Top 10 Redeemed Disney Jerks

“Encanto” (2021)

Beautiful, graceful, and poised, Isabela is annoyingly flawless. To hammer the point home, she usually appears surrounded by bouquets of flowers. The tension between her and Mirabel is anything but subtle and things really come to a head when Mariano’s proposal goes wrong, even though Isabela doesn’t even want to get married in the first place. While confessing her feelings to her younger sister, the golden child conjures a cactus, something she’s never done before. In doing so, she frees herself from the expectation of being perfect and explores the range of her power. With this change in attitude, Isabela quickly becomes a more likable and relatable supporting character.

“Meet the Robinsons” (2007)

Even though his robotic accessory is evil, Bowler Hat Guy himself is simply a jerk with a grudge. It’s revealed that the middle-aged man is actually a future version of Lewis’s roommate, Goob. As a child, the young athlete was kept awake by Lewis the night before a big game. He fell asleep on the field, missed a crucial catch, and caused his team to lose. Goob grew up bitter, eventually coming to blame everything on his former friend. Once Bowler Hat Guy realizes how Doris was manipulating him, though, he shows remorse for his actions. The character’s true redemption comes when Lewis alters the timeline. The kid genius wakes the baseball player up just in time for him to make the winning catch.

“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)

While Stitch can certainly be a jerk in his own right, for this list, we’re concerned with his creator. Jumba is a self-proclaimed evil genius, and the cause of intergalactic chaos. The alien scientist is egotistical and apathetic about others, it’s no wonder he’s responsible for hundreds of unlawful genetic experimentations. On top of all that, he invades the home of a six-year-old girl without a second thought. His redemption does come, but only once he’s convinced to help save Lilo. Although he continues to be arrogant, the extraterrestrial becomes a member of the family in the end.

“Tangled” (2010)

When you hang out with ruthless criminals, you’re sure to start acting like one. Rapunzel’s love interest is a cocky, swashbuckling thief when he’s first introduced. He’s shown betraying his partners in crime at the beginning of the movie and has very obvious intentions to deceive Rapunzel too. But, as we always love to see in the enemies-to-lovers trope, the two begin to develop a strong bond over the course of their adventure together. Flynn shows more and more of what makes him Eugene Fitzherbert and, as he falls in love with Rapunzel, Eugene finds his priorities have shifted. By the end of the film, the rogue is not only brave but also selfless to no end.

“Cinderella II: Dreams Come True” (2002)

Like many adaptations of the classic fairy tale, Disney’s animated story includes two wicked step-sisters. Drizella and Anastasia are not totally evil per se, but rather catty and jealous. As secondary antagonists, they assist their mother in dominating Cinderella’s life. It’s not until the sequel that one of the sisters is presented sympathetically. Anastasia develops feelings for the village baker, and learns the age-old lesson that it’s not what’s on the outside but on the inside that counts. Her character is further developed in the third installment, “Cinderella III: A Twist in Time” where she redeems herself once more by refusing to go along with her mother’s nefarious plot.

“Cars” (2006)

The anthropomorphized racecar is a rising star on the track and he knows it. Unfortunately, his newfound fame has gone to his head. The hot-shot shows little respect for others, including his own pit crew. The slimiest bit of all, though, might be when he accidentally destroys a small town and thinks only of hitting on who he assumes to be his attorney. Charged with restoring the main road, the specialty car spends multiple days in Radiator Springs, where he befriends the locals and learns to appreciate the small things in life. When he returns to the race track, he’s armed with humility and compassion. In the end, Lightning McQueen values good sportsmanship more than winning an empty cup.

“Moana” (2016)

Loosely based on the lovable mythological hero, this demigod is the cause of trouble in Disney’s animated story. While he has performed many deeds for the good of humanity, Maui is also responsible for stealing the heart of Te Fiti. Not to mention, he’s kind of full of himself. The immortal trickster avoids facing the consequences of his mistake and refuses to make things right. He tries multiple times to abandon Moana despite being destined to team up with her. Still, respect for the chief’s daughter would eventually be formed and he'd stand by her as she returned the heart to its rightful owner.

“Peter Pan” (1953)

The Neverland fairy doesn’t need to say a word for it to be obvious that she is not a fan of Wendy. Tink goes out of her way to make the girl’s life difficult, actually almost getting her killed more than once. Tinker Bell’s resentment stems from her infatuation with Peter and the jealousy that comes with seeing him with Wendy. However, when her collusion with Captain Hook lands Peter in danger, the fairy is willing to sacrifice herself. It’s on the brink of going out that she insists Peter save Wendy instead. It’s a sweet gesture, but the leader of the Lost Boys reveals just how much the fairy means to him.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

This is a character who doesn’t learn his lesson until it’s almost too late. He’s turned into a beast by an enchantress because of his coldheartedness, and only continues to keep up his bad attitude and poor manners years down the road. He entraps Belle’s father, tries to force her into dining with him, and is pretty brutish all around. So, yeah. People skills aren’t his thing. Luckily, through his relationship with Belle, the Beast learns to care for others. Not only does he give his captive an entire library, he lets her leave when her father is in danger. By the end of their story, he is a man with empathy and compassion and has truly earned the lifting of his curse.

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

The Opportunistic Bird Realizes Being Good Works in his Favor

Remorse & Selflessness Sets Him on the Right Path

An Unintentionally Destructive Villain Learns How to be His Own Kind of Hero

A Child’s Love Is All This Sour Heart Needed

“The Emperor's New Groove” (2000)

Entitled, egotistical, and rude, this character is initially, like, the worst. Similarly to the Beast, he becomes more in touch with his humanity during his time as an animal. To begin with, the young royal is self-absorbed enough to feel justified in taking his subjects’ land, not to mention throwing an old man out of the palace window. Kuzco gets a reality check during his time as a llama, and he comes to respect the people of his kingdom thanks to his friendship with Pacha. The emperor gets the best of both worlds in the end: he has not only a summer house but also friends to share it with.