[Intro Music] Eilonwy: I'm Princess Eilonwy. Are you a lord or a warrior? Host: They didn't sell as much merchandise as Elsa and Anna but these ladies should still be celebrated. Welcome to Ms Mojo. And today we'll be counting down our picks from the top 10 underrated female Disney characters. Featherduster: I've been built by you before. *Lumiere the candelabra and Featherduster laugh* Host: For this list, we're taking a look at the most endearing women of Disney films, Pixar included, that don't always get the credit that they deserve. Man: Oh, Nan! For goodness' sake! Host: We've excluded all the characters that make up the Disney Princess franchise. As well as those in our top 10 greatest Disney Princesses list because they're clearly already held in the highest regard. Tiana: Stella just talked to me. The dog just spoke to me! Prince Naveen: You know, if you're going let every little thing bother you it's going to be a very long night! Number 10: Giselle ("Enchanted") Giselle: Oh, I hope you had nice dreams. Host: In the tradition of Disney's earlier princesses, Giselle spends her days singing with woodland critters and waiting for her prince to come. Upon being teleported to a live action New York though, our hand-drawn heroine begins to see things from a different perspective. *Giselle gasps* *Horn honks* Giselle: Ohh! Host: Giselle finds that true love can't be achieved in the course of one day and relationships need time to grow. She additionally learns that women don't need to be the designated damsels in distress. Giselle: Is this a habit of yours? Falling off of stuff? Prince: Only when you're around to catch me. Host: At the same time, Giselle injects some much-needed charm and magic into the cynical real world. In an enchanting performance, Amy Adams not only manages to bring an animated character to life but also turns her into a fleshed out human being. Giselle: It is magical. Number 9: Miss Bianca ("The Rescuers" franchise) Bernard: Are you - are you alright, dear? Miss Bianca: Ah, she - she tried to kill us, that - that terrible woman! Host: Miss Bianca is arguably one of the first true feminists to come out of the Mouse House. When "The Rescuers" hit theatres in 1977, female Disney characters weren't generally depicted as strong or self-reliant. This little mouse, however, stood out as a modern lady. Bernard: We just went through a red light. Miss Bianca: Oh, I do that all the time, darling. Now, come on. Miss Bianca: Stop worrying. Host: Classy, resourceful, and full of passion - anybody would want to have an adventure with her. Bianca's outgoing attitude perfectly complements the timid Bernard, her partner at the Rescue Aid Society. Miss Bianca: What did you do to make him so mad? Bernard: Nothing. He's just a - just a grumpy ol' lion. Host: Both of these characters are treated as equals. And neither is limited by his or her gender. Bianca, in particular, lights up the screen with her charisma. Just as she's an underrated character, the same could be said about the 1990s sequel, "The Rescuers Down Under". Miss Bianca: But you don't understand. The boy needs our help, he's in trouble! Orville the Albatross: Boy? You mean little kid kind of boy? Number 8: Yzma ("The Emperor's New Groove") Yzma: A few drops in his drink then I'll propose a toast. And he will be dead before dessert. Host: Disney villians are usually known for being crafty and menacing. But Yzma is a straight-up comedic baddie. That might be why she's often overlooked but it's also what makes her such a unique antagonist. Although she inspires to be taken seriously, Yzma's wicked schemes always blow up in her face. Yzma: Why do we even have that lever? Host: Remember when the Evil Queen almost killed Snow White with a poisoned apple? Well, Yzma's plan to poison Emperor Kuzco plays out more like a screwball farce as he's accidentally turned into a llama. Yzma never lets go of her conquest for power but all she finds is failure and humiliation around every corner. This makes her a great source for comedy. Especially when paired up with her moronic henchman Kronk. Yzma: Take him out of town and finish up the job, now! Kronk: What about dinner? Yzma: Kronk, this is kind of important. Number 7: Nala ("The Lion King") Nala: Who are you? Simba: It's me. Simba. Host: A childhood friend of Prince Simba, this spirited young lioness is always up for a little expoloration and mischief. Nala grows up to become a fiercely independent resident of the Pride Lands refusing to live under Scar's tyranny. Boldly leaving her home to seek help, she finds an old friend and the rightful king. Simba: Isn't it great? Nala: We could get in big trouble. Simba: I know. *chuckles* Host: Nala not only pushes Simba to confront his past and accept his responsibilities but also opens his heart to mature romantic feelings. Returning to Pride Rock, Nala and Simba rise above Scar, taking their place above the Circle of Life together. It just goes to show that behind every great king, is a great queen. Nala: No! Simba has gone back to challenge his uncle and take his place as king. Timon and Pumbaa: Ohh. Number 6: Kida ("Atlantis: The Lost Empire") Kida: You do swim, do you not? Milo: Oh, I swim pretty girl- pretty good! Pretty good, good! Swim good. Pretty good, I swim pretty good. Host: Kida is a different kind of Disney Princess. She doesn't sing songs or wear fancy dresses. Rather, this princess, and eventual Queen of Atlantis is a warrior woman who knows how to handle herself in battle. Kida is a straight face stick in the mud, though. She also has a certain wide-eyed curiousity that makes her more identifiable. Kida: I have some questions for you and you are not leaving this city until they are answered. Host: Since this film didn't do so well at the box office, Kida is never marketed in the Disney Princess franchise. Given the cult status "Atlantis" has been gaining, however, perhaps Kida will join her fellow royals someday. Kida: If these outsiders can unlock the secrets of our past, perhaps we can save our future. Number 5: Maid Marian ("Robin Hood") Maid Marian: Please sire, I beg of you to spare his life. Please have mercy. Host: Aside from being a humanoid vixen, Maid Marian stands out from other Disney heroines for several reasons For starters, she doesn't fall in love with a prince but an outlaw who robs from the rich. Robin Hood: Marian, my love, will you marry me? Maid Marian: Oh, darling! I thought you'd never ask me. Host: Marian and Robin Hood don't follow the "love at first sight" trope either as they actually formed a strong connection during their youth. While they're separated for an extended period, Marian still holds a torch for Robin and sees all the good he's doing for the poor people of Nottingham. Maid Marian: Oh ho ho! Robin, you're so brave and impetuous! Host: When Robin faces execution, she pleads with the dastardly Prince John to spare his life and is eventually reunited with her true love Playful, kind, and courageous, Maid Marian is undeniably one foxy lady. Robin Hood: I want six children. Maid Marian: Six? Oh, a dozen at least! Number 4: Nani Pelekai ("Lilo and Stitch") Nani: If you promise not to fight anymore, I promise not to yell at you. Nani: Except on special occasions. Host: "Lilo and Stitch" is largely about the relationship between well, Lilo and Stitch. Yet some of the most powerful moments in the film are shared between Lilo and her old sister, Nani. Lilo: Did you lose your job because of Stitch and me? Nani: Nah. The manager's a vampire. Did you want me to join his legion of the undead? Lilo: I knew it. Host: After their parents tragically die, Nani becomes Lilo's legal guardian. Although Nani tries her best, she struggles to act as single parent while also maintaining a steady job. The fact that a stern social worker is constantly on her back doesn't help. Cobra Bubbles: I am the one they call when things go wrong. Cobra Bubbles: And things have indeed gone wrong. Host: Despite her frustration, Nani loves Lilo more than anything and will do whatever it takes to keep her family together. Even if you took the loveable Stitch out of the equation, this film still could have worked as a relatable, poignant story about ohana. Lilo: Ohana means family. Family means - Lilo and Nani: nobody gets left behind. Number 3: Jane Porter ("Tarzan") Jane: Stay away from me! Like a very good wild man. Host: At first glance, Jane might seem like a typical damsel in distress. Granted, this English lady does need to be rescued by Tarzan upon first arriving in the jungle. Seeing how Jane is out of her usual environment though it makes sense that she would get off to a bumpy start. Plus, her wit, enthusiasm, and plucky personality make Jane a damsel you'd want to save from danger. Jane: Put me down! Put me down! *Monkeys snarl* Jane: Pick me up! Pick me up! Host: Most importantly, Jane adapts to the jungle over time, learning to swing from vines like a pro. She additionally shows Tarzan what it means to be human. In return, the ape-man shows Jane how to let out her wild side. Jane: And I was saved! I was saved by a flying wild man in a loincloth! Number 2: Meg ("Hercules") Meg: Is wonder boy here for real? Phil: What are you talking about? Of course he's real. Host: In many respects, Disney's interpretation of Hercules is a lot like Superman. So it's only fitting that Herc's love interest would possess all of Lois Lane's spunk and sarcasm. Meg: I'm a damsel. Hnnng! I'm in distress. I can handle this. Meg: Have a nice day. Host: Megara, or Meg for short, gives up on romance after an ex-boyfriend leaves her heartbroken. While she's reluctant to admit her true feelings for Herc at first, the Muses help Meg to accept the fact that she's in love. [Meg singing]: No chance! No way! I won't say it, no no. [Muses singing]: You swoon, you sigh. Why deny it, uh oh. Host: Due to her contract with the Lord of the Underworld, Meg is forced to stab her hero in the back. Through sacrifice and bravery, though, she finds redemption and becomes a true hero in her own right. Meg: Wonder boy. What- why did you...? Hercules: People always do crazy things, Hercules: when they're in love. Host: Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honourable mentions. Vanelloppe: I bet you really gotta watch where you're stepping in a game called "Hero's Doodie"! [Vanelloppe laughs] Vanelloppe: Whatchya win the medal for? Wiping? Vanelloppe: I hope you washed your hands after you handled that metal. Ralph: Listen! Vanelloppe: One more! One more. Doctor Dappler: Now, see here - Captain Amelia: Doctor, I'd love to chat. Tea, cake, the whole shebang, but I have a ship to launch and you've got your outfit to buff up. Captain Amelia: Mr. Arrow, please escort these two neophytes down to the galley straight away. Captain Amelia: Young Hawkins will be working for our cook, Mr. Silver. Honey Lemon: Whoo! Now that's a chemical reaction! Joy: If you get in here, these core memories will get sad! Joy: I'm sorry! Joy: Riley needs to be happy. Mr. Incredible: Wait here and stay hidden. I'm going in. Elastigirl: While, what? I watch helplessly from the sidelines? I don't think so! Mr. Incredible: I'm asking you to wait with the kids. Elastigirl: And I'm telling you - not a chance. You're my husband, I'm with you. Elastigirl: For better or for worse. Number 1: Esmeralda ("The Hunchback of Notre Dame") Phoebus: Esmeralda... Esmeralda: Shh shhh. Esmeralda: You'll hide her until you're strong enough to move. Host: Esmeralda is one of Disney's most exquisitely drawn characters but it's what's on the inside that makes her such a compelling person. Seeing the value of inner beauty, this gypsy stands up for the deformed Quasimodo while everyone else mocks and shames him. Esmeralda: The only fool I see is you! [crowd gasps] [goat raspberries] Host: Although she's had her fair share of run-ins with the law, Esmeralda knows how to get herself out of trouble with a smile. Even when she finds herself in a seemingly hopeless situation, this rebellious woman will still hold her head high and accept fate with dignity. Showing the lonely hunchback what a man is really made of, Esmeralda is in an alluring free spirit and an inspiring role model and a truly under-appreciated Disney heroine. Esmeralda: Wow, you're quite an acrobat. Quasimodo: Thank yo- waaaaaa! Host: Do you agree with our list? Yzma: I need to hear these words. Host: Who do you think is the most underrated female Disney character? Maid Marian: Take that! Host: For more entertaining top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to Ms Mojo. Meg: So, did they give you a name along with all those rippling pectorals? Hercules: Uhh... Ah, I-I'm... *stammers* Meg: Are you always this articulate? Hercules: Hercules!
