Let’s be real—heroes might have their name on the marquee, but it’s usually the sidekicks that steal our hearts (and the good lines). They make jokes, deliver face-melting stunts, and sometimes even steal the spotlight from the hero himself. Whether through brute strength, impeccable comedic timing, or pure charm, these sidekicks show us that sometimes the supporting cast can steal the entire show. Counting down from number 10, the most overpowered and memorable sidekicks in movies and anime are:
10. Hei Hei (Moana)
A dimwitted chicken who can’t even consume food normally isn’t exactly scene-stealing goodness—but Hei Hei pulls it off. He lives through every catastrophe without effort, flows past peril like it’s water, and somehow still manages to become iconic. Sometimes, all it takes is sheer cluelessness to be the MVP.
9. Maximus (Tangled)
No speech, no issue. Rapunzel’s horse Maximus says it all with a glance, a snort, or a melodramatic stamp. Originally portrayed as Flynn Rider’s dogged pursuer, Maximus becomes one of the wittiest and most dedicated sidekicks in Disney history. He’s evidence that sidekicks don’t have to talk to take over a movie.
8. Rem (Re: Zero)
Loyalty, power, and emotional depth—Rem does it all. Not only can she destroy enemies with her morning star, but she also keeps Subaru grounded when his world is falling apart around him. Fans of anime recognize she’s much more than a “side character”—she’s the glue that keeps the story (and Subaru’s grip on sanity) together.
7. Terk (Tarzan)
Terk isn’t only Tarzan’s best buddy—she’s the jungle’s life of the party. With sassy one-liners or wild musical numbers, she never fails to find a way to make things interesting. Trashing the camp or making jokes, Terk shows that it doesn’t hurt to grow up with the hero sometimes, and that it makes for an awesome partner-in-crime.
6. Sir Nighteye (My Hero Academia)
Any good hero requires brains behind the brawn, and Nighteye fits that bill. With his Foresight quirk, he can see every move before it’s made and is therefore just as indispensable as All Might himself. Serious, strategic, and quietly superior, he’s the sort of sidekick who makes it possible to survive.
5. Mushu (Mulan)
Small dragon, big attitude. Mushu may not be imposing in size, but his jokes, bravado, and spirit inspire Mulan to be her best. Eddie Murphy’s voice acting made him a legend, and without him, the film wouldn’t be half as funny—or as moving.
4. Lumiere & Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast)
This mismatched pair provides energy to any scene they’re in. Lumiere’s flair and Cogsworth’s stuffiness are a comedy goldmine, and their chemistry reaches its peak with the irrepressible “Be Our Guest.” They may be technically side characters, but best of luck sitting through the movie without recalling them first.
3. Genie (Aladdin)
Robin Williams’ Genie revolutionized the role of animated sidekicks. He’s boisterous, erratic, and deceptively quotable, but he’s also deeply human in his desire for liberation. He exists to serve Aladdin, maybe, but his humor and heart make him the actual star of the show.
2. Rukia Kuchiki (Bleach)
When it comes to sidekicks in anime, Rukia takes the cake. She’s the one who imparts powers on Ichigo, teaches him how to fight, and goes head-to-head against foes most heroes wouldn’t be able to defeat. Her transformation from background fighter into powerful captain makes sure she’s just as interesting as the main character.
1. Olaf (Frozen)
Snowmen shouldn’t hijack movies, but Olaf does it so breezily. Goofy but strangely perceptive, he dispenses some of Frozen’s finest one-liners and also manages to slide in some insight that advances the plot. He became so popular, his popularity spun so out of control, that he even headlined his own shorts—because sometimes the “sidekick” is indeed the star in hiding.
In the end, these sidekicks show that heroes don’t always get to steal the show. Comedic relief, hidden powerhouses, or simply impossible to ignore, they remind us that supporting actors can be just as legendary as the stars.