Top 10 Disney Characters Who Are Genuinely EVIL

“One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)

When “cruel” takes up most of your first name and the rest spells out “devil,” it’s clear we’re talking about someone sinister. If that isn’t enough, Roger’s song sums up what makes her so devilishly detestable. Cruella lives up to her name with plans to turn puppies into coats. Her complete lack of empathy and massive superiority complex arguably make Ms. de Vil Disney’s most entitled villain. Sure, her over-the-top energy is entertaining, but let’s not forget how many innocent animal lives she was willing to sacrifice. By the film’s climax, her antagonism turns to petty vengeance, as Cruella relentlessly hunts the puppies just to feed her endless vanity.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

This witch doctor’s nefarious plans involve his “friends on the other side.” With a scheming mind and dangerous charisma, Dr. Facilier traps our protagonists into his web of deceit. Is there a dark and sordid past that might make us feel sorry for him? Nope! This guy’s in it just for personal gain. Far from feeling any remorse, he absolutely revels in the chaos he creates. Successfully dealing with voodoo spirits feeds his god complex, as Facilier looks to corrupt or destroy anyone in his way. Of course, all this makes his eventual defeat even sweeter to watch, with Facilier finally getting a bitter taste of his own medicine.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

Preying on emotions for her own purposes, this sea witch is as conniving as they come. With her sights on King Triton’s throne, Ursula manipulates his daughter, plunging the Seven Seas into disarray. Although promising fair deals, she isn’t above speaking half-truths and bending the rules. Toying with Ariel might be a means to an end, but it’s clear that Ursula derives great pleasure from it. Inherently cruel and driven by revenge, Ursula’s calculating mind makes her among Disney’s most dangerous villains. Her garden of transformed merpeople further reveals her sadistic streak, alluding to her insatiable hunger for control.

“Aladdin” (1992)

In some ways, Jafar comes across as your standard moustache-twirling villain. But behind all the camp and humorous banter with Iago lies a deeply disturbing mind. Willing to use any heinous tactic–including murder–to seize the Sultan’s throne, there’s no moral boundary he won’t cross. Jafar’s lust for dark magic and all things sinister serves as the perfect foil for Aladdin. The “selfish” to our hero’s “selfless,” you won’t find any redeeming qualities in him. All this baddie desires is absolute power, no matter the cost. With the Genie’s powers, there’s no telling what Jafar would have been capable of. Honestly, an eternity in an “itty bitty living space” was letting him off easy.

“Mulan” (1998)

When you’re the leader of a massive army of invaders, being evil comes with the job description. Ruthless to the core and devoid of mercy, Shan Yu has no shortage of malice. Unlike many Disney villains who balance their wickedness with some humor, that’s far from the case with Shan Yu. You won’t find any jokes or quippy one-liners here, as this antagonist embodies all things diabolical. Flattening entire cities in his path of destruction, Shan Yu is a force of chaos. His tactics make him eerily comparable to some of history’s most infamous conquerors, adding a darker layer to his character. Suffice it to say, nobody’s mourning when Shan Yu and his plans go up in flames. Thanks, Mulan!

“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)

Through her live-action backstory, contemporary audiences generally sympathize with this classic villain. However, she’s all bad and nothing else in the original version. It’s not every day someone curses a baby because they weren’t invited to a party–but that’s Maleficent for you. Appropriately named the “Mistress of Evil,” this dark fairy targets Aurora out of pure spite. With a vast array of magical powers, and monsters to do her bidding, she remains among the most intimidating villains in Disney canon. Oh, and did we forget to mention she also doubles as a fire-breathing dragon!? So, next time you have a Disney-themed baby shower, make sure Maleficent’s invitation doesn’t get lost in the mail.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)

Disney’s first-ever feature film villain remains one of its most malicious. Jealous of Snow White for being the “fairest of them all,” the Queen vows to hunt her down. The character’s superficial view of the world leads to her descent into darkness. From hiring the Huntsman to slay her own stepdaughter to ultimately poisoning her, the Queen foregoes any chance at redemption. The fact that Snow White means her no harm heightens the Queen’s moral failings, as the villain only has herself to blame for her fate. The character lives and dies for her pointless quest, never realizing that true beauty comes from within.

“Pocahontas” (1995)

Arrogant, greedy, and deeply prejudiced, Ratcliffe reflects the worst traits you can think of. As the leader of the colonizers, he actively pollutes his men’s minds against Pocahontas’ people. Choosing to escalate rather than compromise, the villain turns the conflict into war. Fueled by a violent sense of power, he becomes obsessed with Pocahontas’ tribe. While his men believe they’re fighting for a noble cause, Ratcliffe is fully aware it’s all about domination. Certain Disney characters are popular despite their evil nature–Ratcliffe definitely isn’t one of them. It’s safe to say that, as much as the fanbase loves Pocahontas, they probably hate Ratcliffe more.

“The Lion King” (1994)

Now, here’s a Disney baddie many certainly love. Thanks to his sarcastic wit and Jeremy Irons’ magnificent voice work, Scar remains a popular character. But let’s also not forget he did kill his own brother. Not convinced yet? How about when he ordered hyenas to eat his young nephew? While his charisma might make us overlook many of his negative attributes, there’s no question that Scar is a despicable piece of work. Unscrupulous and cold-hearted in equal measure, he brings the Pride Lands to the brink of collapse. Scar, a king only in title, not in spirit, proves that leadership can never be earned through lies and deceit.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Imprisoning a Child to Maintain Her Own Youth Isn’t Exactly Nice

The Moriarty to Basil’s Sherlock Holmes

Haunting Fans’ Nightmares for Four Decades & Counting

Hunts & Traps Gorillas Just for a Quick Buck

The Only Thing Bigger Than His Evil Intentions Is His Ego

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

Even through the “Disney-fied” lens of Victor Hugo’s Gothic novel, this antagonist still sends a shiver down our spine. Deluded with overwhelming self-righteousness, Frollo truly believes he’s a good man. Justifying each one of his sinful actions, his creepy obsession with Esmeralda is just the tip of the iceberg. Killing Quasimodo’s mother, mistreating him all his life, and desecrating the sanctity of Notre Dame are all part of his brutal legacy. More than his actions, though, evilness is within Frollo’s very nature. Nothing best personifies this than “Hellfire,” which captures the inner workings of a truly fiendish mind at play.

Which Disney character do you give a 0% approval rating? Let us know in the comments.