{
  "id": 16223969,
  "title": "5 Best Once Upon A Time Villains, Ranked",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/5-best-once-upon-a-time-villains-ranked",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-23T20:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TVLine",
    "slug": "tvline",
    "url": "https://www.tvline.com/2294162/once-upon-a-time-best-villains-ranked/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ranking the five best villains from the popular TV show, Once Upon a Time, requires an examination of their villainous acts and impact on the storyline. The Black Fairy, also known as Fiona, is considered one of the most important villains due to her role in creating the Dark Curse. Fiona's journey began with a desire to protect her son, but her actions turned her into a truly despicable character. Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, was driven by a deep sense of envy and abandonment, which led her to commit heinous acts. She kidnapped the babies of Snow White and Prince Charming and even posed as Robin Hood's wife to produce an illegitimate child. Peter Pan, the main villain of the Neverland arc, orchestrated a plan to retrieve the heart of the truest believer to save his own life. His cunning and antagonistic nature made him a formidable adversary, despite his charming delivery. Finally, the Evil Queen, or Regina, sought vengeance against Snow White, who had exposed her secret. She cast the Dark Curse, hunted Snow White, and even assumed the role of Mayor of Storybrooke. Each of these villains brought unique stories and challenges to the show, making them some of the best Once Upon a Time villains.",
  "summary": "Fifteen years after Once Upon a Time premiered, we're ranking the fairytale baddies who drove the story. Here are the show's five best villains.",
  "key_points": [
    "Black Fairy, Fiona, created Dark Curse to protect her son",
    "Wicked Witch Zelena kidnapped Snow White and Prince Charming's babies",
    "Peter Pan retrieved truest believer's heart to save himself"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}