Top 10 Animated Movie Cameos You Might Have Missed
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Cameos You Might’ve Missed in Animated Movies. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most sneaky appearances in animated movies made by real people and characters from other intellectual properties. These cameos are so subtle, you probably didn’t notice them during your first watch. If you did, let us know in the comments below.
#10: Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
“The Iron Giant” (1999)
Disney’s chief animators during the mid-twentieth century, otherwise known as the “Nine Old Men,” are often celebrated for their influence in filmmaking. Director Brad Bird credits two of the Disney Legends, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, as major sources of inspiration for his own work. In fact, he often honors his real-life role models by depicting them in his animated feature films. You might remember Thomas and Johnston's cameos in Bird’s 2004 success “The Incredibles,” but, did you know they also appear in Bird’s directorial debut, “The Iron Giant”? The acclaimed animators can briefly be seen towards the beginning of the film as a train engineer and fireman.
#9: Fa Mulan
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“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)
The Hawaiian-based movie starring a blue alien has not one but two sneaky references to the Chinese warrior. The first can be spotted after Lilo adopts Stitch at the animal shelter. As she, her sister, and their new friend are walking away, they pass a restaurant named after the legendary heroine. On top of that, a poster for the 1998 film hangs on the wall in Nani’s bedroom. Honestly, now that we think about it, Nani has a lot in common with Mulan – you know, the whole hardworking, young independent woman vibe? – so it makes sense that she might look up to her. Given that the references are subtle and in the background, it’s likely that you didn’t notice them on the first watch!
#8: Rapunzel & Flynn Rider
“Frozen” (2013)
The romantic leads from Disney’s “Tangled” make a brief appearance in the 2013 hit as guests at Elsa’s coronation. During the song “For the First Time in Forever,” Anna can be seen passing the couple as she makes her way through the castle gates. Although they’re only shown from behind, their likeness in undeniable. Rapunzel’s still sporting her short brown hair, as well as a dress reminiscent of the one she wears in her own movie. Meanwhile, Eugene dons an outfit much fancier than what we’re used to seeing him in, but we’d recognize that head of hair anywhere. Their cameo is quick; don’t blink or you’ll miss it!
#7: Flounder
“Moana” (2016)
One of Disney’s most famous fish is Ariel’s sidekick, Flounder. Yellow with blue stripes and fins, he’s got a pretty distinct look. In the nautical tale, “Moana,” a fish that fits his description appears for a split moment during the song “You’re Welcome.” Although the animation style is different, the fish has Flounder’s markings, fins, and even the little tuft on the top of his head. He’s only on screen for about a second, swimming with a school of sea creatures, so you honestly might have to watch frame by frame to see him. Now that we’ve pointed him out, though, you’ll be able to track him on your next watch through. What can we say except, “you’re welcome”?
#6: Who Doesn’t Have a Cameo, At This Point?
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“Wreck-It Ralph” franchise
There are so many cameos in “Wreck-It Ralph” and its sequel, it's likely you haven’t caught them all, so here’s a brief rundown. In the first film, the protagonist of the eighties game “Paperboy” can be seen delivering papers in Game Central Station. If you look carefully, you can also spot Bowser and Sonic in the power strip. In “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” Miranda Sings is shown when her avatar accidentally gets smooshed. The avatar of yet another famous icon, Stan Lee, is bumped into at one point as well. A single shot from Vanellope’s trip to “Oh My Disney,” shows Ironman, Dumbo, R2-D2, Elsa, and so many more. We’ve got a word count to stick to, but let us know how many others you managed to spot in the comments below!
#5: Ron Clements & John Musker
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Nearly Every Film They've Ever Made Together
This animating duo has co-written and directed many beloved Disney films, from “The Great Mouse Detective” to “Moana.” You may not have realized it, but they often make cameos in their own projects. For instance, the pair can be seen in “Aladdin” during the titular character’s confrontation with one of Jasmine’s suitors. The shorter man with a bushy, red beard resembles a Ron Clements of the time, while the lankier one with a gray mustache looks like John Musker. In “Hercules,” they are depicted as stone workers who have an unfortunate interaction with the demigod. They also make animated appearances in “Treasure Planet,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and “Moana.”
#4: Pinocchio
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“Tangled” (2010)
Since the release of Disney's animated “Pinochio” in 1940, their interpretation of the magical wooden puppet has made many cameos. He appears in movies like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” and “Aladdin,” as well as in affiliated television shows and video games. In “Tangled,” during the song “I've Got a Dream,” the puppet is also visible in the rafters of the Snuggly Duckling pub. He’s not the center of attention and not on screen for very long, so we definitely missed this Easter egg on our first watch.
#3: Belle, Magic Carpet, & Pumbaa
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
During the song “Out There” from Disney’s 1996 “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Quasimodo expresses a desire to leave the cathedral and be among the people. At one point, he looks down at the town below where not one but three familiar figures can be spotted. Belle is shown walking by while reading a book – no surprise there. She passes a villager who is shaking out a carpet resembling the one found by Aladdin. And, on the other side of the street, two men carry a dead warthog that looks a little too much like Pumbaa for our liking. Later on, Pumbaa makes another appearance as a gargoyle. We’re honestly not sure which is a worse fate…
#2: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, & Goofy
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
These characters typically reside on land, but this cameo showcases them under the sea! The three friends can be seen attending a concert held by King Triton in Atlantica. They're a bit difficult to locate among the sea of merpeople – yes, pun intended. In fact, you might need to pause and zoom in on the lower left hand corner in order to make them out. A closer look will reveal Goofy’s long nose, Donald’s yellow bill, and Mickey's round ears. We’re not exactly sure how the land-based characters got tickets to the event, or how they’re even breathing for that matter, but we guess those are just the perks that come with being three of Disney’s most recognizable faces.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Magic Carpet & Genie's Lamp, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
This Movie Has a Couple References to Treasures Found in the Cave of Wonders
Steven Spielberg, “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” (1987)
We Love That the Director of “Jurassic Park” Makes an Appearance in This Tale
The Dogs from “Lady and the Tramp,” “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)
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Jock, Peg, & Tramp Take Part in the Twilight Bark
Seth Rogen, “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” (2018)
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We Hope “Hold Your Horses” Exists In-Universe Too!
#1: Jessie, Nemo, & Pixar’s Luxo Ball
“Monster's Inc.” (2001)
Instead of appearing in the background or as side characters, Jessie, Nemo, and the Luxo Ball are used as props by the leads in this Pixar film. Towards the end of the story, Boo welcomes Sulley into her room and eagerly shows him her toys, three of which look pretty familiar. She retrieves the cowgirl doll from the tabletop and the Luxo ball from the floor before giving them to the big blue monster. She then hands him a Nemo squeak toy. Since “Monster’s Inc.” was released two years before “Finding Nemo,” the clownfish’s cameo originally served as a sneak peek for the future film. So, did you catch any of these on your first watch?
