The world of animation offers so much possibility in the way of the wonderful and whacky, the beautiful and dramatic, and the weird and unique. This creative atmosphere has, over the years, lent itself to some of the greatest animated characters in film and television. Comedic actors and comedians are just as funny and entertaining without their in-person presence, physicality, and facial expressions.
As cinematography advances, performance capture and the creative process of animation also advances, providing some truly entertaining performances. Some honorable mentions go to Josh Gad as Olaf in Frozen (2013), E. G. Daily for Tommy in Rugrats, Jack Black as Po in Kung Fu Panda (2008), Dwayne Johnson for Maui in Moana (2016), Hank Azaria for Bartok in Anastasia (1997) and Alec Baldwin as Boss Baby in Boss Baby (2017).
Brad Bird As Edna Mode - The Incredibles (2004)
Edna Mode is eccentric. She's a fashion designer who is the best of the best and believes in testing the limits of style and practicality. The fact that she is voiced by Brad Bird, the director of the film, while he was demonstrating what he was looking for, is a testament to his talent.
Although Edna is only a supporting role in The Incredibles (2004), her personality, wild curiosity, and mannerisms engage viewers and have them wanting more. Character voice acting allows for improvisation and exploration, creating the character not only as the lines necessitate, but through feel and play.
Ellen DeGeneres As Dory - Finding Nemo (2003)
The movie might have been called Finding Nemo (2003), but it was Dory voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, who stole the show. The comedian's unique and easily recognizable voice paired with her iconic timing made for an extremely memorable fish.
Dory spoke whale, made friends with sharks, had entertaining commentary, and was free-spirited and friendly. She wasn't afraid to put herself out there, leading to some brilliant adventures.
Tim Allen As Buzz Lightyear - Toy Story (1995)
Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, is one of the most likable and entertaining characters in the Toy Story film series. Buzz's organized and calm thinking, his need for logical explanations, his funny observations, and the use of his pre-recorded buttons give him the instruments to be truly entertaining, even if he doesn't mean to be.
Tim Allen, whose roles have included the sitcom Home Improvement (1991), The Santa Clause film series, and Galaxy Quest (1999), uses his particular style of humor to bring Buzz to life.
Nathan Lane As Timon - The Lion King (1994)
"Lu'au! If you're hungry for a hunk of fat and juicy meat, eat my buddy Pumbaa here because he is a treat." Timon might be a small meerkat, but he exudes self-assured swagger and charisma, making his character larger than life, his small frame powerful.
Nathan Lane uses his distinguishable energy and verbal inflections to make Timon a comedic linchpin in The Lion King (1994).
David Spade As Kuzco - The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Actor and stand-up comedian David Spade of Just Shoot Me (1997) and Saturday Night Live gives a hilarious performance as Kuzco in The Emperor's New Groove (2000).
Kuzco is an Emperor turned Llama, a selfish barely-ruler turned vulnerable citizen. The one feature that carries through from his physical to his animated form is his eyes, but other than that, the character is dependent on Spade's voice and mannerisms. Spade takes Kuzco's traits of whinging and sarcasm to a whole other level.
Billy Crystal As Mike Wazowski - Monster's, Inc. (2001)
He might not be the top scorer in the scream business, but he's definitely one of the top comedic monsters in animation. Mike Wazowski's first scene in Monster's, Inc. (2001) was true to his character - he's just a monster making jokes, even at his own expense.
He's a smart, friendly, and sarcastic guy starring in the musical, "Put That Things Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me," with a whole lot of physical comedy and the very distinguishable voice of Billy Crystal. Crystal's love for the character, affection for his castmate, and relationship with improvisation shine through in his performance.
Will Ferrell As Megamind - Megamind (2010)
Will Ferrell has an impressive comedic repertoire, but one of his lesser-known roles is that of the alien genius Megamind in the animated film Megamind (2010). Megamind is an evil genius, a villain, and bad to the bone, but the thing is, he really isn't. Megamind is so incredibly likable and entertaining, that the viewers can't help but support his endeavors.
Ferrell's take on the character of Megamind fit well with the production's vision, choosing to voice the character by using Megamind's intelligence as a reference for how he should sound, while also making him dramatic and isolated.
Eddie Murphy As Donkey - Shrek (2001)
The much loved Shrek (2001) film series is carried by Shrek and Donkey. Donkey is the energetic, emotional, talkative sidekick. His comedy stems from the fact that he is indeed a talking donkey with a big voice and even bigger facial expressions. Eddie Murphy is no stranger to comedy and even performed as another well-loved animated character - Mushu - in Mulan (1998).
Donkey's stand-out moments and ramblings in the film are extremely quotable, with Murphy's timing, high energy, and dedication to the role leaving viewers wanting more.
Mel Blanc As Bugs Bunny - The Looney Tunes (1938 - 1989)
Bugs Bunny has been serving sarcasm, quick-wit, and calm in times of crisis for a very, very long time as a character that has been around since the late 1930s. Bugs' aura is one of proud assertiveness and he stands tall, moving slowly and decisively. He looks as unworried physically as he sounds, vocally.
His voice was first brought to life by the incredible Mel Blanc, who also created the voices of many other loved animated characters, including Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird, and Porky Pig. Mel Blanc is one of the original kings of comedy who left his mark in the animated world.
Robin Williams As Genie - Aladdin (1992)
Robin Williams' talent is truly one of the most impressive voices to grace the animated screen. His role as the Genie in Aladdin (1992) continues to be one of the most memorable in Disney and animation history.
Genie was a character destined for Williams' whacky spark of madness. The character's personality was one of contagious energy and wildly entertaining impressions, and the Genie himself was big, bold, and physically changed his form to match his voice and heighten the performance. He was the warm, funny, supportive friend who left a lasting impact on viewers.