Honestly, it is often the side characters that take the spotlight away from the main characters. Although the main protagonists are the ones whose names are largely shown on the posters, it is usually the witty, humorous, and lovable sidekicks that take every scene. From animated characters to TV show neighbors, these sidekicks were so full of charm that the leads seemed like the ones who were in the background. These are the 10 characters that went so far as to eclipse the ones they were supposed to help.
10. Hei Hei (Moana) – The Clueless Chicken
He never speaks, he never assists, and he never knows what is going on—but Hei Hei remained a crowd favorite regardless. Pecking at boulders or crashing into catastrophe, this bird can survive beyond all hope and make us laugh as Moana and Maui save the world.
9. Maximus (Tangled) – The Law-and-Order Horse
Skip Rapunzel’s skillet—Maximus is the real heavy in Tangled. A comedic-timing horse with a detective-mix sense of humor, he swipes the scene away with only facial expressions and dogged determination to apprehend Flynn Rider.
8. Terk (Tarzan) – The Sassy Best Friend
All heroes have a ride-or-die, and Tarzan’s is Terk. A spunky, fast-talking, high-strung woman, she provides some of the film’s best comedic and most quotable lines. Her attitude and dedication are as popular as the jungle boy himself.
7. Baloo (The Jungle Book) – The Life of the Party
Mowgli is the star of the story, but Baloo is its heart. Through his laid-back attitude, lovable antics, and the inimitable “Bare Necessities,” he gives us a lesson in life, love, and bravery—and does it dancing into our hearts.
6. Timon & Pumbaa (The Lion King) – Comic Relief Royalty
Simba may be destined to be king, but Timon and Pumbaa are the ones we remember. With their hakuna matata lifestyle, quick wit, and genuine friendship, they gave the movie some of its funniest and most emotional moments. It’s no wonder that they stole the show and became the stars of their own spin-offs.
5. Kramer (Seinfeld) – The Neighbor Who Stole the Show
Every time Kramer bursts into Jerry’s apartment, you know trouble is brewing. His outrageous entrances, absurd schemes, and dazzling physical humor made him the true scene-stealer of Seinfeld, often overshadowing the self-proclaimed star of the show.
4. Mushu (Mulan) – Guardian with Attitude
Eddie Murphy’s Mushu is comedy gold—humorous, whimsical, and endlessly quotable. Tiny as he is, he drives Mulan’s quest around and delivers some of the wittiest one-liners in Disney history. Mushu doesn’t just contribute to the story—he makes it unforgettable.
3. Lumiere & Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast) – The Perfect Duo
This unconventional twosome is technically supporting characters, but they light up the screen when they share it. The spiffiness of Lumiere and the fussy demeanor of Cogsworth are perfectly balanced with each other, and they deliver one of the film’s largest showstoppers: “Be Our Guest.” Their chemistry overwhelms the romance that is at the heart of the film.
2. Genie (Aladdin) – The Real Star of the Show
Robin Williams turned Genie into a funny whirlwind, a gold-hearted spirit, and magic. Through his quick-paced one-liners, classic songs, and genuine emotional depth, he commandeers every scene he gets into. Aladdin has the girl, but Genie is the one everyone talks about.
1. Olaf (Frozen) – The Snowman Who Melted Our Hearts
Hilarious, innocent, and surprisingly wise, Olaf brings both laughter and sentimentality to Frozen. His quirky one-liners and unwavering loyalty made him the franchise’s star turn—and even landed him a Disney+ spin-off.
Sidekicks may not be the headliners, but these lovable characters prove that sometimes it’s the supporting actors that leave the most impact. And honestly, what is a hero without a scene-stealing sidekick by their side?