The most iconic Disney villain songs are a unique and captivating facet of the studio’s musical legacy. These songs serve as a musical canvas for the darker and more complex characters in the Disney roster, allowing them to express their nefarious intentions with style and flair. These songs often encapsulate characters’ motivations, fears, and aspirations, becoming integral to the overall narrative.
As proven by the best Disney songs of all time, the emotional depth conveyed through music allows audiences to more profoundly connect with the characters – even if they’re extremely nefarious villains. Disney songs that reveal the villains’ innermost desires convey just the right amount of context for adults – without crossing the line in movies made primarily for children. Both enthralling and disturbing, iconic Disney villain songs are a testament to the studio’s ability to infuse even the darkest characters with a certain charm. In the musical world of Disney movies, even the most evil of villains have a chance to steal the spotlight with their wickedly enchanting melodies.
12 “I Wanna Be Like You” – The Jungle Book (1994)
Though The Jungle Book’s King Louie isn’t much of an antagonist, he’s still technically a Disney villain, and his song is inarguably better than any other villainous tunes in the movie. Performed with lively flair, “I Wanna Be Like You” is a whimsical plea from the smooth-talking orangutan to Mowgli, expressing a desire to learn the secret of humanity’s fire, in order to become more like humans. “I Wanna Be Like You” is notable for its catchy beat, tune, and infectious rhythm with swing jazz elements, and King Louie’s performance effortlessly captures the essence of fun and mischief prevalent throughout The Jungle Book.
11 The Phony King of England” – Robin Hood (1973)
Performed by the lovable bear Little John, one of the most likable members of the Robin Hood cast, “The Phony King of England” is a good old medieval hoedown. It isn’t sang by a villain, but it’s about the movie’s main antagonist, the self-serving lion Prince John. A lively and humorous tune that explains the relationship between the common folk and their cowardly lion monarch, the song encapsulates the film’s theme of standing up against injustice. “The Phony King of England” isn’t that well-known compared to other iconic Disney villain songs, but it’s quite a clever and well-disguised nod to folk protest songs in the real world.
10 “Headless Horseman” – The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Sang by the villainous Brom Bones, this song narrates the legend of the Headless Horseman, a ghostly rider seeking a replacement for his missing head in The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. The eerie and ominous lyrics create a sense of foreboding and excitement, combined with a darkly melodic traditional pop tune that balances the themes. The song is also performed by the legendary Bing Crosby, who voices not just Brom, but also the narrator and Ichabod Crane in the movie. Largely underrated, both “Headless Horseman” and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad went on to inspire Disney’s latter, more famous musical numbers.
9 “You’re Only Second Rate” – The Return of Jafar (1994)
“You’re Only Second Rate” from The Return of Jafar is performed by the charismatic antagonist Jafar himself. This song unfolds as Jafar, having returned in his quest for revenge, revels in his wickedness, malevolence, and magical prowess. In the signature style of the Aladdin franchise, the song combines Arabian influences with a Western orchestra, the perfect epic backdrop to a villain of Jafar’s stature. Genie is on the unfortunate receiving end of “You’re Only Second Rate,” and apart from the clever wordplay being funny and entertaining, it also underscores how easily Jafar can dominate Genie in a contest of magic – making the villain all the more frightening.
8 “Cruella de Vil” – 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Cruella de Vil doesn’t sing her eponymous song in 101 Dalmatians. Instead, video game designer Roger comes up with “Cruella de Vil” on the spot at home, as his wife Anita’s boss Cruella comes over for a visit. While trying to come up with the lyrics for a jazzy melody, Roger gets inspired by Cruella’s impending presence, resulting in a darkly humorous and smooth tune that uses Cruella’s own name as its catchy hook. With Roger’s voice, the rhythm of the song is hypnotic, and serves as the perfect introduction to one of the most evil, memorable, and complete villains in Disney history.
7 “Mine, Mine, Mine” – Pocahontas (1995)
“Mine, Mine, Mine” from Pocahontas is a bold and brassy musical number that epitomizes the greedy ambitions of Governor Ratcliffe. In this song, Ratcliffe expresses his desire for gold and riches as they embark on a journey to the New World – and even betrays Ratcliffe’s true intentions of somehow claiming the British throne. The upbeat tempo and triumphant orchestration highlight Ratcliffe’s imperialistic mindset and unchecked avarice, contrasting sharply with the film’s themes of harmony and understanding. The lyrics emphasize the conquering mentality of the colonial expedition, echoing the historical narratives on which the film is based.
6 “Be Prepared” – The Lion King (1994)
“Be Prepared” from The Lion King is secretly one of the darkest moments hidden in a ’90s children’s movie. With Scar explaining his evil and meticulous plans while assembling his army, “Be Prepared” is an epic war anthem that illustrates Scar’s cunning nature and the impending threat he poses to the Pride Lands. What’s even darker is that the song was inspired by The Lion King artist Jorgen Klubein sketching Scar as Adolf Hitler. After seeing this sketch, the directors where inspired to use scenes from the Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will in order to give chilling life to the marching scenes in “Be Prepared.”
5 “Oogie Boogie’s Song” – The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
With its New Orleans jazz-inspired vocals and riffs, “Oogie Boogie’s Song” set a new high standard for catchy Disney tunes – while also being perfectly suited to giving the villainous Oogie Boogie his most crucial moment in the film. One of the best songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas, “Oogie Boogie’s Song” is an aptly soulful gem sang by the eponymous boogeyman of Halloween Town. The song is a lively, swing-inspired piece with dark undertones, blending whimsy and malevolence seamlessly, just like Oogie Boogie himself. The epitome of macabre and charming, this tune deserves the praises it has garnered over the years.
4 “Gaston” – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
“Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast is a boisterous and humorous musical number that serves as an ode to the film’s primary antagonist, Gaston. Performed by Gaston himself and his fawning sidekick LeFou, the song celebrates Gaston’s egoistic and testosterone-driven prowess. The upbeat and lively tune, accompanied by a tavern full of enthusiastic townsfolk, creates a jovial atmosphere that contrasts with the film’s more somber moments. The lyrics humorously highlight Gaston’s exaggerated self-confidence and how he’s idolized by the locals, hinting at an antihero underneath the comically arrogant figure. Contextualized with the plot of Beauty and the Beast, “Gaston” highlights the eponymous villain’s underappreciated complexity.
3 “Hellfire” – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
“Hellfire” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a dark and haunting masterpiece that briefly but deeply dives into themes of lust and obsession. In a raw reveal of the character’s most turbulent inner conflicts, Frollo’s powerful vocals convey a sense of torment as he grapples with his forbidden desires for Esmeralda. The intense orchestration, chilling lyrics, and overall stark dramatic flair perfectly capture Frollo’s struggle with its own sense of morality. “Hellfire” stands as a unique Disney song, pushing boundaries and exploring darker aspects, showcasing the versatility of the studio’s musical repertoire.
2 “Friends on the Other Side” – The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog‘s “Friends on the Other Side” is sang by Dr. Facilier, arguably the most underrated Disney villain of all time. Dr. Facilier uses the catchy jazz-inspired tune to revel in his role – as an intermediary between the world of the living and the dead. From parlor tricks to actual glimpses into the other side, Dr. Facilier wows the naive and selfish Prince Naveen – and corners him into making a deal. After “Oogie Boogie’s Song” raised the standard for soulfal jazz in Disney musical numbers, Dr. Facilier’s “Friends on the Other Side” answered the call with this smooth, sultry, and cajun-flavored ode to voodoo.
1 “Poor Unfortunate Souls” – The Little Mermaid (1989)
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid is a spellbinding showcase of villainy sung by the sea witch Ursula. The song begins with Ursula telling Ariel about how she uses her powers to help the unfortunate – but it ends in Ursula’s Faustian bargain to transform Ariel into a human in exchange for her voice. The sultry melody, coupled with Ursula’s tongue-twisting verses and clever wordplay, captures the character’s cunning nature. One of the most iconic Disney villain songs of all time, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is a haunting anthem about making a deal with the devil – but from the devil’s abyssal point of view.
