Disney villains have always been a crucial part of the magic, creating the tension and thrills that make Disney’s heroes shine even brighter. Iconic characters like Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians” and Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” have intrigued audiences for decades. Yet, despite their charm, Disney villains haven’t escaped controversy.

Over the years, Disney has faced criticism for its depiction of various villains. Cultural sensitivities have brought scrutiny to films like “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin,” which have been debated for their portrayals of certain groups. Gender and appearance stereotypes have also drawn ire, with characters like the Evil Queen in “Snow White” and Lady Tremaine in “Cinderella” depicting vanity and beauty obsession in a negative light.

One character that has seen a significant transformation is Maleficent. Angelina Jolie redefined this dark fairy from “Sleeping Beauty” in the live-action films “Maleficent” (2014) and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” (2019). She transitioned from a straightforward villain to a complex anti-hero with a tragic backstory. This depth has been praised for challenging traditional notions of good and evil.

However, fans were recently dismayed to find “Maleficent” (2014) removed from Disney+ in the United States. As reported by [**Dexerto**](https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/how-to-watch-maleficent-disney-plus-2702188/), the film’s absence is due to existing agreements with other streaming services like Netflix and STARZ, signed before the launch of Disney+. These agreements still affect the availability of certain films, despite Disney’s efforts to consolidate its content on Disney+. Fortunately, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” remains available on Disney+.

While the situation highlights the complexities of content distribution, fans can still enjoy “Maleficent” on STARZ or purchase/rent it on digital platforms like Apple TV and Amazon. The company’s efforts to eventually bring all its content under one roof on Disney+ continue, promising a future where magical stories are just a click away.

We’d love to hear from you! Which Disney villain holds a special place in your heart? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this story with fellow Disney enthusiasts!

*Credit: Disney Parks, [Dexerto](https://www.dexerto.com/tv-movies/how-to-watch-maleficent-disney-plus-2702188/)*