Disney movie heroes are second to none. Be it Mulan, Simba, the Beast, or, more recently, Encanto’s Mirabel Madrigal, these beloved protagonists have demonstrated resilience, maturation, and good-hearted intentions. They’ve overcome struggles, both mental and physical, to do the right thing — and often, to defeat someone sinister.
Of course, every good story — and every hero — needs a villain. Over the decades, Disney villains have been as unforgettable as the heroes. 101 Dalmatians‘ Cruella de Vil was unapologetically diabolical, while in other cases, the characters’ true colors appeared more subtly over time, like the painfully vain and entitled Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. Regardless of how evil these antagonists reveal themselves to be, there is often more to the story — a complexity of character that gives them depth and can make them relatable, or even likable.
The Lion King wouldn’t be the same without Scar’s dry, albeit cruel, wit. And the hilarious one-liners from Hercules’ Hades have stood the test of time. We may not be rooting for them, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t love the scenes featuring these expertly crafted “bad guys.” Read on to reminisce with 20 quotes from the best Disney villains in history.
Well, as far as brains go, I got the lion’s share. But when it comes to brute strength, I’m afraid I’m at the shallow end of the gene pool.
You’ve heard of the golden rule, haven’t you? Whoever has the gold makes the rules!
It’s not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas, thinking!
Gaston, “Beauty and the Beast”
It’s called a cruel irony, like my dependence on you.
Yzma, “The Emperor’s New Groove”
Look in that mirror. You know what I see? I see a strong, confident, beautiful young lady. Oh look, you’re here too!
Death is the only adventure you have left.
Captain Hook, “Peter Pan”
If only there was someone out there who loved you.
A woman doesn’t know how precious her voice is until she’s been silenced.
Ursula, “The Little Mermaid”
You poor, simple fools, thinking you could defeat me! Me! The mistress of all evil!
Maleficent, “Sleeping Beauty”
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?
The Evil Queen, “Snow White”
In a moment, captain. A lesson needs to be learned here.
Claude Frollo, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
If I lose my temper, you lose your head!
Queen of Hearts, “Alice in Wonderland”
The rest of the world may follow the rules, but I must follow my heart.
Ernesto de la Cruz, “Coco”
We dance, we kiss, we schmooze, we carry on, we go home happy. What do you say? Come on.
And with everyone super, no one will be.
Syndrome, “The Incredibles”
Fear always works.
Dawn Bellwether, “Zootopia”
Oh, I love it when I’m nasty.
Professor Ratigan, “The Great Mouse Detective”
I hate sunshine. I hate horrible, wholesome sunshine!
Madam Mim, “The Sword in the Stone”
By building his wall, he challenged my strength. Well, I’m here to play his game.
Miserable, darling, as usual. Perfectly wretched.
Cruella de Vil, “101 Dalmatians”
Featured Image Credit: Allstar Picture Library Ltd/ Alamy Stock Photo
Nicole Villeneuve
Nicole is a writer, thrift store lover, and group-chat meme spammer based in Ontario, Canada.
