Top 20 Satisfying Deaths of Hated Animated Movie Characters

“The Incredibles” (2004)
Some people take rejection with dignity and move on. Others just can’t let go of their grudges. Despite not having any superpowers, young Buddy Pine dreams of becoming Mr. Incredible’s sidekick. After getting turned down by his hero, he decides to take the super villain route and becomes Syndrome. With an arsenal of destructive toys at his disposal, this megalomaniac aspires to crush his enemy. Syndrome goes too far, though, when he targets Mr. Incredible’s family. As brilliant as Syndrome is, he’s essentially a bratty child trapped in a grown man’s body. It’s only appropriate that he’s destroyed by his massive ego, as well as his poor fashion sense.

“Shrek” (2001)
This beloved movie is a comedy, so it’s hard to really hate any of the characters. Still, Lord Farquaad is certainly detestable. A short man with big ambitions, Farquaad orders Shrek to rescue Fiona so he can marry her and become King. Not only is the motive incredibly selfish, but Farquaad’s personality is exceedingly grating. Luckily, he gets his comeuppance in the end. During the sham of a wedding, Farquaad is devoured by the same dragon that was protecting Princess Fiona. It’s instant karma; if he didn’t act on his selfish and power-hungry desires, he would still be alive today.

“Up” (2009)
They say “never meet your heroes”, and explorer Charles Muntz is a case in point. A deceitful man on the lookout for a giant bird specimen, Charles does a lot of nasty things, like setting a fire underneath Carl’s house and kidnapping Russell. If kidnapping doesn’t qualify him as a terrible human being, we don’t know what would! Fortunately, it proves to be his demise. Muntz takes Russell aboard his airship, and this is exactly where Muntz meets his end. While chasing Russell and Kevin, Muntz gets caught in balloon lines and is dragged off the airship, falling to his death. It’s a disturbing death, but satisfying nonetheless. The man was shooting at a child, after all.

“Treasure Planet” (2002)
Released during Disney’s rocky years, “Treasure Planet” bombed at the box office. But the movie still earned positive reviews for its imaginative story, which includes a murderous alien named Scroop. Scroop looks like a creepy mix between a spider and a crab, so we already kinda hate him. He also has a penchant for dastardly deeds, sending poor Mr. Arrow into a black hole. But Scroop forgot about karma. The insectoid dies in a very similar manner to Mr. Arrow, careening off into the vacuum of space once the ship’s artificial gravity is disabled. Watching Scroop float away is satisfying enough. Watching him go out in a similar manner to Arrow makes it even better.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Disney villains have a tendency to destroy themselves with the very power they seek. The Shadow Man is a prime example. As cool as they come, this witch doctor has complete confidence in his master plan. He puts a little too much faith in dark magic, however, which results in his doom. Unable to pay his debt after his voodoo charm breaks, Doctor Facilier finds himself at the mercy of his friends on the other side. With no more tricks up his sleeve, he’s dragged out of the shadows and down into the underworld. The petrified face on Facilier’s gravestone only makes his death more satisfying.

“Chicken Run” (2000)
Aside from her adorable name, there’s not much to like about Mrs. Tweedy. A mean woman who runs an egg farm, she abuses her husband and kills any chicken who fails to produce. In the midst of declining profits, decides to convert her farm into a factory producing chicken pot pies. Somehow, Tweedy survives the explosion of her pie machine, despite being stuck in its safety valve. But then things get...surprisingly dark. Just as she’s growling at Mr. Tweedy, the barn door falls on top of her. And it looks like Mr. Tweedy might have pushed it… Her death is satisfying for viewers, although comes at the expense of Mr. Tweedy’s morality.

“Oliver & Company” (1998)
Big, bad, and ruthless, Sykes views himself as untouchable. So it’s kind of ironic that a petty thief, a little girl, and a bunch of cute animals cause his downfall. In the climax of “Oliver & Company,” Sykes sets out to turn our heroes into roadkill. Behind the wheel of his dominating Cadillac, this loathsome loan shark seems like an indestructible force. Sykes takes the highway to hell, though, when he drives his car onto a third rail. Confronted by a towering train, Sykes meets his demise on a bridge. It’s far from the first time a gangster’s body has ended up at the bottom of the Hudson River, but it’s not like he didn’t have it coming.

“Osmosis Jones” (2001)
This cute buddy cop movie is actually quite dark, considering that its primary antagonist is named after a deadly disease. Thrax is a virus that enters the body of Frank DeTorre through an infected egg. Thrax is so deadly and dangerous that he threatens to kill his host within just 48 hours, forcing Frank’s immune system to work overtime. Thrax is eventually sneezed out of Frank and ends up on his daughter’s false eyelash. Luckily, Thrax is killed when the eyelash falls into a beaker of rubbing alcohol. “Osmosis Jones” has an inventive premise, and the death of its main antagonist is equally creative. Who knew watching a pathogen dissolve in rubbing alcohol could be so much fun?

“A Bug’s Life” (1998)
This opportunistic insect leads a gang of grasshoppers who demand food from a colony of ants. Led by Flik, the ants rise up and fight back against their oppressors. But in the chaos of a sudden rainstorm, Hopper pursues Flik and begins to strangle him. Fortunately, Flik lured Hopper to this spot on purpose. Just in the nick of time, a curious - and hungry - bird arrives. Hopper’s cockiness proves to be his downfall, and what a satisfying downfall it is. Thinking it’s a trick, Hopper decides to taunt the bird, but it instead grabs him and feeds him to its babies. It’s gruesome, sure; but it’s always nice to see such an arrogant character getting their comeuppance.

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)
This movie saved Disney following the commercial disappointment of “The Black Cauldron.” People were drawn to its fun story, which includes memorable antagonist Ratigan. Ratigan hopes to rule English mice society with the help of a mechanical robot, and he even has his henchmen kidnap the Queen of the Mice from Buckingham Palace. Ratigan is probably the closest that Disney has ever come to a James Bond villain. And he goes out in the same manner as numerous Bond villains - by falling to his death. Big Ben tolls and sends Ratigan careening off the clock tower, where he becomes just another nuisance for a street cleaner. Despite all his pompous gestures, Ratigan likely ended up in the garbage.

“Mulan” (1998)
Despite “Mulan” being a very popular movie, Shan Yu is seldom mentioned among the best Disney villains. Which is weird, considering he’s one of the most nefarious. Shan Yu is the leader of the Huns, and they invade China by killing numerous guards posted on the Great Wall. He also has no patience for decorum, as is evident when he has a fleeing man shot from behind. Luckily, Shan Yu dies in the most spectacular way possible. He’s taken down by Mushu of all people (or all dragons), who sends Shan Yu flying into a fireworks display. Shan Yu’s death is quite violent, but at least it gave us a really pretty light show.

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001)
This underrated Disney film follows Milo Thatch, a timid linguist who joins an expedition to the lost city of Atlantis. The expedition is carried out by a gang of mercenaries led by Commander Rourke. However, Rourke has ulterior motives; he wants to steal The Heart of Atlantis for himself and sell it on the surface for an exorbitant price. But Rourke suffers a very violent fate before his objective can be carried out. The otherwise timid Milo finally fights back and crystallizes Rourke with a magic shard of glass. The Rourke statue is then completely destroyed by the airship’s propellers. Not only is the death itself satisfying, but it beautifully concludes Milo’s character arc from passive eccentric to action hero.

“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Maleficent walks a fine line between being a villain we love to hate and a villain we hate to love. Either way, she’s definitely one of Disney’s most dastardly villains, placing a deathly curse on an infant princess. And to think, Maleficent only did that because she wasn’t invited to a party. She breaks out the big guns in the film’s climax, taking on the form of a fire-breathing dragon. While Maleficent throws everything she has at our heroes, Prince Phillip ultimately drives his sword through her dark heart. Good may triumph over the Mistress of All Evil, but at least Maleficent went out on a high note.

“Tangled” (2010)
Everyone must eventually face their mortality. Mother Gothel learns this the hard way. Kidnapping our longhaired heroine as a baby, this villain manipulates Rapunzel into believing that she’s a caring, nurturing mother figure. Deep down in her shriveled up heart, it’s possible that Mother Gothel has some affection for the young lady she calls her daughter. When push comes to shove, however, all she cares about is using Rapunzel’s magical hair to preserve her own youth and beauty. When Rapunzel’s golden locks are chopped off, Mother Gothel’s age finally starts to catch up to her. Unable to look at her decaying face in the mirror, she tumbles out the window and reaches her inevitable expiration.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
Ursula is a villain of many different faces. She can be quiet and subtle, using her magic to steal Ariel’s voice and Prince Eric’s heart. This sea witch can also be booming and bombastic, particularly when she gets her hands on King Triton’s all-powerful trident. Growing to a monstrous size, Ursula nearly sends the little mermaid to a watery grave. Prince Eric storms inat just the right time, though, and impales her with a ship. This scene gave us all nightmares as children, but we can take comfort in knowing that Ursula is now sleeping with the fishes.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Snow White. You’d have to be completely heartless to harm such a kind, pure soul. That’s exactly why we despise the Evil Queen so much. When her huntsman can’t get the job done, the jealous queen uses her dark magic to transform herself into a hag and kills the innocent princess with a poison apple. The Wicked Queen comes close to crushing the seven dwarves with a boulder as well. Fortunately, a bolt of lightning intervenes and gives Queen Grimhilde-as-the-Witch her comeuppance, after which vultures make sure there’s nothing left of the queen’s body. Meanwhile, the dwarves preserve Snow White’s body so she may be awakened by true love’s kiss.

“The Lion King” (1994)
This evil uncle is as ambitious as he is merciless. In order to claim the Pride Lands, the devious lion murders his older brother. As if that’s not appalling enough, Scar also plots to kill his nephew, who’s only a cub. Slipping through his uncle’s claws, Simba runs away into exile. Sometime later, he returns to show Scar who the true king is. Despite his unforgivable deeds, Scar is given a chance to run away and never return. The dethroned villain refuses to accept defeat, though, and an epic catfight ensues. This proves to be Scar’s undoing, as he’s sent to the bottom of Pride Rock where his hungry minions greet him. It’s the circle of death.

“Tarzan” (1999)
This death is widely considered one of the darkest in the Disney canon. And for good reason. But it’s also very rewarding. Clayton is a hunter escorting Porter and Jane through the forest, but he eventually develops a greedy fascination with the gorillas and wishes to capture and sell them. He even kills Kerchak, and that’s when viewers began asking for blood. In the end, Clayton greatly underestimates the power of the forest and accidentally hangs himself on a bunch of vines. It’s a brutal sequence, containing one of the most violent images ever seen in a Disney film. But it’s not like viewers had sympathy for Clayton. Quite the opposite, in fact. We were glad to see him go.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Gaston actually starts off as one of the more likable Disney villains. Granted, he is rude, insensitive, and full of himself. While we can see why Belle isn’t attracted to him, there is a certain charm to his pompous nature. Throughout “Beauty and the Beast,” however, Gaston goes from being a selfish jerk to a sadistic monster that’ll do anything to get what he wants. In the midst of a heated battle for Belle’s hand, the Beast takes pity on the whimpering Gaston and lets him leave peacefully. Gaston’s hunter instinct kicks in, though, and he stabs his prey in the back. As he’s beyond the point of redemption, it’s hard to feel bad for Gaston when he ultimately plummets to his death after losing his footing.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Frollo just might be the biggest sinner the Mouse House has ever given us. This cruel justice minister murders an innocent mother, attempts to drown her deformed child, burns down people’s homes, and lusts after a Romani woman he plans to either kill or make his own. Although he’s broken every commandment in the good book, Frollo is still convinced that all of his heinous actions are justified. Before he can do away with Quasimodo, Frollo loses his balance atop Notre Dame and comes face to face with a devilish sight. As the flames of hell rage below, he is sent to meet his maker. We’d say may the lord have mercy on his soul, but Frollo has no soul to save.