The Aristocats (1970) is a jazzy film, with many heartwarming and hilarious characters. From humans and geese to dogs and cats, there’s a wide variety of species that make Aristocats a dazzling adventure! And today, I’ll be focusing my attention on exactly these fun characters, that made the film work. So, I’m gonna count down the best, from lil’ lady Marie to Lefayette, I’ll rank the top 10 best Aristocats characters! 🐱
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10. Edgar
Oh, Edgar… how I wish you would’ve been a better “villain”, if I can even call you that? After all, Edgar’s only reason for being a bad guy is MONEY. That’s it. No prior hatred of Madam. No hate towards the cats, and not a single sign of being money hungry. Therefore, his entire role in the story feels rather forced and overly simplified. Worst of all, it’s never explained why he turned to evil for money? Like, are we supposed to just swallow the idea that money turned him into a bad guy? If so, that’s a terrible way of creating a compelling villain.
So, what’s the reason I included Edgar on the list? I could’ve just thrown Madam or the fun ol’ geezer here, but I chose Edgar. Well, the reason is rather simple. As a character, he had a good amount of comedic moments, some of which felt like something out of The Looney Tunes. It’s not exactly a compliment, but I enjoyed Edgar’s trouble with Napoleon and Lafayette. It made Aristocats a more entertaining watch, and his goofy nature did add some flavor to the film. In turn, he starts off my list of the top 10 best Aristocats characters!
9. Abigal & Amelia Gabble
Who has the gift of gab like Abigail and Amelia? Well, the two inseperable twins share the last name “Gabble” for a reason. So, they know how to make chit-chat, even when nobody wants to talk. It’s a special talent, isn’t it? But it’s also very annoying! While I could appreciate these lovely geese, they were definitely obnoxious… and somewhat ill-fitting. It’s as if the two were added to counter the crude and over-the-top nature of the Alley Cats. While it’s not a bad idea to level out comedic styles, Abigail and Amelia never truly felt completely integrated into the film properly. To me, it just felt like a random encounter in an MMORPG. One that doesn’t add anything to the film, but also doesn’t take anything away form it.
8. Roquefort
There’s not much to say about Roquefort, but his integral part in the Aristocats deserves some appreciation. It’s a small role for a small animal, with a big heart and mighty good morals. But what makes Roquefort stand above the twins and Edgar is his heartwarming relationship with Duchess and her kittens. It’s briefly touched upon, well illustrated, and deep enough to make me believe in their tiny bond. While it’s nothing special, it’s still good enough to warrant a few great moments and beautiful interactions. In turn, I’m placing Roquefort 8th on my list of the top 10 best Aristocats characters!
7. Lafayette
Who knew that in The Aristocats, a pair of dogs would be among the most likable characters? I didn’t see it coming, but I was impressed by Lafayette and Napoleon. The two of them make a dynamic duo; among the best in Disney. I’m not joking. I actually believe that Lafayette is used really well as a crutch for Napoleon. What I mean is that he sets up most jokes and punch-lines for Napoleon without fault. It’s an impressive quality to nail to this level. While he might lose a bit of personality in the process, being mostly a side-kick, he manages to stay entertaining.
While Lafayette doesn’t have a story-arc or any real personal development, he’s supposed to be a comedic relief character that makes Napoleon look good. In turn, he succeeds in what he’s supposed to do, and does it well. With that said, the 7th spot makes sense for Lafayette!
6. Napoleon
You can’t have one without the other, right? Napoleon is the hammer and Lafayette is the nail. Thus, he’s the punch-line to his jokes, and the cherry to Lafayette’s Sundae. With that, I simply mean that he’s a very good Batman, and Lafayette makes for one solid Robin!
When it comes to Napoleon, he sells every line of dialogue with a certain uncertainty. Yes, you read that correctly, but what do I mean? There’s an underlying sense of not being sure, a lack of confidence, when saying something, which is an ongoing joke between him and Lafayette. While Napoleon calls himself “the boss”, he’s constantly listening to what Lafayette is saying and then repeating it! This reminds me a little bit of Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King, which is a good thing. In turn, I find Napoleon to be a great comedic relief character, and the one-two punch of him and Lafayette is absolutely magnetic. I love it.
5. Toulouse
The oldest kitten of Duchess, named Toulouse, is the cute youngster with the dream of being an alley cat! Well, he thinks they’re pretty cool, so he spends a good amount of time acting as one, but only in jest. In turn, Toulouse is mostly a comedic relief character, with an obnoxious behavior and a free-spirited personality. It’s like nothing really bothers him, which gives some youthfulness to The Aristocats. Best of all, his small jabs and fun comments are ice-breakers, often used to switch the mood of the moment from serious to funny. It’s a great concept that works beautifully for Toulouse, and it makes him perfectly fit into the film.
Toulouse is funny, isn’t he? While he’s not alone in being gut-wrenchingly hilarious, it’s easily his most memorable trait. Whether he’s “spitting” at Thomas O’Malley, portraying to be tough guy, or when he’s ruining the music session for his siblings, Toulouse has some truly hilarious moments. In turn, I think that the 5th spot makes perfect sense for him.
4. Berloiz
I really like black cats, you know? Not only are they often depicted headstrong and absolutely adorable, they are also very honest. It’s true even for Berloiz, who’s a pretty good character. I just love how he fits into the trio with Marie and Toulouse, as he’s the one who’s often pulling the two of them together. Ironically enough, Berloiz doesn’t get along with Marie, and is often seen arguing or fighting with her, but never too seriously. It’s a great spot for Berloiz, who has so many heartwarming moments that make him one of my favorites. Whether he’s playing on the piano or running away from a frog because it looks like a “hippopotamus”, Berloiz threads the line between strong and vulnerable really well.
The biggest difference between Berloiz and Toulouse is that the former has more character. In turn, he has more personality, and feels like a more well-rounded… well… kitten! In turn, it’s a simple decision to make, as while Toulouse was funnier, Berloiz was more interesting and had better moments overall. With that said, I’m ranking Berloiz as 4th best on my list of the top 5 best aristocats characters!
3. Marie
Marie’s a lil’ lady, isn’t she? With a feisty attitude, arrogant behavior, and a look to match. It’s just a great design all around, if you ask me! Sure, it’s not jaw-dropping or anything, but in the context of The Aristocats, she stands out like a bright light. It’s just a matter of being different from others, which is Marie’s big strength. There’s no other character with that type of sassy behavior and ear-catching one-liners. In turn, I thought that she was an entertaining kitten, with a slew of funny moments!
While you could say that all of Duchess’s kittens are just good, and not great, I’d say that all of them beautifully compliment the storyline. In turn, I wouldn’t be able to agree. But I do agree that all the three kittens go together, and if you seperate them as characters, they are not that good. If that’s a point you’d make, I would wholeheartedly agree. However, in The Aristocats, Marie and her brothers are used in tandem. It’s a package deal; buy 1, get 2 for free! Well, not exactly like that, but you get the point, right? With that said, I’m giving Marie the 3rd spot, as she’s the best of the three amigos!
2. Duchess
The Aristocats is a story revolving around Duchess, and her adventure from being abducted by Edgar to finding love with Thomas O’Malley, and getting back to Madam. It’s a story of family, a story of love, and one that was beautifully tied together by our elegant white-haired lady. In turn, I found myself in awe as to how well the Duchess was utilized, being almost like a Swiss Army Knife of utility! Simply put, she was the one that made everything work. From her small kittens to the two geese, her reaction to everyone’s actions can only be explained in a single word: motherly.
In all honesty, if you’d rank Duchess lower, I would fully understand. It makes sense because she lacks personality, and can be considered a character that “coasts”. Meaning that Duchess doesn’t have these great moments that others do, and can sometimes feel like she’s floating through the story, rather than impacting it personally. But, I fall into the camp of people that like how Duchess works as a “glue” for everything coming together, and keeping together. It’s all about her relationship with the kittens, Thomas and Madam. Not only that, but it’s a story of showing how someone very wealthy can behave surprisingly well with someone poor and “not in their league”. She even made friends with a mouse in Roquefort, met the alley cats and loved them, while the entire story is about her getting betrayed by a butler she trusted. Thus, Duchess is a pretty important character.
1. Thomas O’Malley
“I’m Abraham DeLacey, Giuseppe Casey, Thomas O’Malley,
O’Malley the alley cat!”
The way he moves, and the way he grooves, puts the double Zeta’s in the word JAZZ! He’s an electrifying character, with a cool and calm demeanor, as if everything in life is but a “breeze”. Nothing is too big to fuzz about. Nothing too crazy to think. If all things went bad, he’d still be good, if you know what I mean? Whether it’s raining or someone complaining, Thomas does not fret or cry, as it’s all applepie! Thus, I’m simply trying to say… he’s an excellent character!
I’d say that Thomas O’Malley is the soul of the film. His great introduction song immediately makes him interesting, and his behavior towards Duchess and her kittens was just so lovable. In addition, the way in which he would do the right thing, even without anyone asking, was a great quality that made him come across genuinelly good-hearted. It was a depiction of an alley cat that was different from what Toulouse was expecting. Thomas O’Malley wasn’t an aggressor. Quite the contrary, as he was the one who constantly set things right, and did what was needed of him, without question. In turn, I have tons of respect for the character and how he was so eloquently written into the film. With that being said, Thomas takes the 1st spot on my list of the best Aristocats characters!
