Top 20 Most Underrated Disney Villains

#20: Shere Khan

“The Jungle Book” (1967)

Although his presence looms over “The Jungle Book,” this ruthless tiger doesn’t make an onscreen appearance until later in the game. Every time we rewatch the 1967 film, we forget how minimal Shere Khan’s screen time is. This is a testament to the dread that his name alone conjures, as well as the strong impression he leaves on the third act. Resembling his voice actor, Oscar-winning George Sanders, Shere Khan comes off as eloquent and dignified. There isn’t a more ferocious animal in the jungle, however. All other animals fear him, including the hypnotic Kaa. When Mowgli chooses not to run from Shere Khan, he comes off as more foolish than brave, quickly learning why this man-hating beast is a force of nature.

#19: Sykes

“Oliver & Company” (1988)

Sykes is a physically intimidating foe, despite lacking any magical abilities. He doesn’t need them. This chainsmoking loan shark can either break your neck with his Cadillac window or, with a snap of his fingers, his Dobermans will tear you to shreds. It doesn’t matter how much or little you owe him. When Sykes comes to collect, he’s either leaving with his money or a painful warning of what’ll happen next time if you’re still empty-handed. He isn’t above endangering children or adorable animals either. Robert Loggia’s raspy voice complements Sykes’ hulking physique. His hand alone is the size of little Oliver, showing how he could crush him with a clench of his fist. Even a kitten can catch a shark off guard, however.

#18: King Candy

“Wreck-It Ralph” (2012)

Alan Tudyk has been Disney’s good luck charm for over a decade. His first voiceover role with the studio still may be the best example of his versatility. Channeling the Mad Hatter from “Alice in Wonderland,” King Candy may not look like the most ominous antagonist, but behind his sugary exterior is a fiend who’s sour to the core. Revealed to be rogue racer Turbo, he goes mad with power, running anyone who stands in his way off the tracks. While the mileage has varied with Disney’s surprise villains, King Candy’s reveal is cleverly set up, paving the way for a twist that’s right for the character. He’s fun to watch throughout, yet we look forward to seeing him get his just desserts.

#17: Willie the Giant

“Fun and Fancy Free” (1947)

Willie is essentially a big kid, emphasis on the big part. He isn’t straight-up evil, but he isn’t considerate of those smaller than him. It’s basically the equivalent of a human stomping on an insect colony. While we don’t root for Willie, we also don’t want to see him get crushed like a fly. Speaking of which, this giant possesses the power of transformation, making for one of the more unique additions to this “Jack and the Beanstalk” iteration. If Willie sounds familiar, that’s because he was voiced by Billy Gilbert, who previously voiced Sneezy in “Snow White.” While his sneezing routine carried over between roles, it’s funny to think that Gilbert went from voicing a dwarf to a giant.

#16: John Silver

“Treasure Planet” (2002)

John Silver is one Disney villain who’s capable of redemption. That doesn’t mean he’s absolved of any wrongdoing. Silver might not be completely heartless like underling Scroop, but you can sense this cyborg probably slit his fair share of throats before meeting Jim Hawkins. That said, Silver does take a liking to Hawkins, emerging as the male role model he never had. In a film that aims to merge futuristic and retro designs, John Silver is perhaps the most impressive hodgepodge of hand-drawn and CG techniques. It’s a fitting fusion for a character at war with himself, torn between the treasure he sailed across the cosmos for and the more meaningful treasure he picked up along the way.

#15: The Headless Horseman

“The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)

Disney’s take on “Sleepy Hollow” is laidback at first, with Bing Crosby’s narration easing us into a false sense of security. Anyone familiar with the story knows that Ichabod Crane will inevitably clash with the Headless Horseman. The segment doesn’t disappoint, sending us into panic mode from the instant his haunting cackle kicks in. Billy Bletcher, who voiced characters like Pete and the Big Bad Wolf, provided the Horseman’s laugh, which is paired with an equally sinister design. While the climactic chase leads to some humorous slapstick, we’re too afraid to laugh as the Horseman nearly takes Ichabod’s head. Come to think of it, we don’t know exactly what happens to Ichbod, meaning the Horseman may be a rare Disney villain who wins.

#14: Madam Mim

“The Sword in the Stone” (1963)

Madam Mim doesn’t surface until late in the picture, and even then, she doesn’t stick around for the climax. She’s nonetheless one of this film’s most memorable elements, between her villain song and wizard duel against Merlin. Where Merlin uses his magic for good, Mim is more drawn to mischief. She isn’t the kind of evildoer who seems interested in usurping the throne, even when it’s up for grabs. Mim would rather use her extraordinary powers for showing off and punking people. That’s not to say Mim isn’t dangerous, attempting to destroy Arthur and Merlin just for funsies. She’s an infectiously bitter old hag with a childish mindset, which makes for a chaotic combination. It’s all a game to Mim, and she’s a sore loser.

#13: Prince John

“Robin Hood” (1973)

Prince John isn’t the most menacing Disney villain. In fact, he’s a whiny man-child who sucks his thumb when things don’t go his way. If history has taught us anything, though, it’s that many tyrants are selfish, entitled brats who only care about making themselves richer. John may be pathetic, but he’s also a legitimate threat who will bleed his subjects’ pockets dry. Then when they have nothing left to give, he has them incarcerated. Execution isn’t off the table either, whether you’re an outlaw like Robin Hood or a man of the church like Friar Tuck. As monstrous as his actions are, it’s hard not to laugh listening to Peter Ustinov, a two-time Oscar winner, bellowing out for mommy amid humiliating defeat.

#12: Doctor Facilier

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

Keith David voicing a Disney villain? You can’t possibly go wrong! David’s smooth vocals match splendidly with Dr. Facilier’s slick design. Prince Naveen may be naive for trusting such a devious con man. Honestly, though, the Shadow Man is such a charismatic showman that we’d have a hard time walking away when he starts singing, too. As different as Facilier and Tiana are, both have something in common. Tiana has spent her entire life working hard, only to get nowhere. Facilier may not believe in honest work, but he still feels short-changed watching others born with silver spoons in their mouths. Facilier seeks to level the playing field, taking a shortcut with his friends from the other side.

#11: Chernabog

“Fantasia” (1940)

When people think of the ultimate Disney villain, their minds usually go to Maleficent or the Queen from “Snow White.” Chernabog from the “Night on Bald Mountain” segment of “Fantasia” might not be an obvious answer. Looking into this devil’s glowing yellow eyes, though, it becomes clear that you’ve come face to face with the embodiment of hell on earth. Towering over the village below, Chernabog’s goals are vague, but we know his intentions are wicked. Summoning spirits almost like a satanic conductor, Chernabog seems all-powerful. Yet, something as simple as a sunrise and the heavenly sound of “Ave Maria” can send him back into slumber. There’s no defeating Chernabog, however. As long as there’s evil in the world, another night will bring Chernabog’s return.

#10: Percival C. McLeach

“The Rescuers Down Under” (1990)

"The Rescuers" movies are underrated all-around, and that goes double for their villains. Madame Medusa from the 1977 film is a solid enough antagonist, but the sequel ramps things up with a villain who's a refreshing mix of viciousness and realism. A poacher looking for that next big bounty, Percival is an unflinchingly cruel person driven primarily by profit. He also genuinely enjoys treating animals cruelly. As the movie goes along, Percival seems to rather quickly embrace the prospect of harming any human who stands in his way too. Intimidating and sinister in a chillingly human way, Percival makes for a great villain that should be more well-known.

#9: Professor Ratigan

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)

The world's greatest mouse detective needs a rival of equal cunning and notoriety. Voiced by the legendary Vincent Price, Ratigan is a towering criminal with the intelligence and ambition to push Basil to his limit. Relentlessly evil and unapologetically showy, Ratigan has an ego the size of a blimp and the charisma to sell schemes involving robots and Big Ben. Debuting in an era where Disney animated films weren’t doing that well, he didn’t reach the level of acclaim as other notable villains. But Ratigan's unpredictability made him an extremely memorable antagonist. His sophisticated demeanor seems to always be on the verge of collapsing, giving way to a fit of intense rage and sharp teeth.

#8: William Clayton

“Tarzan” (1999)

A descent into pure villainy can be a lot of fun to behold. "Tarzan's" Clayton is never an especially likable fellow, but the hunter is amiable enough in the film's initial stages. Only once Clayton completely stops playing nice with the Porters do his true intentions come out. He actually wants to capture and sell gorillas to make a fortune. As Tarzan becomes more in touch with his humanity, Clayton becomes progressively more violent and uncaring, eventually losing any semblance of self-control. His engaging character arc definitely deserves more credit. Overall, Clayton makes for a strong and fearless opponent for Tarzan to overcome.

#7: Horned King

“The Black Cauldron” (1985)

Disney villains are not typically known for their subtlety, but the Horned King wears his evilness out in the open for everyone to see. "The Black Cauldron" is at least a contender for Disney's darkest animated film, and a lot of that comes down to its chilling antagonist. The Horned King has no time for flair, theatrics, humor, or petty schemes; this Monarch wants to rule the world and has no patience for nonsense. In some ways, the Horned King is the most honest Disney villain, as no attempt is made to soften his wickedness. Since the movie didn’t do great at the box office, The Horned King hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves.

#6: The Coachman

“Pinocchio” (1940)

Things are about to get uncomfortably real. Through the promise of an adult-free zone that offers endless entertainment, boys are lured into The Coachman's namesake ride. It’s basically "Pinocchio's" equivalent of a windowless van. The children are then taken to Pleasure Island, an amusement park that makes donkeys out of its visitors. The Coachman entices his young victims with the promise of freedom, takes them away from their homes, and sells them into endless servitude. Somehow the absolutely terrifying Coachman isn’t even the main villain of "Pinocchio." He definitely has the motivation and intimidation factor to be the big bad of his own film.

#5: Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001)

Greed is a powerful motivator. "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" follows an expedition to the legendary city, with Commander Rourke steering the ship. First coming across as a stern but honest pragmatist, Rourke eventually reveals himself to be someone far more cunning and devilish. Seeking riches at the expense of the Atlanteans, Rourke only played along so he could get himself into the Lost Empire. Once there, the Commander only seeks to acquire his fortune. Rourke proves to be rather heartless and calculating, even going as far as to harm a helpless king. The disappointing box office haul meant this villain was kept out of the spotlight. But anyone who loves this movie knows that Rourke isn’t to be messed with.

#4: Mother Gothel

“Tangled” (2010)

In the pursuit of endless youth and the flower taken from her, Gothel kidnaps a baby with magic hair and pretends to be her mother for 18 years. Mother Gothel proves to be a talented actress and storyteller willing to play a long con to ensure that Rapunzel fears the outside world. While performing the part of a protective parent, Gothel manipulates Rapunzel by constantly attacking her self-esteem. She even sings peppy tunes with dark underlying messages. Driven by selfishness and fear of death, Gothel is a complex villain. But her malicious ways and the movie were overshadowed by “Toy Story 3” that year. However, we think Mother Goethel knows best about being a good villain.

#3: Hades

“Hercules” (1997)

Disney's ruler of the Underworld might be unabashedly evil, but this god is an absolute riot. Hades oozes personality out of every fiber of his being. A smooth-talking salesman with a killer pitch, Hades matches a fiery temper with a twisted sense of humor that could even impress the Genie. As this deity is surrounded by plenty of strong Greek figures, Hades relies on his mind to pull off his schemes. This villain is definitely the underdog in the world and his family. Many "Hercules" fans feel like the movie is still underappreciated. But that's certainly no fault of Hades, who gives a fiery performance.

#2: Yzma

“The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)

An energetic villain with lofty ambitions, Yzma is a delight and perhaps the best part of a generally good cult film. Voiced by the iconic Eartha Kitt, Yzma's madness manages to match "The Emperor's New Groove's" manic pace, and the villain is an expert at coming up with creatively complex plans. Forming an entertaining duo with Kronk, Yzma is ultimately a comedic character whose grand schemes basically end up being thwarted by shenanigans and slapstick. While perhaps not the most threatening character in Disney history, Yzma is so incredibly entertaining that she should be held up as one of the best villains the mouse house ever created.

#1: Judge Claude Frollo

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

This judge introduces himself by attacking an innocent woman and nearly harming a baby. Somehow Frollo only gets worse from here. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" tends to be a polarizing film, but the cartoon's main villain stands among the vilest and most hateable in Disney history. Frollo abuses his position of power while believing that he holds the moral high ground. An infatuation with Esmeralda sends Frollo completely off the rails, a descent immortalized in the fantastic "Hellfire" sequence. When it comes to Disney's animated films, few villains are as realistic as Frollo, which just makes him all that more intense and deserving to be the top Disney villain here.

Which Disney villain do you think deserves more love (or hate)? Let us know in the comments.