Disney is famous for its inspirational characters from persevering princesses to helpful heroes. Even more heartwarming than the characters themselves are the friendships they possess. In this article, I’ll share my 15 most inspirational Disney best friends, that you probably encountered in your childhood and will remember for years to come.
15 Disney Best Friends
Friendships can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Disney does a fantastic job of showing us all the different kinds of friendships to inspired by. From the wholly sacrificial love of two unlikely best friends to the quirky pairing of lifelong partners in crimes, there are many friendships represented in the Disney family.
1. Pumbaa and Timon
The lovable duo of Pumbaa the warthog and Timon the meerkat from The Lion King creates a dynamic only the best of friends could accomplish. Both outcasts, the two friends accept each other despite their oddities and live a life free of worries. Not only are they supportive of each other, but they also become dependable allies for Simba and Nala when they decide to fight for their home.
These best buds definitely give us some pretty hefty goals when it comes Disney friendships to aim for!
2. Vanellope von Schweetz and Wreck-It Ralph
Separately, Ralph and Vanellope from the movie Wreck-It Ralph are loners in their respective arcade games. No one wants to be friends with either of them until they find each other. Ralph loves Vanellope despite her glitchy sporadic nature. Vanellope befriends Ralph for who he is, a big lovable guy, not who everyone makes him out to be.
These Disney best friends teach us that no matter what lemons life hands us, we can make lemonade any way we want!
3. Buzz Lightyear and Woody
Woody was Andy’s favorite toy until Buzz took his place. This team of toys from Toy Story had a rocky start to their relationship with Woody’s jealousy and Buzz’s ignorance getting in the way. The two eventually grew to be friends and learned from each other how to work as a team to make the kid they loved happy.
Although the movie’s theme song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” pertains to the love between Andy and Woody, it is also perfectly applicable to the resulting friendship between Woody and Buzz and their reliance on each other through tough times.
4. Copper and Tod
They were never meant to be friends but that didn’t stop Tod and Copper from The Fox and the Hound. The young hunting puppy and wild fox form a special bond of friendship despite the fact that they are supposed to be natural enemies. Eventually, their lives diverge along different paths but when they meet again as adults, their friendship is not forgotten.
Stepping in front of his owner’s gun, Copper refuses to let Tod be shot. Sacrifice is an integral quality in this inspirational Disney friendship.
5. Charlotte and Tiana
Even though Tiana and Charlotte from The Princess and the Frog both grow up in New Orleans, they lead very different lives. Despite their opposite backgrounds and work ethics, these girls support each other by encouraging the other to achieve her dreams. Whether it’s café ownership or future princess, they will stop at nothing to lift each other up.
Charlotte’s ironic selflessness and Tiana’s positive attitude make this inspirational friendship a perfect goal to achieve for finding someone to be your lifelong pal.
6. Marlin and Dory
A clownfish on a mission and a blue tang with nothing better to do form an aquatic friendship for the ages in Finding Nemo. Marlin needs help relaxing and Dory needs help remembering. Throughout their oceanic travels to recover Marlin’s son Nemo, the pair of fish help each other develop the qualities they lack.
Dory and Marlin show us that making friends isn’t just about a buddy to hang out with or a shoulder to cry on. Building a friendship is building a home.
7. Little John and Robin Hood
The unforgettable team of Robin Hood and Little John from the movie Robin Hood is the next pair of Disney best friends to grace our list of inspirational friendships. Just a couple of outlaws trying to make a difference for the poor, these two are in lockstep with each other throughout all of their crazy adventures.
From disguising themselves as gypsies to feathery archers and rich barons, Little John always has Robin’s back, and Robin has not found a danger he wouldn’t risk for his best friend, Little John.
8. Genie and Aladdin
When Aladdin discovered the ancient lamp, he not only found a valuable treasure but also formed an everlasting friendship with the lovable blue Genie in the movie Aladdin. With the ability to give help each other’s dreams come true; Genie helps Aladdin win the heart of Princess Jasmine.
In return, Aladdin gives Genie his freedom. While both achieve their ultimate goals, they also gain a friendship to last a lifetime. This magical connection born out of the struggles of two guys quite down on their luck is a truly inspirational relationship to strive for.
Have you taken a look at the Hottest Male Disney Characters
9. Stitch and Lilo
She was a lonely kid with sister problems and a passion for Elvis Presley. He was a deadly intergalactic science experiment on the run. Lilo and Stitch were made for each other. Their friendship turned into something more much more – these two buddies became family. The selflessness and courage they learn from each other are unforgettable.
Lilo and Stitch exemplify everything we could ever want out of a best friend – someone to surf with and someone who will rescue you from alien kidnappers.
10. Bert and Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is the mysterious nanny who appears out of nowhere but Bert the chimney sweep seems to be quite well acquainted with her. Although the nature of the history of this friendship is not forthcoming, they make an excellent musical duo and share a love of imagination that is truly inspiring for anyone.
Whether it’s dancing on rooftops or strolling through sidewalk chalk drawings, they simply have the best of adventures and a friendship full of creative expression certainly something to aspire to.
11. Cogsworth and Lumiere
Featured in Beauty and the Beast, Cogsworth and Lumiere are both enchanted objects living in the Beast’s castle. While the stuffy, uptight clock and the laissez-faire candelabra have very different personalities, they share the dream to restore the castle and its inhabitants to their former humanity.
These two have been in cahoots for years and play off each other quite swimmingly to help their master find true love and save their friends from an eternity as household items.
12. Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh
A childhood favorite, almost everyone can relate to the loving friendship between a child and his teddy bear. In the case of Christopher Robin, his bear Winnie the Pooh accompanies him on countless adventures. Despite being a bit absentminded, Pooh is an ever loyal companion and the two share a bond that cannot be replaced.
Their friendship born of innocence and love is a pure example of the simplicity we should all crave in our own friendships.
13. Flounder and Ariel
In The Little Mermaid, Ariel is daring and adventurous but never leaves behind her slightly more cautious pal Flounder. Even when he’s skeptical about her plan to become human and win the heart of a human prince, Flounder supports Ariel and does everything in his power to ensure that she is happy.
Everyone needs a loyal sidekick who can lift them up when the chips are down. And every shy, corner-dweller could benefit from an outgoing ally who will help them be brave and come out of their shell.
Find more wonderful Disney Redheads like Ariel here
14. Mowgli and Baloo
It may not be mentioned in the song itself by a loyal, loving friendship is a bare necessity which Baloo and Mowgli prove true in The Jungle Book. Mowgli gets more than a protector out of Baloo; he gets a friend who will be there through thick and thin. Baloo, in kind, receives the undying devotion of a boy who thinks the world of him.
Baloo and Mowgli’s friendship is almost reminiscent of a father and son relationship with lots of fun and a bit more monkey business.
15. Kristoff and Sven
The friendship between a man and his dog may be legendary but what about between a man and his reindeer? In Frozen, Kristoff and Sven have been friends since they were tykes. Adopted by trolls, going into the ice business, and helping out on princess quests, this dynamic duo does everything together.
Kristoff understands Sven in a way no one else can, and Sven helps Kristoff be brave. Their hilarious and oftentimes crazy antics are just part of the reason why we love their bromance and have decided to include them on our inspirational friendships list.
Discover more cute Disney Characters like Kristoff here
Disney Best Friends
No matter what kind of friendship you want out of life, check out some of the Disney movies that feature in my list of top 15 inspirational Disney best friends to see just who you might model your next relationship after!
To keep up to date with all our latest content, Disney World news and get our 10-page Parks Guide you can sign up to our Newsletter Here.
About the Author
