Top 10 Olaf Moments from Frozen

During the COVID pandemic, when warm hugs had become a distant memory, the team behind “Frozen” created a series of short animations starring this loveable snowman. With everyone working from their own homes, the animators and Olaf voice actor Josh Gad brought some of that much needed Disney magic back into our lives. We follow Olaf on all sorts of adventures as he wanders through Arendelle, making animal friends, doing gymnastics and having fun with sled dogs, just to name a few. While most of these clips are very amusing, the one where he sings “I Am with You,” is sure to have brought comfort to a lot of people during this difficult time.

In the first Christmas since the reopening of the palace gates, Elsa and Anna realize they’re the only family in Arendelle without a holiday tradition. So, Olaf goes door-to-door with Sven to learn about other traditions in the hopes of adopting the most special one he finds. Even a cheery greeting can’t distract Olaf from his task, which is demonstrated when he waves aside the niceties to get straight down to business and introduces himself and his associate. While the candy cane sugar rush is certainly a contender, there are still lots of other traditions to discover, and what better way to do so than in song?

In the time between the events of the first movie and its highly anticipated sequel, Olaf has acquired a variety of random trivia and some deep thoughts on various subjects - such as technology. During their journey to the Enchanted Forest, Olaf decides to pass the time by sharing some of his newfound knowledge with the group. We learn that turtles breathe out their butts, gorillas burp when they’re happy and water has memory, among other unexpected fun facts. While he’s 100 percent certain that all of his information is correct, he’s less convinced when Kristoff offers a fact of his own.

While facing a self-identity crisis, Olaf wanders into Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post where he discovers his love of summer and gains his first nose. But his summer sausage schnoz almost instantly proves to be impractical. As he escapes the wolves, he discovers that he can literally fall apart. This makes him question whether this is a skill or a flaw, prompting him to ask his various body parts to implement the buddy system. Although he goes to great lengths to protect his nose, his kind heart can’t bear to see a wolf go hungry. Fortunately, in return for his sacrifice, Olaf finally finds his sense of identity.

When Olaf starts imagining what Elsa might be like, he forgets to look where he’s going and finds himself in a sticky predicament while journeying to her ice palace. Although it takes him a second to realize what’s happened, this happy-go-lucky snowman can’t help but see the funny side, saying: [“I’ve Been Impaled”]. The nonchalant delivery of this line is very funny and has easily become one of the movie’s most quotable lines - although coming in a very close second is his deadpan delivery of this: [“I don’t have a skull or bones”]. Needless to say, Olaf’s relationship with his body provides a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments.

One of “Frozen’s” charms is how it explores other forms of love beyond just the romantic. In this scene, we see the love between two friends as Olaf puts himself in danger to save Anna. In fact, he teaches her that love is about putting someone else’s needs before your own. While Anna is concerned for her little buddy, he refuses to leave her side, even risking standing by fire for her. While we love Olaf for his countless hilarious lines throughout this franchise, it’s his response to Anna during this moment that is truly bound to melt even the coldest of hearts.

Although the events of the first movie probably made headlines throughout Arendelle, the residents of the Enchanted Forest needed to be brought up to speed. Thankfully, Olaf steps up to introduce himself and his friends through a dramatic retelling of the events that led them into the forest. It’s a thrilling, gripping, and hilarious retelling where he not only highlights key events, but also reminds us of all our favorite bits too. As he rushes through the last few details, he seems to lose his audience and is met with a resounding silence. Still, we think his performance is applause-worthy.

While “When I Am Older” from “Frozen II” shows Olaf taking a more cautious approach to the world, there is nothing quite like his blissful ignorance in his first big solo, “In Summer”. After working with Josh Gad in “The Book of Mormon”, songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez couldn’t imagine anyone else voicing Olaf. In fact, “In Summer” was written to suit his range and show off his amazing talent. Olaf’s endearing childlike innocence really is a ray of sunshine and we wouldn’t want to be the ones who break the news about snow in summer to him either.

When Olaf gets separated from the gang in the Enchanted Forest, he calls out for each of his friends... as well as someone called Samantha. Upon realizing he doesn’t actually know anyone by that name, he laughs to himself. But soon weird occurrences start taking place, thanks to a spritely spirit he will later name Gale, and when his nerves get the better of him, he calls out for Samantha once again. This brief adlib by Josh Gad is so hilariously random that it quickly cemented itself as one of the funniest and most memorable lines from the movie.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Olaf Brings Guests to Marshmallow, “Frozen Fever” (2015)
How Many of Their Names Can You Remember?

Playing Charades, “Frozen II” (2019)
We Would Totally Want Olaf On Our Team

Olaf’s Thoughts on Change, “Frozen II” (2019)
Even Snowmen Can Get Deep

Flurrying Away, “Frozen II” (2019)
If You Don’t Well Up Here, Your Heart Just Might Be Frozen

Olaf’s “Legs”, “Frozen” (2013)
Olaf Is Still Finding Himself

We could hardly leave out the moment that started it all, now could we? Although Olaf’s first meeting with Anna, Kristoff, and Sven doesn’t go so smoothly, his boundless cheeriness and endless witty lines win us over instantly. Everything about this first meeting is hilarious, from the confusion over “the funky-looking donkey?”, to his incessant “yeah, why?” response to each of Anna’s questions. We also love his reaction to his new nose, and of course, when he uses his detached arm to slap Kristoff. Plus, what’s not to love about a snowman who likes warm hugs?