We have finally reached the Top 10 of this countdown. However, before we get to it, let's recap...
Also remember, no humans!
09, 10. Timon & Pumbaa
The top 10 starts with 2 characters that are always linked. I could easily separate the duo, but why bother. They are both elite and their brilliance together is what makes them elite. There are two questions when it comes to these two being top 10 characters.
1) How are they ranked ahead of the main character (Simba)? These two are ranked ahead of Simba because they have a more lasting impact on the Disney Universe. The duo got their own cartoon off of their popularity. Additionally, they were so popular that Disney came out with The Lion King 1 1/2 based solely on the story of Timon and Pumbaa. Finally, they taught Simba not to worry which helped him move on with life. Without Timon and Pumbaa, Simba is dead and there is no redemption story. This duo made The Lion King.
2) Which one of the duo is better? Many people would say Timon, but it is clearly Pumbaa. He is the 1st character to pass gas on screen and make jokes about flatulence. Pumbaa also comes up with most of the brilliant ideas which Timon always takes credit for. He appears dumb, but has lots of good ideas. Pumbaa is as good as it gets as a character.
However, these two are linked and belong as a package deal. The duo together should start the top 10 because they are just that awesome.
1) How are they ranked ahead of the main character (Simba)? These two are ranked ahead of Simba because they have a more lasting impact on the Disney Universe. The duo got their own cartoon off of their popularity. Additionally, they were so popular that Disney came out with The Lion King 1 1/2 based solely on the story of Timon and Pumbaa. Finally, they taught Simba not to worry which helped him move on with life. Without Timon and Pumbaa, Simba is dead and there is no redemption story. This duo made The Lion King.
2) Which one of the duo is better? Many people would say Timon, but it is clearly Pumbaa. He is the 1st character to pass gas on screen and make jokes about flatulence. Pumbaa also comes up with most of the brilliant ideas which Timon always takes credit for. He appears dumb, but has lots of good ideas. Pumbaa is as good as it gets as a character.
However, these two are linked and belong as a package deal. The duo together should start the top 10 because they are just that awesome.
08. Baloo
Baloo is the best character from Walt Disney's last film. That has to get him some sort of bump on this list. Add in that he was the main character in Jungle Cubs and Talespin and you can see why Baloo is a top 10 character. In fact, he is the highest rated character outside of the main 5 and the Winnie the Pooh characters. Want more reasons why he deserves this spot? He always looks for the "Bare Necessities" and finds out what is really important. He is incredibly fun and easy-going. He came up with a top 5 song in Disney history. Baloo is a diverse character that can work in any movie. This guy also has stood the test of time much better than the Lion King and Toy Story characters from 30 years later. Finally, Baloo is the Papa Bear of the elite Disney characters that are not human (and outside the main group and Pooh). In the movies before the Jungle Book, only Dumbo can compete with Baloo's brilliance in that category. Is he a Top 10 character? "You'd better believe it."
07. Piglet
Some of you are thinking "how is Piglet ahead of so many other legendary Disney characters?" I will answer that question for you. Piglet is #7 because of his impact on the Disney Universe. He has his own stand-alone movie and is the best friend of one of the most iconic characters in Disney history. Piglet is one of the main characters in Disney's second most popular series. Outside of the main series' involving Mickey Mouse, the Pooh franchise dominates. In fact, sometimes it gets more popular than those series. There is no doubting its popularity and Piglet is a vital part of that. Piglet is Pooh's best friend. He is the little guy that everyone loves. He has to be in the Top 10 and belongs at #7.
06.
Goofy is the best friend of Mickey and Donald, but I don't believe he is quite as iconic as either one. He doesn't see to be as popular as the other characters in the Top 5 either. This dog is a fantastic character, but just outside the Top 5. I had him outside the Top 10 for a while, but that is unfair to Goofy because he clearly is a Top 10 character. He fits perfectly here at #6. The only question is, "why does Goofy talk, but not Pluto when they are both dogs?"
05. Tigger
Tigger may be the happiest, most cheerful, most energetic, most fun, and lively character in all of Disney. There are many that believe he is the best character in the Pooh franchise (including some of my family). It's hard to disagree with his energy level or his popularity. The other stuff might be a stretch, but not by much. This guy is a clear top 5 character to me. He is just fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. The most wonderful thing though is that he is the only one.
04. Minnie Mouse
Mickey's love interest has to be in the Top 5. This girl is his fun-loving, sweet, partner in crime and the best friend to Daisy Duck. However, she plays a much bigger role than Daisy in the Disney Universe. Minnie can also succeed as a standalone character and has her own show Minnie's Bow-Toons. She isn't quite as important as the top 3 on this list, but she is close. You can argue Minnie up to #2. She is the most important female character in all of Disney, not including the humans.
03. Donald Duck
This original angry bird is certainly a top 5 character. I love Donald personally as well. He adds so much versatility to the Disney Universe. Sure he is angry sometimes, but he is also best friend to Mickey Mouse, and uncle to Huey, Dewey, and Louie. "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy" there are not many in the Disney Universe that are bigger than Donald. In fact, I can only think of two that mean more to the company.
02. Winnie the Pooh
Is there any other possible choice for #2? Yes, there is. Is there any other correct choice for #2? No, there isn't. Look, Pooh is the best Disney character that isn't a mouse. Don't believe he is this high? Just wait until you have young kids. Pooh is my favorite character in the Disney Universe. I will get that nugget out of the way before I continue, but he is also the best besides Mickey Mouse. The most series that have been started other than Mickey come from Pooh. He also has a movie featuring his characters every 5 years or so. This guy is a legend! He also happens to be my son's favorite character by far. The honey loving bear belongs at #2 and should be in everyone's top 5.
And finally the obvious choice for #1Bushroot
01. Mickey Mouse
"I hope we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse." - Walt Disney
Mickey is the true #1.
Hope everyone enjoyed this countdown. I will do a recap write up tomorrow and reveal my favorite 100 characters all at once so everyone can see where and if any bias came into these rankings.
How is koda not on this list??!!!
ReplyDeleteWhile Koda is a good character there are a lot of strong characters besides him. Every person on this list deserved inclusion. Another that wasn't included that a strong argument could be made for is Raja. Thank you for your opinion on the matter. Where would you have ranked Koda?
ReplyDelete