The Top 10 Animated Disney Villains

While heroes may have more notoriety in a film, everyone knows the real unsung 'hero' is the villain. Without a striking villain, there is little point for the hero to embark on his journey/avenging mission, and you're left with a poor power balance between the two. It comes as little surprise that some of the most recognisable villains originate from Disney films, as their characterisation and persona is distinctive enough to set them aside from the rest; going down as 'classics' of the animated genre. You, yourself have probably tried to rank Disney villains in the past, so it comes as no surprise that this would be our next feature, considering we've covered the Top 10 Disney Villain songs, Disney Princesses, and indeed, Non-Disney Princesses. This post is strictly for animated Disney villains, for our post covering Live Action, watch this space.

10: Doctor Facilier (The Princess & the Frog)

Well, this is one shadow man we don't want to mess with. This kooky, voodoo dabbling fellow will likely swindle you of all your possessions, and even use black magic to curse you - not exactly someone you'd want to hang out with. Dr. Facilier's talent for manipulation, and his opportunistic nature makes him a far more dangerous villain than some other opponents, as you're never quite sure what kind of scheme he is concocting. And well, y'know, he's got friends from "the other side" on his side. Let's just say Facilier is an all round smooth-talking baddie who utilises his charm to his own ends, and we wouldn't want to pay a visit to his particular establishment in any imagined future. 

9: Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)

Hilarious, ridiculous and overwhelmingly egotistical, Gaston is one of those villains who isn't necessarily depicted as such in his appearance. In fact, his muscular stature, affinity to women and his general demeanour screams 'hero' - that is, until he opens his mouth. If you're a book-reading, intelligent mademoiselle like Belle, then you'd better run for the hills because Gaston and his chest hair is coming for you. Whether it's his five dozen egg habit, his spitting or just overall vain and self-centredness that puts us off, Gaston is truly a villain of monumental stature. We certainly wouldn't want to be around him for too long, but he's so ridiculous that it's sort of entertaining to watch from afar - like 3 villages over, perched on a tree up a hill, far. 

8: The Evil Queen (Snow White)

The original Disney villain, the aptly titled "Evil Queen" certainly did have a particular proclivity for heart-carving. But hey, you've got to give her props for looking fabulous while doing so. Look at that cape swishing; girl's got it down. Sadly, the Queen was not content to just live out her life peacefully, so consumed by envy was she, that she pretty much orchestrated her own downfall - but has gone down in history as one of the most memorable animated villains, while also starting off a trend of 'evil mothers in films' that continues to this day. Poor kids. 

7: Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Raven? Check. Glowing staff? Check. Bad-ass horns and on-point eyeshadow? Double check. Maleficent is the type of villain who knows how to make an entrance. Combined with the fact that she can turn herself into a fire-breathing dragon at will, this makes her pretty difficult to beat in battle. And while we're not entirely convinced that Aurora's beau could have slain such a beast (one man vs. dragon? Talk about dead meat), Maleficent did put up a ferocious fight that earns her a place at number 7. And let's face it, if she's good enough for Angelina Jolie and Kristin Bauer van Straten, she's good enough for us. 

6: Jafar (Aladdin)

Jafar is the type of villain that really needs to get a life. As the Royal Vizier, it was pretty much his job to advise, and screw everyone over. With ambitions to become the Sultan himself, Jafar was a manipulative psychopath who seemed to have no qualms with killing off or enslaving anyone who disagreed with him, utilising his serpent staff. There's no much you can say about Jafar except that he's quite similar to Scar in some ways, although the latter is definitely more charismatic; both are savage, though. 

5: Ursula (The Little Mermaid)

As we arrive at the mid-point, we find darling Ursula lurking in her sea-cave, waiting to "help" the miserable, lonely and depressed. If you ever need more of a sign that a person is a villain, and you're apparently as naive as Ariel, just check to see if they've got two eel side-kicks, tentacles and, oh yeah, magical powers. Has this list taught you nothing? Pretty much every villain has magic (Magic comes with a price, dearie!) and none seem to be all too fond of using it for good. Go figure. Ursula was a fairly blunt and sassy villain, even going so far as to pretty much say Ariel shouldn't trust her in a catchy song-and-dance number. Needless to say, Pat Carroll pretty much nailed this role. 

4: Yzma (The Emperor's New Groove)

One of the more forgotten villains, but every bit as deliciously evil as the rest, Yzma is a rare gem of a character. Her sarcasm and wit remain one of the most loveable things about her, especially when you consider her sidekick is the bumbling (but adorable) buffoon, Kronk. Together, the two will rule the land with their spinach puffs! This buddy film featured some of the most hilarious heroes and villains, and Yzma, with all her decrepidness, was the star. Granted, she looks like a resurrected mummy, but this woman has all the observational skills of a keen eagle, and some inspiring, if elaborate plans. And, naturally, she also concocts potions in her spare time - and they're actually successful! Provided you select the right one, of course. 

3: Hades (Hercules)

So who can triumph over all these villains to secure the number 3 spot on our list? Why, the Ruler of the Underworld himself, of course! Hades, however, wouldn't be Hades without James Woods. This quick-talking, sleazy, satanic deity is a rather stark contrast to original greek mythology, but there's something about him that just elevates him above the rest. He's mean, he's ruthless, and extremely temperamental; he's quick-changing fire hair a sign of his disposition. There is however, nothing quite like seeing Hades freak out and destroy things when situations don't go his way, and in this sense, you can draw parallels between Hades and Kylo Ren, although the former is quite clearly more calculative and sinister. Regardless, he remains one of the Top 10 animated villains because of his excellent characterisation, notoriety and swaggy robe. 

2: Scar (The Lion King)

When it came to selecting the top 2, thoroughly difficult decisions were made. But just missing the top mark is Scar, the most ferocious lion you will ever see, whose trademark scar is but an outwards sign of his afflicted nature. Constantly feeling like Lion #2, Scar is every bit as ruthless and sardonic as you'd expect, and harbours deep resentment towards his brother and nephew. But he does make a good villain, so, apples and oranges. Once again, Jeremy Irons really makes this role.

1: Judge Claude Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Coming in at number 1, there aren't quite enough words in the dictionary to categorise how bad Judge Claude Frollo is. The fact that he's a 'judge' and responsible for dishing out justice is deliciously ironic considering he's never seen justice handed to him in his whole life - but this is what the crux of the character is. That, and his religion, which is utterly terrifying, in the way that he manipulates it to suit his own agenda - does that sound familiar? By far, Frollo was the most applicable villain to real life, which is perhaps what makes him so villainous. Hypocritical, spiteful, perverted and homicidal, Frollo really brings the heat to the villain archetype. And, can we just all take a moment to look at how truly scary those eyes are? He looks like he's possessed. Not to mention, before the film even really starts he's already killed 1 person and sentenced another to a life of misery and seclusion with himself, which is quite impressive, really, in a horrific way. Can someone say Hellfire? 

Well, there you have it, our Top 10 Animated Disney Villains list! If you're sad your fav didn't make our list, then check below to see our 5 Honourable Mentions who just missed out on the coveted spots. Happy villain-ing!

5 Honourable Mentions: 

Shan Yu (Mulan)

Mr. Greyscale himself, Shan Yu sent terrified audiences with his steely gaze, whilst simultaneously making viewers jump out of their seats when he burst through the roof of the Emperor's temple in his pursuit of Mulan. 

Captain Hook (Peter Pan)

This swash-buckling scallywag with a hook for a hand is the stuff out of nightmares, so thank goodness he seemed to be an absolute twit when it comes to devising plans. A more comical but still cruel villain.

Mother Gothel (Tangled)

Continuing on the faux-mother figure is Mother Gothel, essentially and old hag posing as a mother who is quite adept to kidnapping. Manipulative to a girl who just wants a family, Mother Gothel is every bit as despicable as you'd imagine.

Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Oh Cruella, how we do love you. Sporting the two tone hair long before Melanie Martinez, Cruella knows style and she will have it - even if it means kidnapping 100(+1) dalmatians to get her fur coat of her dreams. While we love fashion, we think this may be a tad bit too extreme for the average person - maybe just buy faux instead, babe?

Lady Tremaine (Cinderella)

The person who everyone knows of but nobody actually remembers her name, Lady Tremaine is once again the figure of Cinderella's anguish, who forever imprisons her inside and treats her like a slave (sounding familiar, Mother Gothel?), but eventually gets her comeuppance.