In 2015, Disney started a franchise that would follow the next generation of villains. Following the children of Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Jafar, & Cruella de Vil, the Descendants franchise would see a story of children breaking free from their legacy to forge a path of their own.
Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos are all selected to leave the Isle of the Lost and go to Auradon, with the opportunity to either break the enchantment trapping their evil parents on the isle, or for them to truly devote themselves to becoming better people. Love and friendships will spark, and in classic Disney fashion, there are plenty of songs to go around. Here we’re going to rank the best songs to come out of this Disney Channel trilogy.
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8 Do What You Gotta Do - Descendants 3 (2019)
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After Princess Audrey attacks Auradon, Mal leaves for the isle, so she can take her father, Hades’ ember. Accompanied by Celia, the daughter of Dr. Faciler, Mal confronts her father in what would turn into a dueling duet. Mal would sing of how she had grown resentful of her father for his refusal to be a part of her life. Meanwhile, Hades would refuse to take responsibility, singing how Mal should be grateful for his neglect.
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This song would be very upbeat and catchy despite the serious subject matter. Mal would return her father’s attitude with her signature sass, with Celia providing backup vocals from a safe distance. The choreography and chemistry between Dove Cameron and Cheyenne Jackson leap off the screen, and while the duo doesn’t repair the rift in their relationship at the end of the song, the groundwork is laid in this earworm.
7 Space Between - Descendants 2 (2017)
After conflicting feelings about whether she can indeed be a good person or succumb to her evil nature, Mal leaves Auradon for the Isle of the Lost. Evie and company would follow in search of their friend, and upon finding her, Evie and Mal would begin to have an honest conversation in one of the most passionate duets featured throughout the franchise.
From the very beginning of the song, Mal admits to Evie that she didn’t want to let her friends down, but that she had to listen to her heart. Evie would assure her friend that she wouldn’t stand in her way and that they would always be there for one another no matter the distance. While the choreography wasn’t as outstanding among most tracks, the song’s message is powerful enough to earn it a place on this list.
6 Rotten to the Core- Descendants (2015)
The song that would kickstart the franchise, “Rotten to the Core”, would introduce the main cast with flair. As the quartet would make their entrances, they would all sing of their status among the Isle, with their words and actions displaying that they unofficially run the Isle over the other children.
The choreography featured in the song is one of the most memorable, with the cast even performing the song and dancing on live television for promotional events. The song’s legacy would continue as there would be a special reprise featured on the album for Descendants 3 (2019), featuring the original four and the additions of Uma, Harry, Celia, & Audrey.
5 Ways to be Wicked - Descendants 2 (2017)
“Ways to be Wicked” is the opening song of Descendants 2 (2017) and sets a high bar for the rest of the film. With the quartet coming together to sing about how many ways they can be evil, the audience is treated to the visual of the group scheming to turn all of Auradon evil with magically enchanted apples.
“Ways to be Wicked” may have ended up as just a dream sequence of Mal’s, but it still outranks both “Good to be Bad” & “Rotten to the Core” as the best opening number in the Descendants franchise. This song would stay in fans’ memories with a more extensive ensemble cast and a return to live promotional performances.
4 Queen of Mean - Descendants 3 (2019)
Princess Audrey returns in the third film and is agitated at how the status quo has been severely changed in Auradon. Ironically, during her emotional break spawned from her grandmother’s disapproval, Audrey would turn down a villainous road using the crown of Evie’s mother and the scepter that once belonged to Mal’s mother.
On her journey to get these tools, Audrey would begin to sing. While audiences are initially concerned that the song may trend into cringe territory, Sarah Jeffrey maintains her composure and uses her musical talent to make this rap-flavored song a hit. As she laments failing to secure her family’s legacy, Audrey is slowly vexed by the evil power within the scepter and crown and begins to lash out and proclaim that she will get what she feels she deserves.
3 Night Falls - Descendants 3 (2019)
Due to Audrey’s significant assault on Auradon, the VKs are forced to team up with Uma and her crew. During the odd group’s adventure, they are confronted by suits of armor coming to life. This would kickstart the fight song of the third film, as the characters become surrounded and begin warning each other to “watch your back.”
Uma and Mal would be at odds during this clash as both wish to lead the group. Evie would prove to be an acceptable moderator, keeping everyone focused on the task at hand and using magic of her own to force the suits of armor to dance. The fight choreography would help to make this song memorable, as well as the tones of Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron, and China Anne Mcclain singing in harmony.
2 What’s My Name - Descendants 2 (2017)
China Anne Mcclain would have a stellar introduction to the franchise with her debut number as Uma. As the daughter of the sea witch, Ursula, Uma would lead her pirate crew, with Harry, the son of Captain Hook, as her first mate. Uma commands respect from her crew as she repeatedly orders them to say her name throughout this villain song.
While Uma’s choreography and poise throughout the song would display her as a confident woman, she also allows Harry to have his time to shine. Harry does a good job of supporting Uma, using his verses to quickly fire off reasons why she is the best, while also implying that he is strongly attracted to her. Many fans would sing this power ballad as they imagined, leading an army of friends for their cause.
1 It’s Going Down - Descendants 2 (2017)
The fight song of the second film holds the high distinction of being the best song in the franchise. With a large ensemble to carry the vocals and plenty of action-packed fight choreography, this number proves to be the most memorable and helps to solidify Descendants 2 (2017) as the best film in the trilogy.
Uma kidnaps King Ben, and the VKs will fight to get him back. While they may be outnumbered, they are more than capable of taking on Uma’s crew. With Mal and Uma taking shots at each other while ignoring Ben’s pleas for peace, chaos breaks out. During this epic song, the VKs would succeed in saving Ben despite his wishes to speak to Uma, and Uma is left to furiously reprise her song, demanding her crew to say her name.
