Ranking the Best Pixar Characters

Photo via FanPop.com

Eddie Strait is a writer for FanSided partner BroJackson.com. For more great content, head on over to Bro Jackson and check out Eddie’s work.

Pixar’s stable of characters is as distinguished and deep as that of Tarantino, George Lucas, or anything else in cinema. Almost annually since 1995 Pixar has continued to add to their roster. With “Monsters University” opening on Friday Pixar dips back into their previously established pool. Already familiar with Sully and Mike, there are sure to be plenty of interesting side characters for audiences to meet. But for now, here a power-rankings list of Pixar’s most iconic and memorable characters to date.

Woody – I could easily fill this list out with “Toy Story” characters, but for the sake of fairness I’ll give the spot to Woody. He was the one being hesitantly handed over at the end of “3,” he’s the one that unleashed the waterworks in audiences worldwide.

Wall-E – A hopeless romantic who also cleans up our mess and helps revive the planet, is there anything this little robot can’t do? Wall-E is the focal point for arguably the best 20 minutes of film Pixar has produced, and therefore, the entire film industry has produced in the last decade-plus. Like Pixar’s movies, Wall-E makes the mundane magical.

Mater – Despite being one of Pixar’s least admired movies critically, one arena “Cars” has few peers is merchandising sales. Leading the way is the lovable oaf Mater. Much to the chagrin of elitists everywhere, the Larry the Cable Guy-voiced Mater has infiltrated pop-culture in a way that only the “Nemo” and “Toy Story” contingents can match.

Marlin – Marathoners and triathletes are rightfully proud of their 26.2s and 140.6s, next time someone gets self-righteous about their feats of stamina, make sure you remind them that Marlin, a fish, covered anywhere between 1,014 and 2630 miles to find his son.

Merida – Better with a bow and arrow than Katniss, and she’s Oscar bona fide. On pure physical prowess, Merida could take out the majority of the field if she had to. Say what you will about “Brave”’s quality, but there’s no denying the strength of Merida.

6.(tie) Mr. & Mrs. Incredible – Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible are strong choices in their own right, but like all great partnerships, they’re better together rather than separate.

Sully – Sully gets the nod over Mike because he carries himself with more dignity. Last we saw of the duo in “Monsters, Inc.” Sully was running the show while Mike was racking himself for a laugh.

Carl – After years of loneliness, Carl went into beast mode in honor of his beloved Ellie. Attaching balloons to his domicile and navigating to South America, old man Carl completes the miraculous of hero’s journeys. It’s a great metaphor for the power of love.

Remy – Remy somehow made rats adorable and, even more amazingly, gave heart to seemingly heartless critics. Remy embodies Pixar’s dominant theme of doing what you love and letting nothing stand in your way.