With Jurassic World Dominion out for the summer, dinosaurs are back on the big screen - although this may be the last epic Jurassic adventure for a while, based on comments from Colin Trevorrow about the future of the franchise. However, it's unlikely that even if this particular iteration of the franchise is over, that cinema will be done with these incredible creatures. From live-action epics like the Jurassic Park franchise to the sweet childhood stories of The Land Before Time, dinosaurs will always hold a place in movie-goers' hearts.
And when it comes to the world of animation, there have been some memorable dinosaurs audiences still love and remember fondly to this day. Animated by some of the biggest talents in the industry, they are also the most celebrated works of major players in the business.
Rex - We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story
Produced under the Amblimation, We're Back! A Dinosaur Story had a bizarre story that saw a group of dinosaurs traveling to present-day New York after eating cereal that grants them intelligence from a scientist. Among the cast of prehistoric characters was Rex, voiced by John Goodman.
Rex was the most memorable dinosaur in the movie and not just because of Goodman's voice work. He is portrayed as friendly and compassionate that the other dinosaurs look up to as they travel to the present day. He even goes as far as to sacrifice his intellect and good nature for two runaway kids that he tries to help to be reunited with their families.
Mother Dinosaur - Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs
The 3rd movie in BlueSky's Ice Age franchise, Dawn of the Dinosaurs saw the gang try to rescue Sid from a terrifying T-Rex. But they must venture into the world of the dinosaurs below the ice, where they are guided by Buck Wild to save their friend from the reptilian monster.
Although she doesn't have dialogue throughout the movie, her actions and emotions from the animators make her a standout as she reveals to be a caring and protective mother. And unlike the other dinosaurs in the movie, she has her own arc as she learns to co-parent with Sid.
Piisuke - Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (2006)
The celebrated manga Doraemon became one of the biggest anime series of all time, spawning multiple shows and merchandise revolving around the time-traveling robotic cat and his human companion Nobita. A remake of the very 1st Doraemon movie, Nobito's Dinosaur re-introduced the world to Nobito's adorable dinosaur.
Despite the adorable Plesiosaur growing up into a massive creature, it still retains the youthful and childlike nature that makes it an endearing character. Acting like a loyal pet than a ferocious beast, Piisuke remains one of the best cinematic characters in Doraemon for its affection and protective nature over Nobito.
Hoss - Extinct
After directing episodes of The Simpsons, David Silverman and Raymond S. Persi worked together to direct the animated feature Extinct. Joining two fictional creatures on their time-traveling journey is Hoss, a friendly Triceratops who is part of a group of other extinct animals.
Despite being prone to accidents, Hoss has good intentions that often lead him into danger by his massive size. But it this also what makes the character so memorable among the cast in the movie as he is an empathetic giant that puts himself on the line more than anyone else is willing to do.
Aladar - Dinosaur
The story might sound similar to fans of The Land Before Time, but the movie used a completely different approach for the animation. Blending computer animation and live-action, Aladar the Iguanodon must migrate with other dinosaurs and mammals for a new home after a meteor shower destroyed his old one.
Voiced by D. B. Sweeney, fans still have a soft spot for this particular Disney production and this particular character. A selfless and brave giant among his adoptive family of lemurs, Aladar is the ideal protagonist for this movie as he continuously puts himself on the line while also trying to befriend everyone who also lost their homes from the same meteor shower.
Trixie - Toy Story 3
Introduced in Toy Story 3, Trixie was one of Bonnie's toys who welcomed Andy's toys after he gave them away to the little girl before heading to college. Between that and Toy Story 4, a short movie was made that played a big emphasis on Trixie named Toy Story That Time Forgot where she meets a new group of dinosaur toys known as the Battlesaurs.
Voiced by the talented Kristen Schaal, Trixie was also memorable across the movies for her playful nature who always seems to take on multiple roles by Bonnie, even if she sometimes wants to play the part of a dinosaur. She is also the most tech-savvy cast member throughout the franchise and just one of the things you probably didn't know about her.
Arlo - The Good Dinosaur
Pixar's 16th feature-length movie, The Good Dinosaur saw a peculiar blend of Western tropes and alternative history. After getting separated from his family, Arlo befriends a savage caveboy named Spot as he attempts to return home.
What makes Arlo a memorable animated dinosaur was his journey across the movie. He grows from an easily scared diplodocus to a brave and confident protagonist by the end of the movie, showing children that anyone can overcome their fears. Hopefully, fans will get a Disney+ spin-off series.
Ducky - The Land Before Time
Directed by Don Bluth and considered by many to be one of his best pieces of work, The Land Before Time saw a group of young dinosaurs having to band together to find their families in the Great Valley. One of the first characters who Littlefoot meets after waking up from a catastrophic earthquake is Ducky, a tiny and upbeat Saurolophus.
Despite her size, she is one of the friendliest and bravest characters in the entire movie. The optimistic Ducky continuously tries to keep everyone together while brining a smile to their faces. And the character has appeared in the franchise ever since, appearing in some of the best Land Before Time movies too.
Rex - Toy Story
One of the original toys introduced in Toy Story, Rex is a cowardly T-Rex toy who remains one of the most likable characters from the entire series, even having some iconic scenes throughout the Toy Story series of his own. And with the encouragement of toys like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, he has gone on many adventures and has made an appearance in every movie.
Despite the many journeys that Andy's toys have gone on throughout the franchise, Rex continuously confronts his own fears, making him one of the most iconic characters throughout the series. While used for lots of comedic moments, it also made him an endearing character that saw him become a loyal friend.
Little Foot - The Land Before Time
The star of The Land Before Time series, Littlefoot leads a group of young dinosaurs to the Great Valley while overcoming his grief of losing his mother. But with the brash Cera and the deadly landscape causing obstacles in their way, Littlefoot learns what it takes to become a leader as 13 home movie releases were produced following the success of the 1st movie.
Throughout the movies, he learns what it means to be responsible and what it takes to become a potential future leader for his herd while remaining calm and controlled. And this is also what makes him one of the best dinosaurs in animation as the animators showed off his emotional arcs through facial expressions and body language.