Top 10 Best Disney Moms of All Time

After she and her three kittens were catnapped and abandoned in the French countryside by her owners’ vengeful butler, Duchess could have given up. But she didn’t. Instead, she hunkered down and against all odds made it back home just in time to expose the dastardly Edgar for the spiteful crook he was. In doing so, Duchess proved that she was more than capable of handling herself in tough situations all while keeping her progeny safe, not to mention educated. After all, they are “Aristocats” and appearances must be upheld!

Coming in at number nine is a slightly more contemporary Disney mama, the kind of character who not only wants her child to be successful, but also understands that even adults need to have a little fun from time to time. Eudora is all that and more, as she also works her butt off to provide for her loved ones while maintaining a level head in complicated situations. Did the fact that it was none other than Oprah Winfrey who voiced Eudora play a part in our decision-making process? Well, it didn’t hurt.

#8: Mrs. Jumbo “Dumbo” (1941)

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The best Disney moms are the ones that will do literally anything to protect their children. However, this rarely comes without consequence. Take Mrs. Jumbo. When the movie starts, it’s made perfectly clear to viewers that she loves her son more than anything else in the entire world, shielding him from the nasty comments of the other elephants. Later, Mrs. Jumbo defends her beloved son from a group of nasty boys, but her violent outburst gets her locked up. Despite all this, she maintains a strong relationship with her son and in the end they live happily ever after!

You obviously can’t be a mother without children, but this Disney mom takes it to the next level. At the beginning of the film, we see Perdita and her husband Pongo caring for a litter of 15 pups, but by the end they find themselves with a whopping 99! Perdy is the perfect match for Pongo and doesn’t mind putting him in his place from time to time, especially when it involves the well-being of their children. She embarks on a cross-country journey to rescue her lost pups from the clutches of the evil and fur-obsessed villain Cruella De Vil, and in the end winds up adopting 84 others! Now that’s one fearless Disney mom!

#6: Bambi's Mother “Bambi” (1942)

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Bambi’s mother nurtures her son with love and compassion and educates him on the ways of the forest. She and Mrs. Rabbit are pretty much the only moms we see in the film and they both do an excellent job of caring for their respective children. In one of the most infamous scenes in film history, Bambi’s mother makes the ultimate sacrifice, dying so that her son may live. As heartbreaking a moment as it was, one can’t help but feel admiration for how Bambi’s mother acted, putting her child first at the expense of her own personal well-being. If that’s not the mark of a great mother we don’t know what is!

You know you’ve earned the respect of every creature in the Hundred Acre Wood when Tigger refuses to bounce you! Kanga is both a literal mother, caring for her young son Roo and a symbolic one, providing wisdom and counsel to Winnie, Piglet, and many of the other characters in the films and books. Kanga is very patient with Roo and never treats him scornfully when he makes a mistake. She often teaches the younger animals about the ways of the forest and protects them during times of crisis. She is strong, loving and full of knowledge. What more could you want from a mom?

#4: Queen Elinor “Brave” (2012)

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If there’s one thing Queen Elinor cares about above all else, it’s the safety of her children. Sometimes this manifests itself in the form of strict disciplinary actions and a rebuking of her eldest daughter Merida’s ideas. While their relationship isn’t exactly the most progressive, it does show that Elinor only wants the best for her daughter and by extension the Kingdom, as it is Merida who will one day inherit the role of Queen. In the film, Elinor undergoes one of the most dramatic character arcs, transitioning from a stubborn perfectionist to a more accepting and loving Queen, something that ultimately brings her closer to her daughter. Adapting for your kids? Now that’s love.

#3: Mrs. Potts “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

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Is there anyone out there who doesn’t absolutely adore this character? First off, she takes the fact that she was transformed into an anthropomorphic teapot in stride. Second, she never loses focus of what’s really important, i.e. her son Chip. And finally, she is one of the few characters in the film that isn’t afraid to stand up to the Beast, calling him out when he throws a tantrum and advising him in times of turmoil. She’s smart and kind hearted, but can be incredibly fierce when the going gets tough. Oh, and she has an awesome singing voice. What’s not to like?

Kala may not be Tarzan’s birth mother, but that doesn’t stop her from raising him as her own. She dutifully adopts the young human after his parents are killed and protects him from the dangers of the jungle throughout childhood. Kala is a calm and reassuring presence throughout the film and, unlike many of the other adoptive mothers in Disney history, actually does a good job of raising her child. Despite her peaceful demeanor, Kala can be incredible ferocious and will do whatever it takes to keep Tarzan safe. She also educates and nurtures him as if he were her true son. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Sarah Hawkins “Treasure Planet” (2002) Sarabi “The Lion King” (1994) Mrs. Davis “Toy Story” franchise (1995-)

Helen Parr is the mother we all wish we could have. For starters, she’s a former superhero who now spends her days caring for her three equally super children, a task that requires all of her many skills. Second, she’s a loving wife to her husband Bob despite the fact that when we first meet her she expresses a desire for independence. This shows that she is adaptable - or stretchable, if you will. Finally, Helen is a fighter. No, like literally. She kicks ass, particularly during the films’ climactic battle sequences. Despite her abilities, Helen comes off as a truly authentic mother, which is why she scores the top spot on our list.