Growing up, when asked who my favorite Disney Princess was, I would answer, “Maleficent.” I have always been drawn to strong women. They are who I want to be. For the longest time, the only options for me were villains (the why of that is a whole different post).

Back in March, Kit Cronk had this to say about badass Disney women. I was excited to read that list, and while every woman definitely deserved to be there, it lacked some of my favorite characters: the Disney female villains. I would therefore like to offer this as a supplemental list for those of us who like the dark side.

NOTE: Like Kit’s original list, this list is from original Disney animations. It does not include the more recent additions of Fox, Marvel, and etc.

5. Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove)

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

Having spent her life in the shadow of others, Yzma has finally has taken the spotlight for herself. Yes, it might not have been in the most noble of ways, but she is now in charge. Things will be better from here on out.

4. Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

A business woman who has a keen eye for what is hot, Cruella is willing to pay top dollar for the best product. Sometimes being good in business means she has to do some underhanded things, but really, what CEO hasn’t been bad at times?

3. Ursula (The Little Mermaid)

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

Ursula is just out to help people get what they need! She goes to extremes no one else is willing to when those poor merfolk have no other place to turn. Yes, her terms would make a loan shark wet himself, but she is performing a service no one else will do.

2. Mother Gothel (Tangled)

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

Who loves you more than your mother? No one. Mother Gothel is just trying to keep Rapunzel safe and protected! The world is mean and cruel, and her little flower would get trampled and crushed out there. You should always listen to your mother.

And finally, for first place we have a tie!

1. Lady Tremaine (Cinderella) & Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

Lady Tremaine loves her daughters. She sees them for who they are and still wants them to succeed. She tries to make sure they will be able to live in a way in which they are accustomed once they leave her house. Yes, stern discipline can be taken as hatred, but she just wants to see her family become their best selves.

Top Five Kickass Disney Female Villains

Why would you invite everyone in the entire kingdom to a party, but leave out one person? That is just beyond rude! Maleficent assumes it is a mistake and tries to rectify it. She just wants to make sure the young princess grows in grace and beauty. Isn’t that what all parents want for their children? Sure, sure, she might have a short temper, and maybe she is a little vindictive sometimes, but who doesn’t act poorly when they have been hurt?

Who is your favorite Disney female villain?

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Author

Rachael has been a geek all her life. Beginning with deep dives in Narnia, the Shire, Tortall, Damar, and loads of others. As she grew, she added other realms to her geekdom, games of all kinds, movies, comic books, etc. In her free time, Rachael is involved with several local theatre groups, hangs out with her friends and family, and plays and snuggles with her nieces and nephews.

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