Elsa. Ariel. Baymax. Dory. All of these characters, and so many more, are recognizable just by their name, even if you have never watched their movie. Disney’s popular characters have redeeming qualities, and it is obvious why people love them. However, being an avid Disney fan who is fluent in a large scope of their films, I often think of lesser-known characters, especially from movies that are older or didn’t do well, and wish that they were better known in pop culture. Here, I present, in no particular order, some of Disney’s unacknowledged characters that are actually wonderful.

1. Timothy Q. Mouse from "Dumbo"

Though "Dumbo" turned quite a profit in 1941 and was critically-acclaimed, it is mostly swept under the rug and forgotten about today. Though it is not one of my personal favorites, I watched it again recently and was struck by Timothy, a mouse who befriends Dumbo after Dumbo’s mother is locked away.

Unlike essentially every other character (excluding Dumbo’s mom of course), he is the only other person who doesn’t immediately cast Dumbo aside as an eccentric freak. When everyone abandons Dumbo for being odd, Timothy becomes a loyal friend who encourages Dumbo to not be ashamed of his large ears and use them for something good.

Timothy is completely selfless and devotes all his time and energy to making Dumbo a success, taking no credit himself. The idea that elephants are typically afraid of mice makes this connection even more interesting. Timothy Q. Mouse teaches us lessons in loyalty, friendship, and helping others.

2. Pongo from "101 Dalmatians"

This 1961 film was also successful at the box office and even got a 1996 reboot. Though I prefer cats (sorry dog-lovers), I have always loved this movie. Pongo is the main character in the film and is incredibly brave and protective over his loved ones. We first see Pongo orchestrate one of the most adorable meet-cutes in Disney film, winning over viewers from the beginning. Pongo adores his mate, Perdita, and vows to protect her from the evil Cruella De Vil. After their puppies are dognapped, Pongo ventures out to find them and risks his life saving not only his own puppies but the others Cruella dognapped as well. Had he not brought the other puppies with him, they surely would have been skinned.

3. Bagheera from "The Jungle Book"

The 1967 animated version was a financial success for Disney and revamped in 2016. Bagheera (which means “tiger” in Hindi) is a black panther who finds Mowgli in the jungle and gives him to a mother wolf to raise. Though he does not take an active role in raising him, Bagheera keeps an eye on Mowgli as he grows up.

Eventually, he realizes that Mowgli will do best and be safest if he returns to the “man village” and is surrounded by other humans. Though Mowgli resists and hates Bagheera for this decision, Bagheera is adamant and knows what is best for Mowgli. At the end of the film, Mowgli realizes that Bagheera is right and willingly goes to the man village. Though Bagheera is serious and critical of Baloo’s carefree lifestyle, he teaches viewers lessons of determination, loyalty and selflessness.

4. Figaro from "Pinocchio"

Though Disney’s 1940 film can get kind of creepy, I still enjoyed it as a kid. As I mentioned earlier, I’m a cat person, so I always thought that Geppetto’s cat Figaro was adorable. Admittedly, Figaro doesn’t really do anything in the film — he’s just a kitten doing his kitten thing — yet he has quite the personality. Figaro even starred in some Disney cartoons and was one of Walt’s favorite characters. The only lessons we really learn from Figaro are to be as cute as possible and make your goodnight kisses brief.

5. Tadashi from "Big Hero 6"

Obviously, the star of this 2014 film is the personal healthcare companion Baymax, but there are other redeeming characters as well. Tadashi, the older brother of protagonist Hiro, is only in the film briefly yet leaves a legacy for viewers to admire and Hiro to look up to. When Hiro participates in illegal robot fighting, Tadashi recognizes his skill and encourages Hiro to apply to his school, the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology.

When Hiro is frustrated with himself for not coming up with any innovative ideas for the science fair, Tadashi encourages him to keep trying and believes in his talents. Hiro, as well as the audience, can admire Tadashi for never giving up, being brave, and helping others. Also, without Tadashi, there would be no Baymax, which would just be sad.

6. Big Mama from "The Fox & The Hound"

Like so many other Disney films, this 1981 movie is largely forgotten today. Big Mama is an owl who, like her name, is protective and watchful over Tod. She found Tod after his mother was killed and arranges for him to live with Widow Tweed. Without her care, Tod would have surely died on his own. Like Bagheera does for Mowgli, she keeps a close eye on Tod as he is raised. When Tod befriends a hound dog, Copper, she opens Tod’s eyes to the reality that they are natural enemies and will end up hurting each other in the end, and she turns out to be right.

After Widow Tweed sends Tod back to the forest, Big Mama still watches out for him and sets him up with a female fox. Owls are depicted as being wise and all-knowing, and Big Mama is no exception, using her skills to educate Tod so he won’t get eliminated.

7. Marie from "The Aristocats"

Marie is the fierce female kitten in this 1970 box office hit. Of the three kittens, she certainly has the most personality. She adores Thomas O’Malley, and when she falls in the river and is rescued by him, it gives Duchess another reason to consider taking him home to Madame Adelaide. Though she is the only girl, she keeps up with her brothers and is the queen of sass.

8. Mushu from "Mulan"

This 1998 movie is praised for its portrayal of a powerful female, but often overlooked is Mulan’s dragon companion Mushu. After accidentally breaking the Stone Dragon, Mushu vows to protect Mulan himself and accompanies her to the battlefield. Though misguided, Mushu tries his best to help Mulan pretend to be a man and help her navigate the problems that arise in training. After helping Mulan defeat Shan Yu at the palace, the ancestors make Mushu the Fa family guardian. Both helpful and feisty, Mushu is an endearing, loyal friend who shows that hard work does pay off.

9. Mrs. Potts from "Beauty and the Beast"

In this 1991 tale that is as old as time, we often focus on Belle, the Beast, and Gaston as the most interesting characters, but what about the servants? Of these, most notable is Mrs. Potts, who is (unsurprisingly) a teapot, who acts as a motherly figure to Belle. Always willing to put on some tea, Mrs. Potts never loses faith that the Beast will find a companion in Belle. She also rocks her part in “Something There” as well as provides the title song itself, “Beauty and the Beast,” which is perhaps more iconic than the movie.

10. Jaq and Gus from "Cinderella"

In this emblematic 1950 princess movie, Cinderella gets a lot of help from her rodent friends in making her dreams come true, especially Jaq and Gus. These two loyal mice do a lot for Cinderella, from finding materials for her dress, avoiding Lucifer, transforming into horses for her carriage, and — most importantly — bringing the key up to her door so she can get out of her room and try the glass slipper on. Without Jaq and Gus, Cinderella would have likely been a maid forever and never would have been with Prince Charming. Though mice are disgusting creatures, I’ll admit that Cinderella’s mice are essential to the film.