When people think of great movie villains, iconic performances from dramas, thrillers, and action films usually come to mind. But throughout the 1990s, some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors were quietly chewing scenery in family-friendly adventures, children’s fantasies, and beloved kids’ movies.
Long before many of them collected Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, and other major accolades, these performers were capturing puppies, murdering mice, and stalking defenseless kids and babies for…reasons. So many reasons.
From wicked witches with removable faces to eccentric masterminds and greedy schemers, these performances from some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors may have faded from popular memory over the years, but they remain some of the most entertaining, scene-stealing villain turns ever to appear in family films. Whether terrifying young audiences or making them laugh, these unforgettable bad guys helped define a generation of ’90s kids’ movies.
Here is a look at a few favorite nogoodniks from live-action ’90s kids movies, ranked by villainous performance.