Top 10 Catchiest Villain Songs
#10: “Come Little Children” “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
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Cover your ears, kids! This little chant from Disney’s Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” isn’t just a song — it’s a spell. The lyrics hypnotize the children of Salem, allowing them to be easily lured by the witchy Sanderson Sisters. Sarah’s calm and seemingly comforting voice makes this incantation even more sinister. Composed by James Horner and Brock Walsh, even adults might have a hard time not being transfixed by the sleepy melody. Word to the wise: If you plan on trick-or-treating, make sure to wear some ear plugs.
#9: “Friends on the Other Side” “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Written by frequent Disney collaborator Randy Newman, “Friends on the Other Side” is a trippy number. Keith David voices Dr. Facilier (aka the Shadow Man), the movie’s villainous witch doctor who wants to rule over New Orleans. A true showman, Facilier uses his voodoo-inspired tricks to seal a deal with Prince Naveen. As we all know, the deal goes sour for poor Naveen, and he’s transformed into a frog. However, with a song as well-crafted and expertly performed as this, it’s hard not to get caught up in the spectacle of it all.
#8: “Toxic Love” “Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest” (1992)
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This 1992 animated film about fairies living in an Australian rainforest is a cautionary tale. In one of the movie’s most memorable moments, Hexxus, an evil smoky spirit who thrives off pollution, sings about his love for all things oil, diesel and poison. This terrifying entity is voiced by Tim Curry, who is known for his smooth and alluring vocals. It is one of the most underrated villain songs in the animation genre. Trust us, once you listen to it, you’ll be mesmerized by this jazzy tune.
#7: “Sweet Transvestite” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
There’s just something about Tim Curry that screams villain. Curry’s most iconic role is Dr. Frank N. Furter, the mad scientist who knows how to put on a show unlike anyone else. During Frankie’s grand entrance, he struts along to the playful lyrics as he introduces himself to the stranded Brad and Janet. It’s a standout among the impressive soundtrack’s other cheeky songs. The unapologetic and free-spirited nature of the song and film are part of what makes it such a cult classic. For decades now, interactive midnight screenings of “Rocky Horror” have invited generations of new fans into “the lab,” and this song is definitely one of the highlights.
#6: “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs “Hairspray” (2007)
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Everyone from Debbie Harry to Michelle Pfeiffer to Kristin Chenoweth has played the conniving Velma Von Tussle. With each on screen adaptation of the John Waters musical, Von Tussle’s hair and ego seem to get bigger and bigger. During the character’s song, the beauty queen turned producer cha-chas through the memory of her heyday when she reigned supreme. Since then, Von Tussle has grown into a snobbish egomaniac and makes her cruel intentions quite clear in the song. Her equally arrogant daughter Amber joins in on taunting and ridiculing the new dancers throughout the song.
#5: “Dentist!” “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
In what might be the most sadistic song of all time, “Dentist!” validates all our dental related fears. Orin Scrivello, DDS sings about what inspired him to become a dentist when he was a child. And let’s just say...it’s not because he is fond of teeth. The doo-wop inspired instrumentals and up-tempo melody are the perfect local anesthesia to balance out the dark lyrics, making this tune kind of fun. Sure, we will sing along, but we definitely won’t be booking a dental appointment anytime soon.
#4: “Oogie Boogie’s Song” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
The main antagonist of the “Nightmare Before Christmas,” Oogie Boogie sings this little ditty with all sorts of fun and games. After Lock, Shock and Barrel kidnap Santa Claus (aka Sandy Claws) they deliver him to the bogeyman. The evil insect-infested burlap sack uses the bluesy song to taunt and terrify his new victim. In his glow in the dark casino-themed lair, he puts on an act that would impress the Rat Pack. Full of tongue in cheek lyrics and a jazzy score, we’ve got to give Boogie credit for this triple threat performance. It hits the jackpot every single time.
#3: “Cruella de Vil” “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)
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What’s interesting about this villain song is that it’s not sung by the villain. It’s actually written and performed by the movie’s protagonist, Roger Radcliffe. The aspiring songwriter crafts this tune to mock the immoral fashionista. Since it’s told from his perspective, we get an interesting insight into how she’s perceived by others through the lyrics. It’s a fun number that’s buried deep in the brains of movie lovers thanks to its simple melody and imagery. The 2021 live action movie “Cruella” gave us a modern version of this iconic song performed by Florence + the Machine. Nothing beats the classic, though.
#2: “Be Prepared” “The Lion King” (1994)
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Scar won’t be winning any “Uncle of the Year” awards but he definitely knows how to put on a show. The evil feline forms an alliance with a chorus of singing hyenas with this chilling song. The lyrics foreshadow his impending tyranny, making one of the darkest moments in the film. Jeremy Irons’ voice perfectly captures Scar’s malevolence especially during this scene. Like any good villain, he knows how to make his message stick. And it obviously pays off as it’s the most memorable song on “The Lion King” soundtrack. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Gaston,” “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) An Anthem For Narcissism & Vanity “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee,” “Pinocchio” (1940) Honest John Tries to Lure Pinocchio into Show Business Using This Cheery Tune “Mother Knows Best,” “Tangled” (2015) Mother Gothel Tells Rapunzel All the Dangers of the World Through Song “Trust In Me,” “The Jungle Book” (1967) Evil Snake Kaa Sings This Tune That Transfixes People to the Point of Sleep “Last Midnight,” “Into the Woods” (2014) The Witch's Big Show-Stopping Number
#1: “Poor Unfortunate Souls” “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
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Ursula is the ultimate Disney diva. Full of sass, vibrancy, and a wicked sense of humor, it's hard not to love this villainous sea witch. During this number, she goes into full prima donna mode as she tempts Ariel into signing away her voice. Now, we really can’t blame the poor naive mermaid for falling for the scheme. Ursula puts on one heck of a showstopping performance that’s so hypnotizing, she could sell water to a shark. Between the cleverly crafted lyrics and riveting melody, there’s nothing “unfortunate” about this Disney classic.