More than 30 years ago, “Toy Story” premiered, ushering in a renewed love for animated films. Disney and Pixar didn’t reinvent filmmaking, but their first-of-its-kind collaboration marked the beginning of a new era that continues to influence the industry today. (“Toy Story 5” arrives in theaters on June 19, which speaks volumes about the characters’ longevity.)
Beyond the artists who design animated characters and the writers who shape their stories are the voiceover artists or voice actors who give those roles personality and life. Read on for the 13 best animation voice acting performances to ever grace our ears.
Tom Hanks as Woody, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise
Hanks’ Woody put Pixar on the map in Hollywood’s first fully computer-animated film, which set a precedent for future studio efforts and their stars. Always a reliable talent, Hanks’ singular charm brought a beloved toy cowboy to life by tapping into the innocence and nostalgia that define childhood. The Oscar-winning actor’s portrayal easily enhanced the performances of the other toy voices, including Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack as Jessie.
Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as Anna and Elsa, Disney’s “Frozen” franchise
Bell and Menzel took separate paths in the entertainment industry, but when said paths intersected in 2013, the two talents found themselves at the center of a cultural phenomenon. From the girl-power anthem “Let It Go” to the surprisingly melancholy “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” Bell and Menzel charted a new course for the traditional Disney princess film, proving women don’t need princes on white horses to ride in and save the day—they just need each other.
Jerry Orbach as Lumière, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
As Detective Lennie Briscoe on NBC’s “Law & Order,” Orbach was tough as nails. But as Lumière, the sentient candelabra in 1991’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the actor could not have been more amiable. Orbach’s rendition of “Be Our Guest” made the song an instant classic, and Lumière’s comedic timing made the character an undeniable icon. When you come away from a film imitating the actor’s accent because it has wormed its way into your head, you know the performance was one for the ages.
Pat Carroll as Ursula, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”
Legendary doesn’t even come close to describing Carroll’s Ursula in this Disney animated musical classic from 1989. The diabolically tentacled sea witch enjoys tricking Ariel (Jodi Benson, also wonderful) almost as much as Carroll clearly enjoyed playing her. The Emmy- and Grammy-winning actor showed she had a stellar set of pipes as one of the wicked stepsisters in 1965’s TV adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” among other credits. But Carroll’s all-out belt in “Poor Unfortunate Souls” cemented her status as a Disney icon for generations to come.
Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai, “Up”
“Up” was one of the few animated films nominated for the Academy Award for best picture (alongside “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story 3”). TV legend Asner as the curmudgeonly Carl and Nagai as the adorably talkative Russell give “Up” its heart. Their vocal performances in this 2009 film turn a cranky widower and an overeager kid into one of Pixar’s most memorable pairs.
James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons as Mufasa and Scar, Disney’s “The Lion King”
Jones had one of the most immediately recognizable voices in entertainment history. His deep bass anointed everything from “Star Wars” to CNN. The energy behind his majestic Mufasa also served as a brilliant counterpoint to Irons’ evil Scar, one of cinema’s most delectably depraved villains. Together, these two iconic actors give the 1994 movie its central dramatic tension: Mufasa’s warmth and authority versus Scar’s silky menace.
Eddie Murphy, DreamWorks’ “Shrek” franchise
Murphy himself has a very animated personality, so it’s no surprise that his expressive voice can bring an animated character to life. Murphy continues to use his unmistakable voice and persona to bring Donkey from “Shrek” to life. (Yes, he’s returning for “Shrek 5” in 2027!) Famous for his standup comedy routines, Murphy brings that same levity to his “Shrek” character—and it never gets old. He executes his comedic timing with precision and finesse, allowing his signature humor to shine through even the simplest of lines.
Kathleen Turner, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”
This 1988 film beautifully blends live action and animation, with Bob Hoskins interacting seamlessly with Charles Fleischer’s goofy Roger Rabbit. But Turner steals the show as the steely, voluptuous, iconic Jessica Rabbit (with Amy Irving supplying her seductive singing voice). Oddly enough, Turner wasn’t even credited in this legendary role, but fans will never forget the sultry voice that has come to define the character.
Robin Williams, Disney’s “Aladdin”
When it comes to versatility, you ain’t never had an actor like Williams! As Genie, the Academy Award–winning actor and comedian brought together rapid-fire dialogue and impeccable comic timing in this 1992 film. Disney incorporated Williams’ penchant for uncanny impressions while also allowing him to demonstrate his vocal range with a rollicking rendition of “Friend Like Me.” Williams provided a master class in vocal gymnastics, transforming Genie into one of the most memorable Disney characters ever.
Dwayne Johnson, “Moana”
To those wondering if a certain shapeshifting demigod would be included on a list of standout voiceover performances, what can we say except: You’re welcome! As the moody, musical Maui, Johnson has never been more charming—and that’s really saying something.
Ellen DeGeneres, “Finding Nemo”
The brilliance of DeGeneres’ career-best work as Dory is its subversion of your expectations. The royal blue tang fish’s short-term memory loss is at first laugh-out-loud funny (her attempt at whale communication is comedy gold), until DeGeneres and writer-director Andrew Stanton pull the rug out with a devastating, heartfelt monologue that gives this 2003 Pixar film its heart.
Mark Hamill, “Batman: The Animated Series”
Hamill will be forever known as Luke Skywalker of “Star Wars” fame, but the actor has also established a prolific voice acting career, too. That résumé includes infamous Batman villain the Joker in 1992’s “Batman: The Animated Series.” Along with Heath Ledger, who brought the Joker to movie screens in Christopher Nolan’s 2008 live-action film “The Dark Knight,” Hamill helped define the character with his wild, maniacal vocal performance.
John Leguizamo, Blue Sky Studios’ “Ice Age” franchise
This Blue Sky Studios franchise’s hilarious ground sloth, Sid, is a great example of voice acting elevating an animated feature. Leguizamo keeps you laughing throughout all the Paleolithic high jinks but pours just as much of his soul into the character as he would an on-camera one.
Want to become a great voiceover actor? Check out Backstage’s voiceover audition listings!
