Top 20 Epic Broadway Villain Songs
#20: “World Burn”
“Mean Girls”
If you recall the popular 2004 movie, Regina discovers that not only was she not invited to Cady’s party, but also that the Kälteen Bars Cady recommended caused her to gain weight. In anger, she turns to the Burn Book to exact her revenge, and that’s where this song comes in. After adding her own name, she ensures that copies can be found everywhere in the high school, revealing all of its nasty content and throwing her former friends under the bus. North Shore’s Queen Bee may have been dethroned, but now she’s digging in her Louboutin heels as she unleashes absolute chaos around the school.
#19: “Lonely Room”
“Oklahoma!”
Jud Fry is a lonely and troubled farmhand who develops an obsession with Laurey. This lesser-known song follows “Pore Jud Is Daid,” where his rival Curly essentially provokes him. The song was actually removed from the 1955 movie, perhaps they simply found it too dark. While the lyrics portray a lonely outcast in search of love and happiness, the intensity with which it is sung is far more menacing and ominous. The song really highlights what a complex man Jud actually is. But as it comes to an end, we can’t help but feel uneasy over what he might do next.
#18: “King Herod’s Song”
“Jesus Christ Superstar”
If you’re familiar with the Bible, then we probably don’t need to tell you that the book describes King Herod as a pretty bad guy. In this song, he tries to goad Jesus into proving his divinity, but Jesus chooses to ignore him. It’s a fun, upbeat, and flamboyant number that proves that villains always get the catchiest tunes. The song has quite a sarcastic tone, which only makes it more compelling. In the updated version during the 2012 UK tour, Herod is played as a television presenter who tries to coerce Jesus into entertaining his audience by performing miracles. When Jesus still refuses to comply, he angrily sends him away.
#17: “Why We Build the Wall”
“Hadestown”
You might think that this song was inspired by events from the mid-2010s, but it was actually written about a decade earlier. Still, there’s something eerie about how current this number feels, even down to the call and response between Hades and his followers. The god of the underworld uses his walled-off world for totalitarian control as he brainwashes his followers in exchange for economic security. The song is a reflection of the enduring narrative of fear-mongering leaders throughout time. Perhaps that’s why this is one of the most standout moments of the musical. It feels so relevant,which makes it all the more chilling.
#16: “Master of the House”
“Les Misérables”
While the Thénardiers provide much of the comic relief in an otherwise pretty, well, miserable show, they’re also its biggest scoundrels. We already know that they’re wicked and cruel people based on their treatment of the young Cosette. However, in this song, we learn that they’re conniving, deceptive crooks too. On first appearances, they might seem like friendly, welcoming innkeepers, but they use every trick in the book to rob their patrons blind. There’s no denying that this song is incredibly entertaining though. You’d probably leave the inn still humming along, all the while completely oblivious to the fact that you’ve just been hoodwinked.
#15: “And Eve Was Weak”
“Carrie”
Carrie’s mom is a fanatical fundamentalist who believes that menstruation is a symbol of sin. So when Carrie tries to confide in her about the harrowing experience of getting her first period at school, her mother flies into a frenzy. Margaret believes that women menstruate because of Eve’s original sin and tries to get her daughter to internalize that guilt. Throughout the song, she berates her and treats her terribly. She also fears that Carrie will soon develop “this power”, leading to a foreshadowing of the show’s end. When Carrie tries to fight back, Margaret locks her in the cellar to pray for repentance.
#14: “Blood in the Water”
“Legally Blonde”
This song introduces us to the cold and ruthless Professor Callahan. He certainly makes quite an entrance, captivating the attention of the class and, of course, the audience. We’ve all had that one teacher who is both feared and hated by the students and, at Harvard Law School, it’s Callahan. He’s merciless, devoid of any compassion, and downright offensive. We’re also introduced to Elle’s rival Vivienne, who gets Elle kicked out of class, but we’re willing to forgive her. The full extent of Callahan’s villainy isn’t even exposed until much later. It only makes it more satisfying when Elle, helped by Vivienne, takes him down.
#13: “Bottom Line”
“Newsies: The Broadway Musical”
There are villains you can’t help but love, but paper publisher Joseph Pulitzer is one we love to loathe. When he decides to charge the poor children selling his papers more money per hundred, forcing the kids to sell more to make a profit, we’re treated to a shockingly upbeat song about his evil eureka moment. It’s hard to root for a villain this cold and cruel, but with the bouncy music and charming vocals, we can’t help but hum along!
#12: “Candy Store”
“Heathers: The Musical”
In this musical retelling of an ‘80s cult-classic film, many would consider JD the main antagonist, but this treacherous trio can’t be denied their spotlight. After all, they’re right there in the title! This is the scene where The Heathers show Veronica their malicious lifestyle, with a realistic portrayal of high school dialogue and perfectly timed choreograph. It’s also a great way to show the audience exactly why we should root against them. These queen bees run Westerburg, and their strong vocals and harmonies have us wanting to join the hive!
#11: “The Neva Flows”
“Anastasia”
Gleb Vaganov, a Bolshevik General, replaces Rasputin as the villain in this musical. He catches wind of Dmitry and Vlad’s plan to pass off Anya as Grand Duchess Anastasia, so decides to interrogate her himself. He recognizes her Romanov eyes almost instantly and warns her of the consequences should her true identity ever be discovered. He also recalls his father’s involvement in the Romanovs’ fateful night and ponders what he might have done had he been in his father’s position. Gleb realizes that he’s developed feelings for the princess and lets her off with this song. However, his heart becomes hardened once again soon after.
#10: “The Pitiful Children”
“Be More Chill”
Until now, the SQUIP has slyly manipulated Jeremy under a veiled promise to help him climb up the social ladder. But when Jeremy blames the SQUIP for his misfortunes, the computer deflects the blame onto human error instead. We then discover its real plan, global domination, which is quite a leap from just helping a kid become a bit cooler. The SQUIP twists Jeremy’s feelings and influences him into planting SQUIPS in his classmates too. By the end of the song, the SQUIP is describing what it’ll be like to control the entire student body. Notice that there are no harmonies anymore as now everyone echoes one more powerful voice: the SQUIP’s.
#9: “Alive”
“Jekyll & Hyde”
After our first introduction to the self-named, Mr. Edward Hyde, the battle between good and evil really begins. Jekyll’s experiment sought to discover what makes people evil. However, Hyde sings about why being so bad feels so good. He revels in cruelty and celebrates the rush he gets from committing evil deeds. We follow him on his first outing into the world, where he torments anyone in his path, including Lucy. “Alive” is also reprised later during his altercation with the bishop. Following the first transformation, Jekyll becomes addicted to the rush of adrenaline he feels after unleashing his evil alter-ego.
#8: “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs”
“Hairspray”
Velma Von Tussle is no one to, well, tussle with. When Tracy and her big hair and personality comes to audition for the Corny Collins show, the producer, Von Tussle, is appalled. In this number, her pageant name becomes a well-earned double entendre with her stories of sleeping her way to the top and not being afraid to play dirty, in every sense of the word. This song begins the battle for inclusion that drives the musical’s plot, and it’s peppered with witty lyrics and dazzling choreography. Much like her name, this woman proves very, very hard to get rid of.
#7: “Meant to Be Yours”
“Heathers: The Musical”
Move aside, Heathers, because the real villain of this musical is Jason Dean. He’s one complicated individual and nothing showcases that more than this chaotic number. “Heathers” writers Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy shared that the song is so all over the place as it mirrors J.D. psyche at this moment. Despite everything he’s done, J.D. has always kept his cool, until now. He believes that his actions will make the world a better place, but Veronica wants no part of it. She resorts to desperate measures to free herself of J.D., but it only fuels him further to carry out his scheme.
#6: “Little Girls”
“Annie”
Though this story has had many adaptations over the years, one thing remains the same: Miss Hannigan is every kid’s worst nightmare. When the titular orphan is invited to visit a mansion for the holiday season as a form of charity, it ignites a ball of anger inside the faulty caretaker, leading to a particularly twisted, yet somewhat comedic, song that washes away any notion that she may simply be trying her best. We can’t help but wonder if she belongs in the nuthouse after all.
#5: “Pretty Women”
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
You could cut the tension in this duet with a knife, or rather, a razor. When the lustful Judge Turpin appears in Sweeney Todd’s barber shop, Todd tries to lull him into a sense of security in order to murder him. While the sinister stylist sends shivers up our spine, Turpin’s cadence in this deceptively upbeat tune outright creeps us out. Sweeney’s melancholy words complement Turpin’s shameless confessions of preying on young women, and we actually can’t help but feel sorry for him. That’s something we thought we’d never say of the homicidal hair clipper.
#4: “Last Midnight”
“Into the Woods”
Here’s a life lesson: when you point a finger, three point back at you. This Grimm tale sweeps over interweaving scenes with plenty of memorable numbers, including a particularly creepy song sung by the Big Bad Wolf himself . However, it’s this tune that’s sure to haunt your nightmares. The Witch calls out the play’s heroes, insisting they are anything but. They do bad deeds and claim piety, unwilling to see the harm they cause. The creeping instrumental attests to the gravity of the situation, and at the end, the Witch does what many of us often wish we could do in an argument, and makes an epic exit.
#3: “You’ll Be Back”
“Hamilton”
This is King George III’s first number in this critically acclaimed show, and what an entrance he makes! He tells the colonists that distance doesn't mean independence, threatening violence if they do not return to his rule. However comedic, his words light the match of the revolution, making this piece essential to the plot. Although many Kings have conquered this tune, Jonathan Groff wears the original crown, and for good reason! His charisma and over-the-top accent will have you under his rule in the cast recording, no matter how tyrannical it may be!
#2: “Dentist”
“Little Shop of Horrors”
This number might make you want to reschedule that next teeth-cleaning appointment. Orin Scrivello, Audrey’s abusive boyfriend and Seymour’s romantic rival, sings this song about the love he has for his chosen profession. But while some people go into the dental business looking to fix people’s teeth, it’s clear that the sadistic Scrivello prefers ripping them right out. Still, rampant cruelty has never sounded this catchy, with a hip-shakin’ rhythm and some angelic harmonies from a chorus of back-up singers. Just don’t think too hard about the lyrics, and you’ll be saying “Ah” right along with Scrivello’s victims…err, patients.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“A Little Priest”, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
We Think We’ll Pass on One of Mrs. Lovett’s Pies
“Hello Little Girl” , “Into the Woods”
This Is Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Strangers (or Wolves)
“The World According to Chris”, “Carrie”
Said World Doesn’t Sound Too Appealing
“The Sewers / Dog Eats Dog”, “Les Misérables”
Thénardier Claims the Spoils of War: If That Isn’t Villainous, We Don’t Know What Is
“Freeze Your Brain” , “Heathers: The Musical”
J.D. Literally Tries to Block Out His Pain with a Slurpee
#1: “Cell Block Tango”
“Chicago”
This musical is based on a straight play, and uses its toe-tapping tunes to amp up its satire of the media’s glorification of criminals. Case in point: Cell Block Tango. These vile vixens of the cell block recount with sensual choreography and passionate lyrics how each have mercilessly killed men who abused, cheated, or simply jilted them. Each villainess in the cell has her own side of the story, and a reason to declare ‘not guilty’. This is the perfect shower tune to belt out when Mr. Right turns out to be oh, so wrong.
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