Snow White, Mulan, Lilo. Heroes, Heroins, Bad Guys. The main characters. Most Disney movies are titled after the main character. They are remembered for the great adventures or funny comments from the main characters. But that's not all that makes up a Disney movie. Most people are forgetting one main component: Disney Sidekicks. The sidekicks are just as funny, just as cute and just as badass as the main characters. So let's revisit some of our favorite Sidekicks that you may have forgotten about and learn what they taught us.
1. Mushu - "Mulan"
Mushu not only helped Mulan save China, but he is also ridiculously funny. He went up against all odds and became this amazing hero that we didn't see coming. The Elders, and you don't mess with the Elders, told him that he is nothing and will never be a "God." Mushu, even though he was this tiny little dragon, decided to take things in his own hands and changed this girl's life. He helped Mulan grow up, find herself and find true love. Mushu also had one of the funniest lines i think in the entire movie, "Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!" Mushu taught us, even if you are the little guy, even if you have everyone telling you that you can't, you have to believe in yourself and make it happen.
2. Stitch - "Lilo & Stitch"
This little blue alien just happened to land at the right place at the right time. Although most people believed him to be a "dog" at first, it didn't take long for him to win over the hearts of everyone he met. Okay, so maybe it took some time, but Lilo fell in love with this guy immediately. Stitch taught us about Ohana. He taught us that Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind. He also taught us to love everyone, nobody if they are different than you, because different is okay -- it's interesting.
3. Timon & Pumbaa - "The Lion King"
Timon and Pumbaa weren't your average friends. They were actually the least two you would expect to become friends, and you would expect them even less to befriend a lion, but they did. They found Simba as a baby and taught him to grow up and to live. This dynamic duo left their families behind because they weren't happy and decided to become happy. They taught us to be friends with everyone, even in those you wouldn't expect. They taught us about Hakuna Matata and how to live worry free. Sometimes you just need to let everything go and enjoy life.
4. Olaf - "Frozen"
Although this ball of snow is new to our Disney family, the moment he landed on the screen we fell in love. His bubbly and upbeat personality gave us hope that we could find joy even in the darkest of times. He never forgot his childhood best friend, Anna, even after so many years have passed. Olaf taught us that some people are worth melting for. The best part about him is that he wasn't just speaking for romantic relationships. He was talking about our family and friends too, and those are the relationships we tend to forget about.
5. Baloo - "The Jungle Book"
Thankfully, we got to see this guy again this past year on the big screen when Disney decided to do a live action film of The Jungle Book. With this being my favorite Disney movie, I had to include good ole Baloo on the list. He is funny, and kind, and really does love the man-cub. Baloo taught us about the bear necessities. He taught us to find joy in the simple things and that you never need more than you have to be happy.
So as you watch your next disney movie, stop paying so much attention to the "Cinderella's" of the movie, and watch the "Gus's." You might learn a thing or two other than how to find a prince charming.