With the arrival of 'Maleficent,' Disney is bringing one of its most iconic animated villains to the live action realm. We've compiled a list of the best, strangest and most noteworthy live-action Disney villains and have ranked them to see who is truly the evilest of them all.
There's an enjoyable mania to Helena Bonham Carter's card-themed evil queen, and in a world full of talking animals, dragons and magic potions, she adds a welcome dash of live-action color.
You've got to have some level of appreciation for a bad guy who declares war on Santa Claus. That's just cold. Pun intended.
Before he battled the Starks on 'Game of Thrones,' Peter Dinklage took on a super-powered talking dog! Being upstaged by a dog isn’t all that bad, especially when he wears a cape.
There's no way we could ignore the hyper-intelligent secret agent turncoat mole voiced by the one and only Nicolas Cage. With his ridiculous voice and the fact that he's a mole who turns out to be a mole, Speckles really is one of a kind.
Few actors can exude casual evil quite like Sean Bean, and he gives this particular villain—a fellow treasure hunter alongside the film’s Indiana Jones-like hero, played by Nicolas Cage--the proper note of menace.
'The Country Bears' may be one of the more under-the-radar Disney films, but Christopher Walken's Reed Thimple is unforgettable. Acting almost entirely opposite talking bears, Walken offers no restraint and creates a colorful, madcap baddie that feels like he escaped from a Saturday morning cartoon.
Susan Sarandon's Queen Narissa delivers a fantastic tribute to animated Disney villains of old, and one of the biggest highlights in a film with many highlights. After Malificent, she’s the next Disney villain who deserves her own movie.
They may have not made a huge impact at first, but the Sanderson sisters have lingered on in the consciousness of a generation. If you were a kid in the '90s, this trio of witches was forever burned into your impressionable young brain.
She's immortal, a little bit strange, and you never know what she's going to do next. We cannot imagine anyone other than the utterly unique Tilda Swinton playing the Narnia series' main villain. She looks like she literally walked onto the set from a fantasy world.
Disney has a long history of great evil pirates, but that legacy begins with Long John Silver. Robert Newton's take on the iconic one-legged pirate wrote the template for how to play pirates on screen and everyone else has run to this performance like students run to Wikipedia.
Al Pacino spent a large portion of his career playing mobsters, but this parody may have been one of his most memorable. With his absurd make-up and penchant for screaming, he's the kid-friendly, Sunday newspaper comic-strip version of Michael Corleone.
You may remember him as the father in 'Mary Poppins,' but David Tomlinson also played the nemesis to the iconic VW Beetle Herbie. It takes a special kind of actor to play a character that gets humiliated by a car every five minutes (and still feel classy), but he somehow manages to pull it off!
Glenn Close’s live-action take on the unforgettable Cruella DeVille is devious, terrifying and uncomfortably sexy in all the right ways. Wait, did we just say sexy?
With his grotesque tentacle face, there has never been a villain who looks quite like Davy Jones. He's the kind of murderous, tortured, supernatural pirate that you want to get to know in the corner booth of a darkened bar. After a few rums, he'll have some stories to tell!
What happens when you cast a former James Bond as and Errol Flynn-esque Hollywood actor in league with the Nazis? You get a bad guy who truly deserves to get punched in the face by a square-jawed, jetpack-wearing superhero. Neville Sinclair may be the most despicable live-action Disney villain ever.
One part Wizard of Oz and one part HAL 9000, the Master Control Program is one of the most memorable evil computers in movie history. The next time you lose a video game, just remember there's an evil floating head inside it, personally sabotaging everything you do.
It takes a tremendous actor to go toe-to-toe with Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush responds by going even bigger, taking every pirate cliche and owning it like a boss…uh, or a pirate captain.
How evil are Dr. Hans and his killer robot, Maximilian? So evil that the movie ends with them going to Space Hell. Seriously. Most Disney villains go to jail or fall off a cliff, but 'The Black Hole' tosses its baddies through a portal and into an alternate dimension of pain and brimstone. That's pretty harsh and pretty awesome at the same time.
This one is just unfair. On the page, Captain Nemo is already one of the great villains in all of fiction. Put James Mason in the role and you have a bad guy who's as terrifying as he is sympathetic.
The funny thing about Judge Doom is that he's a live action Disney villain who's actually an animated villain in disguise. In other words, he's a villain in the film and in the real world, and no one can top that. Congrats, Judge Doom. You've won this round.
Kids Go Free (With Purchase of Adult Ticket of Equal or Greater Price, Up To $15 Total Ticket Price and Fees)! Use Code DAVID at Checkout.
Limited time offer. While supplies last. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions allowed in this promotion. Log into your Fandango account on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app between 12/1/25 and 2/28/26, buy at least one adult ticket to see David at a participating Fandango theater, and use the Fandango Promotional Code DAVID ("Code") to get up to $15 off a child's ticket (equal or lesser price than the adult ticket, up to $15 total ticket price and associated fees and charges) in the same transaction for the same showtime. Code expires, and can no longer be used, upon the earlier of 11:59pm PT on 2/28/26, or the limit of Code redemptions being reached, or David no longer being available in theaters. One-time use only. Code must be entered at checkout. Only valid for purchase of movie tickets made at Fandango.com or via the Fandango app and cannot be redeemed directly at any theater box office. If cost of child's movie ticket and associated fees and charges are more than Code's maximum discount, then user must pay the difference. Any price difference between total transaction price and Code's maximum discount will not be refunded. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to redeem a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid in U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. You may have to pay taxes additionally. Limit one Code per person. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies at www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy tickets to see the film three times in IMAX, get a limited-edition Avatar: Fire and Ash print
Limited time offer. While supplies last. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 6:00am PT on 11/17/25 and 11:59pm PT on 1/23/26 and purchase at least three (3) IMAX tickets to three (3) different IMAX showtimes of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (purchases must be made in separate transactions). Purchaser will receive an email on 1/25/26 containing one (1) Promotional Code (“Code”) that is redeemable for one Avatar: Fire and Ash limited-edition IMAX print, while supplies last. Limited-edition print will ship in February. There is a limited quantity of Codes available in this promotion. Codes will stop being distributed on the earlier of (i) the Code distribution limit being reached, (ii) Avatar: Fire and Ash no longer being in theaters, or (iii) 11:59pm PT on 1/26/26. There is a limited quantity of Code redemptions available in this promotion. Code expires, and can no longer be used, when the limit of Code redemptions has been reached, or at 11:59pm PT on 2/1/26, whichever comes first. Limit one Code per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. No cash value, except as required by law. Non-transferable. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer is subject to Fandango Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at Terms and Policies at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Buy a ticket to Disney's Zootopia 2, get 20% off the Shakira "Zoo" 7” Vinyl
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 12:01am PT on 12/1/25 and 11:59pm PT on 1/1/26 and purchase at least one movie ticket to ‘Zootopia 2’. Purchaser will receive a post purchase email containing a link (“Link”) to the Disney Music Emporium website that is good for 20% off the purchase of the Disney's Shakira "Zoo" from Zootopia 2 7" Vinyl. Link expires, and can no longer be used, at 11:59pm PT on 1/1/26. Limit 2 purchases per Link. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive the link to the discount. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. This offer is subject to Fandango’s terms and policies at https://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies and the Link is subject to Disney’s terms and policies, at https://disneytermsofuse.com/
Get the "Pandango Pin Bundle" and receive a Zootopia 2 ticket and an exclusive mystery pin of Nick and Judy, Flash or Gary!
*Pandango Pin Bundle is non-refundable. While supplies last. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Official Disney Exclusive Collectible Pin will begin shipping in the month of November. Please use a physical U.S. address where the item can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. See https://redeem.fandango.com/products/pandango-pin-bundle for full terms and conditions.
Buy a ticket to watch Jack Black and Paul Rudd in Anaconda (2025) this Christmas, get Anaconda (1997) for $5 on Fandango at Home.
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app between 12:01am PT on 11/28/25 and 11:59pm PT on 1/16/26 and purchase at least one movie ticket to Anaconda (2025). Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing 1 Fandango at Home Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of the original Anaconda (1997) for $5 in My Offers in your account on http://athome.fandango.com and via participating Fandango at Home apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 1/21/26 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You must have a Fandango at Home account to redeem your Code on Fandango at Home. Fandango at Home is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to open a Fandango at Home account. Credit card may be required for transactions on fandangoathome.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Join FanClub Today to Get $20 in Bonus Codes*
The “Join FanClub and Get $20 in Bonus Codes” offer (the “Offer”) is valid starting November 24, 2025, for a limited time only. To qualify, you must enroll in a paid Fandango FanClub membership either through Fandango.com/fanclub or by adding FanClub to your cart during ticket checkout, where the Offer will be automatically applied. This Offer is not valid for current FanClub members. Eligible customers will receive two (2) promo codes via email: one (1) $10 promo code valid toward a Fandango movie ticket purchase, and one (1) $10 promo code valid toward a movie or TV episode rental or purchase on Fandango at Home. If you join FanClub with a paid membership (no free trial), the promo codes will be delivered within 24 to 48 hours after your membership begins. If you opt into a 7-day free trial, the promo codes will be sent after your trial ends and your membership automatically converts to a paid membership. To be eligible, you must be an active, paying FanClub member at the time the Offer is delivered and at the time you redeem the promo codes. The Fandango promo code is valid for up to $10 off one ticket order for any movie at a participating Fandango theater and must be redeemed by January 31, 2026. The code is one-time use only and must be redeemed on Fandango.com or via the Fandango app. It cannot be used at theater box offices. If the cost of the ticket and any associated fees exceeds $10, the user is responsible for the difference. The code has no residual value, is non-transferable, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. It has no cash value except as required by law and is void where prohibited. It cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Limit one code per person. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited). The Fandango at Home promo code is valid for up to $10 off a single rental or purchase transaction of a movie or TV episode on Fandango at Home and must also be redeemed by January 31, 2026. The code is one-time use only, and any unused value is forfeited. If the total cost exceeds $10, the user is responsible for the difference. The code is non-transferable, cannot be combined with other offers, has no cash value (except as required by law), and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited). Taxes may apply. Adjustments to prior purchases will not be permitted. Fandango reserves the right to withdraw or modify this Offer at any time, in its sole discretion and without notice. Use of the promo codes is subject to Fandango’s Terms and Policies and FanClub Program Terms.
From exclusive collectibles to must-have movie merch — everything’s 50% off for Black Friday! Use code FANSTORE50 at checkout.
Take one last trip to Oz with the For Good Collector’s Pack, featuring a Movie Ticket and a Limited-Edition Costume Sketch Poster by Paul Tazewell.exclusive sketch of Academy Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell’s original costume design!
*For Good Collector’s Pack is non-refundable. While supplies last. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Poster Print will begin shipping in the month of November. Please use a physical address where the item can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/for-good-collectors-pack . Universal Pictures Marketing and its affiliates are not sponsors of this bundle.
Embark on a final journey to Pandora with the Collector’s Print Bundle, featuring one Movie Ticket and a Limited-Edition Print!
*Collector’s Print Bundle is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The Collectible Mini Print will begin shipping in December. Please use a physical U.S. address where the poster shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/collectors-print-bundle.
Buy a ticket to The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, get The SpongeBob SquarePants Triple Feature bundle for $7.99 on Fandango at Home!
Limited time offer. Log into your account on Fandango.com or the Fandango app and purchase, between 12:01am PT on 11/24/25 and 11:59pm PT on 12/26/25, at least one movie ticket to ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants'. Purchaser will receive a post-purchase email containing 1 Fandango at Home Promotional Code (“Code”) that is good for the purchase (and not the rental) of The SpongeBob SquarePants Triple Feature bundle for $7.99 in My Offers in your account on http://fandangoathome.com and via participating Fandango at Home apps. You must have, and be logged into, your Fandango account to receive a Code. Fandango is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to create a Fandango account. Code expires on (and must be used by) 12/30/25 at 11:59pm PT. Limit one per transaction. You may have to pay taxes additionally. One-time use only. Void where prohibited. If lost or stolen, cannot be replaced. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value, except as required by law. Not for resale; void if sold or exchanged. Offer valid in the U.S. only (excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law). You must have a Fandango at Home account to redeem your Code on Fandango at Home. Fandango at Home is free to join; you must be 18 years of age or older to open a Fandango at Home account. Credit card may be required for transactions on fandangoathome.com. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. This offer and redemption of the Code are subject to Fandango Terms and Policies and Privacy Policy at http://www.fandango.com/terms-and-policies.
Get the Search for SquarePants Starter Set for a ticket for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants and an exclusive LED Patrick Star popcorn bucket.
*Search for SquarePants Starter Set is non-refundable. Domestic shipping will be added at checkout. Limited time offer. While supplies last. Movie ticket is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Fandango reserves the right to modify or cancel this offer at any time and without notice. Popcorn not included. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a bundle. The LED Patrick Star Popcorn Bucket will begin shipping in December. Please use a physical U.S. address where the popcorn bucket shipment can be delivered. Once carrier confirms delivery, Fandango is not responsible for lost or stolen deliveries. Valid only in the U.S. and D.C., excluding U.S. territories and where prohibited by law. Not valid with any other offer. See full terms and conditions at https://redeem.fandango.com/products/search-for-squarepants-starter-set
Love classic films? Love someone who loves classic films? Check out Turner Classic Movies Film Festival exclusive holiday gifting items through Fandango FanStore.
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