#5- Friends on the Other Side, The Princess and the Frog
This number is one of those songs that can send a chill down one's spine. The imagery is shocking and somewhat scary. However, it will not upset younger viewers. The song details the meeting between male protagonist Prince Naveen and antagonist Doctor Facilier. However, Facilier had an ulterior motive for meeting with the young prince. Unfortunately, neither obtained what they desired as Naveen was transformed into a frog, and Facilier was unable to rule New Orleans. I found this song to be creepy through its use of "voodoo" imagery, such as the floating heads and the visualization of Facilier's magic. However despite the creepy imagery, I enjoyed the song and prefer it over songs with a similar premise such as Poor Unfortunate Souls. The song is later reprised when Facilier is ironically defeated by his own magic.
#4- Mother Knows Best, Tangled
Usually, the computer-animated Disney films do not catch my attention as much as those that are traditionally-animated. However, a notable exception to this rule was the 2010 film, Tangled. Despite being a computer-animated film, it is animated and styled similarly to something animated traditionally. It is for this reason, (as well as for the villain Mother Gothel) that Tangled is my favorite in Disney's new wave of animated films. Mother Gothel feels like a female version of one of my favorite villains, Claude Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. As a result, her song Mother Knows Best feels like a modified version of Frollo's section of Out There. Mother Gothel attempts to manipulate Rapunzel into staying in the tower, similar to how Frollo attempted to prevent Quasimodo from leaving Notre Dame. However, Gothel wants to keep Rapunzel in the tower for the purpose of remaining eternally young by using the latter's hair. Like the previous entry in this list, it is reprised when the villain meets her demise, once again through irony.
#3- The Mob Song, Beauty and the Beast
I understand that some readers may question this choice, as it is not the official villain song of the film. This song was chosen over Gaston for three reasons. The first reason was explained earlier, I am not a fan of the large showstopper numbers. The second reason is because The Mob Song advanced the plot of the movie more than Gaston did. The final reason is because this song is a culmination of Gaston's descent into madness that has been growing since the film started. Gaston's continued rejection of Belle slowly causes him to lose his sanity, and the sight of her associating with another suitor causes him to snap like a twig. The purpose of his angry mob was not to kill a beast that could terrorize the village, but to eliminate the competitor for Belle's affections. Gaston's loss of sanity and logic causes him to enact his endgame upon Beast so he could finally be with Belle. This is one song I cannot wait to see recreated in live action, as while it is dark, it is a song filled of energy and passion.
#2- Be Prepared, The Lion King
Along with Jafar and Frollo, Scar has always been a contender for my favorite Disney Villain. Scar is one of the darker antagonists in Disney history, mainly because of his success in usurping the throne. Scar is one of the few villains to achieve his goal, another being the aforementioned Jafar. The song, Be Prepared, advances the plot and reveals Scar's plan of usurping the throne from Mufasa. To gain the trust of the hyenas, he would promise them power and food in exchange for their assistance. In earlier drafts of the film, the song was later reprised when Nala was banished from the Pridelands. Another fact is Jeremy Irons sings half of the song, and a voice double was hired for after the lyric "You won't get a sniff without me'. Jeremy Irons lost his voice during recording, so Jim Cummings was brought in to finish in his place. Overall, this song is another that can shock younger viewers, but will not give them nightmares after viewing.
#1- Hellfire, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is a song that I would not recommend if you are immensely religious, faint of heart, or a younger viewer/reader. This song is significantly darker than other entries on this list, and discusses strong topics such as faith and lust. One may wonder what place it has in a children's film. The purpose of the song is to provide character development for the film's antagonist, Claude Frollo. Another effect of the song is viewers seeing a side of Frollo that is closer to the source material, as the song is one of the few based on an event in the book. However, the sequence is not a dream like it was in the source material. This song is significantly more intense than Be Prepared and Friends on the Other Side, and is even more so in the stage adaptations. Whenever I listen to this song, massive chills are sent down my spine and I am always blown away by the lyrics and orchestration. This is not only my favorite villain song in a Disney film, but it is my favorite song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame as well.
Do you have a favorite villain song? Why is it your favorite? Post your opinions in the comments below, and in the next Disney-related post, we are heading to the theater!
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