Let's be real for a second. Everyone wants to be the princess. We all want the floor-length gown, the talking animal sidekick, and the guaranteed happily ever after. But if you’re being honest with yourself while scrolling through your feed at 2 a.m., you know the heroes are kinda boring. They’re predictable. They’re "perfect." The villains? They have the best songs, the sharpest lines, and—let’s face it—usually the most relatable motivations. Whether it’s being left off a party invite list or just wanting a decent coat, their drama is top-tier.
Figuring out which Disney villain are you isn't just about picking a favorite color or a preferred weapon of choice. It’s actually a fun way to look at your own personality quirks, your ambitions, and how you handle it when things don't go your way. Are you the type to hold a grudge for sixteen years like Maleficent, or are you more of a "soul-trading" entrepreneur like Ursula?
Psychology actually backs up why we love these characters. A 2020 study published in Psychological Science suggested that we are drawn to villains who resemble us because it allows us to explore our "dark side" in a safe way. It’s basically a mirror. A very dramatic, purple-and-black-clad mirror.
The Maleficent Archetype: High Standards and Cold Shoulders
If you’ve ever felt personally slighted because a group chat started without you, you might be a Maleficent. She is the gold standard for "petty with a purpose." In the 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, her entire reign of terror stems from not getting an invite to a christening.
It sounds small. It’s not.
To a Maleficent personality, it’s about respect. You’re likely a perfectionist. You probably have an incredibly elegant sense of style and a very small, very loyal inner circle—maybe just one "crow" you actually trust. When people ask which Disney villain are you, and you land on the Mistress of All Evil, it usually means you’re someone who values etiquette and loyalty above all else. You don’t get mad; you get even. And you’re willing to wait a decade or two to make sure the payback is spectacular.
There’s a certain level of sophistication here. You aren’t screaming or throwing a tantrum. You’re making an entrance. You’re leaning into the silence. It’s powerful, but it’s lonely at the top of that forbidden mountain.
Ursula and the Art of the Deal
Maybe you’re more of a business person.
Ursula is arguably the most successful Disney villain because she actually uses contracts. She’s a "Sea Witch," sure, but she’s also a highly effective, if slightly unethical, career coach. If you find yourself thinking about which Disney villain are you and you have a knack for negotiation, Ursula is your girl.
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People who resonate with Ursula are usually:
- Extroverted and loud
- Confident in their own skin (or tentacles)
- Great at spotting what other people want
- Skilled at "body language" (ha!)
But honestly, the Ursula vibe is all about the hustle. You see a gap in the market—like a mermaid wanting legs—and you fill it. For a fee. You’re likely the friend who gives the best, most brutal advice. You don’t sugarcoat things. You tell it like it is, even if it hurts. Just maybe watch out for the fine print in your own life. Sometimes winning a contract isn't worth losing your soul, or in this case, a giant golden trident.
Why Scar Is the Intellectual’s Choice
Scar is different. He’s not about magic or contracts; he’s about the long game and intellectual superiority. If you’ve ever looked at your family or coworkers and thought, "I’m surrounded by idiots," you’ve found your match.
The 1994 The Lion King gave us a villain who was physically weaker than his peers but ten times smarter. Scar represents the shadow side of ambition. He’s the person who feels overlooked. He’s the one who believes they deserve the corner office because they’re the only one who actually knows how to run the place.
If this is you, you’re probably incredibly sarcastic. You use humor as a weapon. You’re a planner. You don't rush into things; you wait for the wildebeests to start running before you make your move. It’s a dangerous way to live because it’s fueled by resentment. Resentment is heavy. It’s a lot of work to maintain that much bitterness, even if your "Be Prepared" musical number is a total bop.
Hades and the Relatable Burnout
Let’s talk about Hades from Hercules.
He’s arguably the most "human" of the bunch. He’s got a job he hates, he’s dealing with incompetent subordinates (Pain and Panic), and his temper is literal fire. When people ask which Disney villain are you, a lot of millennials and Gen Z folks jump straight to Hades.
Why? Because he’s stressed.
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Hades is the king of fast-talking and dry wit. If you’re a Hades, you’re probably the funniest person in the room, but your humor is a defense mechanism. You’re efficient. You want to get the job done so you can go back to your underworld and chill. You’re also incredibly prone to "exploding" when one small thing goes wrong, like a vase breaking or a hero not dying on schedule. It’s okay. We’ve all been there.
The Fashion Obsession of Cruella de Vil
Cruella is a unique case because she doesn't want to rule a kingdom or take over the sea. She just wants a coat.
She represents extreme obsession. If you’re a Cruella, you’re probably the most stylish person in your friend group. You have a vision. You don't care about "tradition" or "rules." You’re a disruptor. In the original 1961 101 Dalmatians, she’s a force of nature. She drives like a maniac, she smokes like a chimney, and she has zero chill.
Is it evil? Well, the whole puppy-skinning thing is definitely a dealbreaker. But the drive? The absolute refusal to accept anything less than your vision? That’s a powerful personality trait. Just... maybe channel it into sustainable faux fur instead.
The Psychology of the "Villain" Result
Why do we care which one we are?
Expert Dr. Travis Langley, who literally wrote the book on Villainous Psychology, suggests that identifying with these characters helps us process our own "shadow" traits—the parts of us that are jealous, ambitious, or angry. When you take a quiz or read an article to see which Disney villain are you, you aren't saying you’re a bad person. You’re acknowledging that you’re a complex human.
Heroes are aspirations. Villains are realities.
Take Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. He’s the ultimate "main character syndrome" sufferer. He’s handsome, popular, and everyone loves him. But he’s also a narcissist who can’t handle rejection. If you’re a Gaston, you might need to check your ego at the door. On the flip side, someone like Yzma from The Emperor's New Groove is just a woman who’s been passed over for a promotion one too many times. Who hasn't felt that?
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How to Actually Use This Info
Once you figure out your "villain" leanings, you can actually use it to improve your real life. It sounds crazy, but stay with me.
If you’re a Maleficent, work on your forgiveness. Don't let a missed invite ruin your decade. If you’re an Ursula, keep that business drive but try to be a bit more transparent with your "clients." If you’re a Hades, maybe try some meditation so your hair doesn't turn into a blue flame every time your WiFi cuts out.
The villains are cautionary tales of what happens when we let our worst impulses take the wheel. But they also show us where our strengths lie. Ambition, intelligence, style, and humor are all great—just don't use them to curse a baby or take over Pride Rock.
Your Personal Villain Checklist
Instead of a boring quiz, look at your daily habits. It’s more accurate anyway.
- The Morning Routine: Do you wake up ready to conquer the world with a detailed plan (Jafar) or are you more likely to sleep through your alarm for a hundred years (Maleficent vibes)?
- Social Interaction: Are you the life of the party who secretly wants to control it (Ursula) or are you in the corner making snarky comments about everyone’s outfits (Hades/Scar)?
- Conflict Resolution: Do you prefer a direct, loud confrontation (Queen of Hearts) or a subtle, long-term manipulation (Mother Gothel)?
- Ambition: Is your goal to be the "fairest of them all" (Evil Queen) or do you just want some respect for your hard work (Yzma)?
Next Steps for the Self-Aware Villain
Identifying your inner antagonist is the first step toward balancing your personality. If you realize you have "Evil Queen" tendencies, start focusing on internal validation rather than looking in the literal or metaphorical mirror for approval. If you've got that "Jafar" thirst for power, try leading a project at work where you empower others instead of just seizing the throne.
The best part about being a human rather than an animated character? You can change your ending. You don't have to fall off a tower or get eaten by hyenas. You can take that "villainous" energy—that drive, that wit, that refusal to settle—and use it for something that actually makes your life (and the world) better.
Start by auditing your reactions this week. When someone cuts you off in traffic or skips you in line, ask yourself: "Which villain is trying to take the wheel right now?" Then, maybe choose to be the hero instead. Or at least, a very reformed anti-hero.