The Best Descendants’ Songs Ranked, Including The Rise Of Red

The Best Descendants' Songs Ranked, Including The Rise Of Red

As a die-hard fan of Disney Channel Originals and a music enthusiast who grew up listening to these catchy tunes, I must say that the Descendants franchise has truly outdone itself with its memorable songs. From “Chillin’ Like A Villain” to “Queen Of Mean,” each track transports us back to those carefree days of watching Disney Channel, reminding us of the magic these films brought into our lives.

The Descendants films are some of the most popular and beloved Disney Channel Original movies. It’s also a franchise with a lot of great tunes. With Kenny Ortega behind three of the four films (so far), this surprises no one. They are some of Ortega’s best movies. Before the release of Descendants: The Rise of Red, it was a highly anticipated 2024 movie release, especially with the addition of Brandy (star of one of the best Cinderella movies).

The film could have been the standout in the franchise, boasting some exceptional music, but given how memorable the tunes from the initial trilogy were, “The Rise of Red” faced tough competition. I revisited all the movies, scrutinized every song considering its emotional resonance, melodic appeal, and relevance to the plot, and handpicked a few that truly encapsulate the essence of these narratives.

Let’s rank the best Descendants songs.

The Best Descendants' Songs Ranked, Including The Rise Of Red

10. Get Your Hands Dirty (Descendants: The Rise of Red)

Frequently, Disney films emphasize the value of goodness and making proper choices. However, “Get Your Hands Dirty” presents a more intricate perspective on right versus wrong, evil versus good. I commend Descendants: The Rise of Red for introducing depth to a children’s movie narrative.

A lot of the tunes in “The Rise of Red” seem reminiscent, with a vibe similar to The Zombies. However, since I’m fond of their movies, it doesn’t bother me much. But, I can’t help but notice that this song incorporates beats and methods akin to other songs from Disney Channel movies, so I’ll have to take off some points for that.

The Best Descendants' Songs Ranked, Including The Rise Of Red

9. If Only (Descendants)

Each prominent Disney character, whether a hero or heroine, has their own inspirational or transformative theme song. For Mulan, it’s “Reflection,” for Hercules, it’s “Go The Distance,” and for Elsa, it’s “Let It Go.” Mal’s (Dove Cameron) pivotal moment of change is highlighted by the emotional ballad, “If Only.” This song effectively showcases Cameron’s vocal talents and conveys a heartfelt message.

Despite my belief that this is the finest rendition of this song style for Mal in the Descendants films, given its significance, it’s not the one that stands out the most in memory.

8. Rotten To The Core (Descendants)

These films feature a consistent narrative structure mirrored in their music. Each movie introduces its main characters through an opening theme song. “Rotten to the Core” initiated this pattern and is often closely linked with the series. It effectively sets the stage for Mal, Carlos (played by Cameron Boyce), Evie (Sofia Carson), and Jay (Booboo Stewart).

In these movies, “Rotten to the Core” is a significant tune, yet I’m not convinced it’s the ideal opening number. Compared to songs like “Ways To Be Wicked,” “Good To Be Bad,” and even “Red,” it lags slightly in terms of lyric dynamism and catchiness. However, it holds the greatest importance because it establishes a standard for the narrative.

7. Do What You Gotta Do (Descendants 3)

Initially, when I first saw “Descendants 3”, only a handful of songs caught my attention. Upon re-watching it, though, I discovered that the movie is packed with fantastic tunes, many of which are on par with those from “Descendants 2”. Moreover, my admiration for the song “Do What You Gotta Do” has grown significantly. It’s amusing and highlights Cheyenne Jackson’s underrated talent. He’s an incredibly gifted artist who excels in virtually every role, and his portrayal of Hades is no exception. We as a community should acknowledge him more for his skills.

The song is distinctly associated with these specific films since it has a blend of rock and pop elements that sets it apart from many other tunes. Moreover, the lyrical jabs add an authentic touch to the strained relationship between the estranged father and daughter, even though they may seem harsh, they fit well given their villainous heritage.

6. Break This Down (Descendants 3)

The “Descendants” film series concludes with a grand ensemble performance, symbolizing the heroes triumphing over significant challenges. While these songs are generally pleasing, they may not reach the same level of grandeur as “We’re All In This Together” from “High School Musical.” Nevertheless, “Break This Down” comes closest to that iconic standard in the “Descendants” series.

Dove Cameron and China Anne McClain make an exceptional choice for the lead vocals in this track. This song signifies a significant point for their characters, their bond, and Auradon. It seems to depict Uma (McClain) and Mal as more than just allies, but friends. Moreover, given that it’s unlikely there will be another Descendants movie featuring the main cast, especially in light of Cameron Boyce’s sad demise, this song can be seen as the farewell anthem for the original trilogy.

It’s a good song to close the chapter on the original cast because it’s sentimental and sweet.

5. Love Ain’t It (Descendants: The Rise Of Red)

“Descendants’ rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, titled ‘Love Ain’t It’, is a grand, multi-layered melody. While it doesn’t hold a candle to the original’s greatness, it boasts various sections, an infectious chorus, and impressive vocals, particularly from Rita Ora. The song serves as a perfect platform to depict the intricate bond between Red (Kylie Cantrall) and the Queen of Hearts (Ora).”

Among the villain songs from these films, it might not be considered among the very best Disney villain songs, but it certainly stands out as one of the top ones.

4. Space Between (Descendants 2)

As a gamer putting myself in the shoes of these characters, I can confidently say that Evie and Mal have cemented their spot as one of my favorite on-screen duos. They embody an unshakeable bond of strong female friendship that resonates deeply. The second film, “Space Between,” serves as a testament to their transformation and growth, reflecting the evolution of their relationship.

Among all the films in the series, “The Space Between” stands out as the most exceptional duet. This piece serves as a touching tribute to friendship and moving on, beautifully expressed.

3. What’s My Name (Descendants 2)

Uma transforms into the notorious antagonist in this movie. However, she doesn’t remain a villain for long as her past wrongdoings are swiftly forgiven in “Descendants 3.” Furthermore, she is a villain whose motives can be sympathized with. One of the franchise’s most memorable songs, “What’s My Name,” has become closely associated with these movies.

You can’t think of Descendants without thinking of Uma singing “What’s My Name.” It’s such a classic Disney Channel song now, that the writers made sure to reprise it in The Rise of Red.

2. Queen Of Mean (Descendants 3)

In another instance, a tune from Descendants 3 left me astonished upon re-viewing. Initially, Audrey (Sarah Jeffery) appeared as just another spoiled princess in the first movie. It seemed she would be excluded from the narrative, given her absence in the second film. However, the writers crafted a compelling character arc for her that turned out to be the most captivating within the series.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed Audrey’s transformation from a minor character in “Descendants” to the antagonist in “Descendants 3.” Despite being given just one song to display her exceptional vocal skills, she manages to make it count significantly. This villainous ballad is a surprising choice, yet fitting for the hero-like quality it exudes. It’s ironic that such a heartfelt tune comes from a supposed villain, but Audrey isn’t evil by nature; rather, she’s been driven to this point due to mistreatment at the hands of Ben (Mitchell Hope) and Mal. Her fury is understandable, and the song serves as an outlet for that emotion. It’s more than just a memorable villainous tune; it leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

1. Chillin’ Like A Villain (Descendants 2)

Among all songs in the “Descendants” franchise, “Chillin’ Like A Villain” stands out as the most unforgettable one. Even after Descendants 2 concludes, this tune lingers in your mind. It’s versatile in nature: it functions as a villainous song without being strictly so, adds a fresh element to the “Descendants” series, and is irresistibly catchy, making it suitable for radio play. In essence, “Chillin’ Like A Villain” is simply enjoyable.

As a longtime fan of Disney movies, I must say that this song is a delightful blend of entertainment and creativity. Having grown up watching the original Disney classics, I can appreciate the way the Descendants movies take familiar stories and characters and give them a fresh twist. This particular song, with its playful choreography and clever lyrics, embodies the fun spirit of these films perfectly. The movie series excels at taking the concept of villainy and giving it a lighthearted, enjoyable treatment, and this song is no exception. It’s a great example of how storytelling can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, even when dealing with familiar themes. Overall, I would highly recommend checking out this song and the Descendants movies for anyone who enjoys a good Disney musical.

In the popular series known as “Descendants,” there’s an abundance of catchy and memorable tunes that made it challenging to select only ten. Notably, songs like “Red,” “Be Our Guest Remix,” “You And Me,” “Ways To Be Wicked,” “Life is Sweeter,” and “Good To Be Bad” deserve special recognition.

Stream all the Descendants movies on Disney+.

2024-08-07 16:38