We love being the hero of our story, but sometimes it’s fun to be the villain and watch the world burn.
Besides, the villains always get the good songs that make you feel powerful, devious, and irresistible.
We have rounded up a list of villain songs that would appeal to anyone’s dark side.
From edgy anthems to empowering pieces, this is your chance to be the bad guy, even if it’s just in your head.
- Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Bill Lee – Cruella De Vil
- Sub-Urban Feat Bella Poarch – INFERNO
- Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
- Kristin Chenoweth And Dove Cameron – Evil Like M
- K/DA ft Madison Beer and Kim Petras – VILLAIN
- Panic At The Disco – Let’s Kill Tonight
- Taylor Swift – No Body, No Crime
- Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry
- Miley Cyrus – Can’t Be Tamed
- Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
- George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Bad To The Bone
- Billie Eilish – You Should See Me In A Crown
- Michael Jackson – Bad
- Bobby Brown – My Prerogative
- Alan Walker – Darkside
- Jeremy Irons – Be Prepared
- The People’s Thieves – Now That We’re Alone
- Koethe – Wild Lands
- Joh Yoban – Power For The Return Match
- Jaxson Gamble – Can’t Get Enough
- Tim Curry – Toxic Love
- Foreign Figures Ft EJ Michels – Dark Room
- Madalen Duke – How Villains Are Made
- Vision Vision – Rule The World
- Royal Blood – Blood Hands
- UNSECRET ft Krigarè – End Of The End
- The Everlove – I Will Rule
- Cage The Elephant – Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked
- Ke$Ha – We R Who We R
- Imagine Dragons and J.I.D – Enemy
1. Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Compared to Lorde’s cover, this might not sound as villainous as you’d expect it to. But you have to give credit to the OG.
This timeless synth-pop ballad is catchy and dreamy, with a powerful message embedded in its lyrics.
It centers on the human desire for absolute control and power, a theme synonymous with villains.
The simple melody and structure of this 80s classic also make it easy to adapt into various different forms, which is why it has been covered by many artists, from Weezer to Gloria Gaynor.
2. Bill Lee – Cruella De Vil
This jazz-inspired number cemented itself as one of Disney’s most famous ‘villain songs’ after being featured in the film The Hundred And One Dalmatians.
It sets a playful yet dramatic tone, depicting the nasty and condescending personality of the main baddie to an uptempo tune.
3. Sub Urban Feat Bella Poarch – INFERNO
Poarch explores her traumatic experience in this spine-chilling dark-pop collaboration with Sub Urban.
The song mixes an electronic-tinged groove with synth-pop influences, giving it a theatrical feel that makes you think of a deadly tango in a baroque ballroom.
This track depicts what Poarch would do to her assaulters, and you can bet they do get what they deserve.
4. Imagine Dragons – Radioactive
Villains are often portrayed as people who take matters into their own hands and seize the day.
“Radioactive” has many interpretations, but generally speaking, it’s about having awakening and wanting to live a new life.
It’s a powerful song, complemented by heavy drums, triumphant vocals, hypnotic beats, and an impressive vocal delivery that really nails its epic message.
5. Kristin Chenoweth And Dove Cameron – Evil Like Me
As expected, Disney knows how to make villain songs that slap.
Featured in the 2015 film Descendants, “Evil Like Me” is an upbeat track about the pleasures of being evil.
The energetic melody and amazing vocals make it a great song to dance to.
6. K/DA ft Madison Beer and Kim Petras – VILLAIN
There’s no other song that says, ‘I’m a straight-up villain’ other than this uptempo pop anthem.
It oozes the charisma and confidence of a femme fatale who knows what she wants and will get.
It’s a rhythmic experience, delivered over thumping beats and enchanting vocals from both Beer and Petras.
7. Panic At The Disco – Let’s Kill Tonight
This dark, disconcerting tune is a song of spite where Brendon vows to destroy his ex’s reputation out of revenge.
It’s full of wrath and disappointment, with zipping electro-style instrumentals befitting a twisted, heartbroken villain.
8. Taylor Swift – No Body, No Crime
Swift returns to her country roots in this 2021 cinematic murder ballad.
The twangy track tells the story of a woman named Este, who’s murdered after confronting her cheating husband.
The narrator takes matters into her hands by killing the husband, colluding with Este’s sister, and framing the mistress who’d taken out a large life insurance policy.
It’s a hooky ballad that keeps you drawn in until the last verse.
9. Demi Lovato – Sorry Not Sorry
Sometimes, people make us out to be the villain when we’re really not.
In this 2017 hit, Lovato unapologetically tells off the haters, showcasing powerful vocals to heavy rhythmic effects.
10. Miley Cyrus – Can’t Be Tamed
Released in 2010, this song deals with themes of self-expression and freedom.
With a sensational electro-edge melody, it owns its main character energy, making you feel like you can do anything.
11. Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
Bad Guy will always be Eilish’s ultimate villain anthem.
This bass-heavy track finds Eilish playfully taunting her lover for being the bad guy as she boasts about her own dominant nature.
It’s a certified crowd-pleaser with catchy beats and self-aware lyrics. Perfect for anyone who wants to embrace their villain era.
12. George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Bad To The Bone
Released in 1982, this song is a popular pick for badass montages and action scenes like the ones you see in Megamind or The Terminator.
This rock anthem is an irresistible experience with its sensational vocals, intentional stuttering, and nasty guitar solos.
13. Billie Eilish – You Should See Me In A Crown
This powerful song was inspired by a scene from the BBC television series “Sherlock”.
Featuring blaring synths and thumping bass, the uptempo track is about Eilish’s plan for world dominance.
14. Michael Jackson – Bad
Jackson’s 1987 dance-pop track is an iconic banger that marks the display of his more aggressive, edgier style.
It’s known as a classic ‘bad guy’ song, but the real story is based on a young man who goes to a private school to break the cycle of poverty but ends up killed when he returns home.
15. Bobby Brown – My Prerogative
Most of us are familiar with the Britney Spears version, though Brown’s original single is quite the bop itself.
This upbeat new jack-swing anthem is a blend of energetic melodies, punchy beats, and poppy vocals.
Along with its street-savvy melody, it encourages us to be ourselves without caring about judgment from others.
16. Alan Walker – Darkside
If you really want to get in touch with your dark side, this is the perfect song for you.
A house-style track, it’s a fast-paced listen about choosing to believe in lies and live in the shadows than in the light.
You can’t get more villainous than that.
17. Jeremy Irons – Be Prepared
“Be Prepared” is another classic Disney villain anthem that would bring out the inner bad but fabulous ruler in you.
It’s got everything for a jaw-dropping performance, from ominous harmonies to murder-themed lyrics to Iron’s deliciously superb timbre.
18. The People’s Thieves – Now That We’re Alone
We are often our worst enemies, and this theme is perfectly portrayed in this upbeat 2021 ballad.
With a poppy tune, the song follows an entity that seems to be torturing the protagonist, which can be interpreted as unresolved turmoil and chaos.
It’s a relatable track that resonates with many of us who are struggling with our inner demons today.
19. Koethe – Wild Lands
Koethe’s 2019 fast-paced indie anthem shows us that we become unintentional villains when the situation calls for it.
The song follows the protagonist, who has to fight and even commit crimes to survive in the harsh environment.
Its catchy melody and edgy lyrics add to its powerful vibe that makes you want to scream it on the mic.
20. Joh Yoban – Power For The Return Match
This synth-driven track is the backstory of almost every villain ever.
Accompanied by an exciting, pounding rhythm, the song centers on the growth of the narrator, from a weakling to a strong fighter, who now seeks revenge against his abusers and mockers.
This epic ballad certainly makes you feel motivated and underscores determination and perseverance.
21. Jaxson Gamble – Can’t Get Enough
If you’re looking for an intense revenge song, Gamble’s 2018 rock-infused number checks out all the boxes.
This track deals with one simple theme: revenge. And the main character is more than happy to get himself bloody in his relentless pursuit.
Add in the badass guitar riffs, and you got this super hooky banger.
22. Tim Curry – Toxic Love
Not all villains need a sob story to be memorable such as Hexxus, the embodiment of pollution, from the 1992 film Ferngully.
Featuring a slick jazzy tune, this track is a haunting commentary on how greed leads to human exploitation of nature.
It’s so good because it’s still real today, plus Curry’s smooth vocals will make you question why you’re falling for an animated pile of sludge.
23. Foreign Figures Ft EJ Michels – Dark Room
“Dark Room” represents the struggle against mental illnesses, from the hidden pain to the endless repetition of thoughts.
The dark melody, honeyed voice, and calm beats blend amazingly well to pull you deep into the track and keep you going back to that dark room.
24. Madalen Duke – How Villains Are Made
Duke’s grim, slow-paced track depicts the spiral unto the broken path when one is pushed to the limits where the line of a good and bad blur.
It shows that most people won’t become villains by choice. They’re often shaped that way by pressure and circumstances.
25. Vision Vision – Rule The World
Written for the TV series “Riverdale”, this bass-driven anthem follows two protagonists who wish to rule their world, regardless of how broken and twisted it is.
It’s an ode to empowerment, accompanied by an energetic melody and powerful vocal delivery.
26. Royal Blood – Blood Hands
“Blood Hands” centers on the narrator’s bitterness and anger following a devastating breakup as he plots his revenge against his ex.
The distorted vocals and hard rock-tinged groove make it a great pick if you’re looking for an explosive song to listen to.
27. UNSECRET ft Krigarè – End Of The End
Released in 2020, this apocalyptic-themed ballad finds the main character starting a revolution after destruction and darkness ravaging the world.
It has an uplifting feel with its guitar-driven tune and electronic melodies, making you feel as if you can take on anything.
28. The Everlove – I Will Rule
This 2018 modern rock number delves into what it means to rule, control, and dominate everything.
A rousing piece, it’s delivered over an uplifting melody and soul-stirring vocals that make you feel unstoppable.
29. Cage The Elephant – Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked
This energetic bluesy track details the narrator’s encounter with three immoral characters who are trying to make money by any means.
According to lead singer Matt Shultz, the song was inspired by a colleague who peddled drugs.
Upbeat and quirky, it’s a self-conscious piece that holds a lot of truth today as it reflects the state of our society.
30. Ke$Ha – We R Who We R
Oftentimes the people who are seen as villains are those who reject societal norms and expectations.
This uptempo dance-pop song encourages us to let go of our inhibitions and relish in creating our own main character moments.
A certified club hit, the synth-infused tune and autotuned vocals make it a great track to let go and vibe!
31. Imagine Dragons and J.I.D – Enemy
Composed for the Netflix series “Arcane”, the song is an epic piece that focuses on standing strong even when others plot to tear you down.
An empowering pop-rock track with stirring guitars, drums, and synths that build up to a satisfying finish.
Looking for the perfect goth karaoke songs to belt out at your next party? Check out our top 19 Best Goth Karaoke Songs (For Those Who Like It Dark)!
