The 7 Most Iconic Disney Villains That We Love to Loathe

Disney princesses and their sidekicks tend to get all the spotlight in our favorite Disney movies. The triumphant story of Mulan defying the odds, the charming musical stylings of the Caribbean crab Sebastian, and the hilarious plight of Pumba have delivered the songs and quotes that have altered the brain chemistry of Disney fans for decades.

But the unsung anti-heroes who anchor the most powerful stories we know and love aren’t the furry companions or graceful princesses. Disney’s villains are undeniably iconic, from diabolical Dalmatian killers to voice-snatching sea witches.

By all accounts, we should hate them—but Disney bakes a certain magical charisma into its characters that has us buying just as many villain figurines as princess dolls.

To honor the awful, evil, fabulous run of Disney’s momentous villains, these are the seven most iconic antagonists in no particular order.

Mother Gothel

Does Mother really know best, or is she executing an evil plot to kidnap a princess? Mother Gothel, voiced Donna Murphy in the Disney movie Tangled, carried out lifelong kidnapping in the name of esthetics. Faining motherly love and protection, she used Rapunzel’s magical hair to retain a youthful appearance while lying to her face for years. Maybe it’s her song “Mother Knows Best,” but there’s something to love about her.

Dr. Facilier

Technically a two-for-one villain with his shadow, the charismatic Dr. Facilier is a smooth-talking con man from The Princess and the Frog who deserves more credit. Although he’s terrified by his “friends” on the other side, you would never know if with his smooth demeanor.

Yzma

She saves on postage and gets broccoli stuck in her teeth—she’s just like us! Well, minus the theatrical costumes and being scary beyond all reason. Throughout Emperor’s New Groove, Yzma’s evil queen demeanor cracks when we see her genuine affinity for her sidekick, Kronk. And we can’t forget how undeniably cute she was as a cuddly kitten.

Hades

He’s a schmoozer, and we give him two thumbs “way, way up” as an infamous Disney villain. Pulling proverbial strings behind Hercules and Meggera in the Disney movie Hercules, the dubious Hades, voiced by the incomparable James Woods, earns a top villain spot. Based on the upcoming Disney+ series featuring Hades, it seems Disney fandom agrees.

Scar

Hailing over hyenas in the pride lands and pulling off the most diabolical murder in Disney history, Scar from The Lion King has cemented himself as a hall-of-fame Disney villain. His smug expressions and thirst for power make him one of the most determined villains of all time, and his epic throes with Simba at Pride Rock are Shakespearian.

Cruella de Vil

If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will. The monochrome villain who first appeared in 1961’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians sent shockwaves through the Disney scene. Cruella de Vil’s striking looks and evil charm have been portrayed by Oscar-winning actresses Glenn Close and Emma Stone, and her iconic tune is cemented in Disney history.

Ursula

Anyone who can’t appreciate Ursula is just a poor, unfortunate soul. Larger than life in the 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, Ursula caught our tongues as she snatched Ariel’s voice. Her power struggle with King Triton could be studied in international universities, and her revival in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, played by Melissa McCarthy, gives Disney fans a chance to soak in her delicious evil once again.

While there are plenty more noteworthy villains from Disney’s most famous films, these seven top the charts with their evil charm.