Dustin Gandof
Disney has a long history of creating captivating and memorable villain songs that perfectly capture the essence of their evil characters. Whether it’s the dark and ominous “Be Prepared” from The Lion King or the wickedly catchy “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid, the best villain songs are those that leave a lasting impression and make us secretly root for the bad guy.
Here are some of my personal favorite Disney villain songs, ranked in no particular order:
1. “Be Prepared” from The Lion King – This iconic song is a rallying cry for Scar and his hyena minions as they prepare to overthrow Mufasa and take over the Pride Lands. With its haunting melody and sinister lyrics, “Be Prepared” perfectly captures the terrifying power of Scar and his lust for control.
2. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid – As the sea witch Ursula sings her siren song to Ariel, she proves herself to be one of Disney’s most charismatic and devilish villains. With her wicked grin and sultry voice, Ursula makes us almost forget that she’s the villain, and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is her signature song.
3. “Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmatians – Cruella De Vil is one of Disney’s most notorious villains, and her song perfectly captures her twisted love of fur and her total disregard for the lives of innocent puppies. With its jazzy beat and snappy lyrics, “Cruella De Vil” is a fun and unforgettable song despite the underlying unpleasantness of the character.
4. “Mother Knows Best” from Tangled – Mother Gothel may not be as well-known as some of Disney’s other villains, but her song “Mother Knows Best” is one of the best in the Disney canon. As she manipulates Rapunzel with her false care and concern, Mother Gothel reveals herself to be a master of psychological manipulation and gaslighting.
5. “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast – Gaston may not be a traditional villain in the Disney sense, but his song “Gaston” is one of the most entertaining and memorable villain songs of all time. With its boisterous lyrics and catchy tune, “Gaston” is a hilarious send-up of toxic masculinity and male entitlement.
These are just a few of my personal favorite Disney villain songs, but there are plenty more out there to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply appreciate a good villainous tune, these songs are sure to delight and entertain.
