By Amy Mars
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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.

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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.
- 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

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.
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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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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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.
Where to Watch
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*Availability in US
- 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

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.
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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.

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Encanto
PG
- 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.

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Inside Out
PG
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
- 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

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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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Treasure Planet
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.

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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.
- 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

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

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.

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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.
- 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

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.

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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.
- 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.
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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.

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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.
- 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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