Disney villains all have different motivations for being the way they are. Many times, while these villains take actions that most viewers naturally find repulsive, they’re occasionally proven to be right. Here are 19 Disney villains who somewhat had the right motivations for their actions:
John Silver – Treasure Planet (2002)
This cybernetic pirate does hunt treasure, but isn’t evil. Despite being greedy and gruff, he values honor and avoids harm. His principle of avoiding violence and harm is a good trait. At the film’s end, he chooses to rescue Jim over treasure, showing his love and support. Silver is quite a complex character, but fundamentally good
Morgana – The Little Mermaid 2 (2000)
The Disney sequel’s main antagonist, while horrible, is relatable due to her outcast status and rivalry with Ursula. She seeks revenge for her sister’s death and aims to prove herself by taking over the kingdom. Though violent, Triton’s mistreatment of Morgana and Ursula contributes to her violence. Ariel and Eric’s secret about Melody’s mermaid heritage helps Morgana’s deception.
Gabby Gabby – Toy Story 4 (2019)
Hurt people hurt others. Gabby seeks love, though her methods are questionable. Although almost the same age as Woody, she had never experienced being loved by a child. For decades, she had been stuck in an antique store with her purpose as a toy not being fulfilled.
Captain Gantu – Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Looking at things through Gantu’s point of view for once, he was only doing his job in trying to arrest Stitch, a destructive monster. Although Pleakley and Jumba were sent earlier, Gantu was a reinforcement to simply complete their failed duty.
Sid Phillips – Toy Story (1995)
Sid isn’t the best brother because he destroys his sister’s toys, but he doesn’t deserve the hate he gets. As a kid, he’s unaware the toys are alive. Despite mistreating the toys, he remains their owner. Sid also displays creativity and problem-solving skills in the film, especially through his toy modifications.
Bowler Hat Guy – Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Meet the Robinsons is an underrated Disney movie. Young inventor Lewis tries to fix a future experiment gone wrong, battling Bowler Hat Guy (Goob) and DOR-15. Goob was Lewis’s old roommate, whose villainous behavior occurred due to sleep deprivation from Lewis’s late-night inventions. While his partnership with DOR-15 wasn’t wise, fans understand his frustration.
Yzma – The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove initially serves Emperor Kuzco loyally until he fires her. Her damage is limited to seeking revenge against Kuzco, making her less lethal than other villains. Also, with Kronk as her sidekick, she can’t be all bad.
Edgar – The Aristocats (1970)
In The Aristocats, Edgar Balthazar works for Madame Adelaide Bonfamille. When she wills her fortune to her cats, he’s upset since he had been a loyal servant. Most fans empathize with him, understanding how it feels to be passed over for pets.
Hades – Hercules (1997)
In Disney’s Hercules, Hades is the villain because he resents his lonely underworld role while Olympus parties. Though sinister, his desire to rule Olympus has a solid argument. In Greek mythology, Hades is relatively unproblematic.
Maleficent – Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Maleficent’s curse for being uninvited to Aurora’s christening reflects the seriousness of disrespecting powerful beings in 15th-century Germany. In the Sleeping Beauty universe, Maleficent’s hurt and feeling ostracized seem justified, even though it’s unfair to harm an innocent child for her parents’ mistake.
Scar – The Lion King (1998)
Scar was shut out of the government even though he was the king’s brother. He lived a life of exile, and this makes him embittered. The birth of Simba pushes him further into the shadows, explaining his descent to the dark side.
Ursula – The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ursula, a memorable Disney villain, is portrayed as evil, but her bitterness and desire for revenge on King Triton are not totally unfounded. He banished her from her palace position, taking her power. One can empathize with her desire to regain what was taken.
Shere Khan – The Jungle Book (1967)
Shere Khan is a very sinister and dangerous Disney villain. At the same time, even the movie’s plot couldn’t ignore the fact that, when it came down to it, the tiger was right. Humans are a threat to the jungle, and whatever his intentions might be, Mowgli would most likely grow up to be one, too.
Aunty Sarah – Lady and the Tramp (1955)
In Lady and the Tramp, Aunt Sarah, while hostile to Lady and Tramp, has some reason to be wary of dogs, especially around children. She doesn’t know they are trying to save the baby, so her behavior, based on her knowledge at the time, seems justified.
Lady Tremaine – Cinderella (1950)
Lady Tremaine is an iconic Disney villain, making Cinderella’s life miserable to secure opportunities for her daughters. In their world, she believes in doing everything to ensure her children’s future, even at the expense of Cinderella.
Mr. Waternoose – Monsters Inc. (2001)
Kidnapping kids is never acceptable, but Waternoose aimed to protect a world of monsters from humans. Waternoose only intended to safeguard the monster world from humans. This is a matter of many versus one child. While his idea was right, his approach was flawed.
Stinky Pete – Toy Story 2 (1999)
Stinky Pete understood the hardships of being a toy. He grew bitter living in a dime store, watching others being sold. Woody and his gang stand between him and getting his recognition. Pete just seeks the love and adoration he’s missed out on. Is that a crime?
Syndrome – The Incredibles (2004)
Syndrome, a villain, had a valid idea of empowering ordinary people. If Mr. Incredible had guided him differently, he could have been a unique and beneficial superhero. Despite his unforgivable tactics, his philosophy of equal opportunity is quite notable.
Chef Skinner – Ratatouille (2007)
Although we’re not exactly fans of Skinner trying to exploit Gusteau’s legacy and trying to rob Linguini, he did have a point. However, his efforts to keep rats out of a kitchen and report to the health department are reasonable due to health concerns. The famous restaurant closes, but Remy, Linguini, and Colette fare well in the end.