While Disney always does a great job with its main characters, that doesn't mean they always end up being the most memorable part of a film. That's because while the main characters are always great, the sidekicks are always just as fantastic.
Disney loves to give their main characters a sidekick to help them out throughout movies, and they often have far fewer flaws. They normally bring comedic relief to the films and provide a voice of reason, and because of that they often end up becoming more popular than anyone else in the movie. However, that's not always the case, as sometimes the sidekicks just fail to make an impact at all. Within this movie, we will take a look at five times the sidekick overshadowed the lead role, and five times they didn't make much difference.
Overshadowed The Lead: Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio)
Pinocchio is one of Disney's earliest movies and is an absolute classic. While the little wooden boy is certainly a terrific lead character, he does get slightly overshadowed by the wise and intelligent Jiminy Cricket. He provides the voice of reason in this film as Pinocchio's conscience.
Whether it's his iconic song, "Give A Little Whistle," or how loyal he is as a character, he has become unbelievably popular with fans. He has gone on to become the voice of Disney in many ways, with the theme parks often using this character for shows as he ended up being so beloved.
Made No Impact: Flounder (The Little Mermaid)
From one classic to another, The Little Mermaid is yet another example of how Disney likes to add sidekicks to the main characters, even their princesses. Unfortunately for Flounder, the fish ends up being overshadowed by the fact there are so many other characters in this film.
Ariel happens to have not just one or two sidekicks, but she happens to have three. The problem for Flounder is that Scuttle and Sebastian are much louder personalities and they shine brighter on the screen, meaning Flounder ends up being forgotten about.
Overshadowed The Lead: B.E.N (Treasure Planet)
This might not be the most popular movie in Disney's library, which is a shame within itself, but it is a movie where the sidekick overshadows the lead. Treasure Planet actually has a couple of great sidekicks, wit Morph also being a great character.
However, it is the robot, B.E.N that really steals the show within this movie. He brings tons of humor to the film and a lot of the heart, with his friendship with Jim really bringing Treasure Planet to another level. He helps people emotionally attach to the film and doesn't get enough credit for being a great character in general.
Made No Impact: Pascal (Tangled)
Pascal is a lot of fun at times throughout Tangled, especially early on in the film when he is very judgemental of Flynn Rider. However, as the film goes on, Pascal becomes less involved and other characters easily outshine what he offers.
Maximus ends up being the best sidekick in this movie, but neither of the two animals is able to overshadow Rapunzel. Her charisma and zest for life just make her such a fun character that has made her one of the most popular princesses of all time.
Overshadowed The Lead: Terk (Tarzan)
Tarzan is an amazing Disney movie that has some of the greatest sidekick characters of all time, but the real standout is Terk. The young gorilla is essentially Tarzan's best friend and while Tarzan doesn't really know how to talk, Terk certainly does, bringing tons of energy into the movie.
What Tarzan lacks, simply due to the nature of his character, Terk makes up for. Because of that, it is no surprise that Terk ended up becoming such a beloved character from the movie that is arguably even more popular than Tarzan himself.
Made No Impact: Hei Hei (Moana)
Another sidekick that failed to make much of an impact is Hei Hei, who is the rooster from the hit film, Moana. While Hei Hei provides tons of comedy throughout the film as the idiot rooster who simply doesn't seem to have a clue what is going on, the character adds very little to the overall adventure.
There's a reason why people in the village simply want to cook the rooster because it is incredibly clueless. The animal just is one big accident after another and while Hei Hei certainly has some funny moments, it just doesn't make the impact that other legendary sidekicks do.
Overshadowed The Lead: Ray (The Princess And The Frog)
No sidekick brings more emotional impact to their movie than Ray does in The Princess And The Frog. If you can watch his song or his death scene without getting a little bit upset then you may be a robot. Ray is so full of life and heart, despite being such a tiny character in of size.
He is so helpful straight away to Tiana and Naveen, without any real reason to do so. The fact he has lost the love of his life instantly adds an emotional impact to his character, and while the lead roles in this film are superb, Ray just ends up stealing the show.
Made No Impact: Cri-Kee (Mulan)
Mulan just so happens to have one of the greatest Disney sidekicks of all time in the form of Mushu. Eddie Murphy's performance as the Mulan's main sidekick is amazing and certainly gives the lead role a run for her money. But the same cannot be said for Cri-Kee.
Cri-Kee is Mulan's cricket that is sent to the warrior by her grandmother. The cricket is supposed to provide luck for Mulan, and there's no denying that. However, Cri-Kee doesn't really offer too much throughout the entire film outside of a few fleeting moments.
Overshadowed The Lead: The Genie (Aladdin)
Let's make no mistake about it, Aladdin is an amazing character and is arguably Disney's strongest prince, adding to a film full of top characters. However, it also cannot be denied that he ends up being overshadowed by The Genie, who has gone on to become one of Disney's best-ever characters.
A lot of this is down to the unbelievable performance that Robin Williams brings to the table here with so much creativity, ion, and improvisation. The character is just larger than life and with his loud volume, brilliant songs, and amazing personality, it's hard not to see this as The Genie show at times.
Made No Impact: Gus & Jaq (Cinderella)
Cinderella might be considered a classic Disney film, but it is one that is really lacking in major action enough to warrant a real sidekick as such. While Gus and Jaq certainly play their part in helping Cinderella make it to the ball, after that their purpose really is served.
The Fairy Godmother is arguably the best sidekick in this film, but even still, she doesn't really do too much. This is simply not a movie that dictates a need for a sidekick in the same way that others in this list do, which is why Gus and Jaq certainly don't overshadow the lead.
