Top 10 Underrated Female Disney Characters

Top 10 Underrated Female Disney Characters

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Top 20 Underrated Female Disney Characters

They didn’t sell as much merchandise as Elsa and Anna, but these ladies should still be celebrated. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for Top 10 Underrated Female Disney Characters. For this list, we’re taking a look at the most endearing women in Disney films - Pixar included - that don’t always get the credit they deserve. We’ve excluded all of the characters that make up the Disney Princess franchise as well as those on our Top 10 Greatest Disney Princesses list because they’re clearly already held in the highest regard.

In the tradition of Disney’s earlier princesses, Giselle spends her days singing with woodland critters and waiting for her prince to come. Upon being teleported to a live-action New York, though, our hand-drawn heroine begins to see things from a different perspective. Giselle finds that true love can’t be achieved over the course of one day and relationships need time to grow. She additionally learns that women don’t need to be the designated damsels in distress. At the same time, Giselle injects some much needed charm and magic into the cynical real world. In an enchanting performance, Amy Adams not only manages to bring an animated character to life, but also turns her into a fleshed-out human being.

#9: Miss Bianca “The Rescuers” franchise (1977-90)

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Miss Bianca is arguably one of the first true feminists to come out of the Mouse House. When “The Rescuers” hit theaters in 1977, female Disney characters weren’t generally depicted as strong or self-reliant. This little mouse, however, stood out as a modern lady. Classy, resourceful, and full of passion, anybody would want to have an adventure with her. Bianca’s outgoing attitude perfectly complements the timid Bernard, her partner at the Rescue Aid Society. Both of these characters are treated as equals and neither is limited by his or her gender. Bianca in particular lights up the screen with her charisma. Just as she’s an underrated character, the same could be said about the 1990 sequel, “The Rescuers Down Under.”

#8: Yzma “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)

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Disney villains are usually known for being crafty and menacing, but Yzma is a straight-up comedic baddie. That might be why she’s often overlooked, but it’s also what makes her such a unique antagonist. Although she aspires to be taken seriously, Yzma’s wicked schemes always blow up in her face. Remember when the Evil Queen good as killed Snow White with a poisoned apple? Well, Yzma’s plan to poison Emperor Kuzco plays out more like a screwball farce, as he’s accidentally turned into a llama. Yzma never lets go of her conquest for power, but all she finds is failure and humiliation around every corner. This makes her a great source of comedy, especially when paired up with her moronic henchman, Kronk.

A childhood friend of Prince Simba, this spirited young lioness is always up for a little exploration and mischief. Nala grows up to become a fiercely independent resident of the Pride Lands, refusing to live under Scar’s tyranny. Boldly leaving her home to seek out help, she finds an old friend and the rightful king. Nala not only pushes Simba to confront his past and accept his responsibilities, but also opens his heart to mature romantic feelings. Returning to Pride Rock, Nala and Simba rise above Scar, taking their place in the circle of life together. It just goes to show that behind every great king is a great queen.

Kida is a different kind of Disney princess. She doesn’t sing songs or wear fancy dresses. Rather, this princess and eventual queen of Atlantis is a warrior woman who knows how to handle herself in battle. Kida isn’t a straight-faced stick in the mud, though. She also has a certain wide-eyed curiosity that makes her more identifiable. Since this film didn’t do so well at the box office, Kida is never marketed in the Disney Princess franchise. Given the cult status “Atlantis” has been gaining, however, perhaps Kida will join her fellow royals someday.

Aside from being a humanoid vixen, Maid Marian stands out from other Disney heroines for several reasons. For starters, she doesn’t fall in love with a prince, but an outlaw who robs from the rich. Marian and Robin Hood don’t follow the love at first sight trope either, as they actually formed a strong connection during their youth. While they are separated for an extended period, Marian still holds a torch for Robin and sees all the good he’s doing for the poor people of Nottingham. When Robin faces execution, she pleads with the dastardly Prince John to spare his life and is eventually reunited with her true love. Playful, kind, and courageous, Maid Marian is undeniably one foxy lady.

“Lilo & Stitch” is largely about the relationship between… well, Lilo and Stitch (Duh). Yet, some of the most powerful moments in the film are shared between Lilo and her older sister, Nani. After their parents tragically die, Nani becomes Lilo’s legal guardian. Although Nani tries her best, she struggles to act as single parent while also maintaining a steady job. The fact that a stern social worker is constantly on her back doesn’t help. Despite her frustration, Nani loves Lilo more than anything and will do whatever it takes to keep her family together. Even if you took the lovable Stitch out of the equation, this film still could’ve worked as a relatable, poignant story about ohana.

#3: Jane Porter “Tarzan” (1999)

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At first glance, Jane might seem like a typical damsel in distress. Granted, this English lady does need to be rescued by Tarzan upon first arriving in the jungle. Seeing how Jane is out of her usual environment, though, it makes sense that she would get off to a bumpy start. Plus, her wit, enthusiasm, and plucky personality make Jane a damsel you’d want to save from danger. Most importantly, Jane adapts to the jungle over time, learning to swing from vines like a pro. She additionally shows Tarzan what it means to be human. In return, the Ape Man shows Jane how to let out her wild side.

In many respects, Disney’s interpretation of Hercules is a lot like Superman. So it’s only fitting that Herc’s love interest would possess all of Lois Lane’s spunk and sarcasm. Megara, or Meg for short, gives up on romance after an ex-boyfriend leaves her heartbroken. While she’s reluctant to admit her true feelings for Herc at first, the Muses help Meg to accept the fact that she’s in love. Due to her contract with the Lord of the Underworld, Meg is forced to stab her hero in the back. Through sacrifice and bravery, though, she finds redemption and becomes a true hero in her own right. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: • Vanellope von Schweetz “Wreck-It Ralph” (2012) • Captain Amelia “Treasure Planet” (2002) • Honey Lemon “Big Hero 6” (2014) • Joy “Inside Out” (2015) • Helen Parr / Elastigirl “The Incredibles” (2004)

Esmeralda is one of Disney’s most exquisitely drawn female characters, but its what’s on the inside that makes her such a compelling person. Seeing the value of inner beauty, this gypsy stands up for the deformed Quasimodo while everyone else mocks and shames him. Although she’s had her fair share of run-ins with the law, Esmeralda knows how to get herself out of trouble with a smile. Even when she finds herself in a seemingly hopeless situation, this rebellious woman will still hold her head high and accept fate with dignity. Showing the lonely hunchback what a man is really made of, Esmeralda is an alluring free spirit, an inspiring role model, and a truly under-appreciated Disneyheroine. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think is the most underrated female Disney character? For more entertaining Top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.