50 Best Disney Characters One Can’t Help But Associate With Childhood

Eeyore may be the most depressing resident of the Hundred Acre Wood, yet he is nonetheless endearing. All successful friendship groups require that person — or donkey, in this case — for the sake of balance. His pessimistic attitude toward life stands in sharp contrast to the bubbly Tigger and the upbeat Pooh. Still, we adore Eeyore because of his distinctive drawling voice, which he uses to deliver quick quips, and his willingness to provide a hand to his friends.

Helping others is Baymax's sole purpose in life, and due to his peaceful demeanor and cuddly look, it is difficult not to fall in love with him. Baymax, programmed as a personal healthcare companion, comforts the main character Hiro as he mourns the loss of his older brother Tadashi. Although initially obedient to Hiro, Baymax develops his own personality and even makes a sacrifice to save his little comrade. Everyone needs a friend like Baymax; that much is certain.

Moana is one of the few Disney princesses who doesn't need a guy to save her; her adventurous spirit and tenacity show that she is more than capable of fending for herself. As the Motanui Chief's daughter, Moana is divided between a sense of obligation to the island, which looks to her for leadership, and the alluring, irresistible pull of the sea. She might be one of the most lovable Disney princesses because of her ability to prevail in challenging situations.

Although a particular mouse and the princesses have long predominated Disney sales, once a little blue alien named Stitch made an appearance, he quickly rose to become among the most sought-after Disney figures and one of the most well-known Disney characters. His cheeky, mischievous personality and endearing connection with Lilo easily solidified him as a favorite.

Tigger regularly bugs some of the other inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood because of his boundless enthusiasm. Nevertheless, he also proves to be a devoted buddy with a heart as big as his bounces. We can all aim to have Tigger's level of confidence since he meets every difficulty in life as if he has already conquered it.

One of the movie's many highlights is the gentle snowman who loves summer and warm embraces, demonstrating once more how superior Disney is at creating endearing sidekicks. Throughout the film, Olaf stands in for all that is good and pure, and viewers can't help but be inspired by his unwavering optimism. The phrase "some people are worth melting for" perfectly captures his unshakeable loyalty and pure-heartedness.

This tiny rabbit has a big personality, and his cheeky, mischievous antics make him instantly likable. Not only is Thumper super adorable, but he's also a do-gooder and helps Bambi adapt to life in the wild. Although he occasionally makes mistakes in judgment (who doesn't?), he is remarkably astute. Also, he always bears in mind his father's wise advice: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."

Like any young child, Simba tends to be a little too overconfident and thinks his father will always be there to shield him from any danger he gets into. Of course, we all know how this one ends: after Mufasa is cruelly slain, Simba, tormented with remorse over his father's passing, flees into a self-imposed exile. As Simba learns from his mistakes and ascends to the throne, we go with him and see all of life's changes through his eyes.

In contrast to the original material, the Rapunzel we meet in the animated film doesn't need the dashing prince to save her; she is more than capable of doing it as long as she has her trustworthy frying pan at her side. We witness her go through a whole range of emotions as she ultimately exits the constraints of her tower, including fear, remorse, and enormous joy at being liberated. Rapunzel's most prominent quality is that she never attempts to be flawless or put up a facade, which only increases her likeability.

Pluto, Mickey Mouse's charming dog pal, stands out on this list since he is one of the few non-speaking characters. But despite this, he continues to participate actively in The Sensational Six's escapades and has done so since 1930. Although Pluto is a very good boy, that doesn't stop him from getting into a lot of mischief. Big kudos to Disney for making a character that is still popular 90 years after its creation.

Piglet may lack courage, but he makes up for it with his unwavering loyalty. He will always be there for his buddies. The fact that each character in Winnie The Pooh has flaws while still contributing to the story and having shining moments is one of their most endearing qualities. As Piglet gives up his beloved house to Owl in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, he shows that despite his cowardice, he has a big heart, and no one is too tiny to make a difference.

If Mickey Mouse's upbeat demeanor is too innocent for you, you might like Donald Duck, who is more brutal and edgier. Donald frequently speaks incomprehensibly and is prone to violent outbursts, which not only makes for infinite amusement but also serves as the ideal counterpoint to the personalities of the other members of The Sensational Six.

Alice's world is flipped upside down when she follows a white rabbit into a hole. Soon, she finds herself in a strange land with singing flowers, an endless tea party, and a cruel queen out to lop off her head. Along with having an iconic appearance, Alice is remembered for her chastity and "curiouser and curiouser" attitude, which wonderfully captures childlike naivety and the joy of discovering new things.

Initially portrayed as the movie's antagonist, Maui becomes an invaluable resource for Moana, teaching her all she needs to know about wayfinding. Even though he may be noisy and overconfident, the shape-shifting deity unveils his human side when the truth about his terrible childhood is revealed. We begin to see Maui in a more favorable light and even fall in love with him once we glimpse through his façade.

Disney has given us many memorable sidekicks throughout the years. Still, Mushu gained immense popularity among fans because of Eddie Murphy's unrivaled singing prowess. Mushu is unique because, although he is helping Mulan, he is also on a personal quest to establish his worthiness in the eyes of the forefathers. Not only is it rare to witness a sidekick with a complete arc, but it's also super comforting.

Mulan is very unlike any of the Disney princesses. She is expected to uphold her family's honor by finding a suitable groom and having children. Instead, she joins the army in place of her aged father and forges an entirely new identity as she poses as a man. By going off to war, Mulan defies all expectations and demonstrates her emotional and physical strength.

Shunned by the other characters in his game, Ralph quickly wins our sympathies as he sets out on a dangerous quest to earn a medal and become a hero. First, Ralph's motives are a touch self-centered, and due to his carelessness, he unintentionally destroys several games. However, thanks to his friendship with Vanellope, Ralph discovers that being a hero requires more than simply sporting a medal. And by the time the movie ends, he has earned our respect.

This sassy fairy, who serves as Peter Pan's sidekick, conveys a lot simply by remaining silent. Tinker Bell combines a winsome look with a bit of attitude. In the animated film, she is portrayed as impulsive, envious, and prone to temper outbursts. However, these characteristics don't make her dislikeable, quite the opposite.

As is often the case (or should be), Chernabog, the enormous winged demon, speaks through his actions rather than words. Chernabog makes a notable appearance in the last part, "Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria," where he calls demons and the damned for a night of dread. Definitely one of the scariest Disney characters!

Mirabel is a regular girl living in an exceptional world. With no special power, she struggles to fit in, while her family members can lift enormous weights or communicate with animals. Nonetheless, she plays a crucial role in her family's journey. And despite her extraordinary circumstances, Mirabel's path is incredibly realistic and relatable since every single one of us is facing similar struggles that Mirabel does.

Flynn Rider, also known as Eugene Fitzherbert, is the handsome thief who quits his prior egocentric ways when he falls in love with the sweet Rapunzel. As the "Rider" character is stripped away, we see a likable, kind-hearted, devoted, and protective man, reminiscent of heroic figures like Han Solo and Robin Hood. The "Rider" persona turns out to be somewhat of a façade.

Aladdin is not merely a thief for the pleasure of being a thief and attaining precious goods; he steals to aid hungry people like him. The courageous lead character demonstrates his altruism throughout, but notably at the movie's climactic moments when he decides to use his final wish to release the genie from his captivity within the lamp. Aladdin shows his remarkable character when he sacrifices himself for the sake of another.

Anna is another very different Disney princess. Her endearingly clumsy attitude also makes her one of the most relatable. Anna is also very devoted to those she loves, especially her sister Elsa, and determined to see the good in others. As the most selfless act of real love, she offers herself to rescue her sister and never wavers in her resolve or commitment.

Elsa is a highly nuanced Disney heroine with a lot going on behind the surface. She is far calmer and more composed, starkly contrasting with her sister. As a result of having her superpowers quelled at an early age, Elsa grew up in isolation, shut out from the world. Despite the way she blocked everyone off, Elsa really cared about people. She believed her duty was to ensure everyone, including her family, was safe, which she thought was only possible if she kept her distance from them.

Since she was taught from a young age that hard work would help her accomplish her goals, Tiana toils away at many jobs to save money to open her dream restaurant. She never loses sight of her objectives, even when transformed into a frog. Although Tiana does meet love along the road, it's never the only reason she accomplishes what she does. This Disney princess stands out because she demonstrates that not all ambitions can be fulfilled with a spell; sometimes, in fact, almost always, they require a great deal of perseverance. 

It's hard not to be enchanted by the adorable little wooden puppet that only wants to be a real human boy. The fact that Pinocchio isn't flawless and needs to experience life's lessons firsthand is only one of the numerous aspects that set him apart as a character. We always cheer for Pinocchio, even when he makes mistakes. Seeing his only desire come true in the end is truly heartwarming.

Little Lilo Pelekai, Stitch's best pal, is not like everybody else. The other kids she meets reject her because of her peculiarities. Lilo has experienced a lot in her short life, and this is reflected in her often sassy and disobedient behavior. Yet her experiences have also made her loving and giving, enabling her to see the good in the equally naughty Stitch.

If you can get past the fact that he tries to destroy the fearless Hercules as a newborn, Hades is one of the most charismatic Disney miscreants. Unlike many Disney villains, Hades doesn't appear to particularly enjoy his work; in fact, most of the time, he despises it. Instead, he depends on his sarcastic wit and irreverent humor to get through the day. It's definitely something many of us can relate to.

Daisy Duck manages to withstand Donald Duck's outbursts of rage, which takes a unique kind of person. Although Daisy's temperament is noticeably calmer than Donald's, they make a fantastic fit since Daisy occasionally displays a little more of her diva side and has been known to display some fury as well. Daisy may not have as many appearances as some of the other members of The Sensational Six, but she is a great character, and together with Donald, they make a terrific team.

Although we can't forgive Cruella for what she planned to do with the pups, there is no doubt that she has elegance and, like all the greatest villains, understands how to enter a scene. Cruella is a character that dominates every scene she is in with her wicked flair, from her love of fashion to her manic laugh, yet we still end up admiring her.

Pocahontas might be the most overlooked Disney princess who doesn't receive the love she deserves. Disney's portrayal of the historical figure is that of a lovely, pure-hearted woman with great regard and love for nature. As foreign invaders put her people in danger, she demonstrates bravery by putting herself in danger, trying to protect her forbidden love. Her character is also elevated by the fact that, in the end, she opts for loyalty to her people above love, which is a welcome departure from many of Disney's narratives.

Ariel routinely disobeys her father in favor of exploration and adventure and finds herself happier pursuing her own rules. Ariel is infatuated with everything about the human world. More than anything, she longs to be "where the people are." Although she spends a significant amount of the movie unable to express herself, Ariel's desire to write her own tale will definitely strike a chord with anybody with many siblings or very controlling parents.

Yzma is obsessed with overruling the egotistical Emperor Kuzco's reign and concocts various crazy schemes to achieve that. Even though it never seems like she will succeed, it is amusing to watch Yzma attempt to carry out her evil plans. The best of them was her plan to convert him into a flea, stuff him inside a box, send it to herself, and then slam it with a hammer. She then realized she could just poison him to save money on postage. With current postage prices, we can only agree.

Professor Ratigan is an excellent addition to Disney's enormous collection of villains. Ratigan's plans to replace the Queen of Mousedom with a robotic equivalent involve a complex kidnapping scheme. He is that rare kind of villain that is so charmingly endearing that you kind of want to see him triumph. But you don't. But then again, you kind of do.

Even though there are more fearsome villains than Captain Hook, few possess his style and showmanship, which gives him his place among the best Disney characters. This mustache-twirling pirate regularly loses to cunning Peter Pan and a persistent crocodile with a personal grudge. Yet, most of his exploits have a theatrical quality. Although Captain Hook is a figure who focuses more on comedy than on terror, his comical antics distinguish him from many of the other Disney villains.

When it seems like every character is vying for attention, Kronk, who is loving yet dim-witted, somehow still manages to stand apart. Kronk's clueless and laid-back personality, as the devoted aide of the hilariously cunning Yzma, makes him the ideal henchman since he appears eager to do whatever is required. However, Kronk's readiness to follow Yzma seems to come from a sincere desire to aid others rather than from being a nodding sycophant, making him even more likable.

One of the most notable female characters in Disney history is Megara, who's often overlooked since she isn't a princess. Many of Disney's female characters are a little (or a lot) naive regarding romantic relationships. However, Megara is different since she has been through heartbreak and has already formed an adverse opinion about men. Also, her ability to communicate her emotions and stand up for herself makes her incredibly likable.

Anybody who has ever felt like an outsider can probably identify with Quasimodo, the epitome of the adage "never judge a book by its cover." Despite his looks, the Notre Dame bell ringer is warm and caring toward everyone he encounters. Quasimodo might be one of the most complicated Disney characters because, despite his love for Esmeralda being unrequited, he still shows kindness and loyalty to her.

One of the few Disney heroes who, at least initially, isn't particularly likable is Emperor Kuzco. He mainly gets away with his haughty and pompous behavior and has no qualms about razing Pacha's whole town to build a summer residence for himself. However, after being transformed into a llama, he is compelled to change his demeanor, and Pacha is the only one who can help him.

This princess occasionally gets a poor name for choosing to marry a man she hardly knows, but this is not unusual in Disney. Setting that aside, Cinderella has a strong sense of independence and grit. She can endure maltreatment from her stepsisters and the evil Lady Tremaine and still treat the ladies she lives with with kindness, refusing to succumb to the brutality she faces daily.

Hercules, the name familiar to everyone, is known for his physical prowess. However, he is also known for his optimism and resolve to succeed, no matter the cost. Throughout the film, we see Hercules grow as a person as he learns to understand that being a deity is a lot more than rescuing princesses and vanquishing demons. Also, it's refreshing to see Disney feature a robust and resilient character that isn't unduly snobbish.

One thing we can all agree on is that Disney sure likes a bit of an oddball. Vanellope von Schweetz might be one of the most beloved ones. In the "Sugar Rush" video game, aspiring racer Vanellope wants to be a top racer. Still, she also wants to receive admiration and respect from her community. The other racers treat her cruelly, make fun of her, and exclude her because of her glitch. However, Vanellope discovers how to accept and utilize her glitch to her advantage, teaching the lesson that it's good to be unique and that your differences may be the superpowers you haven't yet realized you have.

Although her boyfriend may receive all the spotlight, Minnie has also been around since the beginning of the Disney era. Although Minnie typically played the damsel in distress in the earlier adventures, she has developed into a more complex character. When someone is being nasty, Minnie normally speaks out as the voice of reason. She isn't hesitant to express her opinion.

Despite having only a brief appearance in the movie, when the film is almost over, this fearsome antagonist leaves a lasting impact. The tyrant queen is one of the most iconic Disney villains, even though she spends much of her time trying to decapitate Alice. The Queen of Hearts is a memorable and unpredictable character who continues to be one of the highlights of this eccentric masterwork.

Belle is a character that fans easily identify with because of her love of reading and a strong desire to travel outside her little village. Belle has a loving temperament, as seen by her ability to find the good in everyone, including her would-be captor. Still, she's also loud and motivated to defend the people she cares about.

The Evil Queen is prepared to get rid of Snow White to be "the fairest of them all." Arguably one of the scariest Disney moments to date is when she transforms into a twisted old witch. Although we might treasure the heroes more, the villains in Disney movies are often far more intriguing. The Evil Queen, in particular, set a very high standard for all the villains that would come after her.

Sisu is a bright and fun-loving goofball who defies all expectations of what the anticipated "last dragon" is for the fantastical kingdom of Kumandra. Sisu is quite likable because of her warmth and sincerity. She doesn't think she is the fabled savior that the people have been waiting for and is naturally self-deprecating, so to be the hero Kumandra needs, she must rediscover her strengths and trust her abilities.

Raya is not your regular Disney princess; she is shown as independent, strong, and intelligent beyond her years. Raya sets off on her own in pursuit of the dragon gem and the being that may bring peace to Kumandra when evil forces threaten her home. Raya's biggest challenge is her lack of faith in other people, which makes her the perfect contrast to Sisu the dragon, who constantly seeks out the best in people.

It's almost shocking that Disney got away with using a villain as nasty and downright evil as Frollo. Frollo is incredibly complicated and multifaceted. Due to his piety and dogmatic beliefs, he commits several horrific crimes, including slaying, bribery, and genocide. He has no redeeming traits, but his lack of humanity makes him the most horrifying Disney villain.

Gaston may be unlikable and brutal, but he is also funny. Gaston's unwavering conviction that he is flawless is very comic, considering he is surrounded by sycophants who exist solely to praise him. The best part about Gaston is how he manages to be both believable as a heartthrob and a man so abhorrent that an actual beast is considered a more feasible love preference for Belle.