Top 10 Iconic Hero/Villain Duets
#10: “Aaron Burr, Sir” “Hamilton” (2020)
This hugely popular musical’s second number introduces us to multiple characters. However, it largely centers on Alexander Hamilton meeting the story’s main antagonist, Aaron Burr. The pair start off on pretty good terms. In fact, Hamilton even asks Burr for advice. However, history buffs and “Hamilton” fans know that the pair’s relationship goes seriously downhill from there. It’s entertaining to see the pair trading fast-paced lines while maintaining the song’s pleasing rhyme scheme. Plus, the duet demonstrates the production’s unique blend of rapping, singing, and beatboxing. The way parts of this great song echo later on in the musical further cement its significance.
#9: “Pretty Women” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)
A visit to the barbershop has never been scarier than this. During this dark narrative, we learn Judge Turpin is a corrupt official who ruined the life of Benjamin Barker, A.K.A. Sweeney Todd. The duo’s musical encounter marks a huge moment of tension. Todd’s desire for vengeance is handed to him on a silver platter whenTurpin unwittingly visits for a shave. But much to our hero’s chagrin, the plan is interrupted at the last moment. The moment’s loaded narrative and great composition make it incredibly memorable. All of the great music and clever lyrics come courtesy of the late, great Stephen Sondheim.
#8: “Nothing Left to Lose” “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” (2017-20)
Top 10 Best Tangled Franchise Songs
This animated series picks up after the events of the 2010 film “Tangled.” The now free princess Rapunzel and her allies seek to uncover the mystery of magical black rocks. During the course of her adventures, her former enemy Varian has already defected and rejoined her side. But the once good handmaiden Cassandra has taken a villainous turn. After she captures Varian, he tries to reason and empathize with his captor. This prompts both the duo to sing through all of their conflicted emotions. The resulting duet is as powerful as it is heartbreaking. Accompanied by epic visuals, this musical number is a must scene for fans of the franchise.
#7: “Belle” “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
This acclaimed tune accomplishes a lot in a short time. Not only does it sum Belle’s life and aspirations, but it also introduces the very hateable villain Gaston. While she is bookish and reserved, he is completely vain and seeking an eligible bachelorette. The variety of quirky townspeople in this provincial France town also chime in on their relationship. While it might feel like more of a group number than a strict duet, Belle and Gaston’s lyrics steal the show. Their lack of connection musically and chemistry wise makes for an extremely telling and clever commentary on how these characters will get along for the rest of the movie.
#6: “F.U.N. Song” “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 10 Movies Where the Villain Kills the Hero
A Season 1 episode of this beloved animated comedy series followed a growing friendship between SpongeBob and the nefarious Plankton. In the process, it gave us a truly unforgettable song about simply enjoying oneself. After foiling the villain’s attempt to steal a Krabby Patty, our hero shows sympathy and decides to spend time with his enemy. The protagonist uses a catchy tune to illustrate the concept of fun. At first, Plankton attempts to twist the central acronym to suit his dark tastes. However, the villain can’t resist joining in on SpongeBob’s celebration of all things sweet and innocent. We still love singing this song anywhere and anytime at all.
#5: “La Llorona” “Coco” (2017)
Top 10 Movies Where the Hero and Villain Never Meet
After being unwittingly transported to the Land of the Dead, Miguel must locate a photo belonging to his great-great-grandfather Héctor. Unfortunately, it ends up in the hands of the deceitful music legend Ernesto de la Cruz. Miguel’s great-great-grandmother Imelda ends up snagging the photo back from him before accidentally ending up on his stage. While trying to avoid the villain, she’s left with little choice but to sing with him in front of a crowd. Underneath their beautiful duet, there’s a lot of tension and close calls. The high stakes lying beneath this seemingly innocent song make it one of the most memorable hero and villain clashes in Pixar’s library.
#4: “Out There” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Top 10 Satisfying Villain Deaths in Disney Movies - Best of WatchMojo
This song notably consists of a sinister duet unofficially known as “Stay in Here” and the uplifting “I Want” section that follows. The tune’s progression sums up Quasimodo’s conflicted position in the film. While he has long been taught to trust no one, he nonetheless has an optimistic and curious perspective on the world around him. At the same time, the number lets us in on the many ways that the nefarious Judge Claude Frollo manipulates Quasimodo. Their duet is a fascinating study into their deeply troubling relationship. Although the lyrics for this great song get pretty grim, we’re still left optimistic that Quasimodo will find brighter days.
#3: “The Plagues” “The Prince of Egypt” (1998)
Top 10 Epic DreamWorks Villain Songs
While there is a chorus to the song, the singing talents of actor Ralph Fiennes and recording artist Amick Byram completely tower over this clash. The pair voice Rameses and Moses respectively. Although they grew up as adoptive royal brothers in Ancient Egypt, they now find themselves clashing over the enslavement of the Hebrew people. When the Pharaoh refuses to let the innocent people go, Moses reluctantly watches ten plagues befall his brother’s kingdom. As the duo present their perspectives in song, their voices are constantly tinged with pain and regret. The lyrics manage to hit just as hard as the film’s images. Unfortunately, the brothers are no closer to a happy resolution by the time the song concludes.
#2: “The Confrontation” “Les Misérables” (2012)
Top 10 Moments When The Hero and the Villain Finally Meet
This epic period musical centers on Jean Valjean, a man long imprisoned for merely stealing bread. While serving as mayor of a French town years later, he is shocked to encounter his old prison guard Javert. The lawman soon suspects the truth behind the mayor’s identity. He dramatically appears as Valjean is grieving the loss of Fantine. With emotions running high, “The Confrontation” begins. As the hero pleads for time to save Fantine’s daughter, Javert reveals the depth of his duty. Their duet is a battle of strong wills and unshakeable ideals. It’s an epic representation of their complicated and contentious relationship. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Winner Takes It All,” “Glee” (2009-15) The Show’s Final Episode Features a Touching Tribute to Sue and Will’s Rivalry “Glee,” “Community” (2009-15) A Nefarious Glee Club Instructor Unlocks Abed’s Peppy Side “You Are the Music in Me (Reprise),” “High School Musical 2” (2007) Sharpay Recruits Troy For a Talent Show Performance With This Energetic Number “Remember You,” “Adventure Time” (2010-18) Marceline Helps the Ice King Explore His Past Self
#1: “Love Is an Open Door” “Frozen” (2013)
Top 10 Iconic Movie Love Triangles
Suffice it to say, Anna and Hans move pretty quickly. After the Arendelle princess meets the likable Prince Hans at her sister Elsa’s coronation ball, they spend the evening dancing and talking. The whirlwind romance that unfolds over the course of the night is fully captured in this song. Besides being plain catchy, this song is so iconic because it totally obscures Hans’s true nature for first-time viewers. The tune appears to be an innocuous love confession the first time you hear it. But after learning about the sinister plan Hans has in store, it completely turns into a malicious hero villain duet. In a film filled with memorable musical moments, this song stands out as an incredibly cool achievement.
1
0
report