The 15 Greatest Animated Characters Of The 21st-Century

The animated genre is often associated with younger audiences, but can be as versatile and complex as any other – something that’s perhaps never been more evident than in the last couple of decades. In the early 2000s, animation saw a boom in technological and creative storytelling, with computer animation taking great leaps and studios making films that speak to broader, weightier issues than before. Join us as we count down the very best characters to spring from the screen this century. 

Mirabel (Encanto, 2021)

Have you ever felt less than, like your capabilities don’t measure up to those around you? For Mirabel, the hero of Encanto, that feeling becomes literal – she is the only person in her family who doesn’t have a magical power. Voiced by actress Stephanie Beatriz, Mirabel’s journey is filled with self-doubt, wonder and forgiveness, as she learns that members of her family have found their powers to be more burdensome than beneficial (particularly ostracised family member Bruno, the subject of the award-winning song “We Don’t Talk about Bruno”). Fans also responded to her persistently joyful nature and willingness to go above and beyond for those she loves.

Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove, 2000) 

This retelling of classic folktale “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is not as celebrated as other Disney hits, but has developed a cult following thanks to its madcap antics and lovable characters. Interestingly, it is villain Yzma, voiced by veteran performer Eartha Kitt, who steals the show. With gleefully camp gesticulation and the iconic “Pull the lever, Kronk!” scene, the former Catwoman actor’s famous voice is perfect for the character. Yzma was so popular, Kitt would reprise the role in a sequel and a TV series, for which she won two Emmy awards just prior to her death in 2008. A fitting final act for a showbiz legend.

No-Face (Spirited Away, 2001)

There are many fantastic creatures in mystical Studio Ghibli drama Spirited Away, but few leave as lasting an impression as No-Face. The wordless, featureless blob, distinguishable only by a smiling white mask, is met by protagonist Chihiro as she ventures into the spirit realm. Representing the loneliness and isolation his companion feels, No-Face turns into a monster when unable to process the kindness Chihiro shows him, before returning to his previous form when he realises her affection isn’t conditional. It’s a sweet and memorable journey that exemplifies what makes the character, and the film he exists in, so very magical.

Moana (Moana Franchise, 2016-Present)

It can take a lot of bravery to get the things you truly want, as Moana discovers in her eponymous tale. The daughter of a Polynesian island chief, she is chosen by the ocean to travel far away in search of a relic that will save her land. Her brave, adventurous spirit, coupled with memorable songs like “How Far I’ll Go”, made the character an instant classic – evident in the fact that a second film and live-action adaptation is on the way to our screens soon. 

Tiana (The Princess and The Frog, 2009) 

Upon arriving on screen, Princess Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) was an instant sensation – she appeared as the very first Black Disney princess in 2009’s The Princess and the Frog. The character is hard-working, resilient and optimistic, personified in songs such as “Almost There” when she visualises running her dream restaurant in New Orleans. Not a princess who needs to be saved, she forms a partnership with Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) after sharing his fate of being turned into a frog. So enduring is Tiana’s legacy, she recently had an entire theme park attraction devoted to her.

Hiccup (How to Train Your Dragon Franchise, 2010-2019)

Set in a mythical Viking kingdom where warriors ride dragons, Hiccup is an undersized star who discovers an injured dragon named Toothless. With both seemingly unable to live up to their destinies, they rely on each other to find their strengths and become the heroes they know they can be. Voiced by comedian Jay Baruchel, Hiccup is an idealistic, brave and warm-hearted person who shows that leaders can come in many different forms. Featured in many films and TV series, he always maintains the sense of adventure that has made him so well-loved.

Dug (Up, 2009)

If ever an animated character captured the spirit of an animal, it’s Dug, the loveable dog from Pixar adventure Up. When paired with the curmudgeonly, grieving widower Carl (Ed Asner), Dug ignores the man’s grouchiness and gives him nothing but affection. Fitted with a collar that translates what he is feeling, Dug’s adorable opening line reads: “My name is Dug. I have just met you and I love you.” The line was based on something said to co-director Bob Peterson by a small child in his past, motivating Peterson to voice the role himself. In a film that can be emotionally taxing at times, Dug is a beautiful ray of sunshine.

Coraline (Coraline, 2009)

Most people will recall a moment in their childhood where they wished their parents were perhaps a bit more lenient, and maybe fantasised about gaining a new set of parents. Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s book, Coraline tells the story of the titular character (Dakota Fanning) who escapes to an alternate universe, where different versions of her parents turn out to be more sinister than they originally seem. Coraline’s curiosity, intelligence and determination to be taken seriously by her elders makes her the perfect lead for this journey into the unknown, bringing to life the distinctive stop-motion animation that makes up her world.

Stitch (Lilo & Stitch, 2002) 

Stitch was introduced as a character everyone was going to dislike, with early trailers showing him being thrown out of other Disney classic films. Ironically, the small, chaotic blue alien would become one of the most beloved of all time. Finding kinship with lonely, Elvis-obsessed youngster Lilo, Stitch won his place in animation history with his famous speech: “Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind, or forgotten.” That message resonated with millions, to the point where a live-action version of the story is currently in development. It will take something special, however, to outshine the original misfit.

Dory (Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, 2003-2016)

2003’s Finding Nemo was about a clownfish searching for his son. However, it was his forgetful sidekick, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) who stole audiences’ hearts. Impossibly optimistic, loyal and rather scatterbrained, her iconic song and life mantra – “just keep swimming, just keep swimming” – is a touching moment of encouragement that stuck with fans both young and old. Dory would get her own movie in 2016, where she retained the same awe and happiness that made her a star in the first place.

Gru and the Minions (The Despicable Me/Minions films, 2010-)

We simply couldn’t separate these two. After all, what is Gru without his minions? First introduced as an incompetent supervillain whose plan to steal the moon is derailed when he accidentally adopts three young girls and becomes a father, Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, has become an unlikely hero over the course of many films. And The Minions are nothing short of a phenomenon. Short, yellow, numerous and fond of bananas, the hilarious characters have enjoyed their own spin-offs, theme parks and even sparked a TikTok trend!

Wall-E (Wall-E, 2008)

Pixar’s eco-friendly adventure imagines a grim future where Earth is overrun with trash, and humans have left the planet – abandoning the wasteland for a robot named Wall-E to clear up. A small box-like robot with adorable large eyes and a pixelated voice, Wall-E is not human, but he comes to represent everything that we (ought to) aspire to. He’s curious, kind-hearted and believes in love, which comes along in the form of another robot named Eve. His story aims to show that, no matter how bleak things get, hope can survive and gives us a second chance.

Elsa (The Frozen Films, 2013-Present)

The lead character in the modern phenomenon that is Disney’s Frozen, Elsa first arrived in 2013 as a princess (voiced by Broadway icon Idina Menzel) who is hidden from her loving sister due to her power to freeze anything she touches. As well as having incredible songs, such as mega-hit “Let It Go”, Elsa’s journey speaks to themes of sisterhood, anxiety and the loneliness of feeling different from everyone else. While the films feature many favourite characters, including Olaf the Snowman, Elsa is the character that so many have connected with, responded to, and adored over a decade on from her first appearance.

Miles Morales (The Spider-verse films, 2018-Present) 

When there have been countless iterations of Spider-man in live-action cinema, it takes a special kind of hero to reinvent the formula. Enter Miles Morales, a popular character in the comic books, but one who hadn’t yet made it to the movies. Voiced by Shameik Moore, the Spider-verse films follow his discovery of his powers, as well his struggles to balance his duties as a hero with his responsibilities as a student – particularly when multiple universes are merging! One of the best portrayals of Spider-man, and a hero for a new generation of superhero fans.  

Shrek (The Shrek franchise, 2001-2010)

How does a grumpy Scottish ogre who hates leaving his swamp become a fantasy hero and animation giant? Through comedy, romance and messages of self-acceptance, of course. Making a wonderful duo with Eddie Murphy’s Donkey, Shrek was originally meant to be voiced by comedian Chris Farley, but was replaced by Mike Myers when Farley died in 1997. Myers brought a new style to the character, satirising the Walt Disney fairy tales that were dominant at the time and cementing the film as the hit it is today. Four films and numerous specials later, he has taught a generation about the importance of being yourself.