50 greatest Disney characters of all-time ranked

MOANA - From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” an epic adventure about a spirited teen who sets sail on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. (Disney)MOANA
MOANA - From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” an epic adventure about a spirited teen who sets sail on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. (Disney)MOANA
1 of 27
The Little Mermaid
Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Here are the best Disney characters of all time and what makes them a cut above everyone else. 

On October 16, 2023, the Disney franchise celebrated their 100th anniversary. Since the beginning, Disney has been the benchmark of what a company should be. They make money, consistently create content, and keep their eye on what’s new to improve on everything they do. Purchasing Marvel and Star Wars just added to their already stellar resume. Even after 100 years of content, things are just getting started.

Another thing that Disney does better than most is create characters. These aren’t just any characters. They’re among the most recognized in the world. Sometimes you don’t even need to see the entire character. A silhouette or a piece of their head is enough. This is why people will spend tons of money on merchandise and travel across the world to ride a rollercoaster because it’s from one of the movies.

With so many characters in Disney’s catalog, it makes you wonder who’s the best. Which one of the hundreds of magical, mystical, and extravagant beings is the best of them all? Is it one of the classics that made the franchise what it is today or one of the newer ones that helped usher in a new era? This writer will bring you the fifty best in order.

Let’s begin.

Writer note. None of the characters on this list are part of the MCU or Star Wars universes.