The 100 Best Disney Animated Characters Of All Time

David De La Riva
Updated June 1, 2024 100 items

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Vote up your favorite animated characters from Disney movies and cartoons.

This ultimate list ranking the best Disney animated characters is a love letter from fans to the fairytale legends that have captivated hearts for generations. From brave heroes and hilarious sidekicks to enticing villains and enchanting princesses, Disney's cartoon universe is teeming with unforgettable characters. In curating this ranking, our team took into account factors such as each character's unique appeal, iconic status, and impact on pop culture. We've also incorporated votes and opinions from thousands of Disney aficionados, making this list a genuine crowd-sourced gem.

Mickey Mouse, the endearing face of the franchise, obviously tops this list of most famous Disney animated characters. Simba, the young lion who taught us about bravery in The Lion King, and the fast-talking, lovable Genie from Aladdin are some fan favorites from Disney classics. Popular female characters and Disney Princesses include Belle, the daring and intelligent book lover from Beauty and the Beast; Mulan, the heroic figure who broke stereotypes; and the fearless and ambitious Moana. This list also features timeless villains like Scar (The Lion King) and Ursula (The Little Mermaid); and good protagonists like Winnie-the-Pooh and Cinderella. Each character has a unique charm and a captivating story, making them unforgettable.

We invite and encourage you to be a part of this ranking process. Help us celebrate Disney's animated legacy by voting for your top Disney characters and see how they fare in the rankings. Whether it's the courageous, like Mulan, or the compassionate, like Snow White, or even the comical, like Timon and Pumbaa, your votes matter.

This list is an engaging trip down memory lane for the young and the young at heart. So delve into this magical world and start voting for your favorite Disney animated characters. After all, many of these characters, with their stories of adventure, friendship, love, and coming of age, have shaped our childhoods and continue to inspire us. Prepare to revisit these beloved characters and relive their unforgettable journeys.

Most divisive: Dr. Facilier
Over 1.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 100 Best Disney Animated Characters Of All Time
  • Mickey Mouse
    1
    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney's House of Mouse, Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
    443 votes

    There is a reason Mickey Mouse is the face of the Walt Disney Company. The first character ever brought to life by the studio, nearly 100 years after his first appearance, Mickey is still as recognizable, beloved, and as important a figure in mainstream pop culture today as he was when he was first created.

  • Aladdin
    2
    Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, Aladdin and the King of Thieves
    257 votes

    The loveable street rat who stole a loaf of bread and then stole the hearts of millions, Aladdin from the film of the same name proved that no matter how down on your luck you may be, it's never too hard to do the right thing. A man who keeps his word, looks out for his friends, and always does the right thing, Aladdin is one of the greatest male leads the Disney has ever created.

  • Belle
    3
    Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World
    317 votes

    A brilliant, independent, strong woman who proved to be an exemplary role model for children of all ages, Belle shines as one of the most important characters Disney has ever created. From her selflessness, her willingness to accept people for who they are, and her tenacity to do what is right, Belle gives hope to the hopeless and lifts up all those around her.

  • Tigger
    4
    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Tigger Movie, Piglet's Big Movie
    330 votes

    Tigger, the exuberant and bouncing tiger from Winnie the Pooh, is famously voiced by Paul Winchell in the original animations and later by Jim Cummings. Known for his infectious energy and unique way of speaking, Tigger's boundless enthusiasm and optimistic outlook make him a beloved character in the Hundred Acre Wood.

  • Moana
    5
    Moana
    215 votes

    In Disney's Moana, the titular character, a brave and determined Polynesian princess who sets sail on a daring voyage to save her people, is voiced by Auli'i Cravalho. Cravalho's performance brings Moana to life with authenticity and depth, capturing her spirit of adventure and empowering journey of self-discovery.

  • Mufasa
    6
    The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1 1/2
    305 votes

    Mufasa, the majestic king of the Pride Lands in The Lion King, embodies wisdom, strength, and compassion. Voiced by James Earl Jones in both the 1994 animated classic and the 2019 remake, his resonant and authoritative voice lends gravitas to Mufasa, making him an unforgettable and revered character in Disney lore.

  • Timon
    7
    The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1 1/2
    281 votes

    Timon, the wisecracking meerkat from The Lion King, is known for his quick wit and laid-back philosophy of "Hakuna Matata." Voiced by Nathan Lane in the 1994 animated classic, Timon's humor and unlikely friendship with Pumbaa and Simba add a light-hearted balance to the film's deeper themes, making him a beloved character.

  • Stitch
    8
    Lilo & Stitch, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, Stitch! The Movie
    396 votes

    From the second Stitch was introduced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the world knew that this character was going to be unlike anything they had ever seen. Mischievous, out-of-control, and surprisingly evil, Stitch's character development is what makes him such a beloved figure, and his story is as tragic as it is heartwarming, helping him become a beloved figure in the studio.

  • Princess Jasmine
    9
    Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, Aladdin and the King of Thieves
    213 votes

    Princess Jasmine's strong-willed and compassionate voice is provided by Linda Larkin, with singing vocals by Lea Salonga. Larkin's portrayal captures Jasmine's determination to live life on her own terms, while Salonga's singing voice brings Jasmine's emotions and aspirations to musical life, making her a truly inspirational character.

  • Eeyore
    10

    Eeyore

    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Tigger Movie, Piglet's Big Movie
    248 votes

    Eeyore, the ever-gloomy donkey from the Winnie the Pooh series, is famous for his pessimistic outlook and slow, melancholic voice. This beloved character has been voiced by several actors over the years, with Peter Cullen providing his distinctively despondent tone in many recent adaptations, capturing Eeyore's endearing, mopey essence perfectly.

  • Baloo
    11
    The Jungle Book, The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo, The Jungle Book
    248 votes

    In Disney's The Jungle Book (1967), Baloo the bear is brought to life by Phil Harris's charismatic voice. Baloo is a carefree and jovial character who teaches Mowgli about the "Bare Necessities" of life. Harris's laid-back and warm vocal style perfectly encapsulates Baloo's easygoing and friendly nature, making him a beloved character.

  • Simba
    12
    The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1 1/2
    352 votes

    The ups and downs that audiences traverse in the story of The Lion King are made all the more powerful thanks to the incredible, heartfelt, and powerful performance of the film's main character, Simba. Watching him grow from a naive child to a powerful and regal leader is as rewarding as any journey Disney has ever created.

  • Pumbaa
    13
    The Lion King, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, The Lion King 1 1/2
    287 votes

    In The Lion King, Pumbaa, the good-natured, jovial warthog who lives by the motto "Hakuna Matata," is voiced by Ernie Sabella. His character, alongside his best friend Timon, provides comic relief and heartwarming wisdom, teaching Simba about friendship, happiness, and embracing life’s carefree moments amidst adversity.

  • Winnie-the-Pooh
    14
    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Tigger Movie, Piglet's Big Movie
    365 votes

    Watching the ultra-lovable and adorable Winnie the Pooh is just like receiving a warm hug of happiness and pure bliss, as the character personifies everything that is right in the world. Always looking for a snack and helping out his closest friends, Winne the Pooh proves he is just like you or I, and his positive outlook on life is a breathe of fresh air.

  • Genie
    15

    Genie

    Aladdin, The Return of Jafar, Aladdin and the King of Thieves
    362 votes

    The incomparable Robin Williams gives one of the greatest performances of all time as the titular Genie, a rip-roaring joke-delivering side-splitting machine with a heart of gold who not only makes us cry with laughter but cry in one of the most heartfelt and moving performances in Disney history.

  • Pluto
    16

    Pluto

    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Quack Pack, Parade of the Award Nominees
    232 votes

    Pluto, one of Disney's most enduring characters, is Mickey Mouse's loyal and playful pet dog. Unlike most Disney characters, Pluto does not speak, thus he doesn't have a voice actor for spoken lines. However, his expressive barks and sounds have been provided by various sound artists over the years, including Pinto Colvig and Bill Farmer, contributing to his endearing personality.

  • Donald Duck
    17
    Disney's House of Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Quack Pack
    358 votes

    One of the first animated characters Disney has ever made, right alongside Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck is an outstanding member of the Fab 5 and one of the most adored characters in Disney history for good reason, he an incredible laugh riot who's down on his luck personal everyone can see within themselves at least one time in their life, but he never lets that hold him down.

  • Olaf
    18
    Frozen, Frozen 2
    245 votes

    Olaf, the lovable and ever-optimistic snowman, is voiced by Josh Gad. Gad infuses Olaf with an infectious joy and innocence, captivating audiences with his humorous insights on life and love. Olaf's character, brought to life by Gad's memorable performance, has become a symbol of warmth and laughter.

  • Piglet
    19
    The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Tigger Movie, Piglet's Big Movie
    203 votes

    Piglet, the timid yet loyal friend of Winnie the Pooh, is known for his small size but big heart. In the classic Winnie the Pooh animations, John Fiedler provided the voice for Piglet, capturing his gentle, anxious nature perfectly. Fiedler's portrayal helped make Piglet a beloved character, symbolizing friendship and courage.

  • Minnie Mouse
    20
    Disney's House of Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey's Gala Premier
    226 votes

    One of the most beloved members of the Fab 5 in Disney history, Minnie Mouse may have started off as a simple side character in a side story, but she has grown and stolen the hearts of Disney fans around the globe. As synonymous a character as her parter Mickey, one simply can't think of the acclaimed studio without thinking of Minnie Mouse.

  • Mushu
    21
    Mulan, Mulan II
    217 votes

    In Disney's Mulan, Mushu, the diminutive but fiercely loyal dragon, is voiced by Eddie Murphy. Murphy brings his signature comedic flair to the role, infusing Mushu with an infectious energy and humor that lightens the movie's serious moments. His performance as Mushu adds a layer of warmth and comedy, making the character unforgettable.

  • Rapunzel
    22
    Enchanted
    260 votes

    In Disney's Enchanted, a delightful twist on fairy tales, Rapunzel does not appear as one of the characters. However, the film references several classic Disney princesses through its story. For Rapunzel's character in Tangled, Mandy Moore lent her voice, bringing to life the spirited and adventurous princess with long magical hair.

  • Goofy
    23
    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney's House of Mouse, An Extremely Goofy Movie
    353 votes

    Disney's Goofy, the clumsy yet lovable dog-like character, has been voiced by several actors, with Bill Farmer being the most recognized since 1987. Goofy is known for his distinctive chuckle and southern drawl, embodying a blend of innocence, optimism, and well-meaning mishaps that make him an enduring Disney favorite.

  • Ariel
    24
    The Little Mermaid, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
    256 votes

    The princess everyone wanted to be when they grew up, Ariel's journey in The Little Mermaid is a profound, powerful, and masterfully crafted tale of self-discovery, all showcased in one of the most romantic and heartfelt stories of all time. A stunning character piece, Ariel's performance of Part of Your World will be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of film.

  • Baymax
    25
    Big Hero 6
    222 votes

    The sidekick who stole the hearts of Disney fans in the 2010s, Baymax is an adorable, lovable, and incredibly fun side character in Big Hero 6 who steals the show in every scene he appears in. With his popularity only growing as the decade has gone on, Baymax has rapidly become a fan favorite and one of the new faces of Disney.

  • Lady
    26
    Lady and the Tramp, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure
    197 votes

    In Disney's Lady and the Tramp, the character of Lady, a refined and elegant cocker spaniel, is beautifully voiced by Barbara Luddy. Luddy's gentle and expressive performance perfectly captures Lady's transition from a pampered pet to a more adventurous spirit, embodying the heart and soul of the film's exploration of love and companionship.

  • Bambi
    27

    Bambi

    Bambi II, Bambi
    205 votes

    In Disney's classic Bambi, the title character, a young and curious fawn growing up in the forest, is voiced by two actors: Bobby Stewart portrays Bambi as a fawn, and Donnie Dunagan provides his voice as a young stag. Their performances capture Bambi's innocence and growth, resonating with audiences for generations.

  • Mulan
    28
    Mulan, Mulan II
    268 votes

    In Disney's animated masterpiece Mulan (1998), the title character, Fa Mulan, is brought to life through the voice of Ming-Na Wen. Mulan is depicted as a courageous young woman who disguises herself as a man to save her father from war, showcasing strength, bravery, and determination. Ming-Na Wen's performance adds depth and authenticity to this iconic role.

  • Beast
    29
    Beauty and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World
    232 votes

    In Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Beast, a prince transformed by a curse, is voiced by Robby Benson. Benson imbues the Beast with a gruff exterior that conceals a kind heart, struggling with loneliness and despair. His performance captures the Beast's complex emotions, driving the film's themes of love and redemption.

  • Tiana
    30
    The Princess and the Frog
    196 votes

    The last fully hand-drawn character the Walt Disney Animation studio ever created is arguably one of their very best. Tiana of The Princess and the Frog fame proved that love isn't the end all be all like many Disney stories would have you believe and that having your own passions, goals, and dreams is just as important as anything else in the world.