Disney villains, ranked from most evil to kinda awesome
It’s kinda weird to talk about the best Disney villains, since we’re supposed to not root for them. But sometimes, these villains are just so bad, they’re good. Or, at least they give us things we love to hate about them — like how they’re always getting in the way of our hero in the most wickedly ways.
Now, thanks to Disney Channel’s new show Descendants (which premiered last night!), we’ve got a brand new look at some of our favorite villains, too. Descendants tells the story we don’t know about Maleficent, Cruella, Jafar, and the Evil Queen, and their children, too. Because even villains get to have kids in the Disney world, you know.
So in honor of Descendants (which we’re already loving, BTB), lets take a look at some of our favorite iconic villains. They’re ranked from the cruelest to coolest. You know, kind of villain you might actually want to hang out with.
10. Scar, The Lion King
Starting off at #10, we’ve got Scar, who is actually the meanest Disney villain. Everything about him is just seeping with evil. He’s also one of the few Disney villains who actually kills someone on-screen. It’s impossible 20 years later to watch Mufasa’s death scene and not tear up every time Simba asks, “Dad?” That’s because of Scar. And on top of that, he frightens Simba away in order to have Pride Rock all to himself. Not OK, Scar.
9. The Evil Queen, Snow White
If you ever think twice before biting into a big, red apple, it’s because of the Evil Queen. She’s ruined that fruit for generations. The Queen wants Snow White killed so she can be the fairest in the land, and will not rest until her own beauty reigns supreme. She orders Snow White killed. When that doesn’t work, she decides to do the deed herself, with that red apple, and something she calls “The Sleeping Death.” All because she wants to be the most “beautiful.” She doesn’t understand that beauty isn’t one ideal, but something we all possess—and we’d totally feel sad for her if she wasn’t so darn mean.
8. Queen of Hearts, Alice in Wonderland
Anyone who shouts, “off with their heads!” gets a place on the villains list. The Queen of Hearts beheads everyone who gets in her way. Not only that, she’s stubborn, rude, and in Alice’s own words, a “pompous, bad tempered old tyrant.” So don’t let the hearts fool you.
7. Jafar, Aladdin
Jafar tries a little too hard to take over Agrabah. He could have just played it cool, and hoped that Princess Jasmine would fall for him on her own time. Or, he could banish Aladdin, lock up the Sultan, and then turn himself into an all-powerful genie.
6. Gaston, Beauty and the Beast
Oh, Gaston. It’s easy to see why all the maidens in town fall for him. It’s also easy to see why Belle is like, “hard pass.” Maybe the most evil thing he actually does — besides that whole, “kill the beast!” thing — is that he doesn’t like Belle for who she is as a person. He only likes her for her looks, and can’t understand why she’s always got her nose stuck in a book. We’re going to have to “hard pass” on you too, Gaston.
5. Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty
Maleficent gets to sit right in the middle because while she’s all bad, she’s also pretty iconic at the same time. Seriously, check out her all black wardrobe, with her horned head piece. You don’t want to mess with her. Especially considering that she can TURN INTO A DRAGON and BREATHE FIRE. Awesome. But not so awesome if you’re Prince Philip trying to save the kingdom.
4. Captain Hook, Peter Pan
Captain Hook just seems like he needs a hug, you know? He just needs someone to take him out for coffee, so he can rant and complain about all his problems, from Peter Pan, to crocodiles. He’s really just a bumbling sea captain. Who let him command that boat, anyway?
3. Lotso, Toy Story 3
You want to love Lotso. He is cute, he is cuddly, and he smells like strawberries. He’s a giant, pink bear, who just wants to give you a hug! Which is why it’s so tragic when Lotso suddenly turns on Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang in Toy Story 3. Yet, passing by a Lotso toy in the store, that’s an automatic purchase. He’s so cute.
2. Ursula, The Little Mermaid
Ursula gets to sit very high towards the “cool” villain factor because she is one fabulous sea witch. So maybe she steals Ariel’s voice, and then steals Ariel’s guy (Eric) but she is fierce while doing it. On one hand, she’s terrifying. But on the other hand, she’s got so much style. Plus, her song “Poor Unfortunately Souls” is one of the best in the movie, IMHO.
1. Yzma, The Emperor’s New Groove
I’m gonna let all the other Disney villains finish their dastardly ways, but Yzma is the best Disney villain. It is a crying SHAME The Emperor’s New Groove hasn’t made its way further into pop culture, because Yzma is just the best. It’s hard to hate her, and be like, “oh no, don’t do that evil thing!” because everything she does is just so darn hilarious. She’s awful at being a villain, and that only makes us love her so much more. How about when she decides to simply poison Emperor Kusco to save on postage? Or that her secret lair includes a roller coaster? Not to mention she’s also got the best henchmen, too: Kronk, Yzma forever.
(Images via Disney)
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