Top 20 Animated Villains Not From Disney Or Pixar

“The Secret of NIMH” (1982) The rats of NIMH are smarter than the average rodent. And Jenner is the most cunning and ruthless of them all. Charming and power hungry, this villain will say and do anything to attain what he wants. He killed the rats’ former leader by arranging for Mrs. Brisby’s house to fall on it. Even after being told that NIMH is coming to destroy their home, Jenner refuses to believe it so he can hold on to his newfound leadership. His selfish and violent personality stands in stark contrast to Mrs. Brisby. While he doesn’t appear much on screen, Jenner leaves quite the impression before his grisly and karmic end.

“All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989) We don’t mean to argue with the movie’s title…but this is one dog who doesn’t deserve paradise! This pugnacious pooch is the protagonist Charlie’s business partner. However, Carface is so greedy and stingy that he goes to extreme lengths to cut the hero out of the business permanently. The demonic dog even uses guns and cars to send Charlie to the afterlife. Carface is also willing to torment his own henchman and force a human to serve him all in his relentless pursuit of profit. With his terrifying rictus grin, short-tempered outbursts, and semi-successful killing, Carface is far scarier than a cartoon dog has any right to be!

“Antz” (1998) Dogmatic military leaders often make for compelling villains—even when they’re as tiny as an ant. In this bug themed movie, General Mandible serves as the charismatic head of this ant colony’s soldiers. Although he portrays himself as the admirable officer, Mandible is secretly war-mongering, manipulative, and holds all the worker ants in contempt. He also devises an elaborate scheme to come to power by marrying the princess. Unfortunately, Mandible doesn’t mind eliminating worker ants along the way. Thankfully, he’s foiled on both counts by an unassuming working ant named Z. While Mandible may be an insect, his manipulative tactics and supremacist attitudes make him feel like a huge threat.

“Robots” (2005) “Robots” has a few good villains to its name. Phineas T. Ratchet is an especially shiny and greasy businessman. [xref] However, he’s ultimately a pawn for his rusty mother, Madame Gasket. The matriarch enacts a plan to force robots to upgrade their parts instead of replacing old ones. While she feels no need to do it herself, it’s highly profitable. She’s also cartoonishly ruthless with her workers and husband while being surprisingly devoted to her son. Madame Gasket is another villain who doesn’t have much screen time. But her striking design and memorable lines ensure she’s a well-liked villain. We’re almost sorry to see her go to the incinerator.

#16: Pitch Black

Also in:

Top 10 Terrifying Pitch Black Scenes in Horror Movies

“Rise of the Guardians” (2012) If you’ve heard the phrase there’s nothing to fear but fear itself, you’d be terrified of Pitch Black. Also known as the Nightmare King and the Boogeyman, Pitch Black feeds on the fears of children’s dreams. He’s also able to turn dreams into nightmares. But after years of being dismissed as a bad dream, Pitch decides to enact a sinister plan. He tries to make everyone lose faith in the Guardians so that the masses will believe in him again. With his simple, yet distinctive design and a surprisingly sympathetic motivation, Pitch Black is a fantastic villain.

“Rango” (2011) He’s a rattlesnake with a gun for a tail! That alone would be worth a mention. A hired gunsnake for the corrupt mayor of the town of Dirt, Jake is a legend in the west. He also has an incredible presence and a voice that drips with menace. While he’s sadistic in the performance of his job, Jake still has a sense of honor. After Tortoise John betrays him, Jake, who develops a respect for the titular Rango, decides to run John out of town and presumably to a vicious end. The reptile is truly a legend worthy of respect!

“The Lego Movie” (2014) While Will Ferrell may be known for comedy, he’s a surprisingly effective bad guy. That much was really evident in “The Lego Movie”. Ferrell plays Lord Business, a villainous overlord of the Lego world that puts up a friendly front. In reality, he seeks to use the “Kragle” weapon to freeze everyone in place. Business does this to prevent anything from changing or deviating from what he views as “perfect”. The fact that he’s the reflection of how a boy’s feels about his perfectionist father also gives him surprising depth. With his affably evil personality and some shocking dark deeds to his name, Business is anything but the usual animated villain.

#13: Moon King

Also in:

Everything We Know About Zack Snyder's REBEL MOON

“Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) The Moon King rules over heaven and Earth. And while he initially comes off as kind, he’s truly a spiteful and bitter old man. He claims to value his family. But The Moon King really treats them more like objects than people he loves. He turned his back on Kubo’s mother because of who she chose to marry. To make matters worse, the Moon King stole his grandson’s eye and transfigured his father into a beetle-man. Plus, he can turn into a terrifying creature that is scarier than most animated dragons! Just as the moon hangs over the earth, the Moon King’s presence looms over this film.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) Not everyone trains dragons with patience and kindness. Unlike protagonist Hiccup, Drago Bludvist makes his winged allies obey by dominating a massive Bewilderbeast. The large creature can control other dragons. Drago’s talent for utilizing the winged creatures and physical appearance make him appear like a dark mirror to the hero. The villain serves as a grim reminder of an evil path that Hiccup could’ve walked down. Determined to rule the world by conquering dragons and people alike, Drago is a merciless tyrant. He’s so evil that he forces Hiccup’s own friend to fire a deadly blast. Fortunately, as is the case with many tyrants, Drago falls when the many stand up to the few.

“Despicable Me” franchise (2010-) One of the few animated villain protagonists, Felonius Gru starts as a card-carrying supervillain at the beginning of the franchise. We quickly learn that he’s stolen landmarks from all over the world and plans to take a notable feature of the night sky. However, he and his army of minions change their tunes after he adopts 3 young girls. They set him on a path where he uses his villainy skills and weapons to become a hero. Gru definitely needed every advantage he could get to face villains like Vector. [xref] But no matter how many other villains come along, Steve Carell’s character will always be our favorite. Who knew a reformed baddie could be so wickedly entertaining to watch?

“Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio” (2022) This unnamed podestà, a government official similar to a mayor or administrator, acts as one of the main villains of this stop-motion film. The podestà creates several problems for the titular immortal wooden character. He even runs Pinnochio over with a car! A cruel fascist official, the podestà conscripts young people, including his own son Candlewick, to fight in a war. And the cruel general demands absolute obedience. The Podestà even disowns his son Candlewick after the young man refuses to harm Pinocchio. While the villain has no supernatural powers, he’s terrifying because he could easily exist in the real world. The Podestà serves as a horrifying example of a man who puts his country above everything else no matter what the cost.

“Cats Don’t Dance” (1997) Darla Dimple is an absolute nightmare! While the public may view her as a darling child star that adores animals, she’s really a domineering and spoiled brat who despises them! Aided by her enormous manservant Max, Darla can get whatever she wants. And when Danny the cat makes a big splash as a performer and inspires other animals to do the same, she sabotages their careers. Her career ends after her crimes are eventually exposed in a very public fashion. However, Darla’s demonic expressions and angry outbursts have ensured that we never forget about her.

“Chicken Run” (2000) Despite being a film about farm animals, “Chicken Run” feels like a movie about prisoners of war trying to escape to freedom. Mrs. Melisha Tweedy stands as the commandant trying to stop them from getting away. Ruling over her farm with an iron fist, she takes sadistic pleasure in slaying chickens. Tweedy is also seemingly no better with humans because she’s constantly seen browbeating her own husband. Her arrogance and cruelty blind her to the chickens’ plans. Eventually, she flies into a rage when they escape and pursues them with an ax. It’s incredible that Tweedy comes off as more savage and animalistic than any of the chickens in this movie.

“FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (1992) This dark being is set free when humans cut down the tree he’s imprisoned in. As soon as he has a chance, he manipulates humans into committing more acts of destruction. Hexxus grows stronger and viler the more they plow through the rainforest. It also certainly doesn’t help that his power is boosted if there’s more pollution. Despite the fact that Hexxus is despicable, he undeniably oozes with personality throughout the runtime. Tim Curry’s magnetic performance draws us into the villain’s every word. Although we fully admit that our love for him is a bit “toxic”, we wouldn’t mind seeing this antagonist again.

#6: Fairy Godmother

Also in:

Top 10 Fairy Tale Movies That Left Out The Craziest Part

“Shrek 2” (2004) The “Shrek” franchise has some great baddies. No one will ever forget the weasley and hilarious Lord Farquaad. However, we’d argue that the Fairy Godmother is also more terrible and even more entertaining! She initially seems like your run-of-the-mill benevolent and magic-wielding lady. But in truth, this Fairy Godmother is a scheming and ruthless person who is willing to resort to intimidation, killing, and brainwashing to get what she wants. And unfortunately for Fiona’s royal family, this magical being wants her son on the throne. We also have to mention that she’s got quite the singing voice! It’s a shame that she gets bibbidi-bobbidi-blown up. We’d wish for more Fairy Godmother anyday!

“Osmosis Jones” (2001) Also known as the Red Death, Thrax is a deadly virus that finds his way into the body of a man named Frank. And trust us when we say that this villain lives up to his nickname! Thrax moves in, takes over local germ gangs, and infects Frank with a particularly nasty disease. But the villain isn’t just satisfied with killing his host. Thrax specifically wants to bring down Frank in record time so that he can make medical history. His wicked look and menacing voice are positively contagious. Honestly, it’s practically a medical mystery why he’s not a more popular villain. It was certainly not easy for the heroes to shake this walking virus.

“Anastasia” (1997) Based on the real Russian mystic with a propensity for surviving attempts on his life, Grigori Rasputin is a powerful wielder of dark magic. After cursing the Russian Romanov royal family, this villain seemingly dies along with them. However, after the missing daughter Anastasia is located, Rasputin returns from the dead. He proceeds to enlist demonic allies in an attempt to fulfill his curse on her family once and for all. But as these things often go, Anastasia foils his plans and releases his dark powers back on him. While Rasputin may not be a Disney villain in name he has hallmarks like an animal sidekick and signature song. His dark and comedic edge also makes him stand out.

“Kung Fu Panda 2” (2011) The “Kung Fu Panda” series has some top-tier villains. Tai Lung is a skilled tiger warrior who radiates danger. He quickly gets overshadowed by Lord Shen, a peacock who can fight, outthink Po the panda, and has a huge army with cannons! The avian antagonist was also responsible for the deaths of most of Po’s people. Shen’s fear of a prophecy that a panda will defeat him drives his whole being. In his quest to avoid his fate, he only ensures his demise. Gary Oldman’s stellar performance accentuates both Shen’s cruelty and his vulnerability. This big bad bird also serves as the yin to Po’s yang. The way Shen mirrors Po makes the villain one of the panda’s best foes.

#2: The Other Mother [AKA the Beldam]

Also in:

Top 24 Best Disney Villains of Each Year (2000-2023)

“Coraline” (2009) This antagonist is nightmare fuel cranked up to 11! When Coraline travels to another dimension, she finds the Other Mother. This new connection mimics the look of the young girl’s mom…minus the button eyes. Despite the look, The Other Mother seems like a kinder and more attentive matriarch. But Coraline eventually uncovers that she’s a creature called the Beldam that lives to steal the souls of young victims. The Other Mother’s “normal” form is creepy enough. However, her gradual monstrous transformation is even more unsettling. The fact that she lures her victims in with what they want most means that she could easily trap you in her twisted web.

“The Prince of Egypt” (1998) Throughout this epic tale, Rameses is surprisingly sympathetic. He constantly felt pressure to maintain his family’s legacy while carrying mixed feelings about his adopted brother Moses. Even after Rameses becomes more brutal and continues to enslave and mistreat Hebrew people, we still hear hints of how lost and confused he is everytime he talks to his brother. Unfortunately, Rameses’ fear of letting his family down leaves him unwilling to break a vicious cycle. His stubbornness ultimately costs him his son and his kingdom. The fact that we see Rameses fall from well meaning prince to unforgivable tyrant is remarkable. In the end, his complex journey solidified him as one of animation’s most compelling villains.