Top 102 Characters in Disney for 2015
102. Fix-It Felix, Jr.
Previously Unranked
In the movie Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph comes from the game Fix-It Felix, Jr., a game in which Felix is the hero. That is what set the whole movie into motion. He is helpful and loved by all. Felix is also an unforgettable character from the movie and central to the story. While he isn't as key as Venellope and Ralph, he deserves a spot on the list. The fact that he has no presence at the parks though keeps him from getting any higher than this bottom spot. All that being said he is the hero in a very recent Disney movie and all the kids know him. He deserves inclusion and makes it here at 102.
Previously Unranked
Rajah was not included last time and that was a mistake on my part. There is a possibility that he will soar up this list in October with Aladdin releasing from the vault. He is the lovable tiger and pet of Princess Jasmine in the movie franchise. While he is not incredibly central to the story and while he has no presence at the parks, he is a memorable character from one of Disney's most iconic films. This main film is in many people's top 5, including being my wife's favorite. Rajah helps to make that possible. The fact that he was in one of the more popular movies, that isn't going anywhere, helps Rajah debut on this list. It helps more that there were two sequels that included Rajah as well. The only question is, where does he go from here.
Previously Unranked
Kala was a near miss the last time the list came out and she was acknowledged as an honorable mention. This time I realized my mistake after becoming more fascinated with the Tarzan film. Kala rescued Tarzan and the story does not succeed without Kala. She is absolutely central to the story as Tarzan's gorilla mother. Most of the fantastic songs are about her and Tarzan's relationship. This character absolutely belongs on the list and perhaps should be even higher than she is. The lack of presence at the parks prevents her from being higher, but I personally would love to see Tarzan rocks come back and move over to Hollywood Studios replacing either the Beauty and the Beast show or the Frozen Sing-Along. Hey, a guy can hope can't he?
Previous Ranking: 85
The first repeat offender on this list is the alleycat, Thomas O'Malley. This alleycat with his own theme song has dropped 14 spots and landed at #99. It is a good spot for Thomas who has no presence in the parks, but was a hero in the movie. Not only was he a hero, but he was voiced by Disney legend Phil Harris. Additionally, as I said before he has his own theme song. That theme song and his role in the movie keep him on the list here at 99. His buddy scat cat missed again, but O'Malley returns again to the list.
Previous Ranking: 70
Pegasus is Hercules' winged horse and best friend in the movie. He is very key and central to the movies storyline. While he is well known outside the Disney universe, he is also very key in it. This was a very popular movie as well. He absolutely deserves inclusion. However, he dropped 28 spots because he doesn't talk, there are more popular movies, and he has no presence at the parks. While he has no presence at the parks he is a lovable character. Such a lovable character that Disney sells his baby plush at the parks. That marketability and reliability are what help keep Pegasus on this list. He dropped quite a bit, but Pegasus stays strong at 98.
Previously Unranked
Venellope is the star of the game Sugar Rush and of course the movie Wreck-It Ralph. She ends up being Ralph's best friend in the movie and wins the race against the evil King Candy/Turbo. Her character is vital in one of Disney's most recent hits and she is in many of the parades that Disney World now offers. In addition to that, she is available with Ralph at Hollywood Studios to meet in person. Venellope is an easy addition to this list now that video game characters are included.
Note: She has since been removed from the meet and greet @ Hollywood Studios after I wrote this post and will therefore likely drop down the list the next time these characters are ranked.
Note: She has since been removed from the meet and greet @ Hollywood Studios after I wrote this post and will therefore likely drop down the list the next time these characters are ranked.
Previously Unranked
Baymax is new to the countdown because he wasn't a character the last time there was a countdown. The previous countdown was before Big Hero 6 even came out in theaters. Now that it is out, he had to be included. The question became where to rank Baymax. Here at 96 is a good starting spot. In this spot, he is on the countdown, but he isn't too high yet. It is important to find out if Baymax will have the staying power or if he is just the newest character that Disney has to offer. We do know that you can meet him and Hiro at Disney's Hollywood Studios though.
Previous Ranking: 84
This character has staying power and still has a presence at the Disney theme parks. Not only is he part of multiple movies and shows, but he is a star of the Three Caballeros ride. This cigar smoking friend of Donald is a Disney legend that stays on the list because he is a legend. His star is fading though and he may fall off the list next time if Disney doesn't start using him more again.
Previous Ranking: 83
See the write-up for Jose, but add that he does the majority of the singing during the ride and you will see why Panchito is 94 while Jose is 95. Panchito is Jose's main ally and of course the sombrero wearing bird from the photo above.
See the write-up for Jose, but add that he does the majority of the singing during the ride and you will see why Panchito is 94 while Jose is 95. Panchito is Jose's main ally and of course the sombrero wearing bird from the photo above.
Previous Ranking: 59
Maximus is a key character from the 2010 hit Tangled. The story and movie would struggle a bit without him, but he was not the main character in the movie. Additionally, other than a small part in the Festival of Fantasy parade, he has no presence in the parks. That being said he is a fantastic character from a popular movie that absolutely belongs on this list. I just had him a bit too high due to my personal affinity for the character. He probably belongs here in the 90s though and not in the 50s where I had him last time.
Previous Ranking: 61
Last time around, I gave Hopper a lot of praise and stated why he was one of my favorite characters. He is a fantastic character and A Bug's Life would have been much worse without him, but he should not have been as high as I had him. Despite me thinking he is one of Disney's best villains, many others do not see him that way. In fact, a lot of people do not care much for this movie. While he is a major character in the attraction at Animal Kingdom as well, a lot of people skip the attraction when visiting the park. This movie becomes less and less popular as time goes on. I fear that people won't even know who Hopper is in the near future. There are a lot of kids that could care less about Hopper and he can't rank in the Top 75 because of that. He does have a presence though and he is a strong character which allows him to stay on the list.
Previous Ranking: 65
Next week, we will do characters 90-81. Have a great weekend.
-Noland
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