Top 10 CUTE Yet DEADLY Characters
#10: The Blue Demons
“Galaxy Quest” (1999)
This star-studded 1999 film both parodies and pays homage to popular science fiction franchises. The plot has a group of actors from a “Star Trek”- like series thrust into a real-life space adventure, constructed by aliens who believe their TV hijinks were real. At one point, the actors stumble upon a colony of childlike blue humanoids. Observing their chunky bodies, cherubic faces, and seemingly peaceful ways from afar, Sigourney Weaver’s character is tempted to say hello. But then the little fellas start cannibalizing each other, and the cast decides they may not be so friendly. In fact, they resolve to stay as far away as possible from the Blue Demons for the remainder of their journey.
#9: Unikitty
“The LEGO Movie” franchise (2014-) & “Unikitty!” (2017-20)
Princess Unikitty is a pink, wide-eyed unicorn-cat hybrid with a sweet voice and even sweeter demeanor. Since her debut in 2014’s “The Lego Movie,” Unikitty has consistently captured audiences’ hearts, which led to her getting her own spin-off series on Cartoon Network. It’s impossible not to love the princess of Unikingdom’s cheerful and optimistic personality, but what makes her even more entertaining is her quirky tendency to express extreme emotions. When she’s adopted her “Angry Kitty” form, as well as “Super Angry Kitty” and other modes, Unikitty can wreak absolute havoc. Be nice and don’t mess with her friends, and hopefully you’ll be safe from Unikitty’s wrath.
#8: The Giant
“The Iron Giant” (1999)
The titular giant from Brad Bird’s 1999 movie may be made of iron, but his heart is as pure as gold. The giant – a 50-foot-tall robotic being of extraterrestrial origin – has all sorts of weaponry built into his system, suggesting he may have been conceived with the purpose of destroying Earth. However, far from being a monster, he’s a childlike, innocent, and curious bot who’s clearly not interested in hurting anyone. The story sees him develop a friendship with a boy named Hogarth, and their bond prompts the giant to learn that he’s more than what he’s programmed to be. You might even call him the quintessential “Gentle Giant.”
#7: Stripe
“Gremlins” (1984)
Gremlins are a one-of-a-kind blend of precious and horrifying. First appearing in the ‘80s comedy-horror classic, these cuddly-looking monsters double as the more peaceful Mogwai, only letting out their fury if you ignore the rules for taking care of them (or feed them after midnight, which is a major no-no). Even when they’re causing chaos as gremlins, you have to admit they look cute while doing it. The series has introduced several gremlins with a plethora of personalities, with a particularly vicious one named Stripe serving as their leader. Stripe may look (and act) rather demonic compared to the rest of them, but even he manages to be endearing.
#6: Stitch
“Lilo & Stitch” franchise (2002-)
Stitch is a fugitive alien who was literally created to destroy. But let’s be honest - he’s pretty darn cute (and fluffy)! As #626 of a series of illegal genetic experiments, Stitch is incredibly fierce, with superhuman strength and durability among his many attributes. Since his debut in the 2002 movie, we’ve witnessed Stitch go up against all kinds of enemies and prove himself to be an intimidating foe. But with the help of his human companion Lilo, Stitch has also developed a sweet, vulnerable streak that makes it difficult not to absolutely adore him. While he still kicks butt on the regular, he usually has pure intentions, namely protecting his new ohana.
#5: Toothless
“How to Train Your Dragon” franchise (2010-)
Black as the night and cute as a button, Toothless was the first dragon introduced in the wildly popular DreamWorks franchise. He’s also one of the most formidable of his kind, frequently displaying an ability to destroy and terrorize. We’ve watched Toothless dive-bomb at top speed, unleash devastating blasts of plasma, defeat the massive Bewilderbeast, and much more. But throughout it all, he never loses his undeniable charm. Toothless’ creators allegedly wanted his behavior to resemble a cat or dog’s, and this is especially evident when the dragon shows his affectionate, playful side. Maybe he’s lethal, but he’s also lovable.
#4: Ewoks
“Star Wars” franchise (1977-)
In “Star Wars” episode six, the rebels land on the forest moon of Endor to discover a tribe of what looks like walking, talking teddy bears. This installment marks the debut of the Ewoks, a furry race of primitive moon-dwellers who have appeared in various “Star Wars” media. Designed in part to resemble George Lucas’ dog, Ewoks certainly look huggable enough - unless they deem you a rival (or prey). They’re strong, protective, loyal, and resourceful, using their knowledge of the forest and technology to their advantage when taking on invaders. They also have a taste for human flesh, but thankfully, Han and the others are able to dodge that bullet.
#3: Puss in Boots
“Shrek” franchise (2001-)
He may have started out as a sidekick, but this swashbuckling orange tabby would soon prove to be one of DreamWorks’ most fearsome - not to mention charming - anti-heroes. Voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss in Boots is a crafty, agile, sword-wielding feline who’s held his own against a number of fairytale foes. But across numerous appearances in the “Shrek” universe (including a couple of his own spin-offs), Puss has remained a typical kitty at heart, purring and coughing up hairballs and batting things around with his paws. Don't let those big, innocent eyes fool you; beneath that fluffy exterior lies a cunning assassin ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
#2: Jack-Jack Parr
“The Incredibles” franchise (2004-)
Baby Jack-Jack is a force to be reckoned with. The youngest child in a family of superheroes, Jack-Jack has more powers than his parents can handle, from polymorphism to telekinesis to teleportation and beyond. Amazingly, we don’t even see Jack-Jack in action until the movie’s climax, when he’s briefly taken hostage by the villainous Syndrome. That’s when he proves he’s capable of dominating even the most dangerous adversaries. We get a lot more of Jack-Jack in the short film “Jack-Jack Attack” and the 2018 sequel; both showcase his apparently endless superpowers. We can only assume Jack-Jack will grow up to be an iconic hero. But for now, he remains a gurgling, giggling infant who can never have enough cookies.
#1: The Rabbit Of Caerbannog
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)
Take a look at this rabbit. What do you see? Just a fuzzy white bunny minding its own business. But take a closer look and – actually, you know what? Scratch that. Don’t go anywhere near it if you know what’s good for you. This deceptively sweet-looking rodent is the guardian of the Cave of Caerbannog, and its viciousness is the stuff of legend. Although King Arthur is skeptical of its ferociousness at first, he’s convinced when it kills three of his men and maims several others. The scene is a nod to the “killer rabbit” trope, which was actually quite common in medieval literature. This film may be a comedy classic, but it can also serve as a warning not to underestimate the mighty bunny.
Did we miss any calamitous cuties? Let us know below.