10 Disney Villains Who Went Beyond Evil

Not many people know of this particular animated flick – it’s a movie which the studios want fans to forget. The Black Cauldron was so far removed from any other Disney project that came before it for involving subject matters of dark magic, evil spirits and graphic violence, all without any classic songs either. It was so dark that it earned the first ever PG certificate for a Disney film and didn’t get a video release until twelve years later. There’s also deleted footage deemed too dark to show.

There’s no denying The Black Cauldron is one of Disney’s lesser efforts but credit where it’s due, their portrayal of The Horned King was creative and fitting with the movie’s heavy tone. He has a distinctively haunting design with a disturbing smile and piercing eyes, not to mention a top-notch performance by the late great John Hurt to give him that harrowing edge. You instantly go white-knuckled just by his presence.

The Horned King has lofty ambitious of wanting to rule the world of Prydain with a wealth of powers, from great intelligence to powerful magic, in order to pursue his goals. Like of all the best villains, he stops at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means killing off forest creatures or sacrificing children. But the defining moment that will remain etched in your memory? Raising an army of un-dead warriors and getting them to destroy everything in their path.

It’s easy to see why Disney don’t talk about this one much. But if you’re a dark fantasy fanatic who thrives on mystery and all things haunted, you will love this one for the immoral Horned King.