The darkest of Disney Films, Maleficent put a new twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty by telling the story of Princess Aurora from the perspective of Maleficent, and since then has become an iconic tattoo design.
Maleficent casts a spell in Princess Aurora but is shown to be a deeper and more sympathetic character than the simple ‘evil fairy godmother,’ which appeals to a different subset of Disney film tattoo fans.
Maleficent was brilliantly embodied by Angelina Jolie. Her evil turn is based on her love for the creatures in the forest and her desire to protect the natural lands and to keep humans out, but makes the mistake of cursing an innocent princess.
Many of the 65 brilliant tattoo designs in this gallery depict Jolie in the art, while others feature Maleficent as the fairy godmother from the Disney Sleeping Beauty cartoon.
1. Upper Arm Maleficent Tattoos
Source: @heretictattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @inkmortaltattooinst via Instagram
Source: @j_le_strange via Instagram
Source: @janita_mikaela via Instagram
Source: @judilda via Instagram
Source: @linaperssonburman via Instagram
Source: @miriamxbb via Instagram
Source: @piercing.babyy via Instagram
2. Maleficent Back Tattoo Ideas
Source: @danaink.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @diggy_lupitatattoo via Instagram
Source: @ivyrock80 via Instagram
3. Black and Gray Maleficent Designs
Source: @inkromantix via Instagram
Source: @brunander via Instagram
Source: @lithtattooco via Instagram
Source: @ma.storck via Instagram
Source: @sinsandneedleshalifax via Instagram
Source: @tattoo.jordiart via Instagram
Source: @woodzytattoos via Instagram
4. Maleficent Chest Body Art
Source: @brighter_shade_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @metamorphosistattoos via Instagram
5. Maleficent Dragon Tattoo Idea
Source: @madalchemisttattoo via Instagram
Source: @justdeadlytattoo via Instagram
Source: @sam_hgtc via Instagram
Source: @tattoosbyjamo via Instagram
Source: @r_tru_d2 via Instagram
Source: @wildracu via Instagram
6. Maleficent Forearm Body Art
Source: @diegomezsalguero via Instagram
Source: @mirko_gafa via Instagram
Source: @sjestattoo via Instagram
Source: @thinktattoosofia via Instagram
7. Wrist and Hand Maleficent Tattoo Idea
Source: @art.andink via Instagram
Source: @johnislandink via Instagram
8. Leg Maleficent Tattoo Designs
Source: @end8_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @megipixels via Instagram
Source: @katieetattooist via Instagram
Source: @henriquemattos_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @innsideink via Instagram
Source: @carlosgo.8811 via Instagram
9. Realistic Maleficent Tattoos
Source: @klodidoda_tattooist via Instagram
Source: @red_and_black_tattoo_zagreb via Instagram
Source: @toxic30 via Instagram
Source: @disney_tattoos26 via Instagram
Source: @jeffinktwtatto via Instagram
Source: @kaymezz.artistry via Instagram
Source: @markotasevski_tattoo via Instagram
10. New Wave Maleficent Tattoo Concepts
Source: @lovaszvera via Instagram
Source: @fernandacherry_ via Instagram
Source: @pollyplankton via Instagram
Source: @missaciddoll via Instagram
11. Cartoon Style Maleficent Tattoo
Source: @atlanticantattoo via Instagram
Source: @cyarika06 via Instagram
Source: @ster.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @ilianasoleart via Instagram
Source: @letatuarti_tattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @lucid.illusions via Instagram
Source: @megan.mcnamara.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @sanae_kawaii via Instagram
Source: @sofiaspiral via Instagram
Source: @thelexfiles_tattoos via Instagram
12. Maleficent Watercolor Designs
Source: @dannyscotttattooartist via Instagram
Source: @osbadher via Instagram
Source: @fifiloutattoo via Instagram
Source: @carolla_deville via Instagram
What does a Maleficent tattoo symbolize?
Maleficent is a great design idea for tattoo lovers who understand that the difference between good and evil can come by small margins and the shaping of life’s events.
Maleficent began as a good fairy before taking the Darth Vader route – gradually turning to the dark as events shaped her personality – and succumbing to evil.
She casts a spell on Aurora and turns her into Sleeping Beauty to fully embrace being the evil fairy godmother.
Why make Maleficent tattoos using Angeline Jolie?
Many fans of Maleficent opt for tattoos depicting Jolie in the role due to her striking beauty and the brilliance of her costumes from the film.
It’s one of her most iconic film roles, with the evil fairy now fully entwined with her nuanced and sympathetic portrayal.
Maleficent is played with strength and conviction by Jolie in the Maleficent films. There has since been a sequel and plans are in place for a third film.
Why choose Maleficent tattoos rather than Sleeping Beauty?
A rich and fully fleshed out character such as Maleficent – with all the graded aspects of personality good through evil – really makes for an appealing body art choice.
Sleeping beauty tattoo designs are also popular, but they live fully in the realm of Disney fairy tale. Maleficent appeals greatly to those people who wouldn’t usually choose a Disney themed design but are drawn to Maleficent’s complexity.
Where should I put my Maleficent tattoo?
The elements of Maleficent’s flowing dress and crown – which are essentially huge black horns – means tattoos in narrow areas work excellently.
Places such as the upper arm, inner forearm, and the calf or thigh work really well as the contours of skin and muscle work with the tattoo designs, natural shape.
For those wishing a more substantial design that incorporates more than just a profile of Maleficent, a full thigh, shoulder blade tattoo or central back design works well.
Did you enjoy the Maleficent tattoo gallery? Click on the links below for more Disney themes body art designs and ideas:
- Top 73 Best Alice in Wonderland Tattoos
- Top 77 Peter Pan Tattoo Designs
- Top 100 Beauty and the Beast Tattoos
- Top 65 Stitch Tattoos
- Top 63 Little Mermaid Tattoo Ideas
- Top 87 Simba Tattoos
