The title of Best Disney Villain—a throne fiercely contested by some of the most iconic, stylish, and downright evil characters ever animated. But who truly reigns supreme? Let’s break this down, villain-by-villain, and crown the true king or queen of the Disney underworld.
The Contenders:
- Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
The OG Mistress of Evil. Maleficent curses an infant simply because she didn’t get an invitation to a party. That level of petty energy is iconic. Plus, she turns into a dragon, commands a forest of thorns, and rocks a headpiece that screams “Do not mess with me.”
Villainous Strengths: Stylish, vengeful, and terrifying.
Villainous Weakness: Her plan hinges entirely on Aurora not getting kissed. Girl, hedge your bets.
Grade: A - Scar (The Lion King)
A true mastermind. Scar doesn’t just commit fratricide; he manipulates an entire ecosystem into believing Simba’s responsible. Add Jeremy Irons’ velvety voice, and you’ve got the Hamlet-esque villain dreams are made of.
Villainous Strengths: Brilliant schemer, hypnotic charisma.
Villainous Weakness: His actual leadership skills are garbage. Running the savanna into the ground? Amateur hour.
Grade: A+ - Ursula (The Little Mermaid)
The queen of deals—and tentacles. Ursula is a self-made villain who weaponizes contracts, legal loopholes, and some truly fabulous sass. She’s also the most relatable villain: she’s just trying to reclaim her turf after being ousted from Atlantica politics.
Villainous Strengths: Charisma, wit, and the ability to weaponize people’s dreams.
Villainous Weakness: Could’ve killed Ariel sooner. Overconfidence cost her.
Grade: A+ - Hades (Hercules)
The literal god of the underworld, with flaming hair and a wit sharp enough to cut steel. Hades runs his villainy like a business and almost wins by using brains over brawn.
Villainous Strengths: Comedy, cunning, and control over freaking Titans.
Villainous Weakness: Meg betrayed him. Never trust a henchwoman with a soft spot.
Grade: A - Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)
Who else but Cruella would look at 99 puppies and think, “Coat”? She’s a walking fashion statement with a penchant for villainy that’s as shallow as it is despicable.
Villainous Strengths: Style, determination, and a killer theme song.
Villainous Weakness: PETA is her greatest enemy. Also, no magic or real power.
Grade: B+ - Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove)
A criminally underrated villain. Yzma is a walking blueprint for chaotic scheming. She tries everything—poison, potions, and poorly thought-out plans—just to dethrone Kuzco.
Villainous Strengths: Hilarious, resourceful, and employs Kronk, the most lovable henchman.
Villainous Weakness: Execution. None of her plans ever work.
Grade: A-
The Crown Goes To… Scar
While the competition is fierce, Scar edges out the rest. His cunning, charisma, and success (he actually becomes king for a time!) put him ahead of the pack. Sure, his reign ends in fiery failure, but all great villains have to fall eventually. Scar is the perfect mix of theatrical, ruthless, and devastatingly effective—a blueprint for aspiring tyrants everywhere.
Honorable Mentions:
- Dr. Facilier (The Princess and the Frog): Style for days, but too reliant on his “friends on the other side.”
- Lady Tremaine (Cinderella): Domestic evil at its finest, but lacks grand ambition.
- Gaston (Beauty and the Beast): Peak himbo villainy. Effective, but dimwitted.
Villainy is about style, strategy, and staying power. Scar might rule the Pride Lands of villainy, but the rest of these contenders are snapping at his heels—like the hyenas he should’ve treated better.