When thinking of the best animated movies of all time, there are a lot of aspects that stand out. The beautiful look of the film, the lovable characters, and especially the iconic songs. But just like any other movie, a really great animated villain can make the work all the more special.
There are endless examples of unforgettable animated villains, from Cruella DeVil to Jafar. However, there are also other baddies who are criminally underrated. Whether the villains were overshadowed by other aspects of the movie, or the movie itself was overlooked, these animated villains deserve more attention.
Tai Lung - Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Along with being a very funny and charming family-friendly adventure, Kung Fu Panda boasts some legitimately great action sequences. Perhaps the best of the movie is the thrilling prison escape from the villainous Tai Lung.
This sequence cements Tai Lung as a formidable villain and he only gets more entertaining from there. Ian McShane infuses the role with an elegant and threatening voice that adds to the intimidating nature of Tai Lung while also bringing a bit of a cheeky attitude to the evil kung fu master.
Rasputin - Anastasia (1997)
The Fox animated movie was a hit with critics and audiences at the time, but its legacy has been overshadowed by the string of Disney classics from the era. But Anastasia is an enchanting story of a young woman who may be a long-lost Russian princess.
But the real highlight is the villain Rasputin. Though the movie takes huge liberties with the real-life figure, including making him an undead sorcerer, he is an appropriately terrifying character on a murderous quest for revenge.
Phantasm – Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)
Perhaps because it is an animated movie, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is generally overlooked among the Batman movies despite being perhaps the best of the bunch. The movie follows Batman's investigation into the deaths of several Gotham criminals at the hands of the mysterious Phantasm.
The design of the character is very effective, looking like a cross between Batman and a ghost. And while it is targeting criminals, the Phantasm makes for a great villain because it is a glimpse of what Batman might become if he went too far with his vigilantism.
McLeach - The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The Rescuers is one of the most forgettable Disney movies from the 1970s, which explains why its sequel doesn't get much attention either. However, it is a thrilling Australian adventure about a pair of mice who travel to the Outback to rescue a young boy from an evil poacher.
The poacher in question is the detestable McLeach. He is a great example of how villains in these types of movies don't necessarily need to be otherworldly or supernatural. He is just a bad man who gets joy out of being cruel.
Hexxus - FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)
The environmentally friendly FernGully is mostly remembered for having a very similar plot to Avatar. But if there is one other aspect of the movie that should stand out to fans it is the villainous Hexxus.
Hexxus is the embodiment of pollution, formed out of smoke, sludge, and other material. Voiced by the great Tim Curry, Hexxus has a smoothness to him while also being genuinely frightening. He is also given what is easily the best song in the movie with the twisted love song "Toxic Love."
Lotso - Toy Story 3 (2010)
Pixar movies have so many eye-catching and noteworthy elements that the villains of these movies tend to get overlooked. While bad guys like Syndrome have rightly made their mark, perhaps Pixar's best villain comes in the form of a pink stuffed teddy bear.
When Andy's toys arrive at a daycare to start their new adventure, they are welcomed by the friendly Lotso, the leader of the daycare. However, Lotso's lovable demeanor quickly changes when the idea of leaving is proposed. He turns out to be a cruel overseer who runs the daycare through fear and intimidation.
Hades - Hercules (1997)
For some reason, Hercules is not often regarded among the best of the Disney Renaissance projects despite being a huge delight. Along with the fun action, great humor, and memorable songs, the movie features a truly scene-stealing villain with Hades.
While one might expect the Lord of the Underworld to be a terrifying being, the movie makes the interesting and very effective choice to depict him as more of a sleazy car salesman. His fast-talking and sarcastic energy bring an unexpected spark to the movie while still being an effective threat.
Lord Farquaad - Shrek (2001)
The Shrek franchise may have continued on to the point of wearing out its welcome but the first movie remains a funny and clever animated gem. But given how many more adventures followed, fans might have forgotten Lord Farquaad, who only appeared in the first movie.
Voiced brilliantly by John Lithgow, Farquaad is the diminutive ruler of the kingdom who tries to rid all fairytale creatures from the land. He is the perfect mix of an evil villain whom the audience wants to see defeated and a hilarious character in this comedy adventure.
Oogie Boogie - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The stop-motion masterpiece The Nightmare Before Christmas is great at mixing the joy of Christmas with the funny scares of Halloween. And one of the most nightmare-inducing images is that of Oogie Boogie.
Even in a place like Halloweentown, Oogie Boogie has a scary reputation. He is teased for much of the movie, building his fearsomeness in the minds of the audience. Then when he is revealed, having kidnapped Santa Claus, he is effectively scary in a playful way that makes him all the more memorable.
Professor Ratigan - The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
The Great Mouse Detective is one of those forgotten movies that came right before the Disney Renaissance but is a great animated movie in its own right. It is a sort of retelling of Sherlock Holmes with Basil the mouse detective trying to stop his arch-nemesis, the criminal mastermind, Ratigan.
Vincent Price is the perfect choice to voice Ratigan, an evil genius who presents himself as a sophisticated man of high society who hates being reminded of the fact that he is a rat. Not only is he an incredibly entertaining character, but he has one of the most underrated villain songs in Disney history, "The World's Greatest Criminal Mind".