13 Of The Best Animal Sidekicks In Film And Television

From classic Disney to ridiculous comedies, these animals stole our hearts.

1. Timon and Pumbaa (The Lion King)

Disney / Via img3.wikia.nocookie.net

Let's face it: Without these guys, Disney's The Lion King would have been one depressing movie. Timon and Pumbaa are the ultimate sidekicks. They supported Simba, even though they weren't particularly fond of the whole "lions are predators" thing, and Timon went as far as to dress in drag for him. True. Friends.

2. Baxter (Anchorman)

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This dog saves the day in the original Anchorman as well as the sequel. He can talk to bears and he apparently will fight sharks to save Ron. He is man's best friend.

3. Marley (Marley and Me)

tv.yahoo.com / Via media.zenfs.com

He's destructive and big and loud, but you really can't find a more loving dog. I guess you can't call him a sidekick, but he's still one of the best dogs out there and deserves a mention! Rest in peace, Marley. I'm okay, I swear.

*sobs in the corner*

4. Meeko (Pocahontas)

fanpop.com / Via images5.fanpop.com

Meeko is one of the funniest sidekicks Disney ever created. He's a good friend to Pocahontas and always goes along with her plans (even if they involve jumping off a waterfall). And he loves food. So we can all identify with that.

5. Scooby-Doo (Scooby Doo)

Warner Bros. / Via jaehakim.com

Scooby is one of the most iconic sidekicks ever. Sure, he and Shaggy always kind of ended up catching the bad guy because of some silly mistake, but he always DID catch the bad guy and that's what matters. Scooby should challenge Meeko to an eating competition. That'd be sweet.

6. Hedwig (Harry Potter)

Warner Bros. / Via img1.wikia.nocookie.net!Harry-Potter-Hedwig.jpg

Harry and Hedwig are a tale as old as time. These two started their Hogwarts adventure together and were the very best of friends. But there's no greater show of friendship than when Hedwig (SPOILER ALERT) dies trying to save Harry. I hope you eat some nice juicy mice in owl heaven, Hedwig.

7. Donkey (Shrek)

Dreamworks / Via blog.studysoup.com

"I like that boulder. That's a nice boulder." Donkey sees life through rose-colored glasses, and he's perfectly OK with that. He has a flare for the dramatic and always knows how to crack a joke, even when Shrek would rather he just shut up. And he likes waffles, so he's perfect.

8. Mushu and Cri-kee (Mulan)

Disney / Via blogger.com

Mushu is the sidekick to Mulan, but Cri-kee is kind of Mushu's sidekick. Mushu takes Cri-kee along to help Mulan because Mushu thinks Cri-kee is lucky. Turns out he's not, but he still manages to help Mushu get out of a few scrapes while Mushu helps Mulan, you know, save China and stuff.

9. Doug (Up)

Disney / Via i.ytimg.com

No matter how many times Mr. Fredricksen tells Doug to go away, he stays. He hides under his porch. He's DEVOTED. And he's a talking dog. I mean, come on, who wouldn't love a talking dog as a sidekick?

10. Puss in Boots (Shrek 2)

Dreamworks / Via i.imgur.com

He may look all cute and cuddly, but don't fall for it. Puss in Boots is a fierce, wielding assassin sent to kill Shrek. Things change though, and Puss ends up siding with Shrek and becomes a fun foil for Donkey. And in the fourth movie, he gets all fat and fluffy, which is just as adorable but slightly less intimidating.

11. Nagini (Harry Potter)

Warner Bros. / Via img2.wikia.nocookie.net

I know, I know. Nagini's on Lord Voldemort's side, but he's still a pretty epic sidekick. He does whatever Voldemort says and Voldemort trusted him so much he put a piece of his SOUL into him. You don't get much more loyal than that. Good on you, Nagini.

12. Nymeria (Game of Thrones)

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Nymeria is Arya's loyal direwolf on HBO's Game of Thrones. She bites Prince Joffrey Baratheon's arm when he tries to hit Arya with a sword. Arya sends Nymeria away after, knowing that if she stays, the Baratheons will have her killed.

Also, let's have a moment of silence for Lady, Sansa's direwolf, who dies in Nymeria's place.

13. Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio)

Disney / Via img2.wikia.nocookie.net

You couldn't have a list of animal sidekicks without Jiminy Cricket. He's the guy who taught kids what it means to have a conscience and he sings one of the most iconic songs in Disney history: "When You Wish Upon a Star." And he's only a tiny little cricket! You go, Jiminy. You. Go.

Bonus: Yoshi (Super Mario Bros.)

Nintendo / Via img3.meristation.com

I mean the classic Super Nintendo Yoshi. You could literally let that guy fall down a hole and he'd still come back to help you like nothing ever happened. That's what I call loyalty.