Among the best characters that Disney given to the public over the years, several were animals. Some were confined to the role of companions. Others, however, ended up being the stars of the story. Not every film needs to be human-centric for the characters to be relatable, and some of Disney’s best animated films prove that. From comedies to heartwarming stories, Disney films will make you emotionally attached to lions and fish.
Perhaps animals are a cunning and subtle way of exploring the complex nature of people through a mask, using their charm to tell deeper stories about friendship, family and adversity. Sometimes downturned ears and soft paws make a character seem more likable to the audience.allowing them to recognize their behavior and emotions from an unusual perspective. Whether for aesthetic or deeper reasons, not all animals were created to be companions for Disney princesses. Some were meant to be the protagonists and left a lasting impact on the public’s mind.
10
Madam
Lady and the Tramp
As the main character in the 1955 Walt Disney film Lady and the Tramp, Lady connected with millions of people around the world. The fact that she is “man’s best friend” may have helped establish her iconic status, but this young cocker spaniel’s journey and personality have also earned her a place in the hearts of the public.
As she delves deeper into a different, scarier reality, Lady becomes the protagonist of an inspiring coming-of-age story.
Like a sheltered dog who lives in a suitable neighborhood and is pampered by a loving family, Lady certainly doesn’t expect to have to go through all the challenges she faces in the film. If her inherent loyalty and protectiveness immediately make her a fan favorite, as she is forced out of her comfort zone and courageously faces dangers her previous life did not prepare her for, Lady becomes even more admirable. As she delves deeper into a different, scarier reality, Lady becomes the protagonist of an inspiring coming-of-age story.
9
Bambi
Bambi
Bambi is a film that made generations of children and adults cry desperately. The murder of the main character’s mother is one of Disney’s most heartbreaking moments to date. Although the film’s dark tone, along with the dramatic events that take place within it, earned the 1942 masterpiece mixed reviews when it was released, it is now considered a timeless classic.
Bambi’s tumultuous journey throughout the film captures universal experiences of change that affect animals and humans alike.. Through the sweet deer’s innocent eyes, viewers are drawn into a dramatic coming-of-age story. Bambi’s naivety and wonder at the world is not unlike people’s open and vulnerable approach to their surroundings early in their lives. The loss of Bambi’s mother is a crucial point for the plot and character, representing an abrupt awakening to the harsh reality of life, marking the deer’s transformation and making him one of Disney’s most fascinating animal protagonists.
8
Dumbo
Dumbo
Dumbo, The 1941 Disney fantasy film, which features the titular elephant as the protagonist, is a story of empowerment. The main character is not simply an adorable young elephant, but a timeless symbol of resilience. Dumbo’s journey from underdog to triumphant hero who changes the course of his life is an inspiring lesson for children.
Initially intimidated by his enormous ears and confined to being a sideshow attraction in a grotesque circus, Dumbo ends up using what was considered a weakness and reason for ridicule as a skill that guides him to a better destiny. Dumbo doesn’t just accept his differences. In the end, he learns to embrace them and manipulate them to his benefit. The character is a symbol of hope and bravery in the face of adversity. The most famous fictional elephant deserves a place among Disney’s best animal protagonists of all time.
7
Robin Hood
Robin Hood
There is something deeply ingenious about borrowing legendary characters from popular folklore stories with an underlying social message. and reimagine them as anthropomorphic animals in a children’s fairy tale. And Disney’s 1973 adaptation of Robin Hood is a prime example of this. Although the film received mixed reviews when it was released, it is now considered a classic.
His keen mind and noble heart pay a beautiful tribute to the revolutionary and political figure he represents. Robin uses his ability to outsmart his opponents to help the people of Nottingham. As a true defender of the weak and protector of the oppressed, Disney repurposed the iconic figure of a gallant outlaw to create a quirky, timeless hero who provides a meaningful lesson for children.
6
Basil
The Great Mouse Detective
If Sherlock Holmes is one of the greatest fictional characters ever written, his rat counterpart who lives underground in Baker Street is equally fascinating. The Great Mouse Detectivereleased in 1986, it gave the world the most brilliant animal investigator in Disney history, Basil. The character’s name is a tribute to Basil Rathbone, one of Sherlock’s iconic interpreters.
Basil has the sharp wit and intellectual charm of the hero created by Arthur Conan Doyle, but with a slightly clumsier behavior that makes it a more captivating version, capable of capturing the interest of viewers of different ages and generations. With his fearsome archenemy Ratigan, whose clear inspiration is Professor James Moriarty, and Dawson, the Afghanistan veteran who serves as his personal Watson, Basil has established himself as one of the most charismatic, if nowadays perhaps underrated, animal protagonists in history. . from Disney.
5
Tod and Copper
The Fox and the Hound
It would be unfair to list Disney’s best animal protagonists and ignore Tod and Copper – or even simply include just one of the two. Regardless of the ending, Tod and Copper remain inseparable in the public’s mind. When it was first released in 1981, The Fox and the Hound defied expectations and portrayed a beautiful story of friendship and loss, whose bittersweet resolution left a lasting impact on viewers.
The unlikely bond between the mischievous and loyal red fox and the curious hound made them a pair of charismatic and lovable protagonists in a story with much more nuance than appearances might suggest. As the story unfolds, Tod and Copper grow apart and the film takes an unfortunate turn. Through these two characters, the film explores deep themes of love, loyalty and societal expectations. With The Fox and the Hound, Disney made a timeless film about friendship that defied prejudice and social impositions.
4
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh (franchise)
The most famous bear in the world could not simply be excluded from the ranking of the greatest Disney characters in history. Winnie the Pooh is a character that will always have a place in the hearts of the public. His legacy is emphasized by the fact that in 2006 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With his companions Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet and Eeyore, the honey-loving bear became the star of countless Winnie the Pooh stories. His kindness and positivity, combined with a clumsy and occasionally naive attitude, made him a beloved figure in the world of Disney and beyond. Winnie the Pooh’s tales are a gentle reminder of a quiet, innocent joy that is rare in the adult world, making his stories a beautiful, magical place to escape.
3
Point
Lilo and Stitch
Perhaps not what people think of when they talk about traditional animals, Stitch is nevertheless one of the most beloved non-human characters in Disney history. Like a genetically modified experiment, the protagonist of Lilo and Stitch is a chaotic but lovable presence who is now a legendary figure.
This adorable Disney troublemaker deserved third place in the rankings.
The story of this alien life form who ends up on Earth by accident and is mistaken for a dog by a sweet orphan child, Lilo, is as hilarious as it is heartwarming.. Stitch is an unstoppable, destructive force of nature that provides audiences with laughter and entertainment.but he is also a lost creature who needs affection. Lilo and Stitch complement each other and their bond is what makes the film truly special. This adorable Disney troublemaker deserved third place in the rankings.
2
Simba
The Lion King
Living up to Mufasa’s name is no easy task. However, Simba manages to do it behind the screen and in the hearts of the audience. For this reason, the main character of The Lion King deserves second place on the list of Disney’s best animal protagonists. Simba starts out as an overly eager, bright-eyed lion cub trying to impress his father. His clumsy attempts to appear confident and bold in the face of danger are deeply endearing, making the darker turn of his story all the more tragic. Mufasa’s death is one of Disney’s most heartbreaking moments.
Like the proud lion who once sang “I can’t wait to be king” He runs away burdened by the unjustified guilt of his role in his father’s fate, unexpected friendships emerge with unlikely creatures, helping him grow and transform. With Timon, Pumbaa, and later Nala, Simba learns valuable lessons until he is finally ready to accept his past and face the life he was destined for. With his innocence, courage and remarkable development, the Little Lion King won over children and adults alike, becoming one of the most iconic characters in Disney history.
1
marlin
Finding Nemo
He may not be the funniest clownfish in the sea, but Marlin certainly deserved the title of father of the year when Finding Nemo came out in 2003. The tiny aquatic creature filled with anxiety crossed unspeakable dangers in the deepest reaches of the ocean to find her son. Armed with an iron will and a forgotten companion, he stole the audience’s hearts.
Marlin’s absurd adventures, from encounters with vegetarian sharks to almost ending up being a whale’s accidental dinner, hide a beautiful story of paternal love. His refusal to surrender and his unwavering hope made him an iconic character. Despite all the threats that, as a coral reef fish, he is unprepared for and the reasonable doubts about his son’s survival, Marlin runs through the film as an unstoppable force driven by his mission to find Nemo. This not only makes him the best father in the history of animated film, but also the greatest animal protagonist in history. Disney.