Top 10 Villainous Group Musical Numbers
#10: “Drives Us Bats” “Batman: the Brave & the Bold” (2008-11)
From aspiring mad scientist to evil dolphin, Neil Patrick Harris is no stranger to playing bad guys that sing. He voices the Music Meister in a special episode of DC’s animated superhero series featuring Gotham's most famous orphan. As a vocally gifted villain, he professes his disdain for the wealthy vigilante, backed by a chorus of inmates. And the accompanying baddies don’t only break out in song, they also break out of prison! Performing in unison, they are an evil but impressive group. Even some of Batman’s heroic peers succumb to the Meister’s persuasive powers and join in. We can’t blame them, this tune is that catchy!
#9: “Chillin' like a Villain” “Descendants 2” (2017)
As the children of some of Disney’s most notorious bad guys, Evie, Carlos, and Jay grew up acting rotten to the core. While they’re not necessarily villains themselves, they sure know what it takes to be one. In this scene, the teenagers teach their benevolent King Ben how to blend in on the Isle of the Lost. Sofia Carson nails the vocals on the accompanying track; plus, the choreography is so cool – no pun intended. It’s unlike any we’ve seen before, but simple enough for us to learn. Each character interprets the moves differently with their unique personalities shining through. This number is a lesson in how to be devious, and we’re taking notes.
#8: “The Room Where It Happens” “Hamilton” (2020)
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Written by acclaimed composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, the historical Broadway musical chronicles the life of an American Founding Father. Interestingly, the consequential Compromise of 1790 is told not through Hamilton’s eyes but rather his rival, Aaron Burr’s. On the outside looking in, the future vice president contemplates what went down in the private room where the meeting took place. As he ruminates, he’s accompanied in song and dance by the show’s cast. The group choreography is refreshingly modern, contrasting with the narrative’s setting. Burr’s desire for power is blatantly obvious in this number. He wants to be a part of the political inner circle, and is willing to sacrifice his personal values to get there.
#7: “Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” “The Wiz” (1978)
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The all-Black stage show retelling of L. Frank Baum's beloved tale is an underrated Broadway musical. While the film adaptation didn’t see much success at the box office, it’s since become a cinematic cult classic. Both works feature this villainous number led by the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene (evil-een), who is a unique take on the well-known broom-flying antagonist. The tyrant leads her workers in a song and dance that’s full of borderline manic energy. Despite similarities to gospel music, this tune is all about being bad. We get the impression that Evillene isn’t opposed to shooting the messenger.
#6: “(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs” “Hairspray” (2007)
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Velma Von Tussle, the racist and fatphobic producer of the “The Corny Collins Show,” is truly evil. That said, she sure knows how to lead a banging group number. In rehearsal with the teenage television cast, the former beauty queen reminisces on her pageant days. She describes the morally questionable methods she used to secure her crown. Meanwhile, her daughter Amber and the other female dancers torment Tracy and the newcomers. While the ethics aren’t great, the song itself is catchy and fun, and Michelle Pfeiffer totally nails her performance. Icy and glamorous, the character is a force to be reckoned with.
#5: “Dentist!” “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
Despite being educated health care professionals, dentists often get a bad rap in pop culture. A classic example of the evil oral specialist is Orin Scrivello. An everyday villain, he regularly terrorizes his clients, not to mention his romantic partner. The motorcycle-riding doctor vocalizes his affinity for being bad in a super fun, chaotic number. Accompanied by a Greek chorus of street urchins, he’s totally awful in the most hilarious way. The scene is darkly comedic and horrifyingly real for those of us who dislike dental checkups. One thing’s for sure: after seeing the musical movie, we will never think of Steve Martin – or dentists – the same way again.
#4: “Gaston” “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
This song proves that no one inspires a group number like Gaston. After being rejected by Belle, the jacked narcissist gets a musical pick-me-up from his sidekick at a local tavern. The rest of the patrons join LeFou in celebrating their favorite bulky hunter. Together in chorus they praise his shooting, spitting, and biting skills, of all things. Still, Gaston happily accepts the acclaim and basks in the attention. The tune has a folky element to it that suits the bar setting and its lyrics are humorous, featuring a fun rhyming scheme. We don’t love the villain’s behavior, but we do love to sing along with this Disney classic.
#3: “Master of the House” “Les Misérables” (2012)
As innkeepers, the Thénardiers use any means necessary to swindle money from their patrons. Their methods are often illegal and always unfair. Their song, on the other hand, is beyond catchy. While this musical has had several “dream casts” over the decades, we think Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen deserve full recognition for just how effortlessly funny they are in the 2012 film. As Seinfeld’s George Costanza knows, it only takes hearing this show tune once for it to get completely stuck in your head. Good luck getting it out after this video!
#2: “Be Prepared” “The Lion King” (1994)
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In this conspiratorial number, Scar enlists the help of the hyenas to get rid of his brother, the king. The delightfully spooky melody is carried by the lion’s deep baritone voice as he throws shade even at his chorus of cronies, reminding us all he’s nice to no one. Mostly unbothered by their leader’s insults, the cackle of smaller carnivores falls into a marching formation. Visual references are made likening Scar to one of history’s most infamous dictators. The tune is among Disney’s best original villain songs, and we’re prepared to sing it for the rest of the day. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Rogues Are We”, “Holy Musical B@man!” (2012) All of Batman’s Greatest Enemies Come Together in This Internet Parody “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind”, “The Great Mouse Detective” (1986) Ratigan’s Henchmen Praise Their Devious Leader “Magic Dance”, “Labyrinth” (1986) Imagine if David Bowie Was Your Babysitter “Friends on the Other Side”, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) Some Tarot Cards & a Catchy Musical Number Can Make You Do Anything “In the Dark of the Night”, “Anastasia” (1997) Rasputin Tells His Creepy Crawly Minions About His Plan for Revenge
#1: “I Put a Spell on You” “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
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This song is phenomenal, but don’t take our word for it! The Screamin' Jay Hawkins’ single has been featured in a variety of films, and also found a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” That said, the Sanderson Sisters take it to another level in one of Disney’s most beloved Halloween tales. The three witches seize control of the stage at a rockin’ costume party and lead the band in a (literally) spellbinding performance. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are deviously iconic. Each with previous musical experience, the actresses have no problems collectively knocking this number out of the park. Put it on repeat because we’re cursed to dance for all eternity.
