At the heart of every great classic Disney film lies a formidable antagonist. From the conniving and cunning Jafar in Aladdin to the wickedly enchanting Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, these villains serve as the ultimate embodiment of evil.

From the menacing Captain Hook in Peter Pan to the vile stepmother Lady Tremaine in Cinderella, there is a wide array of villains in the Disney universe; think the sinister motives of Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians and the enchanting Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty. Their diabolical schemes and unforgettable personalities have solidified their places in the Disney Villain “Hall of Fame.”

Their relentless pursuit of power, revenge, or simply wreaking havoc allows us to appreciate the strength and determination of our heroes. Without the presence of these cruel masters of deception, the stories we know and love would lose their edge and fail to capture our hearts.

Disney villains play a vital role in storytelling, bringing out the best and worst in our beloved characters. They serve as catalysts for conflict, driving the plot forward and shaping the development of our favorite heroes. These captivating and often sinister characters have a unique way of inspiring the audience’s fascination, making us root for their inevitable defeat.

What do Disney Villains Bring to the Table?

Disney villains contribute immensely to films. Take Mother Gothel from Tangled, for example. Her manipulative and selfish nature not only adds complexity to the narrative but also challenges Rapunzel’s innocence and forces her to discover her true strength.

Similarly, the Evil Queen (i.e., Queen Grimhilde) in Snow White pushes the boundaries of vanity, tempting our young princess and teaching her important lessons on inner beauty and resilience. Not only this, but these characters also add a certain nuance and complexity to the protagonist’s journey, helping the characters grow as people and evolve to become “older and wiser” by the end of the story arc.

This isn’t all, though. Over the last few years, Disney has also leaned into the trend of allowing villains to be humanized, sharing their backstories, and allowing people to understand them and their motivations better. While this doesn’t change the evil actions of these villains in the original story, it does speak to the quality and complexity of their characters.

This is to say, the villains don’t only help the characters we know and love evolve as people; they also stand apart as whole characters on their own.

So, WHY Do We Love Disney Villains?

Perhaps it’s their ability to help us tap into our own inner darkness or the thrill of watching them challenge societal norms, either way, we find ourselves drawn to their complexities and allure, secretly rooting for their success even as we know they must be defeated. It is this intricate dance between good and evil that keeps us invested, eagerly awaiting each twist and turn.

But not all Disney villains quite hit the mark, unfortunately. While some become the subject of our scariest nightmares, others simply… fall flat. And in that vein, here’s this writer’s list of the Worst to Best Disney Villains, Ranked.

The Worst Disney Villains

8. Prince John from Disney’s Robin Hood

When it comes to the pantheon of Disney villains, few can compare to the spineless nature of Prince John from the iconic film Robin Hood. With his cowardly demeanor and insatiable greed, Prince John stands out as one of the worst Disney villains to ever grace the silver screen.

Prince John is the main antagonist of the story. He rules over Nottingham with an iron fist while his brother, King Richard, is away. Despite his position of power, Prince John’s insecurity and hunger for wealth drive him to commit heinous acts against the innocent residents of the kingdom. From excessive taxation to the unjust imprisonment of those who cannot pay, there is no limit to his villainous deeds.

Prince John should be a good villain. He had all the elements to make one.

Yet, unlike other Disney villains who possess an air of genuine menacing authority, Prince John relies on deceit and manipulation, showing no strong screen presence himself. He surrounds himself with loyal lackeys, such as the slimy Sir Hiss, who aid him in carrying out his wicked plans and are arguably more villainous than him.

7. Madame Medusa from The Rescuers

Here’s a truly dark-hearted villain who just…missed the mark. It speaks a lot to the quality of a villain when they commit truly heinous and despicable acts but then is just… forgotten.

Madame Medusa from The Rescuers—for anyone who needed the refresher this writer did—is a horrible person. She kidnaps a cute and innocent orphan girl named Penny, sends her down a terrifyingly dark cave that fills up with water, and puts her at risk of drowning.

And the kicker? She does all of this for a large diamond.

One of the reasons this doesn’t quite work for me is the stakes don’t match the actions. The amount of havoc Madame Medusa wreaks is unimaginable. To almost cause the death of a child is not exactly a bed of roses, especially for a kids’ movie. And yet, there’s no world, kingdom, or even large population at stake; it’s just one woman’s greed.

All the crocodile pets in the world can’t fix the basic issues with this character.

Personally, hard pass.

6. Commander Rourke — Atlantis: The Lost Empire

In Disney’s animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Commander Rourke serves as the primary antagonist.

Rourke and his crew embark on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of Atlantis, a hidden civilization ripe with untold riches. It is through this exploration that his true nature is exposed. However, his desire for wealth and power is not particularly unique in the realm of Disney villains. This lack of originality diminishes his potential as a truly captivating antagonist.

Moreover, Rourke’s betrayal comes across as predictable and expected. From the moment the audience is introduced to his character, it is evident that his motivations lie solely in personal gain. There is little surprise or insight offered into his past or background, leaving much to be desired in terms of character development.

While his betrayal of Milo and the Atlanteans is meant to add complexity to his character, it ultimately falls short and detracts from the overall storyline. Despite his cunning plan to steal the Heart of Atlantis, Rourke’s motivations for doing so feel generic and lack depth.

He reminds me of Madame Medusa with respect to his motivations, and the only reason it’s any different is because the rest of the characters save Commander Rourke as a character.

5. Hans from Frozen

Hans from Frozen is often debated as one of the most unnecessary characters in Disney history. When I first watched Frozen, his character was so unconvincing that it actually made me lose interest and put the movie aside momentarily. However, I eventually did give it a chance.

While Hans is classified as a twist villain, there was something about the development of his character that didn’t quite resonate with me. Rather than embodying the qualities of a truly formidable villain, someone who could have achieved his goals through genuine and credible means, he came off more like a toxic date.

This portrayal left me somewhat disappointed, as I had hoped for a more nuanced and formidable antagonist to challenge the protagonists.

Hans, unfortunately, pales in comparison to the depth and loveability of the other characters in the film. Without a doubt, the film’s true heart lies in the bond between Anna and Elsa and their unwavering love for each other.

In the world of Disney, there have been numerous memorable villains who have captivated audiences with their depth and complexity. Characters like Maleficent, Scar, and Ursula have become iconic in their own right, leaving a lasting impression in the minds of viewers. In comparison, Hans falls short of leaving a lasting impact and fails to carve out a place for himself in the pantheon of truly remarkable Disney villains.

The Best Disney Villains

The great news is when a villain actually does their job, there’s a lot more to be happy about (and a lot less to complain about). Disney villains who serve their purpose bring a certain flavor of necessary darkness to a Disney film, which allows the movie and narrative to be well-balanced.

They can be terrifying, frustrating, and yet some of the most beloved characters in the Disney universe. On that note, here are the best Disney villains in the game.

4. Scar from The Lion King

Scar, the treacherous and sly lion who craves power, stops at nothing to fulfill his desire for the throne of Pride Rock. His wickedness and ambition are exemplified by his ruthless act of murdering his own brother, Mufasa, and orchestrating a dangerous stampede to achieve his diabolical plan.

This malevolent character is brought to life through the masterful voice acting of Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons. Scar’s sinister charisma and hunger for power become palpable and, of course, are brought home in his iconic villainous anthem, “Be Prepared.”

Scar’s undeniable presence and commanding aura leave a lasting impression. His relentless disdain and cruelty towards his nephew, Simba, and his merciless nature and unwavering determination to seize the throne make him a formidable foe to be reckoned with.

Fans will remember the iconic stampede scene, orchestrated by Scar himself, which showcases his utter disregard for life and his willingness to eliminate any obstacle in his path.

This heart-wrenching moment, where Mufasa meets his tragic demise, leaves an indelible mark on viewers and solidifies Scar’s position as one of Disney’s most devious antagonists.

3. Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty

With her powerful presence and iconic design of sorcery and fashionable headpieces, the Sleeping Beauty villain truly captivates audiences. In the animated movie, this villain is voiced by the talented Eleanor Audley, and in the live-action, she’s played by the irreplaceable Angelina Jolie.

One of the most striking aspects of this Disney villain is her delight in imposing curses and inflicting pain upon others. With each act, she revels in her power, making the children’s movie feel like a journey into an animated horror realm. The intensity of her malevolent laughter and the eerie ambiance created by the floating green light reinforce this unsettling atmosphere.

However, it is her transformation into a formidable dragon that truly solidifies her status as a memorable antagonist. The moment she assumes this monstrous form, she instills fear in the hearts of both the audience and the heroic characters. Despite our supposed allegiance to Princess Aurora and Prince Philip’s love story, it is difficult not to secretly root for the nefarious villainess to continue her reign of terror.

2. John Silver from Treasure Planet

John Silver is undeniably one of the most fascinating Disney villains to grace the screen. It’s his intricacies and depth that secure his place at number two on this list.

What sets him apart is his departure from the conventional black-and-white dichotomy that typically defines Disney villains, a remarkable feat considering this movie was released during the early stages of Disney’s exploration of more complex villain characters.

Long John Silver stands out from the rest because he forges an unexpected bond with the young hero, a bond that ultimately transforms the hero’s life for the better. It is quite extraordinary that despite being the antagonist, Silver manages to impart valuable life lessons to Jim Hawkins, the protagonist. He enlightens Jim about the importance of hard work and instills in him a newfound belief in himself and his choices.

In the realm of Disney villains, it is rare to find a character who not only challenges traditional notions of good and evil but also influences the hero’s journey in such a profound way. Silver’s ability to inspire growth and self-discovery in the young hero showcases his complexity and makes him an unforgettable presence in the Disney villain pantheon.

1. Ursula from The Little Mermaid

And for the best Disney villain, everyone bow down to Ursula, the Sea Witch, from The Little Mermaid. 

From the moment Ursula graces the screen, her powerful presence and commanding voice captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on their memory. Portrayed as a cunning and conniving antagonist, Ursula exudes an aura of dark allure, making her one of the most iconic and beloved villains in Disney history.

Ursula’s character depth and motivations truly elevate her to the upper echelons of Disney villainy. Unlike somevillains who seek power or dominance, Ursula’s actions are driven by her desire for revenge and jealousy. Her backstory provides insight into her relationship with King Triton and her quest to usurp his throne, adding layers of complexity to her character.

Moreover, Ursula’s ability to manipulate and deceive both the protagonist, Ariel, and the audience showcases her intelligence and strategic prowess. Through her iconic song “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” Ursula proves herself to be a masterful manipulator, preying on the vulnerabilities of others to achieve her own nefarious goals.

Furthermore, the impact of Ursula’s actions within the narrative of The Little Mermaid should not be underestimated. Her actions not only propel the plot forward but also serve as valuable life lessons for viewers. Ursula’s downfall ultimately teaches us about the consequences of making deals with the wrong people and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Ursula, the Sea Witch, reigns supreme as the best Disney villain, captivating audiences with her compelling character, devious nature, and unforgettable presence.

Whether they leave us with nightmares or become our guilty pleasures, one thing is for certain: Disney villains will forever hold a special place in our hearts and in the tapestry of storytelling.

So, there you have it! Our list of the best and worst Disney villains in the long list of Disney movies released.

Did you agree with our list of the best and worst Disney villains? Let us know in the comments below!