10 Best Disney Villain Songs

by Laura Hurley

1. "The Court Of Miracles" - The Hunchback Of Notre Dame

Like "Gaston (Reprise)," "The Court Of Miracles" is so catchy that it's almost easy overlook how incredibly sinister it is. Following a tip from Esmeralda--the object of both of their affections--Quasimodo and Phoebus descend through a secret passage below a cemetery in search of the secret gypsy assembly known as "The Court Of Miracles." Then, as if wandering through French catacombs in the middle of the night weren't creepy enough to make either of them wonder if Esmeralda was really worth the trouble, they are apprehended by gypsies in skeleton dress who bind them, gag them, and haul them up for a mock-trial before what is likely to become their unceremonious hanging.

Part of what makes this song so truly sinister is that it is sung by puppeteer Clopin, who had previously only appeared in the film as an amusing trickster with a knack for bursting into the occasional song. His appearance and eagerness to hang the two men for no reason beyond that they had located the Court of Miracles is more than a little bit jarring. Gagged, they had no opportunity to explain how they had managed their discovery, and only by a last-second appearance by Esmeralda are Quasimodo and Phoebus saved.

Gypsies are presented for the first time as having truly dangerous potential, and the fact that the song is less than two minutes long just makes the suddenness of the violence and Clopin's excitement all the more unsettling.

Most villainous lines: "We find you totally innocent, which is the worst crime of all. So you're going to hang!"

 
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Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .