In order to figure out which Big Bad is the best for any Roleplaying Game, we must hold them all to the same standard. Otherwise, this very serious discussion lacks credibility.
Having said this, certain villains would be poor for the average fantasy adventure, but excellent for very specific game types or storylines.
The villain of Coco (spoilers incoming) would be a pitiful BBEG in a regular hack and slash. With a game more centred around roleplay, or a game where everyone is a travelling bard, this dastardly individual has some merit.
Presence – 3 out of 5
Ernesto de la Cruz gets 1 point for pure charm. Not every villain has to be brooding a clutching. In his mind Ernesto has won, and loves his life, which makes him initially very loveable. It would be very easy for the Player Characters to be completely won over.
When he does make the full turn to villain, he does a reasonable job. It’s a good mix of anger, confidence and acute desperation. It’s not especially intimidating, even if you’re a little child, but his ability to switch between performer and villain is admirable.
Atmosphere – 2 out of 5
Wherever he goes, an adoring entourage follows. It’s hard to take on a BBEG that is surrounded by a crowd waiting on every word and musical note they utter. He doesn’t physically alter the vibrant world around him, but he does generate excitement and joy. Any adventurer taking him down will look like the villain… unless they can get to him backstage.
Omniscience – 2 out of 5
Ernesto has a better grasp on the Land of the Dead than the hero, and has a great twist to reveal. He is, however, very quickly out of his depth once his truth is revealed, and he’s easily fooled by one young hero and a bunch of skeleton NPCs. And a dog.
Henchmen – 1 out of 5
Everyone else seems to have a spirit guide, but not Ernesto. Despite the size of the crowd, there’s no sign that they would risk their lives… risk their deaths… undeaths? In any case, Ernesto is clearly alone.
However, he does get a little support in the finale. Guards in the theatre try to stop the hero and his friends from getting to Ernesto. They are, unfortunately, only there for comedy-combat relief, and very easily dispatched.
Threat Level – .5 out of 5
He’s strong enough to drag a small child by the collar, but other than that there’s no fighting ability, no weapons, no magic… he actually runs away from an old lady after being slapped.
Finale – 2 out of 5
There’s a little bit of fun to be had with an ending like this. Trying to prove that Ernesto is the villain whilst also having to perform in a concert. Running from guards but also trying to keep the crowd on your side.
If none of your players are bards, or your players aren’t into the idea of a non-combat ending, this idea falls very flat.
Final Score = 1.75
You could technically make Ernesto vulnerable to bludgeoning damage, but if everyone is a skeleton in your TTRPG, then it’s a bit overpowered. The skeletons in this world all seem reliably sturdy and rubbery.
| Disney Villain | Score |
| Jafar | 3.83 👑 |
| Lyle Tiberius Rourke | 3.66 |
| Hopper | 3.16 |
| Robert Callaghan | 3.00 |
| The Horned King | 3.00 |
| Gaston LeGume | 2.66 |
| Cruella de Vil | 2.00 |
| Mor’du | 1.83 |
| Ernesto de la Cruz | 1.75 |
| Queen of Hearts | 1.33 |
Thank You For Reading
The other Disney BBEG contenders are right here.
Gamer Peak 