5 Worst Disney Villains Ranked

Disney has mastered the art of crafting iconic tales of good versus evil. However, not all villains hit the mark. Some characters are confusing, and others are just plain terrible. Here’s a look at the top five worst Disney villains, ranked and dissected.

5. Gabby Gabby from Toy Story 4

Gabby Gabby, the antique doll from Toy Story 4, is the stuff of nightmares. Her lifeless eyes, paired with her creepy ventriloquist dummy henchmen, are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Dolls are already unsettling for many, and Gabby takes it to a whole new level.

Her backstory is a heartbreaker. Abandoned in an antique shop, all she ever wanted was to be loved by a child. Instead of warming hearts, she opts for a sneaky, stalker-like approach, rolling around in a stroller with her spooky sidekicks, who seem straight out of a Goosebumps book. And then, in a typical Disney twist, she turns good in the end. While sweet, it feels annoyingly predictable.

Overall, Gabby Gabby is a terrifying yet ultimately redeemable character, making her a questionable villain.

4. Abuela from Encanto

Encanto’s Abuela is a controversial pick for a villain. The movie itself is a bit confusing regarding who the real antagonist is, but Abuela stands out for her harsh treatment of her granddaughter, Mirabel. While it’s debatable if Mirabel is simply misunderstood, Abuela’s actions towards her own family are undeniably cruel.

Abuela’s refusal to believe Mirabel and her overall disdain for her granddaughter are baffling, especially considering the importance of family in the film. Despite her tragic backstory, which does elicit some sympathy, Abuela’s ignorance and rudeness overshadow her eventual redemption. She’s a villain rooted in familial dysfunction, making her relatable but also frustratingly real.

In the end, while Abuela’s actions stem from a place of deep pain and loss, her treatment of Mirabel earns her a spot on this list. It’s a reminder that sometimes the worst villains aren’t the ones with evil plans but the ones who hurt those closest to them.

3. Chernabog from Fantasia

Chernabog from Fantasia is the villain who haunts adult nightmares. This towering demon, based loosely on Satan, is pure, unadulterated evil. Unlike most Disney villains, Chernabog lacks any semblance of humanity, backstory, or reason. He’s a monstrous force of darkness, unleashing chaos and terror without any motive beyond malevolence.

Parents were outraged, and children were scarred for life. Disney, usually known for its heartwarming stories, hit an all-time low with Chernabog, scaring the bejeezus out of its audience. This villain is a stark reminder that sometimes, Disney goes a bit too far in its quest to thrill.

2. Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas

Governor Ratcliffe from Pocahontas is the embodiment of greed, ignorance, and racism. His mission to exploit and eradicate Native Americans in search of gold is chillingly reflective of the real horrors of colonialism. Ratcliffe’s villainy isn’t just in his actions but in his unapologetic racism and greed.

The movie does a commendable job of highlighting the atrocities committed by European settlers, with Ratcliffe standing as a particularly detestable representation of that era. While he’s a complex character that brings important historical context, his outright evil and greed make him hard to watch.

The only redeeming quality? His dog. But even then, it’s not enough to save Ratcliffe from being one of the worst villains in Disney history.

1. Ercole Visconti from Luca

Ercole Visconti, the big bully from Luca, takes mean to a whole new level. This guy isn’t just your run-of-the-mill playground tormentor; he’s a full-blown menace. He’s willing to kill a child to maintain his popularity and win a local race. Talk about taking things too far!

Ercole is condescending and brutal, the kind of bully who would punch you until your appendix bursts or hold your head underwater until you drown. He crashes boats with no regard for human life and embodies the worst kind of teenage egomaniac. Unlike other Disney villains, Ercole doesn’t have a tragic backstory. He’s just a jerk who wants money and fame, channeling serious “mean girl” vibes. Imagine Regina George but with more violent tendencies.

Ercole’s anger issues and lack of any redeeming qualities make him one of Disney’s most straightforwardly despicable villains, earning him the top spot on this list.

Conclusion

Disney has given us a plethora of memorable villains, but not all for the right reasons. From terrifying dolls to bullies with no redeeming qualities, these characters show that even the House of Mouse can sometimes miss the mark. Whether they’re scaring kids or simply being mean, these villains have earned their spots on this list for being the absolute worst.