Many villains throughout animation’s history have struck fear into the hearts of children and adults alike, but few villains have ever been compelling characters worth their own spin-offs. The best villain should be one that people love to hate. Because animation encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, this choice is going to be based not on popularity, but the complexity of the character and their design.

With that said, the best animated movie villain of all time is Maleficent from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty: she just oozes evil, style, and has a pet raven! Maleficent is the main tormentor of King Stefan’s people; it only took a non invite to his baby’s christening to set her malevolence off.The whole story can be found at http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/5/16/tim-burton-no-longer-directing-disneys-maleficent.html She then spends the next 16 years waiting to exact her revenge. Maleficent had it all: a flowing black robe, devilishly horned cap, ghoulish expressions, and seemingly unlimited powers. She instilled fear into the audience on every level.

Her psychopathic intent on destroying Princess Aurora transcended into pure obsession and enjoyment. This mistress of evil was the archetype for animated villains for years to come. While Disney continued to churn out countless powerful baddies, none ever surpassed the bar Maleficent set.