They’ve come in many guises over the years, from the monarchical to the Machiavellian, monsters to muscle men, sorcerers, schemers and step-parents. And they have shown levels of genius, incompetence and everything in between in their efforts to thwart our heroes. But they are always without fail ambitious, self-serving and strangely compelling.

In a world of promoting good virtues to children, good must always triumph over evil. And so, Disney villains can’t be left to return and cause havoc another day (unless it’s in an inconsequential direct-to-video sequel) and so usually meet their maker in one of a variety of inventive and sometimes gruesome ways.

If the Disney Princess is the most merchandisable element of the Disney canon, then the villains are a close second and inspire even more fervour among adult fans, perhaps because they’re usually more flawed and interesting than the heroes and especially when so many are (intentionally or not) queer-coded, fabulously designed and played with gusto by talented voice actors giving it their all. 

For this edition of Ranked, we at The Film Magazine have taken every significant villain to be found in Disney animation and ordered them in terms of wickedness, memorability and the threat they represent to our heroes and heroines. So practice your diabolical laughter, rehearse your evil monologue, dust off your best purple attire and enjoy Animated Disney Villains Ranked. 

Follow @thefilmagazine on X (Twitter).

36. King Candy – Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

The ruler of arcade racing video game Sugar Rush who is actually Turbo, the resentful title character of a long-disconnected game.

Alan Tudyk has been Disney’s good luck charm in recent years and delivers a manic performance here as a mascot-gone-wrong, but the vocals have to do most of the work to enliven a baddie who’s just not interesting enough to match the heroes.

Demise by: Destroyed by the collapse of Diet Cola Mountain with the addition of Mentos.

35. Prince Hans – Frozen (2013)

A seemingly classic Prince Charming who is actually conspiring to eliminate both heirs to the Arendelle throne and claim it for himself.

Hans is a duplicitous, generic British-accented baddie revealed in the film’s final act, who gets some bonus evil points for taking advantage of Princess Anna’s emotions the way he does, purely to advance himself.

Demise by: Survives but is arrested and banished for his treachery.

Recommended for you: Best Animated Feature Oscar Winners Ranked

34. Alameda Slim – Home on the Range (2004)

An evil cattle rustler and conman who plans to cheat every rancher he can find out of their land.

Randy Quaid’s growling delivery and the character’s hilariously unconvincing Inspector Clouseau-level disguises aside, what makes Alameda Slim stand out is that he’s a rare villain who uses a combination of theft, foreclosure and cow-hypnotising yodelling to get what he wants.

Demise by: Survives, but his schemes and true identity as a rustler are exposed and the reward for his arrest is claimed.

33. Dr Jumba Jookiba – Lilo & Stitch (2002)

An alien mad scientist on the hunt for his dangerous but cute creation on Earth on the orders of the council who imprisoned him for his work.

Dr Jumba is probably the only character who never underestimates the cute blue title character because he was the one who genetically engineered “Experiment 626” and is fully aware of his destructive capabilities. He finds himself lower down this list for being bumbling and for having a late change of heart, eventually helping to protect Stitch when the council’s military arrives to complete his mission with extreme prejudice.

Demise by: Survives to live a fairly happy exile alongside Stitch on Earth.

In this list, we’re counting down every film from this truly unique director’s filmography and ranking them from worst to best, so put on your best striped apparel, muss up your hair and accompany me in a long and elaborate tracking shot into the Burton-verse…

19. Planet of the Apes (2001)

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Roth, Michael Clarke Duncan, Paul Giamatti

Plot: An astronaut crashes on a planet where apes have out-evolved and enslaved humanity. He befriends a chimp who has become a lonely outsider by protesting the inhumane treatment of the subjugated humans. The two begin to organise a rebellion…

The poster-child for when Burton gets it wrong, Planet of the Apes is pretty good to look at (which Burton movie isn’t?) but it’s completely soulless and almost impossible to engage with in any meaningful way – the main thing that has allowed the original Planet of the Apes to age so well is its wealth of ideas and the filmmakers’ abilities to give them room to breathe. Despite being more action-packed and significantly pacier, Burton’s take feels rushed and confused, and very little stays with you beyond Rick Baker’s flawless makeup effects and the best efforts of Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth. The bottom line is that it’s boring; the only Burton feature you could really level that criticism at.

Recommended for you: 10 of the Worst Remakes/Reboots

18. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Stephen Fry

Plot: Alice Kingsleigh, whose determination to retain her independence has made her a lonely outsider in Victorian high society, returns to Wonderland having forgotten her childhood adventure. There she finds the fantastical realm is a shadow of its former foolish glory.

Who else thought that this would be perfect material for Burton?

The portions that faithfully recreate Lewis Carroll’s endearing nonsense are good, but sadly most of this is confined to brief flashbacks and instead we’re left with a new story that for some reason is trying to turn Alice into a fantasy epic. Alice isn’t The Lord of the Rings. It’s not even Narnia. Nor should it be.

Burton gets bogged down in clunky exposition and portentous talk of prophecy and destiny, and the world, while admittedly colourful, feels too fake even for a dreamland. This film makes it really easy to miss the days when Burton played in big, ambitious movie sets rather than in front of a greenscreen.

Mia Wasikowska is admittedly a great Alice, equal parts bewildered and strong-willed, and Stephen Fry makes a perfect smug Cheshire Cat, but everyone else in the cast is just treading water.

17. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor

Plot: Dirt poor but positive young Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket that grants him a tour of the reclusive, lonely outsider Willy Wonka’s weird and wonderful chocolate factory.

Maybe Burton should leave the adaptations well alone.

The famously distinctive director never seems as comfortable bringing someone else’s established world to life, even if he’s coming at it as a fan. No-one’s denying that this is a more faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book than the Gene Wilder movie, or that Burton’s visual flare and strange Anglo-American neverwhere movie world makes an impression, but the movie references peppered throughout are a really weird grab-bag, the borderline colonialist tone of some of the fantasy sequences leave a bad taste and Depp’s take on Wonka with daddy issues is just plain irritating to spend any length of time with.

Can you believe they actually trained squirrels to shell nuts on camera?

Recommended for you: Original vs Remake: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory vs Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

16. Dark Shadows (2012)

Starring: Johnny Depp, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Grace Moretz, Helena Bonham Carter

Plot: Centuries-old vampire Barnabas Collins awakens in the 1970s to restore his descendants’ former glory and seek revenge on the witch who cursed him, but can this family of lonely outsiders find their place in the world again?

Johnny Depp doing a funny voice in a wig and makeup? Check. Gothic sensibility? Check. Comedy of awkwardness? Check. This represents mid-to-low level Burton, the kind of thing he could make in his sleep: perfectly watchable and by no means inept but offering very little that’ll stay with you. Okay, it’s got a sex-fight-scene between Depp’s vampire and Eva Green’s witch, and there’s also some pretty good effects work as the aforementioned witch is losing her powers and seems to fracture like pottery. But… elsewhere it’s just oral sex jokes that are borderline inappropriate for the film’s certification and Depp pulling faces.

1. Jake Sully and Neytiri – Avatar

James Cameron’s Na’vi first filled our screens in 2009 and, courtesy of their their striped, blue skin, have been kind of hard to forget. With such a unique costume, you’ll definitely stand out in a crowd! There are 4 more films set to arrive in the next 7-8 years, too. But please spare a thought for those who will have to clean your blue body paint off every surface for weeks to come! (Trust me, I speak from experience…)

2. Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

How can you go wrong with these outfits? Tim Burton’s gothic take on the theatrical duo, set in Victorian London, is complete with gory side-effects and people pie. Todd is clad in the classic white shirt, waistcoat and notable hairstyle (bloodstains optional) but Helena Bonham Carter steals the show with her range of corsets, lace and full length skirts. A perfect idea for a couple’s costume, you’ll be sure to make a fabulously grizzly impression.

3. Holly Golightly – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

In one of the most iconic looks in film, Audrey Hepburn dazzles in this simple yet elegant, lengthy, black dress. Adorned with long black gloves, pearls, and of course a tiara, Hepburn’s look has become a timeless classic and would definitely be a graceful addition to any costume party.

4. Jack Skellington and Sally – The Nightmare Before Christmas

Another Tim Burton movie to feature on this list, and perhaps one for the more adventurous makeup artists out there. Both creepy and quirky, Jack and Sally have great costumes which aren’t too commonly seen around town on your average Halloween. And bonus? You could probably recycle the costumes and wear them at Christmas, too.

5. Cecilia Tallis – Atonement

Another elegant addition, the green dress Kiera Knightley rocked in the 2007 movie ‘Atonement’ was voted ‘Best Costume of All Time’ by Sky Movies and readers of ‘In Style’, so it’s not a surprise that it’s an excellent choice for any costume event. Slightly deviating from the classic style of the 1930’s, this bold colour choice, not often seen in films, has made its mark and definitely sticks in our memories.

6. Sam Lowry – Brazil

Perhaps less commonly known than some of the other films present on this list, this is one movie costume that, once you’ve seen it, it’s hard to forget. The lead character sports some fetching silver armour and a pair of wings in a daydream, and it’s perfect for surprising a film fan or two no matter where you may be heading this Halloween. Perhaps not the easiest costume for us to undertake ourselves this year, but armed with some feathers and a roll of tinfoil, what could possibly go wrong?!

7. Marie Antoinette – Marie Antoinette

With an enhanced take on the Rococo style, ‘Marie Antoinette’ is not short on amazing costumes. This film is an explosion of pastels, ruffles, bows, ribbons and big hair! There’s a dedication to complex costumes and it certainly paid off, with the film winning an Oscar for ‘Best Achievement in Costume Design’ in 2007. Perhaps this won’t be so easy to replicate, but if you can get somewhere close, you’re bound to impress.

8. Literally ANYTHING out of The Lord of The Rings – The Lord of The Rings Trilogy

Whether you’re a Dwarf, an Elf or a hairy-footed Hobbit, this trilogy has something for everyone! With ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ being nominated, and ‘The Return of the King’ winning an Oscar for its great costume design, it’s no surprise it’s a great go-to for any costume event. From Galadriel’s gowns to Elrond’s armour, from the Witch King to Aragorn, these movies demonstrate excellent detail and unique costumes, So, whether you pick one for yourself or make it a group theme, how could you possibly go wrong?

9. The Mad Hatter – Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter costume is an explosion of colour, fabric and detail. This quirky interpretation definitely leaves an impression and shows an attention to detail, from his ever-changing cotton socks, to the price tag in his hat, to the Hatter’s pin cushion ring. A fun costume to undertake, a trip to a local charity shop might be the best way to tackle this mix of materials.

10. Anna Valerious – Van Helsing

Based originally on the book by Bram Stoker, these characters are definitely more in line with the traditional Halloween costumes that we know and love. This gothic fantasy is filled with great costumes but Kate Beckinsale’s character definitely stands out. With a more refined look than that of Dracula’s brides, Anna shows us that a leading female can look amazing and dress practically all at once! With a loose blouse, corset and stylish jacket, Anna is the perfect choice to inspire us this Halloween.

Inspired? Let us know in the comments!

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Number 30: Hercules becomes a God –Hercules (1997)

‘Hercules’ at 25 – Review

Number 29: Higitus Figitus. Merlin works his magic – The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Number 28: The Evil Queens evil plan – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Number 27: Pink Elephants on Parade – Dumbo (1941)

Recommended for you: Tim Burton Movies Ranked

Number 26: Copper saves Todd – The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Number 25: Ohana means family – Lilo and Stich (2002)

Number 24: Mulan gets ready for war – Mulan (1998)

Mulan (1998) Review

Number 23: Ray is united with Evangeline –Princess and the Frog (2009)

Number 22: Pocahontas meets John Smith –Pocahontas (1995)

Number 21: Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid (1989)

Number 20: Alice goes down the rabbit hole – Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Number 19: True love’s kiss – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Number 18: 101! – 101 Dalmations (1961)

Number 17: Aladdin wishes Genie to be free – Aladdin (1992)

Number 16: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo – Cinderella (1950)

Number 15: Steamboat Willie – Steamboat Willie (1928)

Number 14: Everybody wants to be a cat – The Aristocats (1970)

Number 13 – I’m a real boy – Pinnochio (1940)

Number 12: The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book (1967)

Number 11: Bambi goes ice skating – Bambi (1942)

Number 10: Let It go – Frozen (2013)

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Number 9 – The Circle of Life – The Lion King (1994)

Number 8: Ariel gives up her voice – The Little Mermaid (1989)

Recommended for you: The Evolution of Disney Dads

Number 7: The Floating Lights – Tangled (2010)

Number 6: Off to Neverland – Peter Pan (1953)

Number 5: Maleficent crashes the party – Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Number 4: Bella Notte – Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Number 3: Mickey’s dancing brooms – Fantasia (1940)

Number 2: Long Live The King – The Lion King (1994)

Number 1: The Dance – Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Recommended for you: Disney Renaissance Movies Ranked

What are your favourite Disney moments? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on more articles like this one.