The end of October usually means one thing: Halloween time. Many different parks have their own Halloween festivities: from the truly scary for the bravest among us to the not very scary for kids and the cowards among us…myself included. Disneyland typically has some fun Halloween events every year, and my cousin Judy actually got to go! So the other day, feeling the spirit of Halloween, I asked her who her favorite Disney Villains were.
As mentioned, Disney has Halloween events every year, and some occasions…the Disney Villains “take over” the park. That’s why I asked my cousin who her favorite villains were, then I put together my own list. We start with number five:
5) JUDY’S PICK: THE EVIL QUEEN/LUCAS’ PICK: MALEFICENT
Judy’s pick for this spot went to the first Disney Villain. The Evil Queen, also known as Queen Grimhilde, is the primary antagonist in Disney’s animated classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” She is characterized by her striking beauty and malevolent nature, driven by her obsession with being the “fairest of them all.” The Queen embodies vanity and jealousy, often consulting her magical mirror to affirm her supremacy in beauty. When Snow White’s beauty surpasses her own, the Queen’s envy transforms her into a ruthless villain. She employs dark magic and deception, ultimately attempting to eliminate Snow White through various nefarious means, including the infamous poisoned apple. Her transformation into an old hag symbolizes her inner corruption and loss of beauty. The Evil Queen’s iconic design, with her regal attire and menacing demeanor, has made her one of Disney’s most memorable villains, representing the dangers of jealousy and the pursuit of power at any cost. I applaud my cousin for a fine pick, as the Evil Queen typically can be very scary.
My personal pick for this spot was to one of the most iconic Villains of them all. Maleficent is the formidable antagonist from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” known for her striking appearance and powerful presence. With her iconic black robes, majestic horns, and piercing green eyes, she embodies the essence of dark magic. Once a fairy, Maleficent is betrayed at the christening of Princess Aurora, leading her to curse the infant to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. Her envy and desire for revenge drive her to become a symbol of malevolence. However, in Disney’s live-action adaptation, “Maleficent,” her character is reimagined, revealing a more complex backstory and motivations rooted in heartbreak and betrayal. This shift adds depth to her character, transforming her from a mere villain into a tragic figure shaped by loss. Maleficent remains an iconic representation of both evil and the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption in Disney lore. And besides, what list is complete without the Mistress of All Evil, and arguably the most powerful of all the Villains?
4) JUDY’S PICK: URSULA/LUCAS’ PICK: CRUELLA DE VIL
For the number four spot, Judy picked wisely yet again. Ursula is the captivating sea witch from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” known for her flamboyant appearance and cunning personality. With her striking white hair, purple skin, and tentacled lower half, she embodies the essence of the ocean’s dark magic. Ursula is both charismatic and manipulative, using her cunning to exploit Ariel’s desires. She offers the young mermaid a risky deal: her voice in exchange for human legs, intending to use Ariel’s transformation to undermine King Triton and seize control of the sea. Ursula’s dual nature as both a glamorous diva and a menacing threat makes her a memorable villain. Her iconic song, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” highlights her persuasive charm and deceptive nature. As a representation of temptation and the consequences of making deals with dubious characters, Ursula serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface, solidifying her place as one of Disney’s most unforgettable antagonists. Again, my cousin made a good pick: not much is scarier than a witch…and a pretty nasty sea witch at that.
My pick for number four deals with a different form of animal. Cruella De Vil is the iconic villain from Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” notorious for her extravagant fashion sense and obsession with fur. With her striking black-and-white hair, sharp features, and bold attire, she embodies a glamorous yet sinister persona. Cruella is driven by her ruthless desire to obtain the spotted fur of Dalmatian puppies, viewing them as mere accessories rather than living beings. Her relentless pursuit of fashion leads her to hatch a devious plot to kidnap the puppies, showcasing her cruelty and lack of empathy. Despite her villainous nature, Cruella’s flamboyant style and witty one-liners make her a memorable character in Disney lore. She represents the extremes of vanity and selfishness, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of obsession and materialism. Cruella’s enduring popularity has led to various adaptations, including a recent live-action film that explores her backstory and complexity as a character. And, it really doesn’t get much eviler than kidnapping innocent puppies, which is why Cruella is on my list.
3) JUDY’S PICK: HADES/LUCAS PICK: DR. FACILIER
Judy’s pick for the number 3 spot is a literally god. Hades is the charismatic and comedic villain from Disney’s “Hercules,” known for his vibrant blue flame hair and sharp wit. As the god of the Underworld, he is both powerful and cunning, often portrayed with a humorous flair that sets him apart from traditional dark villains. Hades is driven by a desire to overthrow Zeus and take control of Mount Olympus, making him a formidable adversary. His plans often involve manipulating others, particularly Hercules, whom he views as a threat to his ambitions. Despite his nefarious intentions, Hades’ clever dialogue and exaggerated expressions add a layer of charm, making him an unforgettable character. His interactions with his bumbling minions, Pain and Panic, further emphasize his humorous side. Hades embodies the duality of being both menacing and entertaining, representing the complexity of villainy while providing comic relief in the film’s narrative. His memorable lines and dynamic personality have solidified his place in Disney history. I’d like to add also that his status as God of the Underworld means he’s probably the only rival to Maleficent in terms of power.
My pick for number 3 is just as charismatic as Hades. Dr. Facilier, also known as the Shadow Man, is the charismatic antagonist from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” A cunning witch doctor, he is known for his suave demeanor, top hat, and distinctive voodoo-inspired style. Facilier uses his connection to the spirit world to manipulate others, making deals that often come with dire consequences. His ultimate goal is to gain power and wealth, which he seeks by targeting Tiana and her dreams of opening a restaurant. With his shadowy allies, the Loa, he embodies the theme of temptation and the perils of making bargains with dark forces. Dr. Facilier’s catchy song, “Friends on the Other Side,” highlights his persuasive charm and duplicitous nature, making him a memorable villain. His blend of humor, danger, and vibrant personality showcases the complexities of desire and ambition, solidifying his status as one of Disney’s most intriguing antagonists. I would also like to point out that Facilier suffered the most gruesome “Villain death” …as he literally gets dragged to hell (funny enough, so does Hades, but he’s a god and can’t die…and for him it was more of being flushed down a toilet).
2) JUDY’S PICK: SCAR/LUCAS’ PICK: LADY TREMAINE
Judy and I both picked for the number two spot someone conniving, but her pick is definitely more savage. Scar is the treacherous antagonist from Disney’s “The Lion King,” known for his cunning nature and distinct appearance. With his dark mane, green eyes, and a prominent scar over his left eye, he presents a stark contrast to his brother, Mufasa, the rightful king. Scar is driven by jealousy and ambition, resenting Mufasa for being the king and desiring the throne for himself. His manipulative tactics lead to Mufasa’s tragic death, after which Scar deceives the pride and assumes control of the Pride Lands, plunging them into despair. Scar’s sinister charm is coupled with a sardonic wit, making him both menacing and memorable. His iconic song, “Be Prepared,” showcases his dark ambitions and the lengths he will go to maintain power. As a symbol of betrayal and the consequences of unchecked ambition, Scar remains one of Disney’s most compelling villains, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Also goes to prove that having a catchy song will land you near the top of any list (just ask Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks).
My pick for number two is not as savage as a lion, but she is just as mean as one. Lady Tremaine, also known as the Wicked Stepmother, is the primary antagonist in Disney’s “Cinderella.” A cold and calculating figure, she epitomizes cruelty and jealousy. With her elegant but austere appearance, characterized by her sharp features and imposing demeanor, Lady Tremaine exerts control over Cinderella and her two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella. Consumed by envy of Cinderella’s beauty and kindness, she mercilessly forces her into servitude, relegating her to a life of drudgery and isolation. Lady Tremaine’s manipulative nature is evident in her schemes to thwart Cinderella’s dreams, particularly when it comes to the royal ball. Her chilling presence and unwavering determination to maintain her power make her a formidable villain. Unlike many Disney antagonists, she lacks magical abilities, relying instead on her cunning and ruthlessness. Lady Tremaine serves as a reminder of the destructive power of envy and the oppression of innocence, cementing her place in Disney villain lore. The fact that she can be so cold and evil without any magic at all is enough to send a chill down anyone’s spine.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: MAN, THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN, GASTON, JAFAR, HANS, AND CAPTAIN HOOK
Before getting to the number one pick from both lists, I think it’s fitting to think of all the other great villains that could have made into the Top 5 (and they might be someone else’s Top 5). Let’s start with Man, the main antagonist of the 1942 Disney animated feature film “Bambi”. An unnamed human hunter, he is the common enemy of all animals within the forest. “Man” is never seen; rather, his presence is represented by an ominous 3-note leitmotif and the sound of gunshots. In what is regarded as one of the most chilling acts of villainy in cinematic history, “Man” is responsible for killing Bambi’s mother. Kind of upsetting to see humanity is the Villain of this movie.
One of the scarier Villains to miss the lists is the Headless Horseman, the main antagonist of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, the second half of Disney’s 1949 animated feature film “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”. Brom Bones tells Ichabod Crane the story of the Headless Horseman, who is the worst ghost in all of Sleepy Hollow. Every Halloween night he rides in across the countryside, looking for his head. If he can’t find it, he’ll take other people’s heads to replace it. The only way to escape him is to cross the bridge near the church, as the Horseman’s dark powers are limited only to the woods. When Ichabod does meet the Horseman…it takes a really scary turn very quickly…
Another Villain to miss the list my uncle’s favorite: Gaston, the main antagonist of Disney’s 1991 animated feature film “Beauty and the Beast”. He is an arrogant and chauvinistic hunter, who is greedily determined to have Belle’s hand in marriage, even by force if necessary. His obsession turns him from a harmless jerk into a cruel, twisted, and ruthless villain, especially upon his discovery that Belle’s love is not for him, but for a Beast.
One Villain that surprises even me that didn’t make the lists is Jafar: the main antagonist of Disney’s 1992 animated feature film “Aladdin”. As the Royal Vizier of Agrabah, he was presented as the Sultan’s most trusted and loyal advisor. In truth, the imperious Jafar held passionate disdain for the Sultan. He dedicated the latter half of his life to gaining ownership of a magic lamp containing an all-powerful genie. To that end, Jafar would control cosmic power, which he would use to take over the throne and the world at large…before being trapped in a genie lamp himself.
It’s nearly impossible to find a little girl who doesn’t like Disney’s 2013 animated feature film “Frozen”, so naturally all of them would say that the film’s main antagonist, Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, would be the Villain they all hate the most (or at least dislike a whole lot). As the 13th-born prince of the Southern Isles, Hans was burdened with the inability to ascend his family’s throne. Desperate for power and recognition, he sought to marry Princess Anna of Arendelle with the purpose of usurping the throne of Queen Elsa and taking over as king.
It broke my heart, but one Villain that just barely missed my personal list was Captain Hook: the main antagonist of Disney’s 1953 animated feature film “Peter Pan”. He is an elegant, yet bloodthirsty pirate that commands The Jolly Roger, a brig docked on the shores of Neverland. Hook has long since abandoned sailing the high seas in favor of having revenge on Peter Pan for cutting off his left hand and feeding it to a crocodile, who has since been in constant pursuit of the captain. While a worthy opponent for Peter, Hook is destined to fail; sometimes because of Peter Pan’s ability to fly, but more often through the bumbling incompetence of his first mate, Mr. Smee. And now onto the number one Villains…
1) JUDY’S PICK: YZMA/LUCAS’ PICK: OOGIE BOOGIE
After much agonizing, here is Judy’s pick for the number one Villain. Yzma is the eccentric and villainous character from Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove.” As the former advisor to Emperor Kuzco, she is known for her wild, spiky purple hair, elaborate costumes, and sharp wit. Driven by ambition and a desire for power, Yzma plots to overthrow Kuzco and seize control of the throne for herself. Her schemes often involve elaborate plans and potions, showcasing her cunning and intelligence. Despite her nefarious intentions, Yzma is characterized by her comedic flair and over-the-top personality, making her one of Disney’s most memorable villains. Her sidekick, Kronk, adds to the humor, as their bickering and miscommunication lead to entertaining moments. Yzma’s iconic line, “Pull the lever, Kronk!” has become a fan favorite, exemplifying her quirky charm. Ultimately, Yzma embodies the themes of ambition and the folly of underestimating one’s opponents, solidifying her status in Disney Villain history. I would even argue she’s the most underrated Villain of them all…if not the most entertaining.
My pick may seem like favoritism or the fact that the actor who voiced him just passed away (in fact, I did an article on him), but I have a good reason for my pick for top Villain: Oogie Boogie, the menacing antagonist from Disney’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” As the boisterous and sinister outcast of Halloween Town, he is depicted as a burlap sack filled with bugs and creepy crawlies, embodying the spirit of fear and mischief. Oogie is characterized by his playful yet malevolent demeanor, often seen singing and dancing while plotting against Jack Skellington and his friends. With his love for gambling and games of chance, he personifies the darker side of Halloween-themed fun. Oogie Boogie’s lair, filled with traps and sinister contraptions, reflects his devious nature and desire for chaos. His iconic song, “Oogie Boogie’s Song,” showcases his flamboyant personality and serves as a chilling reminder of his villainy. Despite his terrifying appearance, Oogie Boogie’s blend of humor and horror makes him a memorable character in Disney lore, highlighting the playful yet spooky essence of the Halloween season. My reason he’s the top Villain…he tried to eat Santa Claus! It really doesn’t get more evil than that!
