What if I told you that Disney has secret villains disguised as heroes, and you didn’t even notice?
A classic example is Maui from Moana. He was celebrated as a hero alongside the protagonist at the end of the movie, but… let’s be real here. The whole mess was his fault! After all, “we’re only here because you wanted the heart and took it.” Despite this, Maui’s charisma and redemption arc managed to win over the audience. But should he really be considered a true hero?
And he’s not the only one! In many Disney movies, there are characters who, upon closer inspection, could be classified as secret villains. These are the ones whose selfish, greedy, or disastrous actions trigger the conflicts that drive the stories forward.
Today, we’re going to expose these villains hidden under layers of charm or apparent goodness. Get ready, because our ranking of the 10 worst secret Disney villains will blow your mind! And just a heads-up: the first place is absolutely jaw-dropping.
Oh, before we dive in, let me introduce myself. Hi, everyone! I’m Augustulyn, and you’re on Imagidear. So, let’s dive into this list and uncover who’s truly to blame for some of the biggest messes in the Disney universe.
Spoiler alert: Some of these made me want to throw them all straight into the top 10 because, wow… it’s just downhill from there.
Elsa’s Parents: Heroes or Villains?
“Elsa, what have you done? This is getting out of hand!” – If this phrase sounds like the beginning of an attempt to protect, what follows is far darker. Elsa’s parents, King Agnarr and Queen Iduna, are directly responsible for their eldest daughter’s psychological suffering in Frozen. While they are portrayed as tragic figures, their actions left deep scars on Elsa’s life.
After Elsa accidentally hurt Anna with her powers, they decided that the best solution was to control and isolate her. The motto they passed on to her – “conceal it, don’t feel it, don’t let it show” – turned Elsa into a prisoner of herself. She grew up hidden away, fearing her emotions and distanced from a normal life. Who could forget Anna begging through the door to play with her sister, never receiving a response?
This isolation was so extreme that Elsa spent much of her childhood locked in her own room, unable to form bonds or feel accepted. As a result, she internalized the idea that she was a danger to everyone – and to herself. After all, “I am a danger to Arendelle” doesn’t sound like something anyone should have to bear alone, does it?
But Here’s the Scariest Detail:
At the end of Frozen, when Hans captures Elsa, he locks her in a peculiar room with shackles that suppress her powers. Looking at the location and structure of this room, it’s clear that it wasn’t improvised. The view from the window shows the lake and the small houses of the town, indicating that the prison is inside the Arendelle castle.
And here’s the big revelation: Hans had barely arrived at the castle, so he couldn’t have built that room. This can only mean that… Elsa’s own parents created this space. A place prepared for the possibility that their daughter might lose control, equipped to imprison her if necessary. And as if that weren’t enough, the use of gloves since childhood was another sign of the fear they had of her.
That’s why King Agnarr and Queen Iduna deserve the title of secret villains. Their choices, though motivated by fear and the attempt to protect Elsa and the kingdom, ended up deeply harming their daughter’s mental health and fueling the chaos that culminates in the events of Frozen.
Abuela Madrigal: A Hidden Villain in Encanto
Now, moving from the snowy lands of Arendelle to the vibrant Colombia of Encanto, we find another figure who deserves a spot on the list of secret villains: Abuela Madrigal.
Obsessed with perfection, she turned the Madrigal family’s life into a true emotional nightmare. The pressure to uphold the family miracle led her to harshly judge each family member, especially those who didn’t meet her unrealistic expectations.
- Peppa, whose ability to control the weather was constantly suppressed, was criticized for not being perfect.
- Bruno, who just wanted to help with his visions, was isolated from the family, forced to live in the shadows as an outcast.
- Isabela, the oldest granddaughter, carried the burden of being flawless and maintaining the perfect image for the world.
- Luisa literally carried the weight of the family – and the village – on her shoulders, with no space to show weakness.
And then we have Mirabel, who was born without powers and, because of this, felt the rejection of her grandmother.
Despite Mirabel directly confronting her grandmother’s actions throughout the movie, the truth is that Abuela Madrigal is still an antagonistic figure.
Although Her Actions Were Motivated by Trauma and the Attempt to Protect the Family, That Doesn’t Exonerate Her
The pressure destroyed the self-esteem of almost everyone around her, making her a veiled villain.
Did Abuela suffer? Of course, she did. But that doesn’t justify her actions. After all, Maleficent also suffered – she had her wings torn off by someone she trusted – and even though she tried to protect the fairies, she is still seen as a villain.
So, Abuela, here’s your villain crown that Disney never gave you… but that you truly deserve.
Maui: Charismatic Hero or Villain in Disguise?
Maui is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic characters in all of Disney. With his irreverent personality, he easily wins over the audience, and by the end of Moana, he even receives applause as a hero alongside the protagonist. But let’s be honest: he’s the main culprit behind all the chaos that drives the story.
The truth is that Maui acted out of pure greed. He stole the Heart of Te Fiti, motivated by the desire to gain the power of creation and be even more revered by humans. The problem is that this act had disastrous consequences. Te Fiti, without her heart, transformed into Te Kā, a destructive entity that spread death and destruction across several islands. Moana’s own homeland started to suffer, with life slowly being drained from the nature around it.
Moana knows all of this happened because of Maui, and he’s aware of it too. However, taking responsibility wasn’t easy for him. During the journey, Maui tried to escape several times, reluctant to help the young heroine restore the Heart of Te Fiti. Only after many moments of reflection and confrontation did he decide to redeem himself and help correct the chaos he had caused.
If There’s a True Villain in Moana, It’s Not Te Kā – which, in the end, is just a manifestation of Te Fiti’s pain. The true culprit behind everything is Maui. His desire for recognition led him to make selfish decisions that put countless lives at risk.
That’s why Maui deserves a spot on our ranking of secret Disney villains. He takes eighth place, not only because he caused a massive catastrophe, but also because he tried to escape the consequences of his actions for much of the story. In the end, he may have learned a lesson and helped save the day, but that doesn’t erase the fact that he was the main culprit behind everything that happened.
Here’s your villain crown, Maui!
Cusco: The True Villain (and Jerk) of The Emperor’s New Groove
Everyone loves a good redemption arc, and Cusco from The Emperor’s New Groove is a perfect example of that. But before he became a decent person, let’s remember who he was: a spoiled, selfish, and unbearable emperor who thought the world revolved around him.
Cusco didn’t know how to govern, lived in a world of privilege, and wanted everything his way, without considering the consequences for others. A classic example? Planning the destruction of an entire village – where many people lived – just to build a luxury resort for himself: Cuscoland. Who can forget him saying, “My city is going to be destroyed to become this place!”
Let’s be honest: Cusco was a jerk. Always ready to criticize others and incapable of showing empathy. Even when Pacha tries to warn him about the consequences of the resort, Cusco simply ignores him: “I just want to build my big pool.”
Now, the official villain of the story, Yzma, doesn’t start off as a villain. She was a loyal advisor, someone who dedicated herself to the empire for years. But what does Cusco do? He humiliates her and cruelly fires her with arrogance: “You’re fired, Yzma!” – after everything she did for him.
You Can’t Blame Yzma for Wanting Revenge, Right?
Sure, maybe her plan to poison Cusco was a bit extreme, but considering how toxic he was as a leader, it’s understandable. After all, the guy destroyed lives and nearly wiped out an entire community for his own selfish whims.
And let’s be honest: Cusco’s transformation into a llama was the best thing that could have happened. Yzma, without meaning to, gave him the chance to learn empathy, humility, and the value of others. Without it, Cusco would probably have continued being the same spoiled brat, leaving entire families without a home.
In the end, Yzma was labeled the big villain of the story, but the one who truly caused the biggest problems was Cusco. Yzma is, in fact, an accidental hero – someone who put Cusco in his place and ended up saving the village from destruction.
So, let’s agree on this: bring a crown for Yzma, the true savior of the story, and give the villain crown to Cusco. He deserves it.
King Stefan and Queen Leah: The True Villains of Sleeping Beauty
Ah, what a glorious gathering it was for Princess Aurora’s christening! Everyone was there… except Maleficent. She was the only one not invited. Let’s be honest: was it too much to send a little bird with an invitation? A simple “Hi, Maleficent, come on over, we have cake and presents”? Was that too much to ask?
Of course, leaving Maleficent out was a huge rudeness, but still not enough to turn King Stefan and Queen Leah into villains. However, the story takes on a different perspective when we look at the other materials related to Sleeping Beauty.
Starting with King Stefan. We find out that he was Maleficent’s childhood friend. Not just friends: the fairy even fell in love with him. But what did he do? In an act of pure betrayal, Stefan gave her a sleeping potion to immobilize her, and while she slept, he ripped off her wings – all to gain power and become king.
Naturally, Maleficent was devastated. And what did she do to get revenge? She cast a curse on his daughter. But hold on, it wasn’t just any curse. Aurora would fall into a deep sleep, yes, but with a loophole! The spell could be broken with a kiss of true love. Compared to what Stefan did, this was almost polite.
A Honorable Mention for Queen Leah, Who Also Doesn’t Escape This List
For those who watched Descendants, it’s clear that Queen Leah has her share of cruelty. Leah relentlessly pressured her granddaughter, Audrey, even going so far as to humiliate her with unnecessary comments. In one unforgettable moment, Leah throws in Audrey’s face that her mother, Aurora, managed to “hold on to a prince while sleeping” – a cruel and unnecessary remark that only increased the girl’s insecurities. “Your mother managed to hold on to a prince while sleeping. And you? Incapable of doing that!”
Honestly, it’s easy to understand why Maleficent lost her patience with this family. Stefan’s betrayal and Leah’s toxicity are clear evidence that, if there’s anyone deserving of the villain crown in Sleeping Beauty, it’s not Maleficent.
That’s why, today, we are officially stripping Maleficent of her villain title and handing this crown – with merit – to King Stefan and Queen Leah. You earned it.
King Triton: The Real Villain of The Little Mermaid
If you think Ursula is the real villain of The Little Mermaid, you might want to rethink that. The full story, especially revealed in The Ursula Story and the recent live-action film, shines a new light on who really deserves that crown.
It all starts with a surprising fact: Ursula is Triton’s sister. Yes, the famous sea witch is actually Ariel’s aunt. And their past is heartbreaking – or enraging, depending on how you view Triton’s actions.
Ursula was born different, with a monstrous appearance in the eyes of her brother. And what did Triton do? Instead of accepting her as part of the family, he abandoned her when she was still a baby. That’s right: the King of the Sea left his own sister in a fisherman’s village, thinking they had gotten rid of her. Simply cruel.
However, fate had other plans. A kind fisherman found baby Ursula and raised her as his own daughter. But Ursula always felt the call of the sea, and one day she jumped into the waters and discovered her true form and powers. When the fishermen saw her like this, they began to chase her, calling her a monster. In this chaos, Ursula’s adoptive father sacrificed his life to protect her.
And Triton? He reappears at this moment, not to apologize, but to reveal that Ursula was actually a princess of the sea kingdom. However, he omitted an important detail: it was he who had abandoned her years earlier.
But Did Triton Finally Change His Heart? Not at All.
He still saw Ursula as a freak and imposed a cruel condition: she could only live in the kingdom if she assumed a “standard” mermaid appearance. Ursula, seeking acceptance, agreed, but over time, she realized that this wasn’t fair. When she finally confronted Triton about the situation, he expelled her once again.
It was then that Ursula became the vengeful witch we know, determined to destroy the brother who betrayed her. Her quest for revenge involves Ariel, but with this backstory in mind, it’s hard not to understand Ursula’s motivations.
And let’s not forget how Triton treats Ariel during the film. He destroys his daughter’s dreams mercilessly, just because he’s afraid of humans – a fear that is understandable, since his wife was killed by them, but it doesn’t justify such cruelty.
With all these details, it’s clear that the real villain of The Little Mermaid is not Ursula. It’s Triton, with his arrogance, prejudice, and lack of empathy even toward his own family.
So, Triton, here’s your villain crown. Accept it, because you deserve it.
Tinker Bell: The Fairy Who Almost Became a Villain
What makes someone considered a villain? Maybe trying to end another person just because you don’t like them? Well, if that’s the criterion, Tinker Bell is definitely in the running.
The most famous fairy in Neverland has a complicated history, especially in the classic Peter Pan. Her rivalry with Wendy goes from jealousy to actions that are downright cruel. Let’s go through the facts:
- Attempting to “cancel” Wendy (literally)
In a fit of jealousy, Tinker Bell decides to convince the Lost Boys that Wendy is dangerous and instructs them to shoot her with their arrows. Even knowing that Wendy could die, she doesn’t seem to care — in fact, she even finds it amusing! - Alliance with Captain Hook
When Tinker Bell works alongside Peter Pan’s greatest enemy, Captain Hook, she crosses all boundaries. She knows full well that Hook wants to kill Peter Pan, but driven by her desire for revenge against Wendy, she decides to help him regardless. - Betrayal of her friends
Tinker Bell goes even further: she reveals the Lost Boys’ secret hideout to Captain Hook. This action puts everyone in danger, including Peter Pan, his friends, and even Wendy, the person she despises. All this just to satisfy her petty rivalry.
It’s undeniable that these actions put Tinker Bell on the list of “almost villains” in Disney. However, a clear distinction must be made here: the Tinker Bell from Peter Pan is not the same character from the Disney Fairies franchise films. While the fairy from the latter is sweet, selfless, and charming, the one from the classic is selfish, jealous, and even dangerous. One might even say they are “two different people.”
On the other hand, it’s also important to understand the context: many of Tinker Bell’s actions in Peter Pan are a consequence of the lack of responsibility and sensitivity from the true hidden villain in this story: Peter Pan. After all, who hasn’t made a bad decision because of an immature and carefree leader?
In the end, perhaps Tinker Bell’s true villainy lies in her impulsiveness and jealousy. With a little more emotional responsibility — and less influence from Peter Pan — she could have been a flawless ally.
Captain Hook: Villain or Victim of the Real Villain?
“You will be our mother!” This iconic line marks the beginning of one of Peter Pan’s many questionable actions. Despite his appearance as an eternal playful boy, when we take a deeper look, we discover that Peter Pan might actually be the true villain of his own story.
Let’s take a look at the facts.
- Child Abduction
Peter Pan kidnaps children to live with him in Neverland. He promises them eternal adventures and fun, but the truth is much darker: Peter doesn’t want to feel lonely and forces the children to live under his rules, even when they want to return home. - The Dark Fate of the Lost Boys
In the live-action Peter Pan & Wendy, it is revealed that Captain Hook was actually Peter Pan’s best friend and the first Lost Boy. However, when Hook started to grow up, Peter discarded him, throwing him into the sea. This cruel practice also suggests that other pirates in Neverland were once Lost Boys who grew up and were similarly abandoned by Peter. - Cruelty Towards Hook
The relationship between Peter Pan and Captain Hook is marked by betrayal. In one of the most violent moments, Peter cuts off Hook’s hand and feeds it to the crocodile. This was done to someone who was once his best friend. - Total Control
Peter desires that the children remain children forever. When they start to grow, they lose their “value” to him and are discarded. In many versions of the story, Peter relentlessly tries to keep the children in his world, regardless of the cost, even going so far as to kidnap Wendy and force her to play the role of “mother” for him and the Lost Boys. - Hook’s Side
Hook, rather than just being a caricature villain, emerges as someone who is trying to stop Peter Pan’s evil actions. He seeks revenge, yes, but it is easy to understand his motivations: he was betrayed, abandoned, and mutilated by someone he trusted. More than that, he fights to end the toxic cycle in which Peter exploits and discards innocent children.
Conclusion:
Captain Hook may be presented as the villain, but when we examine the entire story, it becomes clear that Peter Pan is the true antagonist. His refusal to accept growth and his need for control make him a manipulative and cruel figure. Hook, while using questionable methods, is a reflection of the atrocities he endured.
Peter Pan, it’s time for you to take this villain crown that rightfully belongs to you!
Magic Mirror: The True Villain of “Snow White“
The Magic Mirror, often seen as a simple object in the story, plays a much more sinister role in the tale of the Evil Queen in Snow White. It is, in fact, the true villain behind the Queen’s downfall into madness and obsession. Let’s understand why:
- The Origin of the Evil Queen
Greenhild, before becoming the Evil Queen, was a simple young woman, the daughter of a craftsman who specialized in mirrors. However, her life began to turn into a nightmare even before her birth. Greenhild’s father, unable to have children with his wife, made a deal with three witches, offering his soul in exchange for a child. The contract was fulfilled, but when Greenhild was born, her mother died during childbirth. This created a deep hatred in Greenhild’s father, who began to treat her with contempt, blaming her for her mother’s death and the exchange of his soul. - The Deal with the Witches and the Father Trapped in the Mirror
After the death of her father, Greenhild found joy in her life by marrying the king and becoming the stepmother of young Snow White, whom she initially loved. However, everything changed when a strange mirror appeared in the castle. This mirror, in fact, held her father’s soul, trapped by the witches as part of the deal that was made for her birth. The mirror was a gift from her father, now a prisoner of the witches’ magic. - The Manipulation of the Magic Mirror
The mirror not only trapped Greenhild’s father but also began to manipulate her. With a deep hatred for her, the mirror started poisoning the Queen’s mind, feeding her lies and manipulations that made her obsess over Snow White’s beauty. The mirror, imprisoned and with its tormented soul, did everything it could to torment Greenhild, causing her to hate her own daughter and, eventually, attempt to kill her. - The Evil Queen: A Victim and a Villain
What the Evil Queen didn’t know was that the true villain in her story wasn’t just her insane desire to be the fairest, but the mirror that manipulated her. It pushed her down a path of madness and revenge, transforming her life into a nightmare where she became the villain in Snow White’s story.
Conclusion
Although the Evil Queen is the most villainous figure, it is the Magic Mirror that shapes her. The mirror, by keeping the Queen’s father trapped and manipulating her emotions and thoughts, was the true agent of chaos. So yes, the Magic Mirror is the true villain of the entire story, pulling the strings and turning the Evil Queen’s life into a hell of obsessions and despair.
Beast: The Villain Turned Hero
The prince transformed into the Beast is undoubtedly one of Disney’s most problematic characters. Over the years, he has been glorified as a hero, but in reality, he has a history of questionable actions. Let’s explore his story and discover why he is more of a villain than a hero.
- The Prince’s Youth
Before becoming the Beast, the prince was a spoiled, selfish, and rude young man. In the official Beauty and the Beast book, it is revealed that he was a close friend of Gaston, the embodiment of selfishness and superficiality. The prince and Gaston would pass time hunting and flirting with girls, with the prince believing all the women in the kingdom were in love with him. He considered himself superior to everyone, including common women. - Disdain for “Farm Girl” Cecile
The prince began dating a beautiful and kind girl named Cecile. However, when he discovered she was a poor farmer, he was horrified and treated her with complete disdain. He was repulsed by her feeding pigs and called her “dirty” and “a liar,” showing the superficial and cruel nature of his character. This demonstrates that the prince only cared about appearances and looked down on people from lower social classes. - The Witch’s Curse
Cecile, who was actually a powerful witch, tried to give the prince one last chance to show he had a good heart. She transformed into an old woman and went to the castle asking for shelter. The prince, repulsed by her appearance, mocked her and rejected her, proving his indifference and cruelty. As a result, Cecile placed a curse on him, turning the prince into a horrible beast. - Bela’s Imprisonment and Cruel Behavior
After transforming into the Beast, he continued to be cruel, imprisoning Bela’s father for seeking shelter from a snowstorm and later agreeing to imprison Bela herself forever. Though there are moments when he protects her, like when she is attacked by wolves, their relationship is marked by his dominating and manipulative attitude. - Doubtful Redemption
The Beast’s redemption, though beautiful at certain moments, doesn’t erase his past mistakes. When he finally decides to release Bela so she can see her father, he does it not because he cares about her, but because he wants her to be happy, even if it means breaking the curse. This gesture, although seemingly altruistic, doesn’t erase the emotional abuse and mistakes of the past. - The Beast in Descendants and the Strange Comments
In Descendants, the Beast’s version also falls short. He makes odd comments about Bela, such as suggesting that she only made good decisions after the age of 42, and opposes giving the children of villains a chance, even though they are not responsible for their parents’ crimes. These behaviors reinforce the idea that he remains an authoritarian and selfish figure, even after his transformation. - Conclusion
The Beast, as we see, is not the hero Disney tried to sell us. He is, in fact, a villain who, after being transformed into the Beast, had to face the consequences of his own cruelty. In the end, he may have “improved,” but much of this “improvement” comes from Bela’s compassion, who has a kind heart and sees what he could become if he truly worked on his flaws. Thus, the Beast is more than just a hero; he is a representation of a villain who was only partially redeemed.
With this, we conclude the analysis of Disney’s secret villains. This journey behind the masks reveals that many characters considered heroes are, in fact, figures with dark pasts and questionable actions.
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