Another Top 10 Disney Couples

Disney has proven time and time again that sometimes the most unlikely couples are also the most unforgettable. Giselle and Robert are no exception. One’s an animated maiden who instantly falls in love after one encounter with a prince. The other’s a divorce lawyer without a romantic bone in his body. When reality and the world of fairytales clash, however, these two ultimately balance each other out. Giselle learns that love at first sight doesn’t necessarily equal happily ever after. Meanwhile, Robert learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. While the courtship between Giselle and Robert begins as a satire, it eventually evolves into a charming love story we sincerely care about.

Unlike some other Disney couples, Robin Hood and Maid Marian don’t fall in love and get married over just a couple days. Rather, the two were actually childhood sweethearts. Although they’re separated for several years, both hold onto the hope that their paths will cross again. After hearing that Marian will be attending an archery tournament, Robin decides to put his freedom on the line to see her. While he almost loses his head in the process, the wily outlaw gets away with his girl. Like Robin Hood, Maid Marian has a playful sense of adventure, lust for life, and giving heart. Together, they’re Nottingham’s definitive power couple.

These two are among the most iconic characters in popular culture. Although some incarnations of this couple are pretty silly, Disney actually puts a poignant spin on their romance. Tarzan is naturally drawn to Jane, being the first human woman he’s ever seen. Jane is also drawn to the Ape Man, being a unique specimen to say the least. Immediately after touching hands, sparks fly between them. Through Jane’s influence, Tarzan gets in touch with his human side. Through Tarzan’s influence, Jane goes from being a damsel in distress to a modern woman who can fend for herself. As a pair, Tarzan and Jane realize where their true home lies. This is one couple that’ll forever be in our hearts.

Despite living in an oppressive society, the Gypsy Esmeralda has an untamable spirit and always stands up for an outcast in need. Although Captain Phoebus serves the corrupt Judge Frollo at first, he soon joins Esmeralda in a fight for freedom. A romance thus blossoms between the two, complete with witty one-liners. Both can also see that Quasimodo is a genuine soul who’s anything but a monster. While Quasi is initially heartbroken that Esmeralda loves another, he eventually comes to embrace her relationship with Phoebus. Together, Esmeralda and Phoebus inspire the hunchback to enter the outside world where the crowd finally accepts him. It’s a meaningful conclusion that demonstrates why this film wasn’t about Esmeralda choosing the hot guy instead.

From the second Snow White encounters The Prince in the castle courtyard, they share instant chemistry. Throughout the film, the princess dreams of the day her prince will come back. The prince returns for the grand finale, as Snow White rests in eternal slumber. Through love's first kiss, the prince awakens Snow White and whisks her away. Granted, this couple might not get as much development as some of the other pairs on our list. However, they did establish the basic blueprint for every future Disney couple. More importantly, they remind us that there’s always hope for a happy ending even during the darkest of times.

Carl and Ellie’s life together is depicted over the course of several minutes. In that short amount of time, Pixar tells a better love story than most feature-length romantic comedies. Meeting during their youth, Carl and Ellie are two opposites that quickly attract. Their marriage is entirely expressed through imagery and Michael Giacchino’s musical score, removing dialog from the equation. Every moment hits a pitch perfect note, from the day they buy their house, to the day they realize childbirth isn’t possible for them, to the day Ellie passes away. While Ellie is gone for much of the film, the audience can always feel her presence. After letting go of her, Carl is finally able to start a new adventure.

These two don’t immediately hit it off upon meeting. Of course that’s largely because Aurora is only a baby and Philip is several years older. About sixteen years later, though, Aurora and Philip are reunited in a forest and make a strong connection. Part of what makes this encounter so charming is that Philip doesn’t realize this mysterious woman is actually the princess he’s engaged to marry. Likewise, Aurora has no idea that Philip is the prince she’s been promised to. After sharing an exquisite duet and dance, the two fall madly in love. Not even death can keep them apart, as Philip awakens his sleeping beauty with the kiss of true love.

Mr. and Mrs. Parr are among the most relatable couples in all animation. That might seem odd considering that one has super-strength and other has stretching abilities. Superpowers aside, however, their marriage feels surprisingly authentic. Many men can identify with Bob’s midlife crisis while many women can connect with Helen’s struggle to keep her family together. While their marriage is far from perfect, these superheroes always have each other’s backs. They’re not only partners in fighting crime, but partners at home as well. By getting back in the superhero game, both realize that family is the greatest adventure of all.

Tiana is the best thing Naveen never knew he needed and vice versa. Two polar opposites, Tiana is a waitress who has fought for everything she has while Naveen is a prince who doesn’t know the meaning of manual labor. After both are turned into frogs, though, the two find that they have more in common than expected. Tiana shows the frog prince the value of hard work and devotion. In exchange, Naveen teaches her how to cut loose and have a good time. In the end, both discover that their dreams wouldn’t be complete without each other. Suddenly, being green seems a lot easier.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Thomas O’Malley & Duchess
“The Aristocats” (1970)


Jack Skellington & Sally
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)


Roger & Jessica Rabbit
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)

If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, you probably know that Hercules and Megara don’t exactly live happily ever after. Fortunately, Disney took a few liberties with their interpretation of their story. Reminiscent of Superman and Lois Lane, Hercules is a godlike wonder boy while Meg is a sarcastic mortal. Despite their differences, they form an irresistible bond. Meg opens Herc’s eyes to what’s been missing from his life. Herc does the same for Meg, causing her cynicism to melt away. Their relationship does take a tragic turn when it’s revealed that Meg has been working with the dastardly Hades. However, both lovers are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to make things right. People do crazy things when they’re in love.

Do you agree with our list? Which Disney couple do you love the most? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.