Top 10 Epic Movie Villain Songs
Yes we're supposed to hate movie villains but we can't deny that some of them have some of the best songs! We've included songs like “Just the Two of Us” from “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me”, “Stars” from “Les Misérables”, “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs”, from “Hairspray”, “Pretty Women” from “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, “Feed Me” from “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Sweet Transvestite” from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “I Put a Spell on You” from “Hocus Pocus”.
#10: “Just the Two of Us”
Top 20 Epic Movie Villain Songs
“Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999)
Top 20 Epic Movie Villain Songs
Dr. Evil hates Austin Powers about as much as he adores Mini-Me. In this scene, the doctor celebrates his archenemy’s capture while also embracing his pintsized clone. As a follow-up to their “One of Us” piano duet, Dr. Evil and Mini-Me perform a rendition of “Just the Two of Us.” Parodying Will Smith’s 1997 version, Dr. Evil raps about his relationship with his son, Scott. Unlike Will Smith, though, Dr. Evil isn’t exactly proud of his boy. As a matter of fact, Scotty is only second best compared to Mini-Me. The number showcases the villain’s eccentric side while also delving into his complicated family life. Plus, who knew Mini-Me could hit such a low note?
#9: “Stars”
“Les Misérables” (2012)
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While not everyone is a fan of Russell Crowe’s singing voice, “Stars” remains a pivotal number in this stunning adaption of “Les Misérables.” Crowe plays Javert, a police inspector hell-bent on recapturing Jean Valjean. This understated song provides greater insight into his obsession. In Javert’s eyes, Jean Valjean is a fugitive following in Lucifer’s footsteps. Meanwhile, Javert views himself as a righteous man carrying out God’s will. Looking down on the city from a steep ledge, he vows to put Jean Valjean back behind bars. Throughout the film, Javert begins to see that matters aren’t so black and white. Once his ethics are called into question, however, he isn’t sure how to live with himself.
#8: “Fabulous”
“High School Musical 2” (2007)
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Where most of the other entries on our countdown are dark and brooding, this villain song is bright and colorful. Of course, that’s only fitting given Sharpay Evans’ bubbly personality. This drama queen is the Disney Channel Original Movie equivalent of a Shakespearean bad guy. She’s manipulative and selfish, but still likes everything pretty in pink. Settling down for a summer at a country club, Sharpay sings about her desire for a fabulous getaway. What ensues is an over-the-top number, complete with synchronized swimmers and a piano in the pool. It’s an infectiously catchy tune that reveals how the 1% spend their vacations. Alas, Sharpay’s bubble bursts with the arrival of Gabriella.
#7: “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs”
“Hairspray” (2007)
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Velma Von Tussle is a villainess that’s stuck in the past, fighting change around every corner. During an audition for “The Corny Collins Show,” she isn’t at all impressed with the turnout. In a skillfully choreographed number, Velma remembers the good old days when she was crowned Miss Baltimore Crabs. Along with her daughter and a few other mean girls, she shuns the contestants for their appearances. Tracy is ultimately kicked out for her views on integration, demonstrating just how backwards Velma’s mindset is. Velma might be a horrible human being, but we’d be lying if we said this song didn’t make us want to do the cha-cha-cha.
#6: “Pretty Women”
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
Judge Turpin is the most despicable person in this musical, wrongfully imprisoning Benjamin Barker, raping his wife, and caging up his daughter like a bird. Of course, the film’s titular character isn’t exactly a saint either. In this chilling scene, both men come together and sing about their monstrous plans. Unaware that Sweeney Todd is Barker, Turpin dreams of forcing Johanna into marriage. All the while, Todd prepares to slit his enemy’s throat. As dark as the subject matter is, the song is hauntingly calm and even soothing. As Todd’s razor grows closer to Turpin’s neck, though, the melody becomes more and more heart pounding until we reach the final curtain.
#5: “Feed Me (Git It)”
“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
A truly great villain can corrupt even the most innocent souls. The kindly Seymour Krelborn is taken aback upon realizing his plant, Audrey II, can talk. With a deep booming voice, Audrey II demands blood and lots of it. Through a rockin’ villain song, the plant motivates Seymour to feed him by killing people. Although the promises of fame, fortune, and love tempt Seymour, he still has reservations about committing murder… that is until he sets his eyes on a cocky dentist. While Seymour continues to feed the plant, he eventually sees Audrey II for what he really is during the Oscar-nominated number “Mean Green Mother from Outer Space.”
#4: “The Last Midnight”
“Into the Woods” (2014)
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This adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s classic musical interprets various fairytale characters from a unique perspective. While Meryl Streep’s Witch is essentially your basic antagonist, the other characters aren’t necessarily good or bad. As the Witch puts it, they’re just “nice.” Everyone here makes mistakes, amounting to happy endings that aren’t all that happy. Rather than taking responsibility for their own actions, however, they blame the Witch – who arguably did start the chain of events. This sets the stage for a rousing number where the Witch decides to embrace her wicked side. As the ultimate mic drop, she places a curse on our supposed heroes before disappearing underground.
#3: “Magic Dance”
“Labyrinth” (1986)
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The audience is supposed to root against the bad guy, but that proves exceedingly difficult when a villain is this much fun. It’s impossible not to like Jareth, the Goblin King, played by the invaluable David Bowie. In addition to starring, Bowie wrote and recorded multiple original songs for “Labyrinth.” The standout is easily the show-stopping “Magic Dance.” As little baby Toby breaks out in tears, Jareth and his minions perform a number that’s guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Toe-tapping, energetic, and of course magical, we could dance all night to this song.
#2: “Sweet Transvestite”
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)
Dr. Frank N. Furter is another villain that the audience can’t help but love. In this uproarious number, we’re introduced to the sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania. Like the rest of the film, the song is bizarre, random, and overflowing with uncomfortable sexual tension. If you’re in the mood for something totally off-the-wall, however, you’re bound to have a good time. What’s more, Tim Curry kills it with this scene, lighting up the silver screen with his charisma, comedic timing, and unusual brand of sexuality. Whenever an audience watches “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” they always await this song with great antici…pation.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“Every Little Piece”
“Pete’s Dragon” (1977)
“Slick (Patel’s Song)”
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)
“Professional Pirate”
“Muppet Treasure Island” (1996)
#1: “I Put a Spell on You”
“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
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Curses and music go hand in hand for the Sanderson sisters. To allure Salem’s little children, Sarah Sanderson sings a hypnotic tune with the essence of a lullaby. Of course, the most enchanting musical number in the movie has got to be the witches’ rendition of “I Put a Spell on You.” Winifred, Mary, and Sarah put an upbeat spin on this rock and roll classic. With Bette Midler providing lead vocals, the sisters cast a spell on the adults of Salem, not to mention the home viewing audience! If you want people to dance until they die, we can’t think of a catchier tune to expire to.
