Without a great Disney villain, you wouldn’t have a great Disney hero/heroine. They put fear into both children and adults, and scar for life (or is that just us?). More importantly, a Disney villain challenges the films hero and makes them realize their greatness.
Even with their terrifying nature, we just can’t get enough of them! So we’re sharing some of the worst (or best) Disney villains whose evil nature showed no bounds… Just in time for Halloween!
Judge Claude Frollo | The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Frollo doesn’t think he is an evil person, he thinks he is doing the Lord's work. When Frollo is first introduced in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, he is trying to throw a deformed baby into a well but is thankfully stopped by the Archdeacon. Whereas most villains in Disney films know what they are doing is wrong, Frollo truly believes he is a messenger of the Lord sent to rid the world of evil doings - and that is truly terrifying.
Cruella | 101 Dalmations
Roger Sang it best 🎶If she doesn’t scare you no evil thing will🎶. PETA’s number one nemesis, Cruella, is scary because she wanted to kill cute, innocent puppies all for haute couture… all while wearing her first victims all over her body with pride, and that’s psychotic.
Maleficent | Sleeping Beauty
Maleficent is one of the most iconic Disney villains. While the 2014 live-action film made us feel sympathy for her, the cartoon shows her as a vengeful witch who caused chaos to a kingdom… All because she didn’t get invited to a party (talk about the biggest tantrum ever). Her transformation into the evil dragon at the end is one of the most terrifying scenes in Disney history.
Scar | The Lion King
Scar’s Machiavellian way to power; killing his brother and blaming his young nephew is pretty evil. Once he's in power he makes the Pride Lands become destitute and baren. Scar is at his uttermost evil during the song Be Prepared. Dancing through smoke and fire talking about his plan to take back the Pride Lands while the hyenas march around him.
Chernabog | Fantasia
The giant demon at the end of Fantasia is one of the scariest things in animation history. From his stature to his cold, big eyes, everything about Chernabog is scary! His whole arc in Fantasia is about the summoning of ghosts, just to throw them in a fire while he smiles excitedly. Talk about nightmares…
Jafar | Aladdin
Jafar the human isn’t that scary. If you ask us, he’s more annoying than anything. His scariness (and true Disney villain form) comes when he gets his hands on the lamp and his wish of absolute power is granted, turning him into a creature that could give Chernabog a run for his money.
Ursula | The Little Mermaid
Ursula is one of the creepiest looking Disney villains. From her purple skin, tentacles and devilish smile, one couldn’t help but be scared of her. She crept around in the dark depths of the ocean scheming to ruin Ariel’s life.
Lady Tremaine | Cinderella
The reason Lady Tremaine is SO scary is because her evil ways are real. Her abuse isn’t in magical powers and potions like most of the other villains on this list. Hers is through fear, abuse, and manipulation. She feels threatened by a child and keeps her as a servant. She also manipulates her own children into treating Cinderella the same.
Evil Queen | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Last, but certainly not least, The OG evil queen from Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. She gives a girl a poisoned apple because a mirror told her she wasn’t the prettiest in the land... that’s pretty evil, and vain if we’re being honest. If that weren’t scary enough, her transformation into the old witch is terrifying!