Top 10 Best Disney Character Introductions
#10: Jack Sparrow “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)
Top 10 Movie and TV Characters Named Jack
It’s no secret that Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow has basically kept the “Pirates” series afloat since the very first installment. So, it makes sense that he gets an uber-awesome on-screen entrance, standing atop a sinking ship, in the first movie, “Curse of the Black Pearl”. Stepping onto the dock just as his ship becomes completely submerged in the water, it perfectly embodies his disastrous character, as destruction seems to follow him pretty much anywhere he goes. But he always manages to style it out. And so what if he’s the worst pirate you’ve ever heard of…
#9: Baymax “Big Hero 6” (2014)
Having an inflatable, robotic nurse as your surrogate older brother may not be everyone’s idea of sibling perfection, but for Hiro, Baymax was a literal lifesaver. Helping the young Hiro recover after the loss of his brother Tadashi, we first see Baymax in this scene, as he aimlessly waddles around the room, carefully moving objects out of his way. The softly-spoken Baymax instantly fills us with reassurance as it cleverly scans Hiro’s vitals, applies some anti-bacterial spray and even gives him a lollipop. We are satisfied with this intro, thanks Baymax!
#8: Timon and Pumbaa “The Lion King” (1994)
Top 10 Best Timon & Pumbaa Moments
They may not look it, but Timon and Pumbaa are the ultimate survivors. And when they stumble across the exhausted Simba in the desert, it doesn’t take them long to hatch a plan to harness his apex predator status. In just a matter of seconds, we are introduced to Timon and Pumbaa’s rapid-fire, back-and-forth double act, with Timon clearly being the brains and Pubmaa being the brawn. The way they selfishly decide to save Simba in order to protect themselves is classic cowardice, and what makes their characters so memorable. Sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes...
#7: Tigger “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (1977)
For those of you that don’t know, Tigger is a hyperactive, pocket rocket, ego-centric tiger who loves to bounce off the walls and talk about how great he is. In this scene, Winnie the Pooh is cautiously opening the front door to investigate a noise outside - when all of a sudden… Unleashing his eccentric personality on the room, Tigger lets us know what he’s all about in a flash - rubber top, springy tail and all. And if his nutty antics didn’t quite tell you everything you needed to know, there’s always his song...
#6: Dug “Up” (2009)
Top 10 Disney Side Characters with Main Character Energy
It would be so cool if dogs could talk. Or would it? While Russell and Mr. Fredricksen explore Paradise Falls, they encounter some unfamiliar things along the way. Like Dug the dog. Why is Dug unfamiliar? Well… Caught totally off-guard, Russel and Mr. Fredricksen hear Dug speaking out loud, thanks to a special collar he’s wearing. And it doesn’t take Dug long to tell them how much he loves them, how clever his master is and how — squirrel!! — well, how much he loves squirrels. After this scene, it didn’t matter what happened, Dug would forever be one of our favorites.
#5: Dory “Finding Nemo” (2003)
We go from one hilarious, catchphrase-driven sidekick to another, as we take a look at the forgetful Blue Tang fish, Dory. Becoming instantly wrapped-up in the effort to help Marlin find Nemo, Dory offers to show him where she saw a boat - and at first, nothing seems out of the ordinary. Until, she forgets that the previous conversation ever took place - and thinks that Marlin is stalking her. It turns out, Dory’s short term memory’s not so great. But regardless, she’s always chipper and willing to help - and that’s why we love her - even if we have to remind her of that every two seconds.
#4: Maleficent “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Maleficent (2014) VS Cruella (2021)
There are some pretty evil baddies in Disney lore, but Maleficent pretty much takes the cake. Feared by all, she turns up uninvited to Princess Aurora’s christening, and in retaliation for being left out of the festivities, she curses the young Princess to die when she turns 16. The curse itself is notable, but it’s Maleficent’s bravado that really helps sell this scene. Although clearly very powerful, her demeanor is almost coy here - showing us that this is someone you do not want to underestimate. And so her legend is born!
#3: Mary Poppins “Mary Poppins” (1964)
Top 10 Things You Missed in Mary Poppins Returns
This nanny is decidedly not like any regular nanny - and that becomes pretty clear even at 100 yards away. Mary Poppins flies down into 17 Cherry Tree Lane, skips over the fence and quickly lets everyone know who is boss! Denying Mr. Banks’ request for references, asking that wages be made clear, demanding time off . . . she’s not afraid of speaking her mind - and the children find that out soon enough too. Mary Poppins has become one of the most iconic movie characters of all time, because she knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to tell people.
#2: Buzz Lightyear “Toy Story” (1995)
Top 10 Most Hilarious Buzz Lightyear Moments
We could have chosen literally any of the “Toy Story” characters for this list, and we were very tempted by the hectic introduction of the Roundup Gang in “Toy Story 2”. But we ended up settling on the one and only Buzz Lightyear. At the beginning of the first movie, Buzz is a little delusional, believing himself to be a universe-protecting Space Ranger instead of, yanno, a toy. And his serious demeanor is hilarious, commenting on the red’s terrain, his crashed ship and intelligent lifeforms… If you’ve ever met someone who takes themselves a little too seriously, then you’ll find this scene all too relatable. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions. Héctor Rivera “Coco” (2017) Olaf “Frozen” (2013) Ursula “The Little Mermaid” (1989) Baloo “The Jungle Book” (1967) The Horned King “The Black Cauldron” (1985)
#1: Genie “Aladdin” (1992)
Top 10 Genie Moments in Aladdin
The late, great Robin Williams played the Genie in “Aladdin”, and it’s hard to imagine one existing without the other. Even before his iconic performance of “Friend Like Me,” the Genie lets us know what he’s all about through impressions, over-the-top physicality and quick one-liners. So, basically, his intro is like a Robin Williams stand-up skit! As viewers, it sends our head for a spin, and gives us too many memorable lines to count. After the Genie comes onto the scene, the entire pace of the movie changes, and his introduction is a shot in the arm we’ll never forget.
