Quiz: Can You Guess the Disney Movie by the Obscure Side Character?
Disney movies are beloved the world over for their iconic characters, from the heroic protagonists to the lovable sidekicks. While the main stars may hog the spotlight, it's often the more obscure supporting characters that add depth, humor, and delight to these classic tales.
This new quiz from Mental Floss puts your Disney knowledge to the test by challenging you to identify 15 Disney movies based solely on their lesser-known characters. From the sassy gargoyle Laverne in The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the mischievous stork Orville in The Rescuers, these quirky scene-stealers may not be as famous as Mickey Mouse or Cinderella, but they're no less essential to the films that made them.
"A lot of these side characters are the ones that really make the movies memorable," says Sarah Aswell, a comedy writer and self-professed Disney aficionado who helped create the quiz. "They're the ones who provide the comic relief, who have the best one-liners, who go on their own mini-adventures. Testing people's knowledge of these obscure characters is a fun way to see just how deep their Disney expertise really goes."
Indeed, while everyone can probably name the lead characters in classics like The Lion King or Aladdin, the true Disney devotees are the ones who can instantly recall the likes of Yzma the power-hungry empress from The Emperor's New Groove or Kuzco's loud-mouthed, llama-transformed sidekick Kronk.
"A lot of these side characters are so weird and quirky and memorable that they end up becoming fan favorites," Aswell notes. "People love latching onto these unique, off-the-wall personalities and making them a big part of their fandom."
The quiz's wide range of characters—from the well-known (Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast) to the more obscure (Meeko the raccoon from Pocahontas)—is designed to appeal to Disney fans at every level of expertise. "We wanted to include characters that would be recognizable to casual viewers, as well as some more hardcore trivia that would really put people's Disney knowledge to the test," Aswell explains.
Part of the fun is also seeing how certain supporting characters have become beloved icons in their own right. Take Olaf, the lovable snowman from Frozen—while not the film's central protagonist, the character's endearing persona and show-stopping musical number have made him one of the most recognizable and popular Disney creations of the modern era.
"Disney has always been brilliant at creating these eccentric, unforgettable side characters that end up becoming just as iconic, if not more so, than the main heroes and heroines," Aswell says. "That's a big part of what makes their movies so magical and timeless."
Of course, the quiz isn't just about identifying the characters—it's also a test of how well you know the movies they inhabit. Even if you can name Timon the meerkat from The Lion King, do you know the film he appears in? Or could you match Iago the sarcastic parrot to his rightful place in Aladdin?
"A big part of the challenge is not just recognizing the character, but also placing them in the correct Disney universe," Aswell notes. "It's a fun way to see if people have that deep, encyclopedic knowledge of Disney films and their various casts of characters."
Whether you're a lifelong Disney devotee or a more casual fan, this quiz promises to put your Mouse House expertise to the test. So gather up your best Disney trivia knowledge, and get ready to prove how well you know the unsung heroes of the animated world.