Top 20 Cutest Disney Kids

“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
To this day, we’re still devastated over Tod and Copper’s doomed friendship, especially considering how innocent they started out. Tod was a tiny, excitable little fox with a knack for trouble –but who could possibly stay mad at that face? Copper, meanwhile, was an endearing, curious pup who wasn’t much of a hunting dog at first, but was definitely fun to be around. Even if their species are natural-born enemies, neither one cared — they promised to be besties forever. Our hearts swelled over their friendship, only to be shattered later when they were forced to become foes in adulthood. Still, their bond never truly faded deep down, and neither did our love for them.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017)
After the original Groot’s heroic sacrifice in the first “Guardians” film, a small piece of him spawned a brand-new version. With his new pint-sized appearance, Baby Groot instantly stole our hearts. Not only is he a cute little munchkin, but he knows how to bust a move. In addition, we can’t help but giggle at his curiosity over the death button — look how excited he is to blow everyone up. Unfortunately for us, no one stays young forever, and Baby Groot quickly enters his rebellious teen years in the film’s post-credit scene. The bad attitude only makes us miss his baby form even more.

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
Before her misadventures with the Tramp, Lady entered Jim Dear and Darling’s lives as an adorably fluffy Christmas gift. Any dog lover in the audience automatically fell in love with her almost as much as her new parents did. We could feel our hearts clenching when she started whimpering in fright being left alone in the dark. Pretty soon, she became the epitome of class and sophistication while still making us smile. Even her origin story is downright adorable. Get this, artist Joe Grant showed Walt Disney a drawing of his dog, the real-life Lady, and the rest was history.

“Encanto” (2021)
At the start of “Encanto,” we got to meet little five-year-old Mirabel before she was set to receive her miracle gift. Look how excitable she used to be. Looking at the large pink bow in her curly hair and her little dress, it was hard not to smile as she walked to her door. It was even harder not to cry when she didn’t get her gift that night, and see it deeply affect her over time. Still, she admirably used her disappointment to help her support her equally adorable younger cousin Antonio during his ceremony in case things didn’t go right. Thankfully, they did. That’s one magically adorable family.

“The Lion King” (1994)
The future king of the Pride Lands has just been born… and it’s a precious little kitty cat! The minute baby Simba appeared on screen, we were gushing over his big head and tiny body. Seeing him try to paw at Rafiki’s staff only made us squeal harder, and when he gave a little sneeze… forget it! Our hearts can only take so much cuteness! The only ones more excited to see little Simba are the Pride Landers as Rafiki presents them with their future ruler. While he’d face many hardships later in life, there was no doubt in our minds that this cub would make a great king.

“One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)
When it was announced that Pongo and Perdita would be having kids, they got more than anyone could bargain for: 15 spotted puppies. Each one is an excitable bundle of joy with its own distinct quirks. Lucky is “the runt of the litter,” Rolly is perpetually hungry, and Patch is the scrappy young one, just to name a few. Eventually, 84 more pups join the pack after escaping the sadistic Cruella De Vil. Pongo, Perdita, and co. don’t have the heart to turn them away. Who would? They’re 101 of the cutest pups we have ever seen! Anyone who would try to hurt them is a monster — no wonder Cruella is so hated.

“Dumbo” (1941)
The moment Dumbo arrived, our hearts melted. Just look at his large blue eyes full of childhood innocence, his tiny little trunk, and his enormous ears. Everyone kept ridiculing and shaming him because of the latter, but they don’t know what they’re missing! Even if they caused him a lot of trouble, we can’t help but gush over them in proportion to his body. Plus, they make an adorable blanket when he needs to be bundled up. By the film's end, those naysayers will regret making fun of this adorable elephant when he soars his way to fame as the adorable star we all know he is.

“The Incredibles” franchise (2004-)
Initially, it was believed that Jack-Jack only had one superpower – being unnaturally adorable. With a solo cluster of hair, tiny teeth, and a contagious laugh, it’s hard to picture him as anything but an innocent child. However, we later learn that not only does he have actual superpowers, but they are insanely unpredictable. Polymorphing, teleportation, laser eyes, and who knows what other abilities are all contained in this cute little bundle of destruction. With some training, little Jack-Jack is more than capable of being the hero no one expected him to be. Plus, it says a lot when a baby manages to warm the heart of the normally cold Edna Mode.

“The Mandalorian” (2019-)
While his real name is Din Grogu, fans will always refer to him as “Baby Yoda”. The young toddler finds itself under the care and protection of the titular Mandalorian in the show of the same name. We can’t blame the bounty hunter for being so protective... just look at this little guy! The big green head on a tiny, cloaked body, the shiny black eyes, the adorable little toddler noises — it’s too much. Not to mention its curious nature mirroring an actual child’s. And we couldn’t forget his precious use of the Force! The fact that the character is portrayed by a practical puppet makes us want to hold the real deal. The team knew what they were doing when they created the Child.

“Finding Dory” (2016)
In “Finding Nemo”, we practically squealed over Squirt’s excitable energy. In the sequel, we found something that made our hearts burst even more. Did you think older Dory was cute enough? How about a smaller Dory with huge purple eyes and a small, excitable voice? If looks could kill, our hearts would’ve exploded over how adorable she was. There was an extra sense of relatability seeing her short-term memory loss at such a young age, and not just being played for laughs. Thankfully, she had parents who were patient enough to help her through her differences in childhood, which made their reunion in adulthood even more beautiful.

“Hercules” (1997)
Sure, as an adult he became the first mega-hunk superstar, but even as a baby there was something about Hercules. With the teeniest curl of a nose and winning smile, we just can’t get enough of the itty bitty Wonder Boy. His big, sparkling eyes just add to the cute factor. And how many infants have a full head of hair that looks like it’s made of pure spun gold? His appeal isn’t all due to his looks, though. His first meeting with Pegasus is something that gives us all the feels. Not to mention the way Herc looks so happy even when being flown off by his kidnappers, or when he disposes of them. That’s pretty high on the cute scale!

“Frozen” (2013)
Two cuties for the price of one – because how could anyone separate these two little beauties? No, we’re not talking about Kristoff and Sven, though we could be! The perfect dynamic of an excitable younger sibling and one who needs a little bit of coaxing, we could watch these two build snowmen forever. Fair-haired Elsa and red-tressed Anna are both beautiful little girls, with the kind of eyes that people just fall right into. But what lands them on the list is the chemistry between them. The love and joy that these two share is a perfect example of what sisterly love is supposed to be about. It warms even the iciest of viewers’ hearts – which makes their later forced separation that much more painful.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
How could anyone in New Orleans really compete with Tiana’s willfulness and charm from the time she’s just a hopeful kid? Without being overbearing or obnoxious, Tiana demonstrates a strong sense of self and a belief in her own abilities – qualities she’s going to need as she grows up. Though she has a wonderfully expressive face, and springy black curls, it’s Tiana’s endless drive that makes her special. From a young age, she makes a mean gumbo and has lofty aspirations, but her parents teach her that family is really what’s important.

“Brave” (2012)
Sure, the trio of brash, mischievous little brothers in “Brave” have their fair share of way-cute moments, but they have to take second place to their incredible sister. With that shock of wild red hair, giant bright blue eyes and a smile that lights up her little face, Merida is a wee darling. Combine that with her impish personality and she’s a real winner. When she’s given her first set of bow and arrows, we kind of knew she’d get pretty good with them, but her first tries are nothing short of adorable. When she delves into the forest and meets a will o’ the wisp, we truly see how endlessly inquisitive she is.

“Tarzan” (1999)
Maybe Tarzan should have just stayed a little baby. Sure, when he grows up he shows that he knows how to rock that loincloth, but just look at how fetching his pudgy little arms are as a baby. And how many babies would be so calm when a gorilla shows up and starts inspecting them? Little Tarzan doesn’t mind being hung upside down and he’s perfectly content to spend time making little bubbles. Once he reaches out to give Kala’s fingers a squeeze, she’s sold – but he had the rest of us the minute he sneezed.

“Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
To scary monsters, the little girl called Boo is considered toxic. Well, if by toxic they mean “so cute you just want to scream,” then she’s guilty as charged. Seriously, how can you not love a little girl who’s got those big old eyes? Especially when they water up and she starts crying? But we love Boo because of how innocent and childlike she is. She’s trusting and loving and sweet, but also very ready to react to unpleasant stimuli. With her adorable little pigtails, it’s no wonder “Kitty” and Mike fall for her just like we did.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
He spends most of the movie as a slightly broken teacup, but whether he’s in his enchanted form or his human form, Chip steals your heart right away. What mother wouldn’t want to have a son like Chip? He’s mother’s little helper without being a mama’s boy, a sweet kid that has an optimistic outlook even about his enchantment. And who can’t help but chuckle when his mother and friends are singing about Belle and the Beast’s relationship – and Chip just doesn’t understand what they’re talking about? As a human, he’s every bit as lovable, too – which is quite an accomplishment.

“Tangled” (2010)
Rapunzel may not have the happiest of childhoods, but her infancy started out well. Granted, being the beloved daughter of a king and queen isn’t a bad way to begin life. But Rapunzel was clearly a good baby. She was lively and curious, a squirming little bundle of happiness. And even as a baby, she had a head of gorgeous golden hair. Even after being kidnapped by a witch, Rapunzel was a precious child, obedient, kind and full of wonder. This is one little girl who never gave up hope – despite having every reason to do so.

“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)
Lilo doesn’t have the benefits of royal birth or a fairy tale setting. She’s a realistic little girl being raised by her well-meaning but inexperienced older sister. Seen as an oddball by other kids her age, it doesn’t help matters that Lilo has very definite, strong opinions that she is unafraid to voice – or express in other ways. Lilo also has quite the wild imagination. But Lilo’s stubborn streak comes from her desire to have a happy family at any cost. She makes mistakes, but she’s unerringly honest, determined and loyal. Roll this up into a package of jet-black hair and an infectious smile, and you’ve got the cutest of them all with a great big heart.

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

A Little Princess Since the Beginning, & Not Much Changed

She Literally Warmed Our Hearts as a Newborn

We Can’t Stop Smiling at the Young Prince Learning to Walk

She Inherited the Best of Both Her Parents & Tara Strong’s Voice

Anyone Who Overlooks a Little Tabby Cat Is Wrong

“Moana” (2016)
Those EYES! We can’t resist! Little Moana has what seems to be an ideal life. Living near the shore, this little sweetie-pie is interested in everything the island has to offer, and gathers seashell after seashell. Her little giggle is just part of the innocence that makes Moana so appealing and endearing. Her fast friendship with the ocean is incredibly captivating, and little does she know that she’s making a lifelong pal. The ocean giving her adorable brunette tresses a makeover and then their goodbye waves skyrocketed this new Disney heroine into our hearts.

Which Disney child made you go “Awwww”? Let us know in the comments.