While everybody loves a good animal sidekick, it seems that many audience members seem to forget that animals make great main characters in film as well. There are plenty of fantastic animal characters, both in animation and live action style, that take the lead and play the protagonist of fun and beloved stories. Having animals as the main character brings a unique kind of charm and whimsy to these movies, and makes them uniquely memorable. While everyone has their own personal favorite character, here are arguably some of the best animal main characters in movies.

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7 Paddington

     Netflix

The Paddington movies are incredibly fun for all ages, and are so well liked that a third movie is in the works. The story of a little bear having to uproot himself and find a new home in a new country pulls at the heartstrings and brings a lot of wonderful and meaningful themes with it. Paddington shows perseverance in his stories, always trying to be optimistic and working hard to make things right. He tries to make the world a better place and focuses on self-love and love of others while still asking for and giving respect where it is due. As a main character, he encourages bravery and love, as well as many other good habits and ideas. His character is a good influence on younger audience members, as well as a good reminder for the older viewers. Paddington is sweet and lovable and an accessible character for everyone.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

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MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

6 Remy - Ratatouille

     Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Remy is an excellent protagonist, leading a story that teaches not to assume based on appearance or stereotype. Whenever Remy is encountered by a human, they try to kill him simply because he’s a rat. Linguini is the only one willing to give him a chance, and in doing so discovers that Remy has an incredible talent that rivals professional chefs. He’s an outcast among rats as well as humans and is just looking to be himself. He’s a heartfelt underdog character that is relatable to anyone in the audience. He is a main character that focuses on discovering and loving who you are, as well as surrounding yourself with people that truly care about you. Remy goes for his dreams and never gives up, providing an inspirational character for viewers to look up to.

5 Despereaux - The Tale of Despereaux

     Universal Pictures

Then there’s the charming little mouse Despereaux, who is voiced by Matthew Broderick and based on the character from the book by Kate DiCamillo. Despereaux is also a character whose story is centered around being true to oneself. He lives in a kingdom that has fallen into despair after the death of its queen, and all rodents live hidden lives. The other mice are meek and cautious and stay away from humans, but Despereaux is curious and wants to explore the world and help those in need. His story is about being a hero despite size and circumstance and following your heart to do what you think is right.

4 Rango

     Paramount Pictures

This funky little chameleon is an unlikely hero, making him a bumbling but interesting main character to follow and see grow throughout his story. Rango begins as a nameless chameleon who falls out of the car of his owners and becomes lost in the desert. In his lonely life as a pet he would entertain himself by putting on plays in which he was the hero– once he finds himself in a desert community, he has the opportunity to change and become a true hero. Rango has an inspirational story arc. He develops and improves himself in many ways, and is able to find out who he truly wants to be.

3 Basil - The Great Mouse Detective

     Walt Disney Pictures

The old classic Disney film The Great Mouse Detective is a fun mousey twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories. This movie centers around Basil, the aloof Sherlock figure, as he tries to help a little mouse girl rescue her father. Basil also has a great arc as the main character, beginning as someone who keeps very close to himself and grows into someone more caring. He becomes the kind of protagonist that shows bravery to protect and help others, not simply for his own needs or for a case. Basil’s growth is heartwarming for audiences to watch and provides a good example of a hero centered on helping others.

2 Salem - Sabrina the Teenage Witch

     ABC

Salem the cat is a great main character mostly for his entertainment value. He’s sassy and sarcastic and always manages to lighten the mood. He makes a perfect compliment to the chaotic adventures that his companion Sabrina finds herself in. While he adds comedic relief, he also has an interesting story– as he isn’t just a regular talking cat, but is also a fellow witch imprisoned in the form of a cat as punishment for abusing his powers. Salem is an interesting animal main character for viewers because of the uniqueness and hilarity of his story and personality.

1 Aslan - Chronicles of Narnia

Then there’s the regal character of Aslan, who all of us remember from the beloved Chronicles of Narnia films. While fans of the movies are still hoping to see more, one thing everyone reminisces about are the wonderful characters. Aslan acted as a leader of the story, being a protector and a father-like figure to the Pevensie children. He inspires the people and other mystical creatures around him. He fights for good and protects those who cannot protect themselves. He is willing to sacrifice himself in order to help good triumph over evil. Aslan is a perfect example of what a leader and a hero should be.