Disney heroes have come a long way since the introduction of Mickey Mouse in 1928. Rather than a cheery protagonist to root for, the archetypal Disney hero has evolved to become a good-hearted savior of sorts, who either rescues a fellow character from harm or risks their life to protect their closest loved ones from imminent danger.

There have also been several Disney heroes and heroines who serve as secondary characters, whether they are princely suitors, fairy godmothers, or animal sidekicks. While these types of characters aren't to be dismissed, they usually take a backseat to some of the most popular and universally recognizable classic Disney heroes.

UPDATE: 2022/08/30 23:04 EST BY SHAWN S. LEALOS

Disney is putting out more movies than ever before, and with Disney+ streaming, they have even more room for long-form stories as well. The Mouse House isn't just known for the classic animation either. There are plenty of live-action heroes from Disney now, including the superheroes in Marvel and rebel warriors in Star Wars. Add in more recent legendary heroes like Buzz Lightyear returning in 2022 and non-traditional Disney heroes like "Mei" Lee in Turning Red and the cast from the upcoming animated movie Strange World, and the heroes for Disney are more than keeping up with the classics from yesteryear.

The Rescuers (1977)

The Rescuers might be small mice, but they do something Mickey Mouse never could do. They go on big missions and save a lot of people, putting their own lives in danger for the sake of others. It is also great to see the main hero of The Rescuers was a janitor for the Rescue Aid Society, but he soon proved himself as one of the great Disney heroes.

While Bernard was very cautious, he was also brave and very strong-willed. Add in other great Disney heroes in Penny and Cody, and the Rescuers proved time and time again that there was no one better to call for help.

d'Artagnan from The Three Musketeers (1993)

Sometimes, a hero needs time to prove himself. In the 1993 Disney movie, The Three Musketeers, the legendary three Disney heroes were already in place and saving lives across the kingdom. However, when a newcomer in d'Artagnan wanted to join the group, he had an uphill battle.

While d'Artagnan was hot-headed and arrogant when he showed up, he soon proved his loyalty and bravery to the Musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and they soon accepted him as one of their own. He was what every Disney hero aspires to be — brave and committed to standing by his friends and saving his king and country.

The Rocketeer (1991)

When it comes to superheroes in Disney, it is hard to look past the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, long before Disney had the rights to Marvel heroes, there was a Disney hero of their own who won over fans' hearts. This was The Rocketeer, who appeared in his own movie in 1991.

The movie was a historical film, with Rocketeer getting his start in pre-World War II Los Angeles as a stunt pilot named Cliff Secord found a stolen rocket pack and used it to create a flying suit. He ends up proving how heroic he was when he battled Nazi spies hiding in America, mixing the superhero genre with a wartime epic.

Kevin Flynn in Tron (1982)

Sometimes, heroes fall into their adventure and end up fighting battles they never dreamed could exist. In Tron, a man named Kevin Flynn was trying to use his hacking skills to force a man to admit he stole his game ideas and got rich off them on his own. However, that is when things go off the rails somewhat.

To stop the man who ruined his life, Kevin goes into the security system and becomes a digital character in a video game-styled world, and then he has to complete various tasks to get to the evidence. It is a very different hero, but as someone who is strong-willed and determined to find and expose the truth, he is a Disney hero that fights a very real battle for the Mouse House.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Sometimes, a hero is a woman who helps kids overcome grief and learn their place in the world. In the 1964 movie Mary Poppins, the titular character became one of Disney's best heroes when she showed up at the Banks' home and takes on the job as their children's nanny.

The kids are all unruly and out of control, but it is because their father was always too busy with work, and they rebelled as a result. However, Mary Poppins remains a true hero because she not only teaches the kids their self-worth and allows them to act like kids, but she convinces their dad that he needs to be around them more often, and helps bring the family back together before she finally flies away.

Robin Hood (1973)

Since the character of Robin Hood was not created by Disney, it's easy to overlook his heroic acts in the 1973 animated film. Similar to the source material, this Robin Hood remains the selfless hero of people who dedicated his life to ensuring the poor were provided for.

Although Robin is a wanted fugitive, the fox continuously puts his life on the line to protect the residents of Nottingham from Prince John's tyrannical reign. Not only does he lead an intense battle and defeats Prince John's soldiers, but he also rescues his friend, Friar Tuck, from execution. Robin continues his heroics by saving Tagalong and defeating the Sheriff of Nottingham in a duel.

Flora, Fauna & Merryweather - Sleeping Beauty (1959)

The true Disney heroes of Sleeping Beauty are the helpful fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. The latter was able to reverse the curse that Maleficent placed on Aurora, and the tree fairies managed to rescue the Disney princess after she pricked her finger on the spindle.

Moreover, the three fairies were responsible for unlocking Prince Phillip from Maleficent's chambers, provided him with Shield of Virtue and Sword of Truth, and put the entire kingdom under a spell until Aurora's survival was ensured. Without the three elemental fairies, the kingdom would almost certainly cease to be.

Pinocchio - Pinocchio (1940)

As one of the oldest and most revered Disney characters, Pinocchio (Dickey Jones) is heroic for multiple reasons. First, the wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy learns to overcome his fears, conquer his dishonesty, and remain true to himself.

Secondly, Pinocchio risks life to rescue his de facto father figure Geppetto (Christian Rub) from Monstro the Whale. By making the brave sacrifice for his closest loved ones, Pinocchio is granted his lifelong wish by the Blue Fairy.

Tarzan - Tarzan (1999)

Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) is one of the most memorable heroes Disney has translated to the big screen. Raised in the jungle by a loving pack of gorillas, led by Kerchak, Tarzan lives off the land and uses his natural surroundings to survive before assuming a leadership role.

After heroically rescuing Jane Porter (Minnie Driver) during a harrowing expedition, Tarzan showed what a kind and selfless person he truly was. However, his real heroism comes when he saves Kerchak from Sabor and his family from the evil clutches of Clayton (Brian Blessed). No matter what, Tarzan always made sure that his family was safe from harm.

Hercules - Hercules (1997)

It's hard to omit the mighty Hercules from the list of Disney's best and most classic heroes. While Hercules (Tate Donovan) begins his story as a materialistic character, intent on finding fame and fortune, he undergoes a true hero's journey when Hades (James Woods) turns him into a half-mortal and challenges him for ultimate supremacy.

Along the way, Hercules trains to become a hero and defeats a series of mythological creatures, including the Hydra, a Chimera, and The Titans. Even when his powers are eventually stripped, Hercules still proves he has an honorable and selfless heart after he decides to confront the Titans to try and protect the kingdom. Hercules is, by far, one of the bravest Disney heroes in history.

Quasimodo - The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)

When it comes to one of the easiest Disney heroes to root for, The Hunchback of Notre Dame's Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) ranks high on the list.

What makes the Parisian bellman so heroic is his constant willingness to save those who may be placed in mortal danger. Not only did he save Esmeralda (Demi Moore) from being burned at the stake, but he also saved Phoebus (Kevin Kline) from the deadly wrath of the evil Judge Frollo (Tony Jay). With undying loyalty and a benevolent spirit, the humble man selflessly and sacrificially preserves Esmeralda and Phoebus's romance despite falling in love with her.

Beast - Beauty And The Beast (1991)

The best Disney heroes don't just rescue others, they also tend to overcome their own inner demons, self-doubts, and deep-seated insecurities. As such, Beast from Beauty and The Beast ranks among the upper echelon. His heroism includes compassion, self-acceptance, and risking his life to protect his beloved Belle (Paige O'Hara). Cursed to be viewed as a monster, Prince Adam (Robby Benson) is given a chance to redeem his human visage by learning to "fall in love." While initially reluctant, the Beast does discover his more humane side by showing others that he can be considerate and caring.

The Beast's true test of faith, however, comes when he is facing Gaston (Richard White). Despite the hunter trying to kill him, the Beast defies the villagers' expectations of him by showing Gaston mercy instead of killing him. For all his heroic acts, the Beast is reverted back to human form and lives happily ever after with Belle.

Simba - The Lion King (1994)

The heroic journey of Simba (Matthew Broderick) in The Lion King culminates in such an emotionally heartfelt manner that it is impossible not to include the character as one of the best Disney heroes.

After being ostracized by his evil uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons), who killed his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones) to become King, Simba grows up, wanting to get justice for his father. Upon reuniting with his friend Nala (Moira Kelly) and receiving a spiritual blessing from Mufasa, Simba returns to Pride Rock and saves his family by taking his rightful place back from his tyrannical uncle.

Aladdin - Aladdin (1992)

Given his pure heart, epic journey, and the overwhelming odds he overcomes, Aladdin (Scott Weinger) is the best male Disney hero to date. Although Aladdin wasn't a prince in name or royalty (initially), he proved to be far nobler and brave than the likes of Charming and Florian, putting his life on the line to protect everyone from Jafar (Jonathan Freeman).

Aladdin's heroism is further defined by his altruistic nature too, which is demonstrated by him giving his final wish to Genie (Robin Williams) since their friendship proves to be far more valuable than his own desires. With such a selfless attitude, it is not surprising that Aladdin is considered one of the greatest heroes of Disney.

Mulan - Mulan (1998)

Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) is the single greatest Disney hero to date. Her heroism includes her noble quest to protect her father from imminent death by taking his place after he is conscripted by the army.

While Mulan became an honorable and respected war hero for the way she helped to defend her country from Shan Yu (Miguel Ferrer), Mulan also became a role model for audiences everywhere. She was one of the first Disney princesses that subverted gender stereotypes, proving she was just as strong and fierce as any 'prince.' She also proved to be just as intelligent and powerful too. No one will ever forget how she managed to outsmart her enemies.

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