them for that. If the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom is any indication, our adoration for Disney villains runs deep. Today, we celebrate them.
Not all Disney animated villains are created equal. Some are sinister, others are diabolical. But the best of the best know how to charm the pants off the hero of the story. The characters on this list exude charm in ways that nearly make them victorious in their respective stories. From conniving their nephew that they were why their father died to wooing a princess to the point an entire kingdom goes down in flames—well, ice—these villains are notoriously bad, yet charismatic to the end. They can sing a song, flash a smile, and literally get away with murder. And that’s what makes them great.
10
Dawn Bellwether
‘Zootopia’ (2016)
Just because a Disney character looks all cute and cuddly doesn’t mean they’re on the good side. Case in point, Zootopia’s assistant mayor, Dawn Bellweather (Jenny Slate). In the hit Zootopia, Dawn is the diminutive, soft-spoken sheep who is introduced as the overworked and underappreciated second in command. But ewe wouldn’t believe that lurking underneath was a manipulative criminal mastermind who orchestrated a conspiracy to make predators go savage in order to seize political power. With a mission to incite fear and establish a new social order, Dawn epitomizes the politicians we see in our own society. She may be small in stature, but Dawn has a way with words. In a story about not judging a book by its cover, Dawn is literally a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Dawn is charming in the sense that she subverts expectations. Her allure lies in her harmless, meek exterior. She’s sweet on the surface, telling everyone everything they need to hear, but it’s her surprise turn as a political operative that makes the twist so exceptional. She gives off an underdog essence. She’s a little guy fighting for the little guys. But the charismatic mask the subordinate wears hides a power-hungry schemer that literally no one saw coming. Thanks to Dawn, we can no longer trust the cute and cuddly critters in Disney’s animal kingdom.
9
Scar
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
If there is a Mount Rushmore of Disney villains, Scar (Jeremy Irons) would be proudly up there, grinning down on us. The primary villain in the Disney Renaissance masterpiece The Lion King, Scar is the envious brother of Mufasa (James Earl Jones). Knowing how those deadly sins operate, when there is envy, there may be murder. With pure villain coursing through his veins, Scar’s charm comes from his outward theatricality, razor-sharp wit, and magnetic arrogance. Seeing the world around him as his chess pieces, Scar proudly rallied a pack of hyenas to do his bidding. And with support behind him, he was able to pull off the most horrific parent-related homicide since Bambi. But the worst part was how effortlessly he convinced his nephew Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) that his father’s death at the hooves of the stampede was his fault.
Scar, while jaded, exudes a confidence that makes his coup flawless. He’s smooth and calculated. No one ever sees him sweat because there are no emotions within. Remorse? Scar’s never heard of it. Scar’s charm comes from having to build up a facade, having lived in the shadows of his brother. Operating from the literal shadows, Scar’s intellect and ambition are dangerous. As he sings in “Be Prepared,” his uprising was based on injustice long in the making. The monster he became may have been forced upon him due to the situation of lineage. Scar almost got away with it, without any genuine pushback, but as we know from Hamlet, the protagonist will always swoop in to make wrongs right again.
8
Mother Gothel
‘Tangled’ (2010)
To understand the extent of Mother Gothel’s (Donna Murphy) charm, simply watch the mastery of “Mother Knows Best.” Telling the story of Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), Tangled follows the long-lost princess with 70 feet of magical hair, who is kept locked away in a secluded tower by the wicked Mother Gothel. Desperate to see the floating lanterns, she escapes her tower alongside the charming fugitive Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), leaving Gothel no choice but to continue to manipulate the truth. Mother Gothel is a psychological villain. Rather than relying on overt magical powers or brute force, she uses emotional manipulation and a veneer of affection to keep Rapunzel under her thumb.
Gothel’s charisma and bravado, delivered through her passive-aggressive put-downs and guilt trips, offer a glimpse into her sinister style. Everything that Gothel does is under the guise of “protecting” Rapunzel from the dangers of the outside world. The truth is, she needs the princess because it’s her only way to stay young and beautiful. She may be evil, but Mother Gothel is one relatable diva! Gothel’s appearance as a sultry, Gothic beauty, paired with expressive mannerisms, lends a magnetic confidence. In a time when love and affection are overpowered by emotional manipulation and gaslighting in any relationship, that toxicity is a terrifyingly accurate reflection of narcissism. We can’t wait to see what Kathryn Hahn does when she gets her hands on Gothel!
7
Gaston
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)
Evil is hot. Narcissism is not. And yet, Beauty and the Beast‘s Gaston (Richard White) is the allure of that tiny provincial village. The truth is, Gaston could easily charm any woman in town, sans Belle (Paige O’Hara). But that’s because she was always a special one, that Belle. Gaston moves into evil-villain territory because when he doesn’t get what he wants, he goes to extremes. And since he can’t get Belle on his own, he manipulates the entire town to join his crusade to kill the Beast (Robby Benson). Gaston is initially presented as a Disney prince of sorts, only to have that turned on its head. Beauty and the Beast is a story about how to discover the true beast among men. In the end, it was always Gaston.
He loves a challenge, but hates losing. His striking looks and athletic prowess made him feel entitled. Gaston is the epitome of vain. As the only individual who looked and acted like him, there was an instant draw toward him. His desire to stand out was prevalent; why else would he hit down and make LeFou (Jesse Corti) his bumbling sidekick, half his size and stout in stature? Ego. It’s all about ego, but he covers it up with confidence and charm. Gaston is the hero of his story, which makes him quite dangerous. His ultimate downfall is his pride, which should serve as a warning to all other overly attractive individuals who are the villains in everyone else’s story.
6
Jafar
‘Aladdin’ (1992)
It’s quite shocking to realize that of all the major villains in the Disney Renaissance, Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) is the only one without a solo song. Yes, he does have a reprise of “Prince Ali,” but the fact that his charm exudes beyond a song is quite revealing. But don’t worry, he’s got a hefty arsenal to pull from. Aladdin follows the titular character (Scott Weinger), a kind-hearted street urchin, who, after finding a magic lantern, uses an eccentric wish-granting Genie (Robin Williams) to win the heart of Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). But it’s Jafar, the Royal Vizier of Agrabah, who is a power-hungry sorcerer scheming to steal the lamp in order to overthrow the throne. Though tall and gaunt, Jafar’s menacing presence should have been a warning to the Sultan (Douglas Seale) that he was sitting next to danger the entire time. I mean, red and black signify evil!
Jafar’s charm comes from his clear, calculating demeanor. He’s a smooth, articulate talker who has a way with words. But it’s that velvety voice that wins you over first. He is wickedly theatrical despite presenting a facade of normalcy. Alone, he’s got a dramatic flair that makes you love-to-hate him. Paired with a hot-tempered parrot named Iago (Gilbert Gottfried), he’s got a minion to do his bidding. By the time that Jafar becomes an all-powerful genie himself, it seems like the game is over. But his flaw of hubris becomes his catastrophic downfall. Jafar is one of the best there ever was. His image may scare you, but his words will win you.
5
Ratigan
‘The Great Mouse Detective’ (1986)
Being voiced by Vincent Price is already a mark in the plus column when it comes to charming villains! Though The Great Mouse Detective arrived during Disney’s dark period, the film still holds up quite well. One, because it has a strong basis for its source material. And two, its iconic villain, Professor Ratigan. The Great Mouse Detective tells the tale of mouse detective Basil on his quest to prevent the diabolical Ratigan from hatching his evil plan to brainwash the citizens and declare himself the supreme ruler of Mousedom. Now, usually if you have to use a mechanical clockwork robot to do your dirty work, your charm factor may get knocked down a peg, but it’s his big mouse delusion that lifts it back up.
Ratigan is a character in an identity crisis. He hates being reminded that he’s a rat, and thus his rat complex causes him to fly into a feral, bloodthirsty rage. He’s a big mouse! Call him a rat, you’ll be fed to his cat, Felicia. His ease in flipping from calm, brandy-sipping gentleman into a violent, impatient megalomaniac makes him unpredictable. Ratigan is all about grandiose speeches, lavish outfits, and embellished musical numbers. He operates from a place of mental stronghold. It’s why his thugs are willing to do his dirty work, and join in on the chorus of his song. His pure, unadulterated malice is what makes him terrifying. Not knowing when it will arrive is a mark of a super villain. Having the legendary flair of Price should have catapulted him into a top-tier villain, but alas.
4
Cruella de Vil
‘One Hundred and One Dalmatians’ (1961)
Sometimes you can hear a picture the moment you see it. That’s the case when you see an image of the original Disney villain legend, Cruella de Vil (Betty Lou Gerson). You can imagine that overly affected voice saying, “Anita, darling.” The animated classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians tells the story of Dalmatians Pongo (Rod Taylor) and Perdita (Cate Bauer and Lisa Daniels) as they race to rescue their puppies after Cruella kidnaps them, intending to turn their luxurious spotted fur into coats. Though she may be the world’s most vile puppy killer, Cruella remains a charming presence in the Disney universe. Cruella is motivated by obsession. She is selfish yet glamorous, but nothing can make up for the cruelty inside.
Cruella is filled with razor-sharp wit, biting commentary, and a sense of theatricality that makes her stand out from the rest. Decked out in ravishing couture, she has a striking presence marked by her iconic black-and-white hair. Cruella commands attention. Not just from her appearance but from the way she carries herself. In a time when women were meant to be sweet and demure, Cruella is anything but. She’s fearless. In the animated film, at least, there’s no morally gray area. She’s wonderfully wicked, creating the blueprint for the pure evil archetype. Cruella is villainously charming in the story, but the charm she exuded across the screen made her one of the most deliciously intriguing characters. It’s why live-action iterations, played by Glenn Close and Emma Stone, have been equally iconic.
3
Hades
‘Hercules’ (1997)
Many Disney fans have their obvious favorites from the Disney Renaissance, but one film that deserves a top spot is Hercules. Bringing Greek mythology to the screen, the film had every millennial who owned the D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths fascinated because it brought to lifethe gods we read about. While many of the great gods were given heroic, cinematic treatment, one god was given a smarmy presence: Hades. Voiced by James Woods, Hades comes off as a slick, fast-talking salesman of sorts. Rather than a menacing, brooding villain, Hades was sassy comic relief. Alongside his minions Pain and Panic (Bobcat Goldthwait and Matt Frewer), Hades ruled the Underworld with an ulterior motive: to overthrow his brother Zeus (Rip Torn) and rule Olympus by defeating his son, Hercules (Tate Donovan), by making him mortal.
Since he is Hades, yes, his fiery temper is the epitome of mood swings. But there’s more to him than that. Hades’ charm stems from the relatability of his role. If you pull back a moment, he’s just an underappreciated employee essentially doing a thankless job. Hades is set apart from many villains of his time by his surprisingly strong moral compass. When he makes a deal, he will honor it. Not necessarily a real win-win for all parties, when Hercules made a deal to sacrifice his strength in exchange for Megera’s (Susan Egan) freedom, Hades honored the terms without scheming or double-crossing. Perhaps that’s why he can get away with his flamboyance, pet names, and one-liners. Another villain without a solo song, Hades rises to the top because of the extravagance in his portrayal.
2
Dr. Facilier
‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009)
The 21st-century run of Disney films has been significant in that more time and care have been infused into the films’ cultural elements. Rather than relying on stereotypes and tropes, the Disney team ensured that every element was properly plotted and accurate. So, when The Princess and the Frog took the classic story and set it in 1920s New Orleans, it meant the world-building was handled properly. The story follows Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a hardworking waitress who dreams of opening her own restaurant, who is turned into a frog after kissing the arrogant, amphibian-transformed Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos). Together, they embark on a magical bayou adventure to break the curse. With magic central to the story, the New Orleans setting opened the door to exploring voodoo through the lens of the evil voodoo witch doctor, Dr. Facilier (Keith David).
Also known as “The Shadow Man,” Facilier is a smooth-talking hustler. His name is derived from the French word “facile,” meaning easy—a perfectly named character. He has a magnetic showmanship, a suave aesthetic, and an ease for tempting desperate people into desperate deals. Including Naveen himself. While his charm is central to his exterior, inside, he’s a sinister, manipulative figure. But there’s a motive. Unlike his predecessors, who sought world domination, his ambition stems from his fight against a segregated society. The Princess and the Frog is a kids’ film at heart, but the themes within are quite profound and historic.
Perhaps the closest Disney villain to Facilier is The Little Mermaid‘s Ursula (Pat Carroll), but while they both offer hapless individuals easy shortcuts to their deepest desires, Ursula is all-out evil. Facilier has a facade to hide behind. He’s able to maintain that as he doesn’t do the dirty work himself. That is, he’s a master of the Zanatos Gambit, relying on tarot cards and voodoo magic to manipulate his pawns. Oh, and there’s also his shadow, which acts as an extension of his sinister side. There’s no true sidekick in his world; it’s just him. Between David’s smooth sound and the most iconic villain track in recent Disney memory, “Friends on the Other Side,” the 2D animated character reinvigorated our lust for genuine Disney villains.
1
Prince Hans
‘Frozen’ (2013)
We could have an entire dissertation about red flags in dating and how you literally should never, ever rush into things. Even if a prince shows up at your door to woo you. And if he’s in a rush, it’s probably because he’s not into you, but what you have to offer. You know, like an entire kingdom. The truth is, without that happening, we’d never have the mammoth hit and pop culture-altering film Frozen. Everything we ever thought we knew about handsome princes was gone out the window the moment Prince Hans (Santino Fontana) stepped onto the screen. The story of Frozen is about Anna (Kristen Bell), an overly optimistic princess, who teams up with an iceman named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer named Sven, and a sentient snowman named Olaf (Josh Gad), to find her estranged sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), who accidentally trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in an endless winter. In comes Hans, a calculating 13th-born prince of the Southern Isles, who hatches a plan to marry Anna to usurp the throne. Anything to be a king, right?
Hans was literally designed to look and act like a typical charming prince. And for first-time watchers of the film, Anna wasn’t the only one who was tricked. Don’t fool yourself, Hans got you too! With Hans around, love was literally an open door. The way that song is actually a rare hero-villain duet is brilliant. Anyway, the deliberate misdirection was meant to remind everyone not to rush into things, especially marrying someone you just met. Subverting the love at first sight tropes, Hans tapped into every vulnerability he could find in Anna. All he had to do was promise not to shut her out as her sister did, and she was putty in his hands.
Hans plays the long game. His con is not outward from the start. With his indiscretions hidden, Hans uses the kingdom’s needs to his advantage, stepping into the role of a competent, caring leader to earn the kingdom’s trust. And he did. With the greatest of ease. Having Anna on board, it was a seamless maneuver. Hans is absolutely beguiling. No wonder Anna was bewitched and bothered. He could finish her sandwiches! Revisionist history may say we saw the twist coming all along, but Hans was a perfectly crafted, charming villain that changed Disney princes forever.
Frozen
- Release Date
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November 27, 2013
- Runtime
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102 minutes
- Director
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Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
- Writers
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Jennifer Lee
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