Since 1937, the Walt Disney Corporation has delighted audiences with the release of 62 animated films. These films have become iconic, capturing the hearts of viewers and standing the test of time, thanks to a winning combination of exceptional storytelling, stunning animation, and remarkable voice acting. The success of these animated masterpieces can largely be attributed to the talented individuals who brought their beloved characters to life, showcasing a blend of creativity that has become synonymous with Disney.
Nevertheless, not every character has achieved success; some have turned out to be less than favorable. A number of Disney characters have become infamous among fans, often remembered for their annoying traits. This is typically a result of subpar writing or voice acting that shifts from charming to grating, leaving a lasting negative impression on audiences. These characters stand out as significant missteps in Disney’s otherwise illustrious history.
20
The Annoying Mertle Edmonds from ‘Lilo & Stitch’
A Deep Dive into ‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2002)
Lilo & Stitch marked a significant milestone as the most successful film of Disney’s post-Renaissance era. Its charm can be attributed to its humor, vibrant portrayal of Hawaiian culture, and a heartfelt narrative centered around a fractured family striving to reunite. The protagonist, Lilo, faces challenges in forming friendships, particularly with the girls in her hula class, who instead gravitate toward Mertle Edmonds, a character who constantly reminds Lilo of her perceived oddness.
Mertle is a character that many find bothersome due to her realistic depiction, which is both a strength and a flaw of Lilo & Stitch. She embodies the archetype of the stereotypical mean girl, relentlessly taunting Lilo alongside her entourage. Yet, when confronted, Mertle collapses emotionally, revealing a vulnerability that is seldom seen in antagonists. Her lack of redeeming qualities makes her one of the more annoying characters in the Disney universe, setting her apart from the more nuanced villains.
Lilo & Stitch
- Release Date
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June 21, 2002
- Runtime
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85 minutes
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Daveigh Chase
Lilo (voice)
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Chris Sanders
Stitch (voice)
19
Tito: The Overzealous Chihuahua from ‘Oliver & Company’
Exploring ‘Oliver & Company’ (1988)
Before Cheech Marin lent his voice to Banzai in The Lion King, he first showcased his talents as the voice of Tito, the spirited Chihuahua in Disney’s modern adaptation of Oliver Twist. Tito is a member of Fagin’s pack of dogs and is portrayed as a character who desperately tries to assist his master in dodging debts to the villainous loan shark, Bill Sykes, by stealing items to pawn. Despite his small stature, Tito’s boisterous personality guarantees that he makes his presence felt.
The main issue with Tito is that he embodies several irritating character traits, all packed into one small package. His fiery demeanor represents the archetype of a small creature with a larger-than-life attitude, while his incessant flirtations towards the female dogs come off as overly suave and forced. Fortunately, the other canine characters provide balance to Tito’s antics, with his playful banter alongside the poodle voiced by Bette Midler leading to some humorous moments.
18
Heihei: The Dimwitted Rooster from ‘Moana’
Analyzing ‘Moana’ (2016)
The promotional materials for Moana prominently featured Moana alongside her pet pig Pua. However, audiences were taken aback upon the film’s release, discovering that Pua only appears twice – at the beginning and end, while the story instead follows Heihei, a rather dim-witted rooster depicted as “lacking the basic intelligence required for pretty much everything.”
Heihei is an archetypical side character whose contributions to the plot are minimal, leading to the impression that his absence would not alter the film’s trajectory. His primary role seems to be wandering into trouble, prompting Moana to rescue him multiple times, which becomes tiresome over time. Viewers can’t help but speculate how the narrative might have evolved had Heihei stayed behind (or met a more unfortunate fate) and Pua had taken the journey instead.
Moana
- Release Date
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October 13, 2016
- Runtime
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107 minutes
17
Olaf: The Overly Eager Snowman from ‘Frozen’
Understanding ‘Frozen’ (2013)
Frozen shattered box office expectations, captivating both critics and audiences with its stunning animation, unforgettable songs, and relatable characters. Among these characters is Olaf, the animated snowman brought to life by Josh Gad, whose innocent curiosity brings a child-like sense of wonder to the story. However, Olaf’s charm began to fade in subsequent shorts and the sequel, Frozen II.
While Olaf’s innocent demeanor was initially endearing, it gradually became grating and tiresome as the franchise progressed. In Frozen II, Olaf’s character takes a downturn, particularly during a subplot where he anxiously contemplates the future and growing up, which disrupts the film’s pacing. This portrayal renders him less impactful than in the original film, transforming him into a mere accessory rather than a meaningful contributor to the story.
Frozen
- Release Date
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November 27, 2013
- Runtime
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102 minutes
16
Iago: The Annoying Parrot from ‘Aladdin’
Unpacking ‘Aladdin’ (1992)
Regardless of personal opinion, Gilbert Gottfried possessed a highly distinctive and recognizable voice that made his characters stand out in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Iago in Aladdin remains one of his most iconic roles, introducing many audiences to his unique vocal talent. Iago is characterized as a treacherous and mischievous parrot, serving as the loyal sidekick to one of Disney’s most malevolent villains.
For viewers unfamiliar with Gottfried’s voice prior to Aladdin, it’s easy to find both Iago’s character and performance overwhelming and irritating. While fans exist who defend the character, many others express their disdain for Iago, frequently criticizing his presence on screen. In a series of films that exemplified Disney’s Renaissance era, Iago stands out as a point of contention for audiences who wish his character had been written differently. – Rob Lee
Aladdin
- Release Date
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November 25, 1992
- Runtime
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95 Minutes
15
Phil: The Unpleasant Trainer from ‘Hercules’
Analyzing ‘Hercules’ (1997)
In their quest to craft a commercial success with Hercules, directors John Musker and Ron Clements infused classic sports and superhero film tropes into the story. This is particularly evident in the character of Philoctetes, affectionately known as Phil. Voiced by Danny DeVito, this out-of-shape satyr specializes in training heroes with the hope that one day one of his students will earn favor with the gods.
Unfortunately, even with Phil’s well-intentioned motivation and the artistic prowess of supervising animator Eric Goldberg, he emerges as a rather unlikable character. When he isn’t busy coaching Hercules or cheering him on, Phil is often depicted lusting after women in a manner that many viewers find uncomfortable. DeVito’s performance frequently escalates into loud, unpleasant rants, and his song “One Last Hope” is particularly criticized for its lack of melodic appeal.
Hercules
- Release Date
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June 13, 1997
- Runtime
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93 Minutes
14
Mushu: The Character Assassinated Dragon from ‘Mulan II’
Evaluating ‘Mulan II’ (2005)
Eddie Murphy was a comedic sensation during the 1980s and continued to shine in the 1990s. One of his most cherished roles was as Mushu, the wisecracking dragon protector in Mulan. However, his character faced severe character degradation in the straight-to-DVD sequel, where not only was Murphy’s voice replaced by Mark Moseley, but Mushu transforms from a charming sidekick into an insufferable jerk.
Upon discovering that he would be dismissed from his role as Mulan’s guardian when she marries Li Shang, Mushu resorts to sabotaging their mission in an attempt to drive them apart. This drastic shift in character is both uncharacteristic and disappointing, especially considering his development in the original film. Ultimately, the sequel rewards Mushu for his misguided actions, resulting in not just an irritating character, but also one of the most glaring examples of character assassination in Disney’s history.
Mulan II
- Release Date
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February 1, 2005
- Runtime
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79 Minutes
13
Terk: The Overbearing Gorilla from ‘Tarzan’
Dissecting ‘Tarzan’ (1999)
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