Disney is responsible for creating some of the most fearsome and famous villains in all of fiction. So it should come as no surprise that these malevolent forces in the house of mouse come with some of the evilest lines ever delivered by animated characters. And for a studio with Disney's family-friendly image, that's truly a feat.
For every hero and heroine that fights for right, there's an unforgettable villain standing in their way, usually with a catchy theme song in tow. As wicked as they are wonderful, they can also have some of the coldest and cruelest lines in their respective movies.
“It’s Not Right For A Woman to Read…” - Gaston
To be fair, Gaston is more chauvinist and thick-headed than he is downright evil, but there's always been something about this line that rubs fans the wrong way.
Gender politics or not, anyone who discourages the art of freethinking should never be trusted, no matter how burly and brawny they are. In retrospect, this should have been the first clue that the guy was not to be trusted. Who said villains couldn't be attractive?
“Fear Always Works.” - Bellwether
Though she's not a Disney villain in the traditional sense, lacking the black cape, magical powers, and show-stopping musical number, Dawn Bellwether knew how to run a tight ship and manipulate the masses enough to secure her seat of power in Zootopia.
Credit is given where credit is due, and Bellwether is certainly more utilitarian and practical when it comes to getting what she wants. With this line, she's one species war away from being a full-on dictator.
“If I Lose My Temper, You Lose Your Head!” - The Queen of Hearts
What does Alice in Wonderland have that so many other Disney classics lack? The threat of decapitations. Joking aside, it's actually quite surprising how many times the Queen orders the execution of her subjects left and right.
And these aren't just threats either, viewers literally see the poor offenders get dragged away by her soldiers to hopelessly await their imminent beheadings. Maybe this film isn't as colorful and sweet as viewers remember.
“Poison Them, Drown Them, Bash Them On The Head…” - Cruella De Vile
Some villains are subtle, some villains are secret, some do their dastardly deeds under the cover of darkness. Cruella De Vile is none of these things. She's bold, she's brazen, and she's absolutely brutal, especially when it concerns getting the puppy coat of her dreams.
Even when ordering her minions to dispose of the 99 dalmatian puppies, she doesn't turn down her villainy. How many others of her kind can name off different ways of killing innocent dogs at the drop of a hat?
“Now You Shall Deal With Me, Dear Prince. And All The Powers of Hell!” - Maleficent
Let's give the Mistress of All Evil some serious credit here, this might not be the highest on the list but it was quite a statement for an animated movie to have in 1959.
A Disney villain referencing the forces of Hell wouldn't truly be seen until 1996, so Maleficent was definitely ahead of her time, as well as evoking more demonic imagery next to her devilish appearance. Is it any wonder how she became Disney's most iconic villain?
“And With Everyone Super… No One Will Be.” - Syndrome
Syndrome is quite possibly the most dangerous character in all of Pixar, that's a pretty bold position in a world full of superheroes. Syndromes plan of selling superpower-inspired technology is more than just a super villains grand scheme, but a way to eradicate the idea of being a superhero.
In the grand scheme of things, Syndrome is one of the few villains with long-term plans rather than the here and now, making him a deadlier threat.
“If Only There Was Someone Out There Who Loved You.” - Prince Hans
Even with the novelty of the shock factor slightly worn off, this line is still a slap in the face to many Disney fans. Not only was the villain right in front of the audience's faces the entire time, but he also didn't show his hand until the final act of the film, taking everyone by surprise by uttering this cold and cruel statement.
Perhaps the cruelest thing Hans did was play Anna's heart like a violin until he finally cut the strings.
Mother Knows Best (Reprise)
Speaking of things that are cold and cruel, Mother Gothel makes the list not by a single quote, but by an entire song. The reprise of her number "Mother Knows Best" is far from the jaunty broadway-style number it was at the beginning.
Instead, it takes a more manipulative and aggressive approach but breaks the viewers' hearts for Rapunzel. She may be rejuvenated from the girl's magic hair, but underneath she's still as vile as they come.
“Long Live the King.” - Scar
When it comes to classic Disney villains, Scar is one tough act to follow. He has more than a few wicked lines to go around, but this one is perhaps the one everyone remembers him for.
Not only is he one of the few Disney villains to succeed in their evil schemes, but he's perhaps the only one that purposefully, proudly, and viciously murders a main character on screen. What else can be said but "long live the king."
“I Was Just Imagining a Rope Around That Beautiful Neck” - Frollo
If there was anyone villain to take the top spot, it has to be Judge Claude Frollo. While it would be super easy just to put the entirety of "Hellfire" on the list, there's one scene, in particular, that could rival it.
The scene where Frollo confronts Esmerelda in the cathedral is all sorts of creepy, especially when the guy starts smelling her hair. That would definitely slap a hard PG-13 on this flick faster than anything nowadays.