Top 10 SNL Cast Member Voice Performances in Movies

#10: Bobby Moynihan, Melissa Villaseñor, Ego Nwodim, & Vanessa Bayer

“Hoppers” (2026)

It’s almost as if Pixar intentionally roped in some of the most beloved but underrated “SNL” talents to give them the spotlight they deserve. Moynihan, Villaseñor, Nwodim, and Bayer round out the cast of this animal-themed sci-fi adventure. Moynihan, in particular, is now greeted with an enthusiastic response from audiences with each guest appearance. As King George, Moynihan brings much of the same warm, lovable energy from his “SNL” days into the world of “Hoppers.” Villaseñor, Nwodim, and Bayer also shine as fellow members of the animal community, injecting just the right amount of comedic flair into their characters to bring out their individual quirks and feel-good charm.

#9: Adam Sandler

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Fans may know him as the Sandman, but Adam Sandler plays none other than Count Dracula himself in this delightfully kooky monster comedy. Like many of Sandler’s live-action characters, Drac is mostly harmless, less concerned with haunting humans and more worried about who’s dating his daughter. With his silly, warm, and family-friendly comedic style, “Hotel Transylvania” is tailor-made for Sandler’s signature antics. While the film is largely defined by over-the-top humor, Sandler also brings a tender layer to his performance, capturing the protectiveness of a devoted father, even as a centuries-old vampire. Equally notable is fellow “SNL” alum, Andy Samberg, who shines as the human love interest of Drac’s daughter, throwing the pair into a silly but altogether wholesome rivalry.

#8: Chris Rock

“Madagascar” (2005)

At a time when heartfelt animated storytelling was the norm, “Madagascar” played to its cast’s strengths, resulting in a wild and wacky ride. As Marty the zebra, Chris Rock adjusts his style for a G-rated audience without missing a single step. Using his sharp comedic wit, the actor disguises his usual brand of humor, especially with some “Sugar, Honey, Iced Tea.” Sharing irresistible chemistry with castmates Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, and, ahem, Jade Pinkett Smith, Rock is at his A-game with this at-times bizarre yet entertaining comedy. His enthusiasm grows with every follow-up entry, most notably turning “Afro-Circus” into the anthem of the 2012 summer by the time “Madagascar 3” hit theaters worldwide.

#7: Gilbert Gottfried

“Aladdin” (1992)

Impossible to separate the actor from the character, Gilbert Gottfried turned what was supposed to be a minor role into an iconic part of animation history. While his “SNL” stint was painfully short-lived, Gottfried ended up as one of its most famous alums. As Iago, the actor used his trademark voice to steal the show as Jafar’s fast-talking, no-filter sidekick. He may be a greedy parrot with sinister ideas, but Gottfried’s performance makes the character’s nonsensical rants and endless scheming oddly endearing. Despite serving the villain, Iago’s star power was undeniable. And so, Disney had no choice but to bring the character back, this time as one of Aladdin’s pals. Even so, Iago’s mischievous streak and Gottfried’s sharp-tongued flair remained his defining characteristics.

#6: Billy Crystal

“Monsters Inc.” (2001)

Another single-season “SNL” performer who scaled incredible heights, Billy Crystal transcended into the animated world as Mike Wazowski. He may be a one-eyed monster, but Mike is Crystal in personality through and through. With his signature wisecracks and quick retorts, Crystal channels the best of himself as Sully’s loyal best friend. Despite not being the lead, Mike bursts with lead-character energy, stealing the scene at every turn. Crystal’s dynamic with Goodman was so strong that the pair teamed up once again for “Monsters University.” Whether playing the character as a teenager or an adult, Crystal makes him as endlessly quotable as he is surprisingly relatable.

#5: David Spade

“The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)

Trapped in a troubled production for years, “The Emperor’s New Groove” pivoted from a serious, dramatic concept to slapstick and satirical. No actor benefits from this change more than David Spade, turning an incredibly risky creative decision into a stroke of genius. As Kuzco, Spade manages to win us over despite his character’s self-absorbed and narcissistic behavior. His dry, carefree, and blasé delivery perfectly complements the film’s playfully silly outline, making Kuzco’s narcissism part of the joke rather than a flaw. But beneath all that attitude, Spade also infuses Kuzco with genuine heart, turning even this big-headed emperor into one of the fandom’s most beloved characters.

#4: Will Ferrell

“Megamind” (2010)

By flipping the Superman narrative from the antagonist’s perspective, “Megamind” shows us why even villains deserve sympathy. Will Ferrell’s role as the title character remains one of animation’s most underrated, as the film went largely overlooked at the time of release. Fortunately, Ferrell’s performance as the insecure, theatrical, and charmingly ridiculous Megamind has caught on with fans over the past decade. The actor understood the assignment better than anyone else, playing the character like an extended “SNL” skit. We can practically hear the “SNL” crowd after each one of Megamind’s overly dramatic monologues, reflecting Ferrell’s own command of the screen.

#3: Eddie Murphy

“Mulan” (1998)

While many turn to his role as Shrek’s best friend, Donkey, Eddie Murphy first announced himself in the animated landscape as Mulan’s fast-talking guardian dragon. In hilarious contrast to everyone around him, Mushu feels less a product of his time and more like one of Eddie Murphy’s “SNL” personas brought to life. Mushu’s motor mouth fires off savage retorts at lightning speed, whether aimed at Mulan, Shang, or even her horse. His performance is remarkably quotable, but never one-note, as Murphy also successfully crafts a tender dynamic with Ming-Na Wen’s Mulan. All the more impressive considering Murphy recorded all his lines from his home studio.

#2: Amy Poehler

“Inside Out” (2015)

First rising to prominence through her Emmy-nominated run on “SNL,” Amy Poehler cemented her lead actor cred with “Parks and Recreation.” In retrospect, her role as the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope feels like a prelude to her turn as “Inside Out”’s Joy. With an ever-burning zest for life, Joy influences Riley’s emotions with love and laughter. Upbeat to a fault, Joy shoots for relentless positivity, no matter the consequences. Poehler’s performance layers Joy’s personality with real depth and flaws, culminating in the wonderfully moving scene where she realizes the limits of her worldview. We also can’t overlook fellow “SNL” mainstay Bill Hader, who stands out on in his own as Fear, embodying his character’s jittery mannerisms with perfect precision.

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

Tina Fey, “Soul”

A Skeptical Soul Who Finally Finds Her Spark

Sarah Silverman, “Wreck-It Ralph”

This Glitchy Princess Turns Chaos Into Confidence

Kristin Wiig, “Despicable Me 2” (2013)

A Quirky Secret Agent with an Unexpectedly Sweet Love Story

John Mulaney, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Spider-Ham Does Whatever a Spider Can

Jason Sudeikis, “The Angry Birds Movie”

Anger Issues Never Looked This Adorable

#1: Mike Myers

“Shrek” (2001)

When it comes to the peak of animated cinema, few can rival Mike Myers as Shrek. Stepping into the role after Chris Farley’s passing, Myers took it upon himself to build Shrek from the ground up. Despite completing his work on the film, Myers re-recorded all his lines in Shrek’s now-iconic Scottish accent. That decision gave Shrek a distinct voice that felt both comedic and deeply relatable. Conveying the character’s loneliness, guarded vulnerability, and bitterness toward the world, Myers enabled audiences to understand exactly what it’s like to be the perpetual outsider. Although he hit fame with eccentric “SNL” characters like Wayne Campbell, Myers truly immortalized his name as everyone’s favorite grumpy yet lovable ogre from the swamp.

Which performance do you think deserves true love’s kiss? Let us know in the comments.