Top 10 Epic DreamWorks Villain Songs
#10: “Final Showdown” “Shrek the Third” (2007)
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As the son of the forever-iconic Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming should know a thing or two about belting out a chorus. Okay, whether he actually does is probably up to personal taste, but we’re going to go ahead and say his mom was probably a little more gifted in the musical theater department. During the musical production, Rapunzel’s voice actress, the lovely Maya Rudolph outdoes herself. On the other hand, Rupert Everett, the man responsible for Prince Charming’s voice, manages to capture the it’s-so-bad-it’s-good portrayal to a T. While this isn’t a duet we’re praising strictly in terms of talent, it is one that made us laugh–and all the more with Shrek’s commentary!
#9: “Smooth Jazz Chaz” “Trolls World Tour” (2020)
We know we said we were going to avoid instrumentals, but since Chaz is the one responsible for this warm, soulful ballad, we figure we can make an exception. À la “Careless Whisper”, Chaz plays this tune in order to lure and capture Poppy, Branch, and co. We get a fun little montage of the couple swept away to a beachy paradise, though we find out quickly enough that it’s all a trance brought about by the hypnotizing melody that is smooth jazz. Can’t say we blame them for falling for it. Hey, who tied up our hands?
#8: “Sirens” “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas” (2003)
While this enchanting melody doesn’t have lyrics, we’d like to make the argument that it doesn’t need any! The song of the sirens is an ancient tale, and it’s always interesting to hear how different kinds of media take on the idea. “Sinbad” went with a beautifully haunting vocal ensemble, one that’s just as alluring to us as it is to the men aboard the ship. Not only is this scene visually stunning, it’s also spectacularly intense as Marina rushes this way and that in order to save the crew. These are villains we don’t get to hear a lot from and that’s actually a good thing!
#7: The “Fairy Godmother's Song” “Shrek 2” (2004)
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So, alright, this is less Bippity-Boppity-Boo and more here’s-my-business card, but it works! The Fairy Godmother's introduction to Fiona is anything but mundane, and its overwhelming chaos definitely alludes to more sinister intentions beneath the magic wands and fairytale fixings. Her entrance starts off slow and magical, which is really lovely, before voice actress Jennifer Saunders kicks things into high gear. She’s definitely not your grandmother’s fairy godmother! We have to wonder just how many takes it took for Saunders to get the lyrics right without getting tongue tied!
#6: “He is Dave” “Penguins of Madagascar” (2014)
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Performed by Lorne Balfe and Antony Genn, this feels like James Bond meets the Pink Panther, but make it nautical. Honestly all of Dave’s theme has a fun spy parody feel to it, but we have to admit we’re partial to the version with lyrics. Seriously, it’s a whole bop! Dave is one of the best parts of this movie, so we’re happy to see that he got a track worthy of his tragic backstory and epic villainy! Balfe and Genn really didn’t have to go that hard, but boy, are we glad they did.
#5: “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” “Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted” (2012)
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As much as we love Dave, it’s safe to say Chantel DuBois takes the lead as best villain of the “Madagascar” franchise. She’s cruel, ruthless, and calculating. Also, her being French just really adds to her charm, we can’t explain it. Either way, “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” could not have been a better choice for her song. Her performance is grand and boisterous, and we understand exactly how it managed to heal her henchmen. Frances McDormand did a truly stellar job and this might just be one of the most moving, yet hilarious, scenes in the film!
#4: “Merry Men” “Shrek” (2001)
Somehow, we remember Robin Hood–or, ahem, Monsieur Hood–a lot less annoying in the folklore tales of his deeds. Although he doesn’t exactly reach villain status in “Shrek”, per se, he’s definitely an antagonist of the film–if for nothing other than his insufferableness. Which is why it’s so maddening that his song is just so darn catchy! There’s even a tap-dance break–come on! Really, this whole sequence is awesome, from the synchronized choreography to Monsieur Hood’s tongue-in-cheek innuendo to Fiona’s insanely impressive martial art skills. We’d say they got what they deserved for trying to kidnap someone, right?
#3: “Gold Digger” “Shark Tale” (2004)
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“Gold Digger” offers an upbeat, pop rap tune very reminiscent of the early 2000s. Performed by Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, and Lil Fate, this song serves as an introduction to the character of Lola, who is… well, pretty accurately described in the title. It’s a fun way to make a relatively mature concept into something kids can digest, assuming they understand the meaning at all. And, as for adults watching along, we bet they definitely got a kick out of this when it first aired in theaters. If one thing’s for sure, Lola’s got some fish-tastic dance moves, alright!
#2: “The Plagues” “The Prince of Egypt” (1998)
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Given the nature of the content in “The Prince of Egypt”, it’s unsurprising that most of the musical accompaniment is in some way chilling. The antagonist pieces are, of course, no exception. Between the big, rumbling suspensefulness of “Playing With the Big Boys” and the devastatingly epic ensemble that is “The Plagues”, we’re met with feelings of turmoil at every turn. The latter is especially notable for its role in the movie as the catalyst of all the despair and loss that will eventually be wreaked upon Egypt. It’s somber, no doubt, but it’s also undeniably moving.
#1: “Holding Out for a Hero” “Shrek 2” (2004)
It’s difficult to do Bonnie Tyler justice, but it’s especially difficult to nail one of her biggest hits. Jennifer Saunders totally wows us (once again) with her cover–in C minor, yes, but also with a phenomenal orchestral backing and the flair of a thousand Prince Charmings! Saunders absolutely knocks this one out of the park, and it’s quite possibly the perfect song to juxtapose with Shrek’s whole saving act. It’s a song that absolutely puts the drama in this dramatic scene! Fiona is holding out for a hero, she just doesn’t know it yet!
