The All-Time Greatest Pixar Characters
Pixar has been creating beloved, generation-defining characters since its very first crack at the big screen. 1995’s Toy Story brought a new classic buddy duo to audiences in Woody and Buzz Lightyear - and that was just two of a smorgasbord of great supporting characters who have appeared over the course of the Toy Story franchise.
The animation studio’s subsequent efforts have delivered the same, from the superheroic Parr family, Frozone, and two fantastic villains in the Incredibles movies to Dory, Finding Nemo’s breakout star. From the brilliantly wordless robots WALL-E and EVE to the most tragic romantic couple in Pixar history, Carl and Ellie. From Remy the Rat to Sully the scary bedtime monster.
More recent Pixar films like Turning Red and Soul have brought their own share of fan favorites. And to bring it full circle, we even got another Buzz Lightyear, this time the “movie within the movie” version voiced by Chris Evans.
But which Pixar characters are the best of all? Does Forky make the cut? Is Edna Mode a darkhorse candidate? Does Jack-Jack have a case? Let your votes decide.
- 1Monsters, Inc., Monsters University
- Actor: Billy Crystal
Mike Wazowski, voiced by Billy Crystal, serves as one of the main protagonists in Pixar's Monsters, Inc. and its prequel, Monsters University. As a small, green, one-eyed character with immense determination, Mike's primary goal is to become a top scarer at Monsters Incorporated. His unwavering friendship with James P. Sullivan and comedic demeanor make him a lovable and unforgettable character.
- 2Monsters, Inc., Monsters University
- Actor: John Goodman
James P. Sullivan (Sully), voiced by John Goodman, is the other main protagonist in Monsters, Inc. and its prequel, Monsters University. This large blue monster with purple spots has a big heart that complements his imposing size. Sully's journey from being an overconfident student to forming an unbreakable bond with Boo improves him as both a friend and scarer.
- 3WALL-E
- Actor: Ben Burtt
WALL·E is the titular character of Pixar's movie of the same name who captures audiences' hearts through his lonely existence on Earth tasked with cleaning up humanity's waste. This little trash-compacting robot possesses human-like qualities such as curiosity and love which are showcased when he meets EVE, another robot sent to Earth on a scanning mission. WALL·E's selflessness ultimately saves humanity from eternal space exile.
- 4
Sheriff Woody
Toy Story 3, Toy Story, Toy Story 2- Actor: Tom Hanks
Sheriff Woody Pride is the iconic cowboy doll who first appeared in Pixar's groundbreaking film Toy Story, voiced by Tom Hanks. Woody serves as Andy's favorite toy and leader of the other toys in Andy’s room due to his loyalty and resourcefulness throughout all their adventures together across four films.
- 5Finding Nemo
- Actor: Andrew Stanton
Crush is an easygoing sea turtle introduced in Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Voiced by director Andrew Stanton himself, this 150-year-old turtle helps Marlin on his journey to find Nemo while teaching him valuable lessons about going with the flow and trusting his instincts.
- 6Dug's Special Mission
- Actor: Ed Asner
Carl, voiced by Ed Asner, is the elderly protagonist in Pixar's Up. After losing his beloved wife Ellie, he sets out on a life-changing adventure to fulfill their shared dream of traveling to Paradise Falls. Carl's journey demonstrates that it is never too late for new adventures and friendships.
