How she stole the show: Finding Nemo has plenty of memorable characters, but it's the Regal tang with short-term memory loss who holds our hearts. When Marlin (Albert Brooks) had lost all hope, it was Dory (Ellen Degeneres) who gave him the strength to keep searching for Nemo. Unafraid to face off against sharks, jellyfish, and pelicans, Dory was a bit naïve at times, but Marlin would have never gotten to 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney without her unwavering optimism. She not only helped Marlin find Nemo, she helped him learn to live again. Oh, and she speaks Whale. How cool is that? Tara Fowler
Image Credit: Disney/Pixar
Dory, Timon and Pumba, Donkey -- thanks to their funny lines or crazy antics, these side players show just how much a well-drawn character can do