Who would have thought that Disney would have some of the “most hated movie characters” for 2023…
For over a century, The Walt Disney Company has held the reins in crafting a diverse array of enchanting and enduring Disney movie characters that have captivated audiences worldwide. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, Disney’s character roster stands as a testament to the magic of storytelling and animation.
These beloved characters have not only entertained but have also left an indelible mark on popular culture, becoming symbols of hope, bravery, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Disney’s legacy of iconic characters spans a rich tapestry of personalities that range from the whimsical antics of Mickey Mouse, the eternally optimistic and cheerful rodent, to the regal majesty of Simba from The Lion King (1994), a tale of self-discovery and courage.
Characters like Peter Pan invite audiences to never grow up and to embrace the adventures that life has to offer, while the daring escapades of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men inspire themes of justice and altruism.
Related: The Top 12 Underrated Disney Movies You Forgot About — Ranked Worst to Best
However, not all Disney characters are beloved by the public. In fact, one recent poll ranked Disney characters as the top four most hated movie characters of 2023.
A Dishonorable Award
Ranker.com recently polled their readers on what movie characters audiences hated the most in 2024. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023), the character High Evolutionary seemed to have evoked quite a strong reaction among audiences in the year 2023, making him ranked as the #1 most-hated film character of 2023.
Portrayed in a way that polarized fans, High Evolutionary’s presence sparked debates and discussions amongst viewers.
Landing in second place, Flounder’s appearance in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid (2023) stirred mixed feelings among fans of the original animated classic.
This reinterpretation of the beloved character led to contrasting opinions, showcasing the challenges of bringing animated personalities into live-action settings. Transitioning from animation to live-action can sometimes result in unexpected responses from audiences, as seen with Flounder in The Little Mermaid.
In the end, it seems that this characters design update did not resonate in the way Disney has dreamed.
In Peter Pan and Wendy, a live-action version of Peter Pan (1953), Peter Pan himself faced a wave of criticism and dislike from viewers in 2023.
The iconic character, known for his adventurous spirit and eternal youth, was met with divided opinions in this latest adaptation, which ranked him as #3 on this list. The portrayal of Peter Pan in Peter Pan and Wendy brought forth new aspects of the character that resonated differently with audiences, sparking debates about the essence of Peter Pan’s character and how it should be represented on screen.
Overall, the film received harsh criticism, and the titular character was not exempt.
Finishing out the top four, Helena’s presence in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) generated strong reactions, solidifying her position as one of the most polarizing characters of 2023. As a new addition to the well-established Indiana Jones franchise, Helena’s character brought a dynamic shift to the narrative.
In the end, this character did not resonate in the way Disney and Lucasfilms had hoped.
Better Luck Next Year!
All in all, Disney did not perform well last year. In addition to dominating the top four, Disney characters are scattered all throughout the entire list.
All in all, it seems that Disney is not resonating with audiences in the way that it should be. Hopefully, Walt Disney Studios will take a hard look at what they’re doing and make some effective changes to help improve this current situation.
Who were your least favorite characters of 2023 movies? Tell us about it in the comments below!
