The 10 Best Celebrity Voiceovers in Animated Films
5. Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc.
Ultimately, Monsters, Inc. is the most underrated Pixar jam. It coasts along on cutesy monster puns for much of its duration until we're treated to that phenomenal scene with the racks of bedroom doors -- which I'd say is one of the most amazing animated sequences of the past 20 years. Crystal was (obviously) right as the friendly schmo Mike Wazowski, whose relationship with his coworkers and "Boo," a vivacious little girl, is undeniably human.
4. Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast
Just how timeless is Angela Lansbury? She scored her first Oscar nomination in 1944 (for Gaslight), delighted us in everything from The Picture of Dorian Gray to Death on the Nile, and turned in one of the most stunning supporting voiceovers ever in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Her role as Mrs. Potts is one of the last few truly old-school characters in a Disney animated feature -- an articulate, cheery, and warm presence who would've felt at home in any of Walt's '50s or '60s films.
3. Tom Hanks as Woody in Toy Story
But who needs old-school flair when you have Toy Story, the movie that redefined imagination -- yes, imagination -- in 1995? Tim Allen is dependable as the valiant Buzz Lightyear and Don Rickles is a shticky beast as Mr. Potato Head, but Tom Hanks gives the most emotionally colorful performance as Woody, the humane, neurotic, and (if we're being honest) oft-unlikable protagonist. Three movies in, nobody's poisoned this magnificent waterhole.
2. Jeremy Irons as Scar in The Lion King
While it's true that Scar is a furry retread of Aladdin's Jafar (not to mention a dead-ringer for Dave Navarro and the Real Housewives of New Jersey's Danielle Staub; just a thought!), Jeremy Irons' vocal performance is so righteously frightening and fabulous. The Reversal of Fortune Oscar-winner added violent spikes to the circle of life, adding an unforeseen level of dastardliness to a mostly chipper Disney blockbuster.
1. Robin Williams as The Genie in Aladdin
Was there any doubt? Not only does Aladdin rank as the funnest Disney movie of the past 20 years -- just think about the bobbling, hare-brained Sultan for a second -- but it features the greatest voiceover (celebrity or not) in animated cinematic history. As the enslaved genie, Robin Williams uses his signature improvisational prowess to enchant Aladdin, spar verbally with Jafar, and chum it up with Abu. Unlike other Williams movies (The Fisher King, anyone?), this performance hasn't dated a bit.
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I disagree. I think Cars is the worst. I had many issues with this movie. I personally don't like Owen Wilson and I couldn't care less about talking cars. So, people don't drive these cars, they just drive themselves around? Do people not have a problem with this? And just where are the people anyway? Why were the car's eyes on their windshields and not in their headlights? Who built these crazy self-driving cars? I just don't get it. I understood Benny the cab from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but I didn't get Cars.
or Crispin Freeman!! He's my favourite voice actor
Robin Williams made an Arsenio Hall joke in Aladin. I think that qualifies the performance as severely dated. Not that it wasn't a great performance (and very, very funny), that joke just feels old now. Comedies that rely on pop culture ad libs can be hit-or-miss gags in the long run, just ask "The Simpsons".
You left out Christian Bale as Howl? SHAME UPON THEE.
A fabulous list! Very well put together.
I do, however, have one key addition I would like to submit. There needs to be some love on this list for Phil Harris. From Baloo the Bear in The Jungle Book, to Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats to Little John in Robin Hood to the narrator of Rock-A-Doodle, this man's voice is one of the most "comforting" voices out there because it's so familiar to everyone.
Also, even though the movie wasn't that great, James Woods' performance as Hades in Hercules was spectacular.
I think Hanks and Holly are the only ones who disappeared into their roles. I would nominate Christopher McDonald as Kent Mansley in "Iron Giant".
And . . . "Lion King" is an "otherwise chipper movie"? After the opening song I thought it was all very disturbing: death of father, banishment, guilt, self-loathing dictatorship, and revenge.
Was there any doubt that Robin Williams is #1 this time around. Say what you will about most of his feature films, but Aladdin is one of the very few animated features I own. The best part is that the humor is still there after 20 years, enough for a new generation of fans. Too bad Williams can't make more like this, instead of some of the crap he's been in over the years.
You have to admit Disney has done a better job on the Miyazaki movies than your typical anime importers like Funimation and AD Vision. They hire first rate voice talent, first rate directors and go out of their way to keep the story intact while still remaining relevant to a western audience.
If you're leaving the mainstream for Miyazaki movies, Kirsten Dunst as Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service may be the only role I've ever liked her in outside of Interview.
My two cents:
Kathleen Turner in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
Janeane Garofalo in "Ratatouille"
Teri Hatcher in "Coraline"
Where is George C. Scott as McLeach in The Rescuers Down Under?
What about James Woods as Hades in Hercules
Frankly, I don't think Tom Hanks really deserves to be on the list. He was fine, to be sure, but not exceptional. His performance never really struck me as being more than just him reading.
However, kudos to the poster who mentioned Peter O'Toole's performance in 'Ratatouille.' It was exceptional, and worthy of an Oscar. I'd also add Ian Holm's performance from the same film.
Since we're only doing Disney ad Dreamworks movies, I would like to add Keith David as Dr. Facilier.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6yw2SmG674&feature=related[/url]
robin williams has to be considered one of the great voice actors for his role in aladin
Well, in all honesty I think Robin Williams has done a lot better job in Robots really. It's probably only me though 😉
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No James Earl Jones as Mufasa?
Come on..."Simba...I Am Your Father"
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