1. Simba (The Lion King)
Simba, the young lion destined to be king, tops the list with The Lion King (1994) earning over $968 million globally. The 2019 live-action remake pushed the total even higher, making Simba Disney’s most iconic animal star.
2. Dory (Finding Dory)
Dory, the forgetful blue tang fish from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, won hearts worldwide. Finding Dory (2016) grossed over $1 billion, making her one of Disney’s highest-grossing animal stars.
3. Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King)
Timon and Pumbaa, Simba’s quirky meerkat and warthog sidekicks, brought comedic relief to The Lion King. Their role in both the original and the live-action remake helped push the franchise’s box office numbers to staggering heights.
4. Baloo (The Jungle Book)
Baloo, the fun-loving bear from The Jungle Book, charmed audiences in both the 1967 animated classic and the 2016 live-action remake. The remake alone earned nearly $967 million, proving Baloo’s enduring popularity.
5. Bambi (Bambi)
Bambi (1942) may have had modest box office numbers at the time, but through re-releases and inflation adjustments, it became one of Disney’s top-grossing animated films, making Bambi an unforgettable character in Disney history.
6. Crush (Finding Nemo)
Crush, the laid-back sea turtle from Finding Nemo (2003), played a small but memorable role in this box office hit, which earned over $940 million. His “righteous” attitude helped make the film one of Disney’s most successful.
7. Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
Stitch, the chaotic but lovable alien from Lilo & Stitch (2002), quickly became a fan favorite. The film’s success, earning over $273 million worldwide, solidified Stitch’s place as one of Disney’s most beloved animal stars.
8. Scar (The Lion King)
Though a villain, Scar’s chilling performance in The Lion King made him one of Disney’s most memorable animal characters. His role in the billion-dollar franchise contributed to The Lion King’s monumental success.
9. Dumbo (Dumbo)
Dumbo, the big-eared elephant, stole hearts in the 1941 classic. With the live-action Dumbo (2019) grossing $353 million, the character’s enduring appeal continues to bring in audiences decades later.
10. Lady and Tramp (Lady and the Tramp)
The romantic tale of Lady and the Tramp (1955) became a timeless classic. The live-action/CGI remake on Disney+ in 2019, while not a box office hit, revived the beloved dogs for a new generation of viewers.
11. Marlin (Finding Nemo)
Marlin, the worried father and determined clownfish from Finding Nemo, played a key role in driving the film’s success to over $940 million. His quest to find his son resonated with audiences worldwide.
12. Zazu (The Lion King)
Zazu, the uptight hornbill in The Lion King, may have been a supporting character, but his role in one of Disney’s highest-grossing franchises certainly makes him a popular animal star.
13. Nala (The Lion King)
Nala, Simba’s loyal friend and later queen, also contributes to the massive success of The Lion King. Her role in both the original and live-action versions ensures she ranks high among Disney’s top animal stars.
14. Mufasa (The Lion King)
Mufasa’s tragic yet noble role in The Lion King deeply impacted audiences, making him one of Disney’s most iconic animal characters. His influence over the billion-dollar franchise cannot be overlooked.
15. Thumper (Bambi)
Thumper, Bambi’s energetic rabbit friend, added charm to Bambi’s emotional tale. His lovable personality has made him a fan favorite, helping Bambi achieve its long-standing success through various re-releases.
