Not everyone can have the spotlight in a Disney film, but that doesn’t mean that a supporting character's role is any less valuable. Every prince or princess seems to have a sidekick: human, animal or otherwise (this is Disney, after all), that offers support, advice and humor throughout the adventure. Here is a list of the top five best Disney sidekicks.
1. Olaf ("Frozen").
Short, innocent and lovable, he’s everyone’s favorite snowman. Conjured up by Elsa’s magic, Olaf has a big loving heart and an enormous desire for summer to arrive in Arendelle, much to the discomfort of his human pals. His presence on screen elicits laughs and sighs from audience members old and young, so it’s hard to pin Olaf’s best moment: his performance of the song, “In Summer,” was horrifyingly hilarious while his heart-warming words to Ana that “some people are worth melting for” have remained with viewers long after the credits rolled.
2. Cri-Kee ("Mulan").
This lovable critter from Mulan makes his debut when Mulan’s lovably insane grandmother crosses the street with him, eyes closed, in order to confirm his good luck capabilities. After that, Cri-Kee’s life is intertwined with Mulan’s and, more specifically, with her dragon-warrior friend, Musha. Small, determined, and loyal, the cricket follows Mulan and Musha to the soldier camp, where he keeps Musha up-to-task and reprimands him for his selfishness. On his part, Musha goes from being patronizing to being respectful towards the cricket, and a lasting friendship is born.
3. Abu ("Aladdin").
No one can forget Aladdin’s mischievous, but adorable pet monkey, Abu, who helps Aladdin get in as much trouble as he helps him get out of. Although is name means “father” in Arabic, Abu tends to be the childish one, controlled by his fascination for all things shiny and expensive. He is a skilled thief who, at times, needs Aladdin’s encouragement to behave in more moral ways, such as when he gives his apple to the hungry children in the street. No matter his flaws, Abu is definitely the titular character’s loyal best friend, and for that, he is unforgettable.
4. Charlotte La Bouff ("The Princess and the Frog").
Dramatic, rich and spoiled, Tiana’s best friend is a typical Southern belle who is used to being the center of attention. Extravagant dresses, big hair, and Southern charm aside, Charlotte’s loyalty to her friend shows that her winning quality isn’t her pearly whites, but rather, her big heart and selflessness. Despite her admiration for Prince Naveen, she accepts and supports Tiana’s love for him and is the one person Tiana can always count on. Who could ask for a better BFF?
5. Gus ("Cinderella").
Pretty much all of the animals in Cinderella deserve a mention on this list. I mean, how many house pets go out of their way to renovate a dress? But to keep this list short and sweet, one character that sums up the love all audience members felt for Cinderella’s tiny friends is most definitely the mouse, Gus. Gus is short, fat and innocent, and usually sporting a lime green shirt. His never-ending hunger for cheese captures the heart of audiences everywhere and nearly results in a capture by the evil cat, Lucifer, too! But despite that, his loyalty to Cinderella never wavers. If mice ever replace dog as man’s best friend, then Gus is definitely someone I’d want by my side.
