Romantic leads are always a challenge to cast and to play, regardless of the movie or production. And while the house of mouse has had more than its fair share of starcrossed lovers in its time, most of them have been a little too perfect in their delivery.
That being said, the studio has also delivered some rather deep and realistic couples alongside the standard-issue prince and princess pairings. From characters who grow to love one another to married couples who put their relationship to the test, Disney's romantics have certainly gotten a touch more realistic in recent years.
Max and Roxanne (A Goofy Movie)
Although the budding relationship between Max and his redheaded love interest, Roxanne, becomes a bit of an afterthought, she is still the reason he tries to get Goofy to drive him to the Powerline concert. The thing that earns them both a spot on the list is the realistic element to their high-school-sweetheart status.
They're cute, they're awkward, they're both trying to figure the other one out. Who hasn't been there? In a world populated entirely by toons, this is pretty human of Disney.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian (Robin Hood)
They might fall into the Disney fairytale mold, but Robin Hood and Maid Marian do have to work a little harder for their relationship than most in that category. Yes, they're in love with one another from the start, but ol' Rob still has to do some serious swashbuckling before he's able to sweep her off her feet to other adventures.
This isn't some love-at-first-sight malarky either, the pair do have an established history together before they even get the chance to have their romantic interlude.
Jesse and Buzz (Toy Story Series)
They might be a couple of toys, but their relationship is certainly more realistic than most. First of all, it starts out really slow, not even getting outright romantic until Toy Story 3. Second, they remain genuine even when playing things up for laughs.
Whether it's Jessie being a bit more rambunctious than her spaceman counterpart or Buzz simply being twitterpated at her affections it's not only real between them, but it's also fun to watch.
Tiana and Naveen (The Princess and the Frog)
As much as the fairytale archetype gets mocked amongst casual viewers, Tiana and Naveen are one of the few members of Disney's royal circle that actually have to learn to love each other before getting their happily ever after.
Opposites attract as they say, and that's certainly true for these two. Although their romance has a rocky start, it's nice to see a couple who grow closer together gradually, and with some help from a singing firefly.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse (Various)
This is more of an honorable mention, but one that simply couldn't be left off the list. While Walt did always imagine Mickey and Minnie married off-set, they were an actual married couple at one time in the characters' careers.
Voice actors Ray Allwine and Russi Taylor, portrayers of both Mickey and Minnie respectively, were married during their time with the Disney company. If that's not realistic enough, what is?
Rapunzel and Flynn (Tangled)
Yet another case of a couple who has to learn to love one another, Rapunzel and Flynn need not only a movie but an entire TV series to explore their relationship as well. That being said, watching the two fall in love despite their contradicting personalities is absolutely endearing, especially with that lantern scene.
Flynn is probably the least Disneyfied lead of their character roster and Rapunzel is certainly smarter than the average Disney princess, which gives them more depth and makes them more interesting.
Nick and Judy (Zootopia)
Their relationship might only be hinted at the end, but to quote Beauty and the Beast, there may be something there that wasn't there before. The Disney fandom certainly agrees.
Nick and Judy take things from an unlikely duo to endearing friends despite social and emotional struggles. The pair certainly go through more than the average hoops together, so is it any wonder the fans would ship them so hard? It's certainly a realistic expectation.
Milo and Kida (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)
Milo and Kida definitely deserve some kind of award for breaking barriers and Disney's romantic standards. There's definitely more than a spark between them, but it's one that grows the more the two share the screen together.
The two come from completely different worlds and even time periods, they have chemistry together but don't share a kiss or an instant-love moment as so many other characters might. The image of them holding hands at the end of the film is more than enough to signal their growing relationship.
Carl and Ellie Fredricksen (Up)
If Carl and Ellie aren't everyone's relationship goals, then they need to rethink their priorities. Pixar is almost notorious for creating grounded characters, and there are few better examples than the Fredricksens from Up.
Every true Disney fan knows about the emotional opening of Up, and Pixar is able to portray a true and loving relationship with only a well-composed theme and very little dialogue. While Carl is stoic and square and Ellie is vibrant and beaming, the two complete one another perfectly.
Bob and Hellen Parr (The Incredibles)
The only reason these two top Carl and Ellie is simply because the audience sees more of their relationship. Superheroes in romantic relationships are nothing new, but Bob and Hellen actually behave like a married couple.
The superhero element is almost a secondary feature that makes their relationship stand out, much to their benefit. They struggle, they argue, they have a family and a life together, but most importantly, they do all within their power to make it all work.