Top 10 Disney Villains You Liked More Than the Hero

No one’s slick as Gaston, no one’s quick as Gaston, no one’s narcissistic, temperamental, and sexist as Gaston. Yet despite all that, he has this magnetism that helps him rally the village behind him, and he’s easy on the eyes. Meanwhile, the woman he loves has been imprisoned by a “mean, coarse and unrefined” beast whose ego brought about the curse in the first place. Gaston fights for what he wants and what he believes in, which is a great quality. Too bad that what he wants is usually misguided.

Jafar worked hard to get to where he is, so you can understand his frustration when the local thief nearly tears it all away. In fact, there’s a fan theory arguing that Jafar is actually the good guy, whose ambition is to help Agrabah thrive, while Aladdin lies his way to Jasmine’s heart. In the 2019 movie, we learn that Jafar and Aladdin aren’t actually all that different. But while Aladdin would be lost without Genie, Jafar uses his wits, dry humor and creepy snake staff to get the job done.

#8: Cruella De Vil “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)

Also in:

The Evolution of Cruella de Vil

While Cruella certainly lives up to her name, she’s also eccentric, unpredictable, outrageous, and so fabulous that she even gets her own theme song. We definitely have many strong feelings about Cruella’s questionable life choices, but there’s no denying that whenever she pops up, we’re glued to our screens. And if you can put a pin the fur fashion thing for just a second, Cruella is considered a pioneer for Disney fashionistas. A position we’ll gladly let her hold onto on the condition she’s willing to switch to faux fur.

Based on a real life Drag Queen named Divine, this sea witch is the sassiest diva of all the Disney villains. She has a huge personality and mountains of charisma, that not only convinces mer-folk to sign away their souls but keeps us hanging onto her every word. Ursula uses her charm to lure in Ariel but also warns her about the consequences of signing the contract, not that Ariel seems to care. She is a one-of-a-kind villainess and although her screen time is limited, we are utterly bewitched for every moment.

#6: Syndrome “The Incredibles” (2004)

Also in:

Top 10 Movie Characters With Main Character Syndrome

Poor Incrediboy, all he wants is for his idol, Mr. Incredible to notice him, but the superhero is blinded by his superego and casts the kid aside. As Syndrome, the supervillain formerly known as Incrediboy fights to prove that rather than holding out for a hero, even the smallest person can rescue themselves. There’s no doubt that the message here is a great one but we wouldn’t recommend following Syndrome’s example either. If Mr. Incredible had been a little kinder, how different things might have been. They do say, “Never Meet Your Heroes”

Never has a villain sounded more soothing than Jeremy Irons as Scar. This cool cat is cunning, power-hungry, ambitious and one of the few villains who plans and carries out a successful scheme. Scar takes sibling rivalry to a whole new level, and we’re still not over the aftermath of that stampede. However, his sarcasm, sharp wit and ability to deliver the most sinister lines in a hypnotic tone win us over. There’s no denying this ferocious feline is pure evil, but he sings one hell of a catchy tune.

#4: Captain Hook “Peter Pan” (1953)

Also in:

Top 10 Things We Want to See in Captain Marvel

If some kid cut off your hand, fed it to a crocodile and tormented you at every opportunity, you’d be pretty mad too. Peter Pan is a complete brat and kind of a bully, even to the people he supposedly likes. Captain Hook is probably the least threatening villain, especially as his goofy ill-thought out plans never work, and he’s easily outsmarted by a child. If it wasn’t for Pan, would he even be a villain? All he wants is to see Peter get his comeuppance, and really, who can blame him?

#3: Maleficent “Sleeping Beauty” (1959) & “Maleficent” franchise (2014-19)

Also in:

Maleficent (2014) VS Cruella (2021)

If we were the only ones not invited to a party, we would be pretty miffed too. Sure, cursing a baby seems like an extreme measure but we feel you, Maleficent. Despite not being the movie’s title character, she is the one to take center stage and drives all the action. In the 2014 movie, Maleficent’s backstory adds a much-needed dimension to the character and we learn that good versus evil isn’t always so black and white. While she does still cast the curse, she’s also the one to break it.

#2: Yzma “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)

Also in:

Top 10 Hilarious Yzma Moments

While Kuzco is shallow, self-centered and lazy, it’s Yzma who keeps the empire running, so when he fires her, you can bet she’s mad. Yzma is eccentric, hilarious and definitely the smartest and most ruthless character in this movie, and with kooky Kronk by her side, what could go wrong ...? She delivers some of the funniest and most memorable lines, which we’re still quoting today. And in a warped way, she even helps Kuzco become a better person. She’s more fabulous than fearsome but we love every moment she’s on our screens. Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions. Dr. Facilier Prince John The Sanderson Sisters Loki Oogie Boogie

Can you believe that the original plan for Hades was nothing like the character we know and love today? Thanks to James Woods’ skillful improvisation and comedic talents the character went through an incredible transformation. In fact, Woods had so much fun with the role that he said he would always be willing to come back to it regardless of the pay. Despite being bitter about his lot in life, Hades has a wicked sense of humor and even while he’s terrorizing everyone, he never fails to crack us up.