Top 10 TV Cartoon Villainesses

Top 10 Cartoon Villainesses

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These animated ladies make evil look oh so good. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Cartoon Villainesses. For this list, we’ll be looking at the female cartoon villains that have provided the biggest impact on western animation as a whole. This means that female anime villains won’t be making the cut, as that’s a list for another day.

We saw her trade blows with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine on the silver screen, but this assassin has been coming into conflict with our favorite heroic mutants since the ‘80s. Her first televised incarnation came in the form of Wolverine’s former love interest, Yuriko Oyama. Seeking revenge for the death of her father, which she blames on Logan as a result of his explosive escape from the Weapon X facility, Yuriko gets some cybernetic enhancements to become the fearsome Lady Deathstrike. The leader of the cyborg gang known as The Reavers, her Adamantium-laced claws certainly give this Canadian death machine a run for his money. You sure know how to pick em’ Logan.

#9: Angelica Pickles “Rugrats” (1991-2004)

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She may’ve softened near the end of the series’ run, but everyone remembers this spoiled brat for her villainous nature and smart aleck attitude. She could be downright cruel when it came to the way she treated the babies that were so often placed in her care. Due to the complete lack of parenting she received from her workaholic mother and father, Angelica is portrayed as selfish to the core, and she often exploits Tommy and the gang to get what she wants. Always lying and forever craving attention, Angelica is a perfect example of how a child can turn into a little monster when left without any moral guidance. Actually, we’re a little surprised her parents weren’t called on their failings sooner!

Don’t let the tight outfit, sexy yet generic Eastern European accent, and good looks fool you - this villainess is far more evil than she is beautiful – and that’s saying something. As a member of Cobra, the Baroness is highly skilled when it comes to combat and deception. She’s also attracted to power, which explains why she and her lover Destro were always so eager to step up and take control of the terrorist organization whenever Cobra Commander was knocked off his pedestal. She’s gone through many incarnations over the years, but each is beautiful AND deadly.

This is quite possibly the worst kind of computer virus you could get. As the Queen of Chaos, Hexadecimal is prone to fits of insanity due to her programming, though what do you expect? Her brother is Megabyte. Hexadecimal is made all the more intimidating by her ever shifting masks, which range from scary to absolutely terrifying. While she is ultimately redeemed due to her interactions with and deep-seeded love for Bob, her time as a villain is definitely a highlight of this series, with her sinister traits, unforgettable design, and mischievous nature transcending the dated CGI.

If anyone could be considered the teenage superspy’s equal, it would be the mercenary known as Shego. Serving as Dr. Drakken’s muscle, Shego is a master of sabotage, infiltration, and taking apart her enemies, mostly via the green-flames she’s able to produce from her hands. Despite working for the blue-skinned megalomaniac, Shego is fiercely independent by nature, and isn’t above betraying her employer or taking out other villains for her own ends. Her driving force is undoubtedly the fierce rivalry she shares with Kim, a rivalry that often leads to a lot of collateral damage.

#5: Mom “Futurama” (1999-2013)

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This lady only has one thing in mind: making money! As the CEO of a company that specializes in the maintenance of robots, Mom portrays herself as a kind old dear that wouldn’t hurt a fly, when in actuality she’s a foul-mouthed chain smoker whose not above beating her sons, committing fraud, and even attempting murder. Come between Mom and a business opportunity and you can expect some pretty heavy punishment coming from her end. We have to give it to the old gal, though, she doesn’t let her twilight years stop her from having fun: she still gets raunchy with the equally ancient Professor Farnsworth.

Behind every thickheaded villainous henchman, there’s a slightly less idiotic henchwoman to point out the flaws in their ridiculous plans. Natasha simply can’t figure out how to capture the ever elusive “Moose and Squirrel.” As a spy hailing from Pottsylvania, Natasha takes great pleasure in all the trouble she and her partner get into despite the fact that they always, always fail to accomplish their goal. You have to admire that level of commitment. She may not be the most complex of characters, but she set the benchmark for female villains all the way back in the ‘60s and you gotta give credit to the classics.

As ferocious as she is tragic, Demona’s spiral into villainy was born from her hatred of humanity due to the prejudice that she and her clan experienced in ancient Scotland. When her plan to rid the castle of the humans goes awry, her fellow Gargoyles are sealed in stone, including her lover Goliath. As a result, the hate she harbored turns into a vicious and unrelenting obsession with humanity’s destruction, a vendetta that would last centuries all the way to the modern era. Now on opposing sides due to their conflicting ideals about the human race, Demona fights against her former mate and her clan.

#2: Azula “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)

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Kuvira from “The Legend of Korra” made her mark as a dangerous adversary for the Avatar, but there is just no matching this sociopathic, elitist princess with a tendency to set her enemies ablaze, Azula. Her disregard for human life, impeccable talents as a strategist, and combat ability make her a formidable threat to Aang and his friends. Plus, her sharp tongue and viciousness are as enjoyable as they are unsettling. Azula eventually dives into the realms of insanity during the final scuffle against Zuko and Katara, and that’s where she becomes downright terrifying. Now that’s how a true villain leaves a legacy. Before we reveal out number one pick here are a few honorable mentions: - Evil-Lyn “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” (1983-85) - Magica De Spell “DuckTales” (1987-90) - Livewire “Superman: The Animated Series” (1996-2000) - Inque “Batman Beyond” (1999-2001) - Sedusa “The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005; 2016-) - Vicky “The Fairly OddParents” (2001-)

#1: Harley Quinn “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95); “The New Batman Adventures” (1997-99)

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On paper, the idea of giving the Clown Prince of Crime a girlfriend could be considered lame, but that’s exactly what writer Paul Dini decided to do in this iconic series. And Harley went from side character to a series favorite in no time. Fans were treated to a character that can stand on her own, and has a vulnerability about her that’s scarcely seen in a villainess. She enjoys committing crimes and anarchy as long as her puddin’ is by her side, but she’s also broken from all the physical and emotional abuse she’s suffered at the hands of the Joker. But ultimately, what would this awesomely grim cartoon be without Harley? Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the greatest cartoon villainess on TV? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.