Disney Villains List of Characters & Fun Facts (2024)

From an evil sorceress to a wicked stepmother, Disney villains challenged our heroes and terrified us with delight.

But we can't deny the fact that there are several disney villains that captured our interest with their fascinating backstories despite their evil deeds.

So today, we'll share our comprehensive Disney villains list (with fun facts), featuring the favorite Disney baddies that make Disney animated films more immersive and colorful.

Get ready to meet the best Disney villains in the world of Disney animation!

Top 20 Most Iconic Disney Villains

1. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Story Significance: Maleficent's curse sets the entire plot of Sleeping Beauty, forcing Aurora into hiding and sparking a race against time to break the spell.

Backstory: The original film leaves her motives ambiguous, but the 2014 live-action remake explores a tragic betrayal that fuels her vengeful rage.

Fun Fact: Maleficient is one of the few disney villains with a standalone movie. She's a misunderstood villain with a deeper resentment from her past.

Iconic Line: "The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But... before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger - on the spindle of a spinning wheel - and DIE!"

2. The Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)

Story Significance: The Evil Queen, consumed by jealousy over Snow White's beauty, attempts to have her killed, forcing Snow White to flee and ultimately sparking the dwarfs' involvement in the story.

Backstory: The Queen's motivations remain somewhat shrouded, but her obsession with beauty suggests a deep-seated insecurity.

Fun Fact: The Queen's look was inspired by Queen Ayesha, the "ageless ice goddess" from the 1935 film She, played by Helen Gahagan.

Iconic Line: "Magic Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" 

3. Scar (The Lion King)

Story Significance: Scar's hunger for power sets the entire tragedy of The Lion King. He orchestrates Mufasa's death, exiles Simba, and plunges the Pride Lands into chaos.

Backstory: Scar's bitterness likely stems from being passed over for the throne in favor of Mufasa. This fuels his jealousy and ambition, ultimately twisting him into a manipulative villain.

Fun Fact: Scar is the main villain of Disney's 1994 "The Lion King" original movie.

Iconic Line: "Life's not fair, is it? You see I, I shall never be king. And you shall never see the light of another day."

4. Ursula (The Little Mermaid)

Story Significance: Ursula deals with Ariel to take away her voice in exchange for legs. She's sabotaging Ariel's chances of success and aiming to usurp King Triton's throne.

Backstory: The movie doesn't delve deeply into Ursula's past. However, clues suggest she was once part of King Triton's court but was banished, possibly due to her thirst for power or forbidden magic.

Fun Fact: Ursula isn't an octopus; she's a squid [1].

Iconic Line: "You can't get something for nothing, you know." 

5. Jafar (Aladdin)

Story Significance: Jafar, one of the male Disney villains, orchestrates every twist of fate for Aladdin. He manipulates the Sultan, frames Aladdin, and desires the Genie's lamp to rule supreme.

Backstory: It seems like Jafar's past hints at bitterness. He likely craved power as a youth and used his cunning to climb the palace ranks, fueling his resentment for those above him.

Fun Fact: Jafar's character is inspired by the legendary sorcerer from Arabian Nights.

Iconic Line: "Desperate times call for desperate measures, my lord." 

6. Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Story Significance: Cruella has an insatiable desire for a fur coat crafted from 101 Dalmatian puppies. Her relentless pursuit forces Roger and Anita to go to extraordinary lengths to protect their furry family.

Backstory: The origins of Cruella's wickedness remain largely shrouded, though hints of a troubled past and a possible obsession with fur are present [2].

Fun Fact: In the Disney movie, Cruella de Vil is depicted as single, but in Dodie Smith’s book, she is married to a furrier.

Iconic Line: "Anita, Don't Be Ridiculous. You Can't Possibly Afford To Keep Them. You Can Scarcely Afford To Feed Yourselves."

7. Captain Hook (Peter Pan)

Story Significance: Captain Hook is Peter Pan's archenemy, constantly plotting the demise of the boy who wouldn't grow up. He seeks revenge for the loss of his hand, forever haunted by the ticking crocodile that pursues him. 

Backstory: The details are murky, but the encounter of Captain Hook with Peter left him bitter and vengeful.

Fun Fact: He was originally called James Bartholomew Hook before becoming a pirate.

Iconic Line: “Blast that Peter Pan. If I could only find his hideout, I’d trap him in his lair.” 

8. Hades (Hercules)

Story Significance: Hades' ambition is to overthrow Zeus. He manipulates events to turn Hercules against the gods, forcing the hero to prove his worth and ultimately foil Hades' plan.

Backstory: Hades resents his brother Zeus for receiving the prestigious Mount Olympus. This bitterness fuels his desire for power and revenge.

Fun Fact: Hades (voiced by James Woods) can shapeshift and create illusions, using these powers to manipulate and deceive others. He's also the main villain at the game "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom."

Iconic Line: "I haven't seen this much love in a room since Narcissus discovered himself."

9. Mother Gothel (Tangled)

Story Significance: Mother Gothel imprisons Rapunzel in a tower, keeping her magic hair a secret to maintain her own youth. This leads Rapunzel to yearn for freedom, the central conflict of the film.

Backstory: Mother Gothel seeks eternal youth. When the flower heals the Queen and grants its magic to Rapunzel's hair, Gothel becomes obsessed with controlling Rapunzel to retain her stolen youth.

Fun Fact: Mother Gothel was inspired by other villains, such as the Evil Queen and Lady Tremaine.

Iconic Line: “You want me to be the bad guy? Fine. Now I’m the bad guy.”

10. Lady Tremaine (Cinderella)

Story Significance: Lady Tremaine transforms Cinderella's life from loving daughter to overworked servant. She orchestrates chaos to prevent Cinderella from attending the ball and marrying the Prince.

Backstory: The film leaves her motivations unclear, but her bitterness towards Cinderella suggests jealousy of her beauty and kindness.

Fun Fact: Unlike other evil villains, Lady Tremaine doesn't possess any super powers [3].

Iconic Line: “Above all: self control.”

11. Prince John (Robin Hood)

Story Significance: As the cowardly and greedy regent of England, Prince John represents oppressive rule and injustice, fueling Robin Hood's heroic actions.

Backstory: Like most villains, Prince John is the younger brother of King Richard, who seizes power in his absence. His incompetence and reliance on others highlight his villainous nature.

Fun Fact: Peter Ustinov, who voiced Prince John, also voiced his brother, King Richard, in the same film.

Iconic Line: "My kingdom for a weasel!"

12. Sid Phillips (Toy Story)

Story Significance: Sid is one of the primary villains of the first Toy Story movie. His destructive behavior towards toys creates a sense of danger and suspense.

Backstory: Not much is known about Sid's past, but his destructive nature towards toys suggests a troubled childhood or a lack of empathy.

Fun Fact: Sid Phillips was inspired by a real-life Pixar employee who shared his last name and had a similar fascination with disassembling toys.

Iconic Line: "This is gonna be fun!"

13. Shan Yu (Mulan)

Story Significance: Shan Yu leads the Hun army, threatening the Emperor and forcing the country to mobilize. Mulan's bravery is tested as she strives to stop his unstoppable force.

Backstory: Shan Yu is driven by a lust for conquest and a desire to prove his military superiority.

Fun Fact: While several villains in the respective films sing, Shan Yu is one of those who doesn't.

Iconic Line: "Tell your emperor to send his strongest armies. I'm ready."

14. Stinky Pete (Toy Story 2)

Story Significance: Stinky Pete is the main villain who desires for a permanent home in a museum, which drives the conflict in Toy Story 2.

Backstory: Stinky Pete was a star of the Woody's Roundup TV show but never got to experience the love of a child in his entire life, leading to bitterness and a desperate need for a permanent home.

Fun Fact: Stinky Pete was voiced by Kelsey Grammer, known for his role as Frasier Crane.

Iconic Line: "Andy is a sadistic child! He'll throw you away when he gets tired of you!"

15. Claude Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Story Significance: Frollo's fanatical religious beliefs fuel the persecution of the Romani people and Quasimodo. His obsession with Esmeralda drives the conflict, threatening the lives of all involved.

Backstory: Haunted by a past tragedy, Frollo sees the world as corrupt and fears his own desires. This fuels his repression and fuels his hatred for anything he deems sinful.

Fun Fact: Frollo is based on Victor Hugo's novel, but Disney added its own spin on the character.

Iconic Line: "When you get an idea into your head, you find it in everything."

16. Prince Hans (Frozen)

Story Significance: As one of the male Disney villains, Prince Hans is a seemingly charming prince who turns out to be a cunning usurper, revealing the deceptive nature of appearances.

Backstory: Youngest of thirteen brothers, Hans grew up feeling overlooked and developed a strong desire for power and control.

Fun Fact: Hans was originally conceived as a heroic character before the filmmakers decided to give him a villainous twist. He's also one of the youngest Disney villains.

Iconic Line: "As thirteenth in line in my own kingdom, I didn't stand a chance. I kew I'd have to marry into the throne someday."

17. Shere Khan (The Jungle Book)

Story Significance: In the Disney villains franchise, Shere Khan represents the constant threat of nature and the struggle for survival in the jungle.

Backstory: A cunning and ruthless tiger, Shere Khan has a deep-seated hatred for humans, particularly Mowgli. His fearsome reputation keeps the jungle in constant fear.

Fun Fact: He's is the only villain to survive the original film but die in the live-action remake.

Iconic Line: "Nothing lasts forever!"

18. Madame Medusa (The Rescuers)

Story Significance: A greedy and manipulative villain, Madame Medusa kidnaps a young girl to exploit her for a hidden treasure, showcasing the darker side of human greed.

Backstory: Not much is known about Medusa's past, but her obsession with diamonds (particularly the Devil's Eye) is evident.

Fun Fact: Medusa's design was reportedly inspired by the actress Carol Burnett.

Iconic Line: "You force them to like you, idiot!"

19. Namaari (Raya and the Last Dragon)

Story Significance: Namaari is Raya's childhood friend turned antagonist, representing the distrust and division caused by the Druun's return.

Backstory: Growing up as a friend of Raya, Namaari envies Heart's prosperity and believes her land deserves the Dragon Gem's power [4].

Fun Fact: Namaari's character is a departure from traditional Disney villain archetypes, as she is more complex and morally grey than many other Disney villains.

Iconic Line: "You and the dragon gem are coming with me."

20. Honest John (Pinnochio)

Story Significance: As Pinocchio's cunning and manipulative guide, Honest John represents the temptations and dangers that young, innocent characters face.

Backstory: A con artist seeking to exploit Pinocchio for personal gain, Honest John's past remains largely unexplored.

Fun Fact: Honest John has the first Disney villain musical number, "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee."

Iconic Line: "Everybody who's anybody wants to be a somebody!"

Other Villains in Disney Archives

• Professor Ratigan (The Great Mouse Detective)

• Lotso (Toy Story 3)

• Ernesto de la Cruz (Coco)

• The Horned King (The Black Cauldron)

• Percival C. McLeach (The Rescuers Down Under)

• Stromboli (Pinocchio)

• Hades' Minions (Pain & Panic) (Hercules)

• The Coachman (Pinocchio)

• Frollo's Soldiers (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

• The Wolves (The Three Little Pigs)

• Madam Mim (The Sword in the Stone)

• The Peddler (Mulan)

• Auto (WALL-E)

• Arthur (Ralph Breaks the Internet)

• Alameda Slim (The Emperor's New Groove)

• The Darlings' Parents (Peter Pan)

• The Hitchhiking Ghosts (The Haunted Mansion)

• Professor Callaghan (Big Hero 6)

• Mother Gothel's Thugs (Tangled)

• The Evil Stepsisters (Cinderella)

• The Captain (The Aristocats)

• The Beagle Boys (Scrooge McDuck media)

• Ursula's Sisters (The Little Mermaid)

• Chief O'Malley (The Aristocats)

• King Candy (Wreck-It Ralph)

• Kerchak (Tarzan)

• Man in the Black Hat (Phineas and Ferb)

• Constabulary (Robin Hood)

• Gaston's (Beauty and the Beast)

• The Lobster Mob (The Little Mermaid)

• Professor Moriarty (Mickey Mouse shorts)

• The Sheriff of Nottingham (Robin Hood)

• Kaa (The Jungle Book)

• Stromboli's Men (Pinocchio)

• The Crows (Dumbo)

FAQs

Who is the most loved Disney villain of all time? 

The most loved Disney villain depends on your preference. But some contenders include Maleficent, Scar, and Cruella De Vil.

Who is the deadliest Disney villain? 

The deadliest Disney villain could be Scar, who caused multiple deaths, or Hades, who rules the underworld.

Who is the oldest Disney villain? 

The oldest Disney villain is Evil Queen from Snow White (1937).

Who is the richest Disney villain? 

The richest villain from Disney could be Scrooge McDuck from DuckTales, considering his overflowing money bin.

Who was the most successful Disney villain? 

The most sucessful villain from Disney depends on how you define "successful." If it's achieving their goals, then villains like Jafar who briefly held power could be considered successful.

Final Thoughts

This list of Disney villains weave a dark magic into our favorite stories. They challenge all the characters, test our morals, and sometimes make us laugh with their outrageous antics.

From pure evil antagonists to minor villains, these iconic Disney villains have cemented their place in Disney history. So next time you watch a Disney movie, keep an eye out for the villain – they might just be the most memorable character of all.

To bring the Disney magic to life, check out Toynk's Disney universe collection and find your favorite characters!

References:

1. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-08-02/ursula-the-little-mermaid-disney-pat-carroll
2. https://time.com/6052255/cruella-de-vil-backstory/
3. https://www.tumblr.com/hafanforever/116055361430/headcanon-why-lady-tremaine-really-wants-one-of
4. https://rayaandthelastdragon.fandom.com/wiki/Dragon_Gem