Top Ten Animated Villains

Oh, how we love to hate. Villainous characters become as important, if not more important than the hero within animations. Long, pointy and slender limbs, thick faces of make up and wide, toothy grins all play pivotal parts in creating characters we can only watch from behind the cushion.

Whether we love them for being hilarious, true to life or simply terrifying, here are my top ten animated villains.

Anton Ego

Blunt, sarcastic and influential, Anton the food critic is not easily pleased. Such a believable character, I think we all know an Anton. He does prove though, that even the toughest of shells can be broken, and that everyone wants to be a child living off mum’s home cooked meals forever.

Moment of pure evil: “Perspective, fresh out of it I guess?” Alright Ego, Mr. Wordsmith…

Hades

As ruler of the underworld, flame haired (not red, his hair is literally fire) Hades is in pretty good stead for iconic villainy. Joined by clumsy side-kicks Pain and Panic, Hades takes his jealousy of bother Zeus too far, using Hercules’ love interest Megara captive to stop Hercules regaining Godhood.

Moment of pure evil: when his blue flames turn red when he is angry

Syndrome

Syndrome is not only truly evil, but almost an unnecessary evil. A lesson-teaching character from Mr. Incredible’s past, none of this would have happened if it weren’t for him brushing young Buddy away, claiming he was getting in the way. What did he expect? For him to not turn into a super-villain?

Moment of pure evil: Playing Mr. Incredible the tape of Elastagirl’s apparent plane crash

Yzma

So foxy Ertha Kitt voiced her, Yzma is the plotting super-villain of The Emperor’s New Groove, desperate to get at Kusco’s throne. Forming a comedy double act with faithful but dim Kronk, Yzma and her heavily mascared eyelashes deserve this place on the list.

Moment of pure evil: Snapping on latex gloves and wearing Willy Wonka style sunglasses in her evil lair.

Madame Medusa

Being mean to orphans is essentially villain 101 and Madame Medusa has it down to a T. Desperate for jewels, the not so lovely Madamde actually lures Penny into her car in order to kidnap her and force her into a small cave in which the world’s biggest diamond is held.

Moment of pure evil: Pulling off her false eyelashes in a shudder-inducing way

Cruella DeVille

“If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will”. You’re not joking, Roger. Until I was about ten I was too afraid of her to even say her full name, thinking she might suddenly appear demanding to take my dog away. She’s the original glamour kitten villain, and frankly, makes Anita look frumpy.

Moment of pure evil: When she’s driving after the puppies, and her eyes turn red and wild

Shere Khan

That voice, though. Mr. Khan has no time for other wannabe bad guys such as Karr the snake. Get out of the way everybody; this tiger is stopping at nothing to get his hands on Man Cub Mowgli.

Moment of pure evil: “No, no I’ve got no time for that sort of nonsense” whilst being impenetrable to Karr’s hypnotism

Scar

Usurping and brother-killing, Scar is not a loving family member, but his real cruelty comes in blaming the infant Simba that it is all his fault. Being named after a facial defect should have been a clue to his no-good nature.

Moment of pure evil: Laying the blame on Simba for his father’s death

Lotso

From the off my mum knew he was a shady character when she was instantly repulsed by how dirty Lots o’ Huggin’ Bear was. The sickly sweetly smell of strawberries and crooked walking stick all add to his creepy demeanor, not to mention the fact he is simply a downright horrible person.

Moment of pure evil: “She doesn’t love you anymore!” Wow, this is supposed to be a kid’s movie

Feathers McGraw

The pure personification (penguin-ification?) of evil, this emotionless, chicken impersonating, mind controlling thief is a total home wrecker. I’m not sure if it’s his relentless blinking, the slip-slapping of his feet or simply the fact he makes Gromit cry that does it, but he is the pinnacle of evil.

Moment of pure evil: Removing the rubber glove chicken costume to Wallace’s great surprise. “It’s you!”

Article by Natasha Price of Engine House:
www.engine-house.co.uk
@EngineHouseVFX