I’ve been moving onto my Halloween content recently, and nothing is more appropriate for spooky season than Disney villains. From the most stylish, evil and lovable here are – who I think are – the best Disney Villians ranked.

For the sake of brevity, we’re only going to focus on the cartoons here. If we veer into the live-action territory and include villains from other films like Pirates of the Caribbean or *technically* the MCU, this post would never end.

So grab some snacks and tuck in!

Most Evil Disney Villians

Scar – The Lion King

Mufasa’s death was the first murder in a Disney film so for that alone Scar earns a spot as one of the most evil Disney Villains. The Lion King has been my favourite movie since birth and I still can’t watch that scene. He also earns bonus points for running Pride Rock to the ground while he was King.

The Horned King – The Black Cauldron

The Black Cauldron is one of Disney’s lesser known films – largely because it came out during Disney’s dark ages. The Horned King is easily one of the most terrifying Disney villains and the whole animation is so dark it doesn’t really feel like a Disney film.

He tries to find the Black Cauldron to release an army of undead mortals.

Frollo – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Sometimes I think The Hunchback Of Notre Dame is too dark to be a kids’ movie. For a “righteous man” Frollo easily goes against everything he preaches; thou shalt not kill, lust is a sin etc etc.

Prince John – Robin Hood

Prince John not only takes the throne in a questionable way but stealing for the poor is pretty damn evil.

Cruella DeVil – 101 Dalamatians

While Emma Stone’s Cruella DeVil is much tamer than the ones we grew up with, the original version and Glenn Close’s versions are pretty diabolical. She was going to skin puppies for a fur coat, enough said.

Captain Hook – Peter Pan

At first, I didn’t think Captain Hook deserved to be classed as one of the evilest Disney Villains purely because he’s such a pathetic villain. There are so many times in the movie he cowers and accomplishes nothing. That said, this is a grown man down to murder literal children so that’s pretty evil.

Ursula – The Little Mermaid

Ursula wanting to take over the kingdom is pretty evil – especially using Ariel as a pawn, but people kinda gloss over the fact that her whole lair is covered in trapped merfolk who made rigged deals with her?

Mother Gothel – Tangled

Mother Gothel wanting to stay young and beautiful forever is understandable. But kidnapping a child is definitely a line crossed.

Zira – The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride

Zira is hands-down one of the most underrated and best Disney Villians. After Scar is gone, she and the rest of his supporters are banished to the outlands. She raises her son Kovu, who was “chosen” by Scar to be his heir (but is apparently not his son because Disney probably wanted to avoid the obvious questions that would arise with Kiara) to take out Simba and take the throne.

The Lion King 2 is also one of the best Disney sequels.

Yzma – The Emperor’s New Groove

While Kuzco wasn’t a great emperor to begin with, but you can’t really justify Zyma wanting to take the throne. Plus, turning Kuzco into a llama was an accident; the real plan was murder.

Most Stylish Disney Villians

While some Disney Villians are pure evil, you can’t deny that they’re fabulous.

Scar – The Lion King

Scar didn’t have to be so sassy and give us the best Disney Villain song ever, but he did.

Dr. Facilier – The Princess & The Frog

Dr. Facilier was incredibly charming and was definitely one of the more competent Disney Villains.

Gaston – Beauty & The Beast

As the song says, “no one’s slick as Gaston, no one’s quick as Gaston, no one’s neck‘s as incredibly thick as Gaston.”

Hans – Frozen

You do have to hand it to Hans. That was one hell of a plot twist. He had the whole audience charmed.

Randal – Monster’s Inc

I didn’t realise how much I missed Randal until I watched Monsters At Work – which I recommend! His origin story in Monster’s University wasn’t what I was expecting but he was definitely one of the most skilled Disney Villains.

Most Lovable Disney Villians

Long John Silver – Treasure Planet

Yes, he did mutiny the ship but he taught Jimbo some life lessons along the way. I don’t know why ever since I was a kid I was emotionally attached to Silver but I am. Morph is definitely the most underrated – and my favourite – Disney pet.

Smee – Peter Pan

It often feels like Captain Hook’s first mate Smee isn’t a villain at all. He often wants to do the right thing, like leave Tiger Lily go but even when he’s on Hook’s side, he doesn’t seem that bad.

Gabby – Toy Story 4

Gabby was pretty mean at the start of the movie, but she somewhat redeemed herself at the end. You can also understand where she’s coming from – more so than Lotso at least.

I still can’t watch Toy Story 4 without crying.

Kronk – The Emperor’s New Groove

Kronk is another Disney Villain who doesn’t feel like a bad guy, but as Yzma’s assistant, he’s guilty by association. That said, he still seems like a nice guy.

Dawn Bellwether – Zootopia

Dawn is another Disney Villain who as one hell of a plot twist. As evil as her scheme was, you can’t help but be impressed that she’s quite figuratively a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Who are your favourite Disney Villains? Scar seems to be voted as the best Disney Villain and I have to agree!

While you’re here, check out these Disney Halloween movies!