10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (2025)

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10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (1)

By Amy Mars

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10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (2)

Over the years, Disney has featured plenty of great female characters, especially its princesses. However, there are quite a few Disney women who are just as lovable, even if they are underrated. While they might not have as much merchandise, fans still adore them.

Some of the underrated female characters stand out for having a fun personality, interesting design, or compelling relationship with another character. Others play an underappreciated role in solving their film's main conflict. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of characters who have earned more time in the limelight than they've been given.

Updated by Alex Roush on October 10, 2024: Throughout Disney's history, fans have flocked to supporting characters, who are often more entertaining than the leading roles. Even so, there are tons of female characters that haven't yet received the same appreciation. This list has been updated to include more of these iconic characters, enhance the reader experience, and adhere to CBR formatting guidelines.

15 Bo Peep Gets an Empowered Makeover in Toy Story 4

Voice Actress: Annie Potts

Bo Peep has been an underrated supporting character in all the Toy Story movies, but Toy Story 4 took her character in an entirely new direction. Bo Peep took on a huge transformation with an updated wardrobe and a feminist “can-do” attitude, although viewers are never really told exactly how this transformation takes place. The new Bo Peep takes her character away from the dependent damsel-in-distress mentality of Toy Story and puts her independence in the forefront.

In Toy Story 4, we are given more insight into what happened to Bo Peep between Toy Story 2 and 3. In a flashback, viewers see Andy’s mom give away Bo Peep’s lamp while the rest of the crew is busy saving RC. Now, Bo Peep is living a nomadic lifestyle and helping to save lost toys.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (3)

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Toy Story 4

G

Adventure

Comedy

When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.

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Director
Josh Cooley

Release Date
June 11, 2019
Cast
Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tom Hanks, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele, Tony Hale

Runtime
1 hour 40 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

14 Charlotte “Lottie” la Bouf Is a Great Best Friend

Voice Actress: Jennifer Cody

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (8)

Tiana’s best friend in The Princess and the Frog, Charlotte “Lottie” La Bouff, is one of the best supporting characters in a Disney animated movie. She never fails to support Tiana in any way she can. Despite her wealthy upbringing, Lottie avoided the “privilege makes you evil” trope and kept an entirely wholesome, non-envious friendship with Tiana.

Related

Every Disney Princess Movie in Order

Disney Princesses are a staple to the Disney brand and as such, have been around for a long time with many iconic names that hold the title.

Having dreamed of becoming a princess for her entire life, it would be understandable for Lottie to resent Tiana for marrying Prince Naveen. Even after being tricked by Lawerence and then almost marrying the real Naveen, she still only has kind words to say about Tiana’s love for Naveen. Lottie sticks with Tiana through thick and thin and is even seen at Tiana’s restaurant at the end of The Princess and the Frog, indicating the end of their friendship is nowhere in sight.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (10)

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The Princess and the Frog

G

Adventure

Fantasy

Comedy

A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.

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Director
John Musker, Ron Clements

Release Date
December 11, 2009

Studio
Walt Disney Studios

Cast
Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Oprah Winfrey, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody, Terrence Howard

Writers
Greg Erb, Jason Oremland, John Musker, Ron Clements

Runtime
97 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios

13 Edna Mode Is the Real Hero

Voice Actor: Brad Bird

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (13)

Considered by many fans to be the unsung hero of The Incredibles, Edna Mode is the fashion designer behind the suits worn by the world’s superheroes. She is extremely talented, albeit eccentric, and was a vital part of the Incredibles’ success. Some viewers even theorize that Edna was directly behind Syndrome’s death.

At the end of The Incredibles, Syndrome gets sucked into a plane turbine after his cape gets caught, causing the plane to explode. Syndrome at one point idolized Mr. Incredible, and it's not crazy to think he may have wanted his suit designed by the same person. If Edna Mode designed Syndrome’s suit, straying from her “No capes!” rule, then the world would have Edna to thank for Syndrome’s defeat.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (14)

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The Incredibles

PG

Superhero

Adventure

Family

While trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world.

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Director
Brad Bird

Release Date
November 5, 2004

Studio
Pixar

Cast
Brad Bird, Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell, Elizabeth Peña

Runtime
1 hour 55 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

12 Kala Is an Assertive and Caring Mother

Voice Actress: Glenn Close

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (19)

Tarzan is one of the best Disney movies with talking animals. It follows the story of a human boy who's raised by gorillas. Kala, a mother gorilla, adopted him after his parents died. Although her husband Kerchak was against this, she makes her own choice and stands up to him when he tries to convince her otherwise.

Kala is loving and nurturing, acting as Tarzan's biggest supporter and giving him the love and validation he needed. She doesn’t get enough credit as one of the best parents in Disney. She is very loving, but she's also strong enough to stand her ground and protect her family.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (20)

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Tarzan

G

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

A man raised by gorillas must decide where he really belongs when he discovers he is a human.

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Director
Kevin Lima, Chris Buck

Release Date
June 18, 1999

Cast
Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Alex D. Linz, Rosie O'Donnell, Brian Blessed, Nigel Hawthorne, Lance Henriksen, Wayne Knight

Writers
Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker, Noni White

Runtime
88 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation

11 Mirabel Is Steadfast and Selfless

Voice Actress: Stephanie Beatriz

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (21)

Encanto is full of underrated characters, and leading the bunch, surprisingly, is protagonist Mirabel Madrigal. She remains selfless in supporting her family while trying to find her self-worth without a gift. Mirabel is one of Disney’s most relatable characters, and she shows viewers that she is worth more than a special gift, or lack thereof.

Related

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Disney princesses are an iconic part of pop culture, but one of the best ones was never officially made a Disney princess.

In Encanto, the Madrigal family lives in Casita, a sentient house created by a magical candle, which also gives each of them a special gift in their early childhood. Except, of course, Mirabel. As Casita begins to crack and the Madrigals lose control of their abilities, Mirabel is the only one who can bring everyone together and save the day — even without a magical gift.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (23)

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Encanto

PG

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Director
Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith

Release Date
November 24, 2021

Studio
Walt Disney Animation Studios

Cast
Mauro Castillo, John Leguizamo, Carolina Gaitan, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama, Jessica Darrow, Stephanie Beatriz, Adassa, Alan Tudyk, Angie Cepeda, María Cecilia Botero, Maluma

Writers
Charise Castro Smith, Jared Bush

Runtime
99 minutes

Tagline
Magical House. Magical Family.
Main Genre
Animation

10 Sadness Is One of Riley’s Original 5 Emotions

Voice Actress: Phyllis Smith

Sadness is one of the most entertaining emotions in Inside Out and another relatable character in this list. Although she is often depressed, Sadness remains compassionate towards the other emotions while fighting for her seat at the control board. She becomes one of the most important characters in the sequel film and a pivotal part of Riley’s success.

Sadness first appeared in Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out as one of Riley’s five main emotions. In the movie, the other emotions (mostly Joy) try to suppress her influence, viewing her as unnecessary and harmful to Riley. By the end of the film, the importance of experiencing each emotion is understood.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (30)

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Inside Out

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

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Director
Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen

Release Date
June 19, 2015

Studio
Pixar

Cast
Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Richard Kind

Writers
Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley

Runtime
95 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

9 Nani Always Does Her Best for Her Family

Voice Actress: Tia Carrere

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (35)

Although the titular characters are the stars of Lilo and Stitch, Nani deserves some more recognition. She’s Lilo’s older sister and guardian. Nani works tirelessly to keep their family together and ensure that her younger sister is happy and taken care of.

Raising a sibling is not easy. The teenage Nani makes her own mistakes while raising her sister, but she tries hard and never gives up. Even when the law tries to take Lilo away, Nani doesn’t back down. Because of Nani’s deep love for her sister, they have one of the sweetest sibling bonds in Disney. Their bond is terribly underrated compared to other sibling relationships, like Anna and Elsa's dynamic in Frozen.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (36)

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Lilo & Stitch

PG

Comedy

Animation

A young and parentless girl adopts a 'dog' from the local pound, completely unaware that it's supposedly a dangerous scientific experiment that's taken refuge on Earth and is now hiding from its creator and those who see it as a menace.

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Director
Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

Release Date
June 21, 2002

Studio
Disney

Cast
Chris Sanders, Daveigh Chase, Tia Carrere, Ving Rhames, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Jason Scott Lee, Kevin Michael Richardson

Runtime
85 minutes

Main Genre
Animation

8 Esmeralda Is One Of The Most Selfless Disney Characters

Voice Actresses: Demi Moore and Heidi Mollenhauer

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (41)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a classic Disney film. Esmeralda serves as the main hero who befriends and helps Quasimodo, the protagonist. She is both beautiful and compassionate, especially to the outcasts.

Esmeralda’s sympathy for the less fortunate is one of her best traits, since she truly demonstrates how deeply she cares for others. Many other Disney female characters are kind, but Esmeralda is the most selfless. She never asks for anything for herself nor does she seek out any desire, but she barely receives any recognition as a great Disney character.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (42)

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Musical

Drama

A bell-ringer must assert his independence from a vicious government minister in order to help his friend, a dancer.

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Director
Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Release Date
June 21, 1996

Cast
Tom Hulce, Demi Moore

Writers
Tab Murphy, Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Noni White, Bob Tzudiker

Runtime
91 minutes

7 Audrey Is a Brilliant Mechanic

Voice Actress: Jacqueline Obradors

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (45)

Another underrated Disney gem is Atlantis: The Lost Empire and the movie is full of underrated characters. Although Kida is considered the main female character, Audrey Ramirez deserves a special mention. One of the few notable Latina Disney characters, Audrey is a mechanic with a strong-willed personality.

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Audrey keeps the machinery running for the Atlantis missions. It’s not often Disney features female characters with her occupation, which makes Audrey especially brilliant. She also has admirable goals and is a good friend to Milo, but she doesn’t get as much recognition as she deserves.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (47)

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Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Animation

Adventure

Family

Sci-Fi

A young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.

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Director
Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Release Date
June 2, 2001

Cast
Michael J. Fox, Corey Burton, Claudia Christian, James Garner, John Mahoney, Phil Morris

Writers
Tab Murphy, Plato, David Reynolds, Gary Trousdale, Joss Whedon, Kirk Wise

Runtime
95minutes

Production Company
Walt Disney Animation

6 Captain Amelia Has a High Rank for a Reason

Voice Actress: Emma Thompson

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (53)

Much like Atlantis, Treasure Planet is an underrated movie with its own array of underrated characters. One such character is Captain Amelia. She is the only major female character in the film and stands out for being a tough, intelligent, and confident woman who knows what she’s doing as the captain.

Most of the time, Disney films give high rankings to male characters, which makes Amelia one of the few women who earned her title. She is one of Treasure Planet’s strongest and most likable characters. Her relationship with Doppler is also wholesome, heartwarming, and feels natural.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (54)

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Treasure Planet

Adventure

Family

Fantasy

Science Fiction

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Director
Ron Clements, John Musker

Release Date
November 27, 2002

Cast
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emma Thompson, Martin Short, Corey Burton
Main Genre
Animation

5 Mei Is a Lovably Realistic Teenage Girl

Voice Actress: Rosalie Chiang

Meilin Lee, or Mei, from Turning Red is one of Disney’s newest heroes. The film came out in 2022 and resonated with many viewers. Although Mei is the main character of Turning Red, she stands out for many reasons. One such reason is her strong emotions, which enable her to turn into a giant red panda.

Mei is a compelling character whose adolescence is portrayed realistically, especially as she becomes more independent and actively explores her interests. She is quirky and confident and stays true to herself. Overall, Mei is a great and relatable role model for children.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (57)

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Turning Red

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee is torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda.

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Director
Domee Shi

Release Date
March 11, 2022

Studio
Pixar

Cast
Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park

Writers
Domee Shi

Runtime
100 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

4 Jane Is a Down-To-Earth Young Girl

Voice Actress: Harriet Owen

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (60)

There are a few Disney sequels that are dedicated to the children of some classic Disney characters, from The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride to The Little Mermaid II: Return To The Sea. Notably, Peter Pan 2: Return To Neverland features Jane Darling, Wendy’s pragmatic daughter. Jane stands out among other Disney children because of her mature personality.

Fans felt that Jane was a relatable character whose personality made her a great foil to Peter Pan. Some viewers also liked how Jane knew how to stand up for herself, especially against Tinkerbell. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have the impact her mother does.

3 Mama Imelda Is a Strong but Loving Matriarch

Voice Actress: Alanna Ubach

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (61)

One of Disney and Pixar’s best films is Coco, released in 2017. The film centers around Miguel Ramirez and his deceased family as they help him get back to the land of the living. His strongest family member is his Mama Imelda, the Ramirez family matriarch and his great-great-grandmother.

Mama Imelda seems like she rules with an iron fist, but she’s actually very kind. Her tough demeanor stems from a protective love for her family. She became so tough after raising a child on her own and starting her family’s business. Mama Imelda doesn’t get enough credit for being one of Disney’s few strong matriarchs who did almost everything on her own.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (62)

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Coco

PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Family

History

Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.

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Director
Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich

Release Date
October 27, 2017

Studio
Walt Disney Studios

Cast
Gael Garcia Bernal, Alanna Ubach, Anthony Gonzalez, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Edward James Olmos, Renee Victor, Sofía Espinosa, Benjamin Bratt, natalia cordova-buckley, Alfonso Arau

Writers
Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich

Runtime
105 minutes

Main Genre
Animation

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios, Día de Muertos.

2 Mittens Was the Fan Favorite

Voice Actress: Susie Essman

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (69)

Bolt is a great animated Disney film, but it's often forgotten. The film follows Bolt as he learns who he really is. He befriends Mittens the cat and Rhino the hamster. Although Bolt is the main character, it’s Mittens who stole the show.

Although Mittens can be harsh and cynical, those characteristics made her relatable. Mittens is absolutely adorable, especially when her sympathetic background is revealed. Additionally, her charming friendship with the titular Bolt is also one of the best parts of the film, as it brings in some of the most heartwarming moments in Bolt.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (70)

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Bolt

PG

Animation

Family

Adventure

Comedy

Bolt, a canine TV star who believes he has superpowers, embarks on a cross-country journey when he is accidentally shipped from Hollywood to New York City. Along the way, he teams up with a cynical cat named Mittens and a fanatical hamster named Rhino.

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Director
Byron Howard, Chris Williams

Release Date
November 21, 2008

Cast
John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Malcolm McDowell, James Lipton

Writers
Dan Fogelman

Runtime
98 minutes
Main Genre
Animation

1 Giselle Is an Unconventional Disney Hero

Actress: Amy Adams

Enchanted was one of Disney’s most unique films. Initially, Giselle lives in a fairytale, but she gets transported to reality and brings her fairytale antics with her. This makes Giselle especially lovable, as she brings a cheery sense of idealism to the dreary individuals in the real world.

Related

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1

Since Enchanted pokes fun at typical Disney tropes, Giselle makes clichés feel fresh as she balances real life and fairytales. Many fans wish that she could have been an official Disney princess. Even though she doesn't get the appreciation she deserves, she is fondly remembered as one of the best Disney female characters.

10 Most Underrated Female Disney Characters (75)

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Enchanted

PG

Animation

Romance

Comedy

Fantasy

Musical

Family

A young maiden in a land called Andalasia, who is prepared to be wed, is sent away to New York City by an evil Queen, where she falls in love with a lawyer.

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Director
Kevin Lima

Release Date
November 21, 2007

Studio
Walt Disney Studios

Cast
Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon, Idina Menzel, James Marsden

Runtime
107 minutes
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