When we think of Disney characters, many of us will have a specific few spring to mind. Whether it’s the catalog of Disney princesses that floods your mind or the classic Fab Five with Mickey, Minnie, and their friends, most of us instinctively go in one direction or another. Younger generations might fondly remember their first brush with Disney as characters from Frozen, Tangled, or even Moana. At the same time, well-seasoned Disney lovers cast our minds back to a time of iconic stories that laid the groundwork for the Disney company we know today. However, there is an underrated minority of characters that deserve some of our admiration as well. Disney villains.
Even though they don’t take center stage in the good vs. evil winner platform, our favorite baddies set the scene for our heroes and heroines to triumph, making them an invaluable addition to the lineup of personalities. This week’s Disney Debate is giving our Disney villains a bit of love, asking our DIS community, Who is Disney’s Best Villain? Now, before you jump to conclusions, we have ventured into this realm before, asking who is the most evil of them all, and the resounding answer seems to be Cruella de Vil from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. However, this time, there is more to consider. While skinning puppies is right up there on the evil scale, Cruella didn’t have much going on in the success column, and though her subject matter is a show-stopper, she would struggle to prove herself in a Final Tribal Council on Survivor, in demonstrating why she was worthy of the crown.
There is so much more that goes into being the best Disney villain. Captain Hook from Peter Pan has longevity, surviving repeatedly to cause havoc another day. Scar from The Lion King managed to murder his adversary and take control in a political triumph. Maleficent was arguably the most powerful of them all, fixated on Sleeping Beauty but powerful in her own right as well. Even Ursula from The Little Mermaid is a strong contender, with all those little wormy people in her lair. Clearly, she got away with some dodgy shenanigans well before Ariel came along. There is a lot to think about.
Now, over to you. Who is Disney’s best Villain of all time? Bonus points if you can justify your answer.
