Top 10 Villain Henchmen Songs That Didn't Have to Go That Hard

“Coraline” (2009)

In this sinister stop-motion animation film, the eponymous Coraline finds herself in a different dimension, full of button-eyed dopple-gangers of her family and friends. The Other Mother is the perfect Stepford mom, while her Other Father is never too busy to talk and he also plays the piano. Or at least, the piano plays him. The other mother is pulling the strings and her hapless henchman can only follow along. The “Other Father Song” is entertaining and sweet, but there’s also some foreshadowing here. He sings “our eyes will be on Coraline” - hinting at the Other Mother’s plans to literally sew buttons onto our heroine’s eyes.

“The Return of the King” (1980)

J.R.R Tolkien’s novels are packed full of songs and the Rankin/Bass animated movies really embraced the music. “The Hobbit” gives us a couple of numbers for the Goblins, with lyrics straight from the book. However, the catchiest song of the canon has to be “Where There’s a Whip, There’s a Way” from 1980’s “The Return of the King.” The lyricists took a throwaway line of Tolkien’s and crafted a memorable marching song for Sauron’s Orc army. It may humanize these villainous henchmen more than we’re strictly comfortable with, but we’re here for the dark humor and the vibes.

“The Return of Jafar” (1994)

The “Aladdin” sequels can’t boast the musical stylings of Ashman and Menken, but there are still some fun songs, especially for the bad guys. The third movie has a couple of group numbers for the henchmen, and Aladdin’s induction into the Forty Thieves is a highlight. Meanwhile, the saving grace of “The Return of Jafar” is Gilbert Gottfried’s Iago - and he gets his own solo in this one. Once the wise-cracking sidekick to the villainous grand vizier, in “I’m Looking Out For Me” Iago asserts his independence. And when he goes it alone, he does it with style.

“Thumbelina” (1994)

Thumbelina faces her fair share of villains and villainesses, but the most memorable is Ms. Fieldmouse, wingwoman to Mr. Mole. In your typical fairytale, true love is often the goal. So what could be more wicked than suggesting Thumbelina marry for money? Sung by Broadway legend Carol Channing and composed by Barry Manilow, Ms. Fieldmouse’s signature solo is a certified banger full of witty lyrics and sly humor. “Marry the Mole” bagged “Thumbelina” its one and only award - a Golden Raspberry for Worst Song, which we consider a gross injustice. It’s a great number, firmly tongue in cheek but delivered with flair.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

In Tim Burton’s creepy classic, Santa Claus is kidnapped by Lock, Shock and Barrel - also known as ‘Oogie Boogie’s Boys.’ This trio of trick-or-treaters are henchmen to the evil Oogie Boogie man, but are sent to capture Santa Claus on the orders of Jack Skellington. As they set out on their wicked mission, they sing about all the ways they might carry out their plan, and what they’re going to do to Mr. Christmas when they catch him. It all sounds very dramatic, but when it comes to the point they just knock on his door and throw him in a sack.

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)

Every great hero needs a worthy nemesis and all good villains need an epic villain song. Professor Ratigan is the Moriarty to Basil of Baker Street’s Sherlock Holmes. With an intimidating physique and a personality to match, the Victorian villain is best remembered for this rousing chorus led by his loyal henchmen. Ratigan himself kicks off the number, listing his former dastardly deeds and suggesting that his new plan will outstrip them all. His gang sings Ratigan’s praises, but woe betide any underling who dares to suggest their boss might be an actual rat. He’s just a very big mouse. Obviously.

“The Jungle Book” (1967)

Although not strictly a sidekick, Kaa the snake is one of “The Jungle Book’s” secondary villains and Shere Khan’s fellow predator. The terrible tiger is searching for Mowgli, but when the man cub strays into Kaa’s path, the snake can’t help but keep such a tasty treat for himself. In a movie featuring some upbeat Sherman Brothers songs, “Trust in Me,” with its slow, psychedelic jazz theme, is an effective change of pace. The song is intended to send Kaa’s prey into a deep sleep - and it would have worked too, if he wasn’t interrupted.

“Pinocchio” (1940)

“Pinocchio” is essentially a morality tale that teaches kids to listen to their conscience and stay in school, resisting the evils of drink, pool and cigars. The first dodgy characters to lead our hero from the straight and narrow are Honest John and his accomplice, Gideon. The pair persuade Pinocchio that his life’s ambition is to be an actor, and with the help of a catchy little song called “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee,” they usher him into the path of Stromboli the puppeteer. The tune becomes synonymous with temptation, as John later returns to lure Pinocchio into the clutches of a new and more frightening master - the Coachman of Pleasure Island. Honest John is not officially a henchman, but he certainly aids the more sinister Stromboli and Coachman.

“The Prince of Egypt” (1998)

This Dreamworks classic has a fantastic soundtrack and has even been made into a stage musical - but one of our favorite songs didn’t make the cut onstage. “Playing with the Big Boys” is sung by two of Rameses’s priests, Hotep and Huy, in response to Moses’ first demonstration of his connection with God. The priests deploy all their arts of showmanship and trickery to prove that the Ancient Egyptian Gods are the ones with the real power. It’s not the best song in the movie but it’s still a great time - and it’s sung with the required drama by voice actors Steve Martin and Martin Short.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

What else could possibly top this list but one of Disney’s all-time best villain songs, led by Gaston’s loyal henchman LeFou? With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and vocals from Jesse Corti and Richard White, “Gaston” is a riotous drinking song calculated to improve the mood of the boorish villain. It’s lively, funny and full of memorable lines. The scene was re-created to great effect in the live-action remake, which included verses cut from the animated version. The reprise has some great one-liners too. With its rowdy chorus, fun details and off-the wall lyrics, we’re giving top marks to “Gaston.”

Which is your favourite - and which other animated henchmen would you like to see get a song of their own? Let us know in the comments!