Top 10 Disney Side Characters with Main Character Energy
#10: Scar “The Lion King” (1994)
Now here’s a character who thinks he’s the mane event. Scar feels slighted when his brother has the audacity to reproduce, thus pushing him down the line of succession. His motives are driven by his unwavering belief that the crown should sit on his head. Whether he’s interacting with his brother, nephew, or the hyenas, Scar’s practically positive that he’s the one who’s been wronged, and like every good leading cat, he must right this injustice. He’s the villain we love to hate, and we revel in every moment he’s on our screens. We’d even be prepared to say that for a devious villain, the energy he radiates is pretty roar-some.
#9: Sisu “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021)
While Awkwafina’ Sisu is the titular “Last Dragon,” it’s Raya who gets top billing. However, the duo makes such a dynamic team that we believe the honor should be shared equally. Sisu, after all, is the key to saving humanity, and Raya could never have succeeded without her. Apparently, “Sisu” is Finnish for courage, guts, or grit which the character often displays when she’s not goofing around or solving problems with her gift-giving obsession. Like any good protagonist, she’s always there to help when there’s trouble and can easily whip out a well-timed wisecrack in any situation. This character is way too fire to be sidelined.
#8: Abby “Turning Red” (2022)
Mei might be the one who turns into a red panda, but Abby doesn’t need a furry red coat to enter beast mode. Thanks to her passion, enthusiasm, and vibrancy, Mei’s bestie practically steals the spotlight in every one of her scenes. She’s fun, unpredictable, slightly chaotic, and undeniably relatable. She’s also one of Mei’s biggest supporters and an incredibly loyal friend; find someone who’s willing to give up “4*Town” tickets for you! Still, Abby goes so hard in everything she says and does that a side character status simply can’t contain her. We can’t help but wonder what animal she would turn into if this story was about her.
#7: Edna Mode “The Incredibles” franchise (2004-)
Top 10 Fabulous Edna Mode Moments
Superheroes: They’re always looking for trouble, saving the day, and hogging all the credit, right? But it’s the woman behind the scenes who makes them look good and saves them from any cape-inflicted accidents who’s the real hero. Well, at least that’s what she’d tell you. What Edna Mode lacks in stature, she more than makes up for with her larger-than-life personality. She’s so self-assured and domineering that she has the power to make someone as big and strong as Mr. Incredible shrink in her presence. Edna knows her worth and isn’t afraid to put others in their place. We love her vigor, derisiveness, and dry wit. She’s fabulous, dahling!
#6: Ursula “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
This magnetic sea witch doesn’t get nearly enough screentime, “Poor Unfortunate Soul,” indeed! However, even during her brief appearances, she always gives 110%. Sure, she’s a villain, but under different circumstances, she could be the strong female role model Disney often overlooked back in the day. She knows what she wants and goes after it with an unshakable determination. She’s one independent sea witch whose colossal personality pops out of the screen with a bang. Given the lasting impression she makes in such a short time, we have no doubt that she would’ve totally stolen the show if she had been granted more exposure. Ursula mer-maid for a leading role.
#5: Mushu “Mulan” (1998)
Top 10 Most Hilarious Mushu Moments
Who wouldn't want this travel-sized sassy talking dragon as their guardian? Mushu's awakened to be the supporting act in Mulan's story, but does he know that? If you asked him, he might tell you that this is the tale of how one formally demoted guardian spirit regained acceptance among the ancestors. Oh, and Mulan? Well, she was just the ticket that got him there. Admittedly, fewer comical Disney sidekicks have had an easier time holding our attention than this little firecracker. He's such a loveable character that we're as invested in his story arc as we are in Mulan's. And we can't help but celebrate when he gets his happily ever after as well.
#4: Maui “Moana” (2016)
This demigod is so sure that this is the Maui story that he commandeers the entire narrative within moments of meeting our protagonist. And boy, does he enjoy singing his own praises! Anyway, Maui might be the sidekick in Moana’s adventures, but he certainly doesn’t see it that way. After all, the creators loosely based their story on Polynesian mythology featuring this legendary giant. He also inadvertently creates the plot’s catalyst and is a driving force in the story’s progression. And does anyone radiate more BDE (that’s big demigod energy) than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? He’s truly a force of nature and instantly had us hooked. Get it? You’re Welcome.
#3: Hades “Hercules” (1997)
Hades is proof that nepotism doesn’t always pay off. However, it left him with this relentless drive to seize control of his life (and Mount Olympus), and he’s laser-focused on getting what he wants, no matter the price. Meanwhile, everyone around him is either a means to an end or just collateral damage. Hades has a complex backstory and such a gripping personality that it’s easy to overlook his flaws. He channels the charming salesman and comical hothead vibes so well that we almost forget we’re not supposed to be rooting for him. Herc may have overcome 12 labors, but he’d have one helluva challenge vying for the spotlight with Hades.
#2: Yzma “The Emperor's New Groove” (2000)
Top 10 Hilarious Yzma Moments
Yzma makes no secret of her ambitions from the moment we meet her. In fact, when we're first introduced to her, she's sitting on Kuzco's throne, playing empress. The character personifies Eartha Kitt's larger-than-life personality, at times going as far as stealing the shot with her eccentric personality. She, alongside Kronk, is responsible for some of the film's funniest and most memorable scenes. She's also behind one of its most timelessly quotable lines. This villain may have claws and an unhinged thirst for power, but she's no number two in anyone's story. And it's not like Kuzco's so great anyway. Indeed, Yzma's transcended his story to become an icon in her own right. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Olaf , “Frozen” franchise (2013-) Snow One Can Compete with This Loveable Flurry of Fun Ray, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) A Shining Star in His Own Right Isabela Madrigal, “Encanto” (2021) The Oldest Madrigal Sister Blooms with Main Character Energy Gaston, “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) No One Hogs the Limelight Like Gaston Bo Peep, “Toy Story 4” (2019) Talk about Becoming the Leading Lady of One’s Own Life
#1: Genie “Aladdin” franchise (1992-96)
Top 10 Genie Moments in Aladdin
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Genie not only steals the show, but he’s as synonymous with the franchise as the titular character—perhaps even more so. Of course, that’s considerably thanks to the unrivaled comedic prowess and improvisation skills of the late great Robin Williams. With his colorful personality, affability, and arsenal of impressions, Genie lights up every one of his scenes. Williams took the character to a whole new level, arguably going harder than any voice actor has ever gone before. His original purpose might’ve been to serve others, but Genie has this phenomenal cosmic power to outshine everyone around him. We couldn’t wish for a more iconic character.
