There are often really amazing characters in Disney movies, whether they are hilarious, have amazing depth to them or simply have great personalities. The characters I consider the best are ones to whom I can relate or that I wish to be. As a result, this list can tell you a lot about my own personality. Maybe it will for you, too.
12. Boo - "Monsters, Inc."
Boo! How can you not love this little girl? Not only it she completely and utterly adorable, but she kicks butt! Growing up, I always felt like Boo was my best friend. I think Boo is worthy of being in the top 15 because of moments like the one pictured above. If Boo can face her biggest fears (and beat the crap out of Randall), everyone can.
11. Anger - "Inside Out"
Okay, let's be honest, Anger isn't on this list because he delivers a message. He's here because I love him and can completely relate to him. He provides some serious comic relief, making Anger a memorable character.
10. Spot - "The Good Dinosaur"
"The Good Dinosaur," I believe, was an enormously underrated film. I love the movie mainly because of Spot, but I'll admit, I was uncertain about him at first. As the movie progressed, his protective and determined nature became clear. He would fight just about anything if it meant protecting his friend, Arlo. Spot is truly adorable and his kindness breaks my heart so many times throughout "The Good Dinosaur"
9. Pascal - "Tangled"
You can never go wrong with an animal sidekick. Pascal is loving and loyal to Rapunzel (see above). He goes so far as to be vicious to anyone or anything that poses a threat to her. Though Pascal is too small to realistically defend Rapunzel, he is still her little guardian angel.
8. Hades - "Hercules"
Has there ever been a villain who is more of a drama king/queen than Hades? I think not. Hades is the only villain I included in this list and for good reason--he deserves it. He is sarcastic, diabolical, sassy and just all-around fabulous. What's more is that he brings a great intensity to his role as the villain.
Most villains, even those created by Disney, tend to be one-sided--just pure evil. Hades, however, has an entire range of what I like to call "villain problems." He has sidekicks, but they're useless to him. His army gets lost trying to go to battle. As one of his sidekicks reminds the troops, "Uhh, guys? Olympus would be that way." It seems as though Hades faced the biggest number of setbacks as a villain. I respect his ability to stay evil nonetheless.
7. Jim Hawkins - "Treasure Planet"
Ahh, my first animated crush (probably yours, too). "Treasure Planet" used to be my favorite movie and one I still consider to be an amazing film. For me, Jim always gave off a rebellious vibe without being a rebel at all.
Rather, he's hard-working, compassionate, funny and loving. The relationship he develops with John Silver is one of the most poignant moments of the film, seeing as Silver is the main antagonist. Anyone who can convince the villain to be (even momentarily) good has my respect.
6. Remy - "Ratatouille"
Being a rat can't be easy. Remy faces so many ups and downs throughout "Ratatouille," but throughout, maintained his dream of one day becoming a chef. Remy's determination, comical lines and snarky attitude make him one of my favorite characters.
5. Kuzco - "The Emperor's New Groove"
Oh poor little llama Kuzco. Has there ever been a more pitiful sight? If I'm being honest, Kuzco was a jerk at the beginning of "The Emperor's New Groove." Although he was a pretty good dancer, his smooth moves could never make up for how he treated other people.
By the end of the movie, Kuzco had become generous, friendly and significantly less entitled. Even if he hadn't learned his lesson and transformed into a more caring emperor, I think he'd still be in the top 15. His sarcasm had me busting a gut every scene!
4. Tiana - "The Princess and the Frog"
The hardest-working Disney princess is no doubt Tiana. All she ever did was work despite many people telling her she would never get her restaurant. What ended up happening? Oh, look at that. She got her restaurant.
The great thing about Tiana is that she never accepted "no" as the answer. If she wanted something and she knew she could work hard enough to get it, then the answer would be "yes." She could never let anyone down.
3. Merida - "Brave"
Merida's story teaches us about the value and meaning of family. Merdia "accidentally" transforms her mother, the Queen, into a bear because she wants the freedom to make her own choices. Later on, her triplet brothers also become bears.
Her father, who has only one leg as the result of a past bear attack, is not too keen on grizzlies, creating some tangible tension. This movie teaches audience members that family isn't about doing what is expected, but doing what is right.
2. Jack Skellington - "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Jack Skellington is a smart, scientific, terrifying and caring skeleton who becomes obsessed with...Christmas! The great pumpkin king wants nothing more than to be Santa Claus. Though it doesn't exactly turn out in his favor, I find him to be a lovable character. I also think he's the only Disney character to ever research something he didn't understand. On top of that, he's the protagonist of my mom's favorite movie, so he had to make the list.
1. Mulan - "Mulan"
Oh, how I wish I were Mulan. She is my absolute favorite Disney character. If you don't agree, I'm not sure we can even be friends. I mean, she took her father's place in a war. Not to mention, she nearly single-handedly saved China. I think Mulan is probably the most inspiring Disney character, especially for young girls.
She demonstrates how you need not conform to any social constructs, no matter what people say. Even after Mulan's identity was discovered and she was thrown out into the cold (literally--they left her in the snowy mountains), she went back to save her friends. She fought for years without being discovered and received the highest honors.
Honorable Mention
1. Violet - "The Incredibles"
The first time I saw "The Incredibles," I wanted nothing more than to have super powers. Moreover, I really wanted to be Violet. I really appreciate how realistically Disney portrayed Violet. What's more, she and Dash are the quintessential brother-sister duo. The only reason Violet isn't on the formal top 15 list is because I think she has been forgotten with time. We are still all patiently waiting for the sequel though, right?
Honorable Mention
2. Edna Mode - "The Incredibles"
Okay, I didn't initially plan on both of my honorable mentions being from "The Incredibles," but there's no going back now. I think I need Edna Mode in my life just to give advice. Let's not forget about how hilarious she is. If Edna doesn't appear in the next "Incredibles" movie, Disney will be hearing from me.
