Who doesn't appreciate an adorable animal? Better yet, who doesn't appreciate an adorable animal that can talk? The truth is that some of film and television's most lovable, colorful characters have been of the furry, feathered, finned, or four-legged variety. They can be cute (An American Tail's Fievel). They can be wise (The Lion King's Rafiki). And they can be funny — more so than most humans (Shrek's Donkey,Aladdin's Iago, The Little Mermaid's Sebastian, Finding Nemo'sDory).
Disney's new movie Zootopia, starring the voices of Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Shakira, comes out on Friday. In celebration of its release, we've rounded up 20 of our top talking animals in film and TV. Enjoy!
Robin Hood,Robin Hood(1973)
Robin and Little John aren't just BFFs — Robin especially has got real political potential. He's the original man of the people — just the sort of affable socialist unafraid to take from the rich and give to the poor.
Dory, Finding Nemo (2001)
Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, doesn't have a very long memory — in fact, it's just a few seconds long. But Dory's upbeat attitude and adventurous spirit make her the perfect companion for Nemo's dad Marlin. Plus, she's great with whales. Get excited — Finding Dory comes out June 17!
Donkey, Shrek (2001)
Is Donkey Eddie Murphy's greatest role ever? It's a distinct possibility. Shrek's unlikely sidekick Donkey is non-judgmental of the ogre. He's hilariously un-self-aware. And, he makes you waffles in the morning.
Puss In Boots, Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek The Third (2007), Shrek Forever After (2010), Puss in Boots (2011)
Antonio Banderas lends his voice to the most stylish orange tabby in leather boots we've ever seen. A Zorro-type vigilante, Puss In Boots entertained audiences so much with his saucy attitude and fancy footwork that he spawned a whole feline franchise.
Babe, Babe (1995)
Mild-mannered misfit Babe couldn't be more endearing or vulnerable. Seriously, you might need to rethink the bacon, people. The pink little piggy has the herding talent of a well-bred Border Collie. He ends up bravely finding his inner voice to become an unlikely barn leader.
Fievel, An American Tail (1986)
Itty-bitty Fievel has ears as big as his head, and an even bigger heart. You'll root hard for this little migrant-mouse to find his family
Sebastian, The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ah, Sebastian the sophisticated lobster. Ariel's funny French sidekick looks out for Ariel more than anyone else. The loyal crustacean is also a phenomenal singer and the the funniest character under the sea.
Owl, Winnie The Pooh (1966-2011)
Wise old Owl might pontificate more than Pooh cares for, but his professorial manner (and British accent) is what we love most about him. Plus he's an an excellent forest guide.
Duchess, The Aristocats (1970)
Beautiful Duchess does her best to keep her litter in line. She may purr in a soft, lady-like voice, but this classy French kitty can be as fierce as an alley cat.
Mr. Fox, Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Meet Mr. Fox, a family man, newspaper columnist, poultry thief and lovable protagonist. Voiced by George Clooney, Mr. Foxcarries Wes Anderson's first animated feature, based on the Roald Dahl book.
Jock, Lady And The Tramp(1955)
There are a lot of awesome pooches in this Disney classic, but stout Scottish Terrier Jock takes the cake. His impressive 'stache, Scottish accent and protectiveness of Lady make him a stand-up pup. Also, this song.
Donatello, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Donatello might be the least savvy ninja turtle, but he's the true brains of the operation. Donnie is brilliant and inventive, coming up with all of the crew's bad-ass weaponry. Nerds rule.
Baloo, The Jungle Book (1967)
Big ol' Baloo is Mowgli's best-natured friend and mentor in the jungle. His famous number, "Bare Necessities" is a happy-go-lucky tune and ode to frugality we could all stand to listen to once in a while.
Shadow, Homeward Bound (1993)
Handsome Golden Retriever Shadow is the heart and soul of Homeward Bound. The dependable dog does his best to keep his pack's heads up and shepherd them along the rough journey home.
Gus Gus, Cinderella (1950)
While this little guy with an infectious giggle never really says much more than "Gus Gus" and some jibberish, he is simply the cutest little rodent we've ever seen.
Remy, Ratatoiulle (2007)
Determined and resourceful rat Remy is a straight-shooter and a gifted chef, which actually sounds an awful lot like the kind of guy we'd like to date.
Dug, Up (2009)
"I hid under your porch because I love you." This line is everything, end of story.
Rafiki, The Lion King (1994)
Spiritual sage Rafiki is one of the most memorable characters in The Lion King. He alternates between cracking us up and doling out gems of life advice to Simba like "The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it." Whoa.
Mister Ed, Mister Ed (1958-1966)
The original talking horse cannot be rivaled. The loquacious palomino from the classic comedy is a good pal to his owner Wilbur and a role model for all the talking live-action animals to come.
Iago, Aladdin (1992)
Is Iago the original angry bird? Jafar's screechy, sarcastic shoulder-buddy has the voice and fuck you attitude of a Brooklyn gangsta. He's also got bushy eyebrows and has no problem calling his evil master a "moron."
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