The 10 Best Disney Villains of All Time, Ranked

It’s a Wednesday evening in early September, and a cool, crisp mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier each day, and the approaching autumn season invites a turn towards stories that are a little darker, a little more complex, and a whole lot more dramatic. While we will always love our heroes, there is a special, enduring fascination with the characters who operate in the shadows, the ones who are driven by ambition, envy, and a delicious, unapologetic wickedness. It is, in short, the perfect time to celebrate the glorious and unforgettable world of the Disney villain.

For generations, Disney has been the undisputed master of the animated fairytale, but the secret to the enduring power of these stories often lies not with the princess, but with her formidable adversary. A great hero is defined by the greatness of their villain, and the Disney pantheon is filled with some of the most charismatic, terrifying, and iconic antagonists in cinematic history. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the love for these characters is more fervent than ever. We see a massive trend for "villain-core" aesthetics, with fans creating stunning makeup looks inspired by Maleficent, fashion mood boards dedicated to Cruella de Vil’s wicked glamour, and viral audio clips of Scar’s deliciously evil monologues.

To rank the ten “best” Disney villains is to embark on a journey through the dark, beating heart of our most cherished childhood stories. It is an exercise in analysing not just power and evil, but also style, charisma, and unforgettable showmanship. This is not simply a list of the meanest characters; it is a celebration of the villains who are the most complex, the most compelling, and the most masterfully crafted.

This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the greatest antagonists in the Disney canon. We have considered their cultural impact, their narrative significance, and their sheer, undeniable star power to bring you this ranked list, presented in descending order. From the tragic and tormented to the purely, magnificently evil, these are the ten villains who have captured our imaginations and proven, time and time again, that it’s good to be bad.

Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you appreciate the brilliant artistry of these iconic characters, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!

10. Hades (Hercules, 1997)

The Vibe: The fast-talking, fiery-tempered, and hilariously sarcastic used-car salesman of the underworld. He is a villain who is as funny as he is formidable.

The Character: Hades, the lord of the Underworld, is a god with a serious grudge. Resentful of his brother Zeus's position as the king of the gods, he plots a hostile takeover of Mount Olympus. His plan is nearly foolproof, until he discovers that his nephew, the newborn Hercules, is destined to stop him. Hades spends the rest of the film trying to corrupt and destroy the young hero, all while managing his own chaotic and incompetent demonic minions, Pain and Panic.

Why He’s One of the Best: In a world of stoic, regal villains, Hades is a breath of fresh, sarcastic air. Voiced with a legendary, rapid-fire comedic brilliance by James Woods, Hades is one of the funniest and most charismatic villains Disney has ever created. His character is a masterful blend of genuine menace and hilarious, relatable frustration. He is a powerful god who is constantly on the verge of a temper tantrum, his blue flame hair exploding into a fiery red whenever he loses his cool. His witty, anachronistic one-liners and his slick, deal-making persona make him a completely unique and unforgettable antagonist.

Iconic Moment: The scene where he is trying to convince Megara to work for him, laying out his evil plan with the speed and charm of a Hollywood agent. His line, "We dance, we kiss, we schmooze, we carry on, we go home happy. What do you say? Come on," is a perfect encapsulation of his unique, sleazy charm. For more on the brilliant voice acting in animated films, the IMDb Top 50 Animated Films list is a great place to start. The show's complex and terrifying villain is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Villains of All Time.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Hercules on Disney+. You can find a huge range of Hades-themed merchandise, from Funko Pops to t-shirts, on ShopDisney.

9. Jafar (Aladdin, 1992)

The Vibe: The quintessential, power-hungry, and deeply sinister royal vizier. He is a classic, theatrical villain who is driven by pure, unadulterated ambition.

The Character: Jafar is the trusted, and deeply untrustworthy, advisor to the bumbling Sultan of Agrabah. He is obsessed with finding the magic lamp and gaining control of the Genie so that he can become the most powerful man in the world. He is a master of manipulation, using his hypnotic, snake-headed staff and his dry, sarcastic wit to bend others to his will. He is accompanied by his loud-mouthed and equally evil parrot sidekick, Iago.

Why He’s One of the Best: Jafar is a perfect, classic Disney villain. His design is iconic—the tall, skeletal frame, the long, black robes, and the menacing, twirling goatee. He is elegant, intelligent, and utterly ruthless. His sarcastic, world-weary demeanour provides a fantastic, dry contrast to the more manic energy of the Genie. The voice performance by Jonathan Freeman is a masterpiece of theatrical villainy, delivering every line with a perfect, menacing purr. Jafar is a timeless and brilliant embodiment of the corrupting nature of absolute power.

Iconic Moment: His transformation into a giant, monstrous cobra during the film’s climax is a terrifying and visually spectacular piece of animation. It is the moment his sinister, snake-like personality is made literal, creating one of the most memorable and thrilling final battles in Disney history. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Aladdin on Disney+.

8. Captain Hook (Peter Pan, 1953)

The Vibe: The foppish, theatrical, and deeply insecure pirate captain who is a perfect blend of genuine menace and hilarious incompetence.

The Character: Captain Hook is the dandified and tyrannical captain of the Jolly Roger and the sworn enemy of Peter Pan. His obsession with revenge stems from a past duel where Peter cut off his hand and fed it to a crocodile, who has been pursuing him ever since, its approach heralded by the sound of a ticking clock it has also swallowed. Hook is a vain and cowardly villain, constantly undone by his own incompetence and his comical fear of the crocodile.

Why He’s One of the Best: Captain Hook is one of the most iconic and enduring villains in the Disney canon. He is a brilliant comedic creation, a character who is capable of being both genuinely threatening to the children and hilariously pathetic in his dealings with his bumbling first mate, Mr. Smee, and the ticking crocodile. He is a character who is defined by his theatricality, his over-the-top tantrums, and his surprisingly elegant sense of style. He is a perfect, classic villain who is as funny as he is fearsome.

Iconic Moment: Any scene with the ticking crocodile is a masterclass in comedic tension. The moment where he unknowingly sits on a seagull's nest and then throws a full-blown, childish tantrum is a perfect encapsulation of his hilarious and pathetic nature. For more on the enduring legacy of J.M. Barrie's original creation, the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (to whom Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan) has a wonderful history.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Peter Pan on Disney+.

7. Yzma (The Emperor's New Groove, 2000)

The Vibe: A fabulously ancient, delightfully mad, and hilariously incompetent sorceress who is a masterclass in comedic villainy.

The Character: Yzma is the ancient and terrifyingly ambitious advisor to the young, selfish Emperor Kuzco. After she is unceremoniously fired, she plots her revenge: to kill Kuzco and take the throne for herself. However, her plan is botched by her wonderfully dim-witted and lovable henchman, Kronk, and instead of poisoning Kuzco, they accidentally turn him into a llama. The rest of the film follows Yzma and Kronk on a hilarious and increasingly desperate chase to finish the job.

Why He’s One of the Best: Yzma is, without a doubt, one of the funniest villains Disney has ever created. Voiced with a legendary, gravelly purr by the iconic Eartha Kitt, Yzma is a perfect, campy, and completely unforgettable creation. Her design is a work of genius—"scary beyond all reason"—and her dynamic with Kronk is one of the greatest comedic pairings in animation history. She is a villain who is so spectacularly bad at being a villain that you can't help but love her.

Iconic Moment: The "pull the lever, Kronk" sequence, which culminates in Yzma and Kronk plummeting into a crocodile-infested ravine, is a moment of pure, Looney Tunes-esque comedic perfection. The show’s blend of action and comedy is a winning formula, and for more on that, check out our list of the Top 5 Best Action Comedy Movies of All Time.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Emperor's New Groove on Disney+.

6. The Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937)

The Vibe: The original, iconic, and terrifyingly vain Disney villain. She is a figure of cold, regal beauty and pure, chilling evil.

The Character: The Evil Queen is the beautiful but cruel stepmother of Snow White. Her entire identity and sense of self-worth are tied to her status as the "fairest one of all." When her magic mirror informs her that the young Snow White has surpassed her in beauty, she is consumed by a murderous, narcissistic rage. She will stop at nothing to eliminate her rival, first ordering her huntsman to kill the princess, and then taking matters into her own hands with a poisoned apple.

Why He’s One of the Best: The Evil Queen is the blueprint for almost every Disney villain that followed. She is a truly terrifying and psychologically complex character, a powerful exploration of vanity, jealousy, and the fear of aging. Her transformation from a beautiful, regal queen into a hideous, cackling old hag is one of the most iconic and genuinely frightening sequences in animation history. She is a character who operates not with comedic flair, but with a cold, ruthless, and deeply unsettling seriousness.

Iconic Moment: Her transformation into the old hag. The scene, with its bubbling potions, its dramatic lightning, and the Queen's agonizing screams, is a masterpiece of early animation and a moment of pure, gothic horror. The show's complex and terrifying villain is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Villains of All Time. For a deep dive into the history of this groundbreaking film, the Walt Disney Family Museum's website has some fantastic articles.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Disney+.

5. Cruella de Vil (One Hundred and One Dalmatians, 1961)

The Vibe: A glamorous, chaotic, and utterly unhinged fashionista who is one of the most stylish and terrifyingly realistic villains in the Disney canon.

The Character: Cruella de Vil is a wealthy, fur-obsessed heiress and a former schoolmate of Anita. Her entire being is dedicated to the pursuit of high fashion, and her latest obsession is to create a coat made from the skins of Dalmatian puppies. When she is unable to buy the puppies from Anita and Roger, she hires two bumbling crooks, Horace and Jasper, to steal them, setting in motion a daring, cross-country rescue mission.

Why He’s One of the Best: Cruella is a unique and brilliant creation. Unlike many other Disney villains, she has no magical powers. Her evil is entirely, terrifyingly human. She is a villain who is driven by pure, unadulterated greed and a monstrous sense of vanity. Her design is a masterpiece of animation—all sharp angles, wild, two-toned hair, and a cloud of green cigarette smoke. She is a character who is both a glamorous fashion icon and a terrifying, unstable psychopath. Her theme song is one of the most iconic and brilliant in the Disney songbook.

Iconic Moment: The terrifying car chase sequence at the end of the film, where a completely unhinged Cruella maniacally tries to run the puppy-filled truck off the road, is a thrilling and unforgettable piece of action animation. Her influence on fashion is undeniable, and for more on making a statement with your style, check out our article on 10 Bold Print Fashion Trends for Summer 2025.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream One Hundred and One Dalmatians on Disney+.

4. Ursula (The Little Mermaid, 1989)

The Vibe: A big, bold, and brilliantly campy sea witch who is a masterpiece of theatrical, villainous glamour.

The Character: Ursula is a powerful cecaelia (part human, part octopus) who was banished from the kingdom of Atlantica by King Triton. She is a cunning and manipulative schemer who preys on the desires of "poor, unfortunate souls." She sees her chance for revenge when Triton's youngest daughter, Ariel, falls in love with a human. Ursula makes a deal with the lovesick mermaid: she will give her legs for three days in exchange for her beautiful voice. It’s a deal, of course, that is designed to fail, allowing Ursula to claim both Ariel and Triton's crown.

Why He’s One of the Best: Ursula is a true icon. Her design, famously inspired by the legendary drag queen Divine, is a work of genius. She is a character who is bursting with a bold, confident, and unapologetically theatrical personality. The voice performance by Pat Carroll is one of the greatest in animation history, a perfect blend of a smoky, world-weary lounge singer and a terrifying, power-hungry monster. Her song, "Poor Unfortunate Souls," is a masterclass in musical villainy, a brilliant, seductive, and completely irresistible performance.

Iconic Moment: The entire "Poor Unfortunate Souls" sequence is a perfect, self-contained piece of musical theatre. It is a brilliant showcase of Ursula’s manipulative charm and her incredible, theatrical power. For a deep dive into the making of this classic film, the Disney+ documentary "Howard", about the life of lyricist Howard Ashman, is essential viewing. The show's complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Comedies With a Flawed But Lovable Protagonist.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+.

3. Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996)

The Vibe: A truly dark, terrifying, and psychologically complex villain who is arguably the most evil and realistic in the entire Disney canon.

The Character: Judge Claude Frollo is the deeply pious and ruthlessly puritanical Minister of Justice in Paris. He is a man who is consumed by a deep-seated hatred for the Romani people and a twisted sense of religious self-righteousness. His world is thrown into chaos when he becomes consumed by a lustful obsession with the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Unable to reconcile his desire with his puritanical beliefs, he projects his sin onto her, and sets out to destroy her, and all of Paris, if she will not submit to him.

Why He’s One of the Best: Frollo is a terrifyingly realistic villain. His evil is not born of magic or a simple desire for power; it is born of religious fanaticism, hypocrisy, and sexual repression. He is a villain who genuinely believes he is the hero of his own story, a man who sees his own cruelty as a righteous crusade. His villain song, "Hellfire," is, without a doubt, the darkest, most adult, and most powerful song in the entire Disney songbook. It is a terrifying and brilliant exploration of a man's soul in torment.

Iconic Moment: The "Hellfire" sequence. The song, with its dramatic Latin chants and its stunning, terrifying visuals of Frollo being tormented by his own desire, is a masterpiece of animation and a moment that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a "family" film. For more on the film's surprisingly mature themes, the BFI (British Film Institute) has some fantastic articles. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Hunchback of Notre Dame on Disney+.

2. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)

The Vibe: The ultimate, iconic, and unapologetically evil fairytale villain. She is a figure of terrifying, otherworldly power and pure, elegant malevolence.

The Character: Maleficent is the self-proclaimed "Mistress of All Evil." After she is not invited to the christening of the infant Princess Aurora, she crashes the party in a spectacular fashion and bestows a "gift" upon the child: a curse that on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die. Maleficent is not a subtle villain; she is a being of pure, theatrical evil, who delights in her own wickedness.

Why He’s One of the Best: Maleficent is, for many, the definitive Disney villain. Her design, with her horned headdress, her pale green skin, and her flowing black and purple robes, is a masterpiece of animation and one of the most iconic character designs in cinematic history. The voice performance by Eleanor Audley is perfect, a voice that is dripping with cold, regal, and terrifying authority. Unlike many other villains, her motivation is not greed or ambition; it is pure, unadulterated spite, which makes her even more terrifying.

Iconic Moment: Her transformation into a giant, fire-breathing dragon for the film's final battle against Prince Phillip is one of the most breathtaking, spectacular, and terrifying moments in all of animation. It is the perfect, epic culmination of her immense and terrifying power. The show's complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Sleeping Beauty on Disney+.

1. Scar (The Lion King, 1994)

The Vibe: The brilliant, charismatic, and terrifyingly intelligent Shakespearean villain. He is a masterpiece of cunning, wit, and pure, theatrical evil.

The Character: Scar is the younger brother of the noble King Mufasa. He is consumed by jealousy and a deep-seated feeling of being second-best. He is a brilliant and manipulative schemer who plots to kill both his brother and his young nephew, Simba, in order to seize the throne of the Pride Lands for himself. He is a villain who wins not through brute force, but through his intelligence, his charisma, and his ability to manipulate those around him.

Why He’s at the Top: Scar is, quite simply, the most perfectly crafted villain in the Disney canon. He is a character of true, Shakespearean depth. The voice performance by the legendary Jeremy Irons is a masterclass, a perfect blend of a bored, aristocratic drawl and a sudden, terrifying snarl. His villain song, "Be Prepared," is one of the greatest of all time, a brilliant, fascist-inspired rally that is both hilarious and genuinely chilling. He is a villain who is not just evil; he is intelligent, he is witty, and he is utterly, completely captivating every single second he is on screen.

Iconic Moment: The moment he whispers "Long live the king" before throwing his own brother to his death in a stampede is one of the most shocking, heartbreaking, and iconic moments in cinematic history. It is a moment of pure, cold-blooded villainy that has haunted a generation of viewers. The show’s unflinching portrayal of betrayal is a powerful theme, one you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Movies About Betrayal, Revenge, and Deception.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Lion King on Disney+.

Conclusion

In the magical, animated world of Disney, a story is only as strong as its villain. The ten characters on this list are a testament to that fact. They are more than just obstacles for the hero to overcome; they are complex, charismatic, and often deeply fascinating characters in their own right. They are the figures who bring the drama, the stakes, and the unforgettable, show-stopping flair to our most beloved childhood stories.

From the hilarious sarcasm of Hades to the Shakespearean tragedy of Scar, these villains represent the very best of Disney's creative and storytelling genius. They are a powerful reminder that sometimes, it is in the exploration of the darkness that we can truly appreciate the light. They are the characters we love to hate, and the reason that these timeless stories will continue to captivate and enchant us for generations to come.

Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is considered the "first" official Disney villain? The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) is widely considered to be the first major, feature-length villain in the Disney animated canon.

2. Why are so many of the classic Disney villains inspired by classic literature and fairytales? Many of Disney's most famous animated films are adaptations of classic fairytales by authors like the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, or classic novels like Peter Pan. The villains from these stories provided a rich and powerful foundation for the animated characters.

3. What is a "villain song"? A "villain song" is a classic musical theatre trope, which Disney perfected, where the antagonist of the story sings a song that explains their motivations, their evil plan, or simply revels in their own wickedness. "Be Prepared" from The Lion King and "Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid are two of the most famous examples.

4. Are all Disney villains purely evil? While many of the classic villains are portrayed as purely evil, in recent years, Disney has explored more complex and sympathetic backstories for its villains, as seen in the live-action film Maleficent.

5. Where can I watch all of these classic Disney movies? All of the animated films on this list are available to stream exclusively on Disney+.

6. Who is the most popular Disney villain according to fans? While it's always a subject of debate, characters like Scar, Maleficent, and Ursula consistently rank at the very top of fan polls and discussions on platforms like Reddit.

7. Are there any villains from Pixar movies on this list? This list focuses specifically on the villains from the Walt Disney Animation Studios canon. Pixar has its own cast of fantastic villains, such as Sid from Toy Story and Syndrome from The Incredibles.

8. What makes a Disney villain "iconic"? An iconic Disney villain typically has a combination of a memorable character design, a brilliant voice performance, a great "villain song," and a motivation that is both clear and compelling, whether it's pure evil or a more complex, tragic backstory.

9. Why do so many Disney villains have animal sidekicks? The animal sidekick, like Jafar's parrot Iago or Captain Hook's crocodile, is a classic storytelling device. They can serve as comic relief, a sounding board for the villain to explain their evil plans to, or a physical manifestation of the villain's own animalistic nature.

10. I love the style of these villains. Where can I find merchandise? The official ShopDisney website has a dedicated "Villains" section where you can find a huge range of merchandise, from clothing and accessories to collectible figures.