With the highly-anticipated release of DisneyPixar’s Brave

less than a week away, we’ve been teased with clips from the movie, trailers, posters, TV spots and everything kilted in between. My sheer excitement has got me thinking: Is there a Pixar movie that … uhh… isn’t awesome? Putting the amazing scores and music (like the opening title of Finding Nemo) aside, Pixar has mastered the technical prowess of its animation skills, superb scripting and directing, a varied yet consistent tone suitable for all audiences and the really important bit they know how to connect with the stuff in life that really matters and they know how to remind us of it.

But without the personalities behind Pixar’s protagonists, the movies would be nothing. That’s why we’re so excited to see the defiant, red-headed teen rebel Merida and her arrows in action. And why we’ve provided you with this list of out top Pixar heroes and heroins in all their swashbucklin’, idiosyncratic glory.

WALL-E

WALL-E, the slow-on-the-uptake, bumbling, hopeless romantic star of the eponymous feature, is always trying to help everyone out. With his expressive eyes, clumsy manner, and curious innocence, the character won the hearts of moviegoers, and of the sleek robotic probe EVE who was initially only concerned with her mission. Earth has been deserted by humans after they completely trashed the planet and robbed it of the ability to sustain life. He’s lonely, but he doesn’t let that stop him from tirelessly doing his menial job of cleaning up the place. We definitely don’t need the help of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ to teach us how to love this sentient clump of metal…

Dory

This fish totally sticks in my memory. And I don’t mean in a processed food kinda way. Dory is the Pacific Regal Tang of Finding Nemo, addled but true-hearted. The image of Nemo, the cute little clownfish, may be the thing that first pops into your mind when considering Pixar’s 2003 blockbuster, but it’s Dory the goofball with a bad memory who truly stole the show. She’s an optimistic free spirit who never gives up and on her task of helping Marlin locate his little lost son, keeping us in stitches all the way. Adorable…

Mr. Potato Head

A strange choice for a hero, perhaps. But this potato-shaped toy from Toy Story is the only toy capable of retaining control over his parts even if they are several inches away from his main body. And he can still see if his detachable eyes are removed, as well as being able to move his hands even if they aren’t on his body. Awesome! What’s more, does anyone remember his incredible sense of humor? When he’s with the wise-cracking realist piggy bank with a cork in his belly, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head mixes up his face and jokes that he’s ‘Picasso’. Unfortunately, Hamm doesn’t get it, causing Potato Head to call him an ‘uncultured swine’. If you didn’t get the art reference either, watch out! Because this high-brow spud will be on to you…

Remy

It’s not often that you’ll find a typically vilified rodent on a list of best characters, but I couldn’t not give recognition to Remy, the lead character in what is arguably Pixar’s most creatively evolved film, 2007’s Ratatouille. The anthropomorphic rodent with a strong interest in cooking and a stronger sense of smell made it hard even for us musophobics to dislike the idea of a common street rat cooking us up delicious French dishes. As well as serving toothsome cuisine, Remy strived to serve a grander purpose in life and true to the American dream (wish a twist) did what he set out to do. And I fell head over heels for this hairy hero…

Russell

The earnest young Wilderness Explorer from Up, Russell, is pretty heroic in his attempt to set sail for South America in a floating house. He’s also pretty rounded like a balloon, which makes him endlessly cute and sincerely empathetic. His typical 8-year old enthusiasm and corresponding lack of patience, his trans-generational friendship with and compassion for his older accomplice Carl, and his almond eyes and black thatch of hair make this Asian-American boy scout impossible to not like. I was crying by the 10 minute mark… how about you?

So, there you have it a round-up of Pixar’s most charismatic heroes and heroines. Got any more to add? Reel them out in the comments below!