Top 10 Best Disney Animated Sidekicks

Over the years Disney has produced 76 feature films between both Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. Those films have introduced countless lovable characters that have captured the hearts of everyone in one way or another. Disney has created princesses, heroes, fairytale legends, alien creatures, and lots of talking animals. In this article, I want to spend some time talking about the Disney sidekicks, specifically my top 10.

You might be thinking, what exactly qualifies as a sidekick? Well, for the purpose of this list, a sidekick is any character that clearly receives less plot focus than another character and interacts with that character frequently throughout the movie. Often sidekicks help to provide comic relief or even act as an ex-machina device to get the lead out of a situation. I removed from consideration any possible human sidekicks because often there is a thin line with human characters between sidekick and fellow protagonist. I also took out Stitch from consideration (even though I am a big Stitch fan) because his name is in the movie title.

Honorable Mentions: Mater (Cars), Terk & Tantor (Tarzan), Ray and Louis (Princess and the Frog.)

#10: Cogsworth and Lumiere

These two work together like cogs in a clock (pun intended). They aren’t really sidekicks to Belle as much they are sidekicks to Beast. No matter, they play an integral part in the plot of both the original and the 2017 remake. Lumiere also happens to be the character behind the iconic “Be Our Guest”. Together they add some great playful banter and really make the movie tick (too much?).

Image via comicbook.com

#9: Sebastian

Who doesn’t love a crab with a Jamaican accent? Sebastian works for Ariel’s dad King Triton and is basically put in charge of watching Ariel. He becomes a big part of the plot after Ariel’s encounter with Ursula the sea witch. Flounder is another  Disney sidekick in The Little Mermaid that needs some love but he doesn’t play as big a part as Sebastian because he is stuck in the ocean after Ariel gets her legs and goes on land. Sebastian is definitely most famous for his songs “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”.

Image via Women.com

#8: Tinker Bell

“All you need is faith and trust, and a little bit of pixie dust”. Tinker Bell is probably one of the most famous Disney sidekicks of all time. She is vital to the plot of the Peter Pan. Without her, none of the kids would’ve been able to fly to Neverland. Her jealousy of Wendy is what sets the conflict in motion. She also saves Peter from Captain Hook’s time bomb. Not only is she a fan favorite in the movie Peter Pan, she is also a favorite character meet and greet for many at Disney World.

Image via gombita.info

#7: Baymax

Big Hero 6 is a favorite of mine and a lot the reason behind that has to do with Baymax. He is such a lovable character that really acts as the emotional driver of the movie. He does things that will make you laugh, cry, or maybe laugh so hard you cry (that scene where his batteries are low). I really hope Disney gets around to making another Big Hero 6 movie someday because that movie sets up great as an origin story. I don’t like how Disney Channel keeps taking these great movies and an average TV series out of it. Give me a real sequel!

Image via Giphy

#6: Gus and Jaq

This classic duo provides some great moments in 1950 iconic movie Cinderella. Their characters feed off each other in a way that is really funny to watch. Not to mention they are directly responsible for stealing the key from the stepmother’s pocket and dragging it all the way up the stairs to Cinderella’s room. Outside of Mickey, they are arguably the most famous mice in entertainment.

Image via Disney Wiki

#5: Pascal and Maximus

I absolutely love Tangled. It is funny; action-packed, and has so many great characters. Pascal and Maximus are amazing sidekicks because of how important they are without saying a single word throughout. Pretty much all of the other sidekicks on my list communicate with their main characters. Pascal is pretty much the only friend Rapunzel has and he gives some great comedic moments through his gestures and expressions. I love the interactions between Maximus and Flynn. He also becomes a crucial character to the plot and turns into Flynn’s sidekick by the end.

Image via Wikipedia

#4: Olaf

Olaf is one of the single most profitable Disney sidekicks ever created. Seriously, that snowman has brought in stacks of cash for the mouse house. He is basically just a walking, talking snowball of comic relief and everyone loves him. I can’t give enough credit to Josh Gad though. Olaf would definitely not be the same without Josh’s recognizable voice. Sven was also fun sidekick character that needs some love as well.

Image via Pinterest

#3: Mushu

Similar to Olaf, Mushu is so great because of Eddie Murphy. He has so many hilarious one-liners in Mulan that add some much-needed humor to a movie that is pretty serious outside of his character. He sticks by Mulan’s side throughout the entire movie and helps guide her along. Mushu is one of those characters that you immediately think of when you think of Mulan.

Image via Tumblr

#2: Timon and Pumba

These two are basically the Abbott and Costello of Disney Animation. They are perfect for each other and also perfect for The Lion King. I don’t often like the sequel that DisneyToon Studios produced over the years (RIP DisneyToon Studios), but Lion King 1 ½ is a really enjoyed cartoon. That is just a testament to how fun these two are. They are a well deserving of the 2nd spot on my list.

Image via Bookstr.com

#1: Genie

Voiced by the late, great Robin Williams himself, Genie finds himself on the top of my list. He is my favorite character in one of my favorite movies. Pretty much the moment he is introduced to the story in Aladdin, he injects the movie with energy and humor. He works so well as a sidekick to Aladdin and adds a boatload of extras possibilities to the plot that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible. I also want to give some love to Abu and Carpet as great sidekicks in their own right. However, they both pale in comparison to Genie.

Image via Giphy

Thank you for reading! What are your thoughts on the best Disney sidekicks? Comment down below!

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