Truth bomb: Not every bad guy in a Broadway musical is pure evil. Sometimes, the so-called “villain” is just doing their job. Or protecting their family. Or, let’s be honest, pointing out truths the heroes didn’t want to hear.
If you’re new to theater (or just tired of rooting for the same bland protagonists), this one’s for you. So sit down, maybe grab a drink, and settle in for some compelling analysis. Below, we round up 10 Broadway villains who were actually kinda right, along with the reasons they might deserve a little more respect—and maybe even a standing ovation.
1. Javert – Les Misérables
Crime: Chasing a parole-breaker across France.
Why He Was Kinda Right:
Javert is the ultimate “rules are rules” guy. Is he intense? Sure. But he’s upholding the law in a time of post-revolutionary chaos. His downfall isn’t about being wrong; it’s about being inflexible in a world that’s constantly changing. Honestly, how many of us struggle with adapting to new realities? Perhaps Javert has something to teach all of us about navigating an increasingly complex, and lawless, world.
2. Scar – The Lion King
Crime: Killing his brother and seizing the throne.
Why He Was Kinda Right:
Okay, murder is bad. But Scar saw a system where birthright determined power, and he called BS. He challenged the idea that only the “chosen one” can lead. Sure, his execution was a little… aggressive. But his critique of the monarchy? Fair game. Yet another Broadway villain and theme that feels especially relevant given today’s screwy world of nepotism and greed.
3. Regina George – Mean Girls
Crime: Social sabotage via Burn Book and carb-loading manipulation.
Why She Was Kinda Right:
Regina runs her high school like a boardroom (even in in the UK and Ireland). She understands power, loyalty, and brand image better than most Fortune 500 CEOs. And let’s not forget: everyone chose to follow her. She didn’t steal power; she earned it (in heels, no less). Regina would certainly be a corrupt power player in the real world today, and probably wear a gold crucifix necklace while exploiting others for personal gain.
4. Aaron Burr – Hamilton
Crime: Killing the lead.
Why He Was Kinda Right:
We all make mistakes. But Aaron Burr’s sin wasn’t his ambition, it was caution. Hamilton made reckless choices, picked fights, and blew up his own career. Burr? He played the long game. And when someone repeatedly blocks your shot at success, can you blame a guy for snapping? It’s not like Burr could vent his frustrations and theories on social media and appease his unbridled anger with likes and upvotes from sympathetic strangers.
5. Mrs. Lovett – Sweeney Todd
Crime: Baking people into meat pies.
Why She Was Kinda Right:
Yes, she’s morally compromised. But she’s a woman trying to survive in Victorian London where men held all the cards (and rent wasn’t getting any cheaper). She saw a business opportunity and went for it. Entrepreneurial spirit, anyone? Looking a you, renters in New York City… and every major city in the U.S.
6. The Witch – Into the Woods
Crime: Kidnapping a child and being a little emotionally unavailable.
Why She Was Kinda Right:
The Witch tells the hard truths and life lessons that nobody else wants to hear. She warns against wishful thinking and demands accountability when people mess up. Also, she was totally upfront about the terms of that magic bean trade. Maybe read the fine print next time, Baker. Personally, I think every character in this popular show has some messed up issues. Just like the rest of us. Maybe that’s why it’s so relatable.
7. The Phantom – The Phantom of the Opera
Crime: Stalking, kidnapping, chandelier abuse.
Why He Was Kinda Right:
The Phantom is a tortured genius exiled for his appearance. Sure, he lashes out, but he also nurtures Christine’s talent and pushes the boundaries of art. If you squint, he’s just an intense music producer with anger issues. (Still not okay to murder stagehands.) The closing of this show on Broadway was so sad, but the rumors of its return in one form or another are keeping the spirit of The Phantom alive.
8. Miss Trunchbull – Matilda
Crime: Child abuse via pigtail-flinging.
Why She Was Kinda Right:
We’re not endorsing her methods, but Trunchbull believes kids should be disciplined, respectful, and tough. Her world view is warped, but it’s rooted in resilience. Also, how else do you keep an army of sugar-hyped 8-year-olds in line? There was no such thing as a time out back then. Adults had limited resources, and Trunchbull gets points for using her imagination.
9. King George III – Hamilton
Crime: Being a control freak.
Why He Was Kinda Right:
The colonists were whiny. He’s losing tax revenue, land, and respect, and he handles it with sarcasm and killer ballads. From a purely managerial standpoint, his frustration makes sense. (And hey—he warned us.) Either way, this show is so compelling we all know you’ll be back soon. You’ll see.
10. Audrey II – Little Shop of Horrors
Crime: Eating people.
Why It Was Kinda Right:
Audrey II didn’t ask to be born a flesh-eating plant. It was literally built to grow and consume. Blame the humans who fed it and ignored the signs. Sometimes the real villain is the enabler (cough Seymour cough). And if you’re into metaphors, you may want to think about global warming, wildfires, floods, and and hurricane season. Humans are self-destructive, and nature is just being nature.
So… Who’s Really the Bad Guy?
In Broadway shows, villains often reflect our deepest fears… and sometimes our most uncomfortable truths. They challenge the status quo, call out hypocrisy, and highlight the fine line between ambition and destruction. Every one of us has a villain lurking inside. Broadway is just showing us that part of us that we try to push down deep into our psyches.
So next time you’re at a show, don’t just root for the hero. Ask yourself:
What if the villain had a point?