This one was a difficult list to put together. Not because Disney married couples aren’t awesome, but because a majority of Disney characters are single parents or young children. Marriage certainly isn’t for every Disney character. Some are workaholics like Sully and some just don’t want to grow up like Peter Pan. Even Merida knows she “may not ever be ready for this.” But, when Disney and Pixar do write a happily married pair, they seem to get it right. Hopefully in this list you’ll recognize some traits you’ve seen in others, yourself, or even your parents and grandparents. So this is to the dedicated few that found their perfect ‘other half’ and tied the knot. Be warned, there may be a few spoilers.
7. The Andersens – Inside Out
You probably knew this one was coming so I’ll get to it. I couldn’t have been happier about how these two were portrayed. Not only can you see their close relationship with their daughter, but you can tell that they’re very close themselves. They aren’t just “Riley’s parents,” they’re a couple in love. But, above all, the thing I love about them the most is that they’re not afraid to look foolish in public together when cheering for their daughter’s team.
6. Roger & Anita Radcliffe – One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Anita and Roger are one of my favorites because I find them to be so real. I know they’re a product of their time so their relationship is a bit more traditional, but they’re perfect for each other. They both enjoy the simple things in life like a good walk in the park or a cup of tea. And Roger is playful enough to keep the more poised Anita on her toes. I think Anita deserves a lot of praise here. Not only does she have to clean up after one hundred and one dalmatians but she also has to put up with Roger writing his music all the time. They also have one of the best ‘meet cute’ stories ever. I wonder if they still share a slight giggle when they both see a handkerchief?
5. Bud Robinson & Lucille Krunklehorn – Meet the Robinsons
This is where spoilers may come in, so tread carefully. If you have a wacky personality then there is no way you’re going to marry someone serious. Your only choice is to marry someone as kooky, or even kookier, than you are. This is what Lucille did. Not only is her husband, Bud, a screwball too, but he is also her intellectual equal. They both love science and, more importantly, they both wanted a family. When they adopt their son and show him his new home at the end of the movie they give each other a look and hug that can melt your heart. When you have this much love for each other, you need to share it with a family. Most likely a big family, too.
4. Pacha & Chicha – The Emperor’s New Groove
Pacha and Chicha are the kind of couple you can tell love to joke around with each other and their kids. Let me remind you of a few scenes. Do you remember when Chicha gets angry and has to has to “go and wash something”? How about when the kids want to stay up late and the parents say “we’re just going to be sitting here telling each other how much we love each other” to scare them off? We’ve all seen this kind of couple. The kind that aren’t afraid to get mad and show affection to each other no matter how old they get. And I’m sure the third baby on its way will only make their marriage stronger.
3. Ellie & Carl Fredricksen – Up
If you’re talking about Up, then the opening sequence will most likely come up in conversation. For now, let’s pass on the sad side of the montage and think about how great Carl and Ellie are as a married couple. We know that Ellie wore the trousers in the relationship when they met as kids but as the montage progresses you can tell that Carl becomes more than her equal. Not only are they a devoted married couple, they even work at the same place. And remember all those ties Ellie helped Carl with every morning? Now that’s commitment to your spouse. They know that an adventure is only as good as the person you’re with. They’re not afraid of hard work, and they never take anything for granted, especially their home and each other. Although, I wonder how many arguments they had over which colors to paint the front of the house?
2. Fergus & Elinor – Brave
These two leaders of Clan DunBroch are the perfect example of how opposites attract. You wouldn’t think they’d work together as a couple but they do. Even Elinor herself said “I had doubts when I faced betrothal,” but they compliment each other perfectly. Though Elinor likes to make sure her husband will say and do the right thing – or even say and do the right thing for him – you can tell that Fergus, in turn, keeps Elinor grounded. He also helps her find her more playful side (sometimes with a pat on the behind!). It’s almost like they need each other to balance out their personalities and that’s why you know this couple will stand strong together.
1. Bob & Helen Parr – The Incredibles
This is the couple you’d love to invite to a dinner party if only to try and find out what their family secret is. And this is a perfect example of how Pixar creates a real married couple. Superpowers aside, you can’t get more real than the Parrs. They’ve made it to a point in their marriage were they’re more of a team than a lovestruck couple. There’s school runs to do and paychecks to earn. They do their fair share of quarreling too, even on their wedding day! But through it all there is no tighter bond than this husband and wife. At the end of the day they know what’s important. Even before the spark comes back into the relationship (thanks to an evil supervillain) you know that it’s always been there. My favorite example is when Bob finds out that Helen is still alive. He’s so elated that he doesn’t care that his wife is mad at him. “You keep trying to pick a fight but I’m still just happy you’re alive.” Can’t you just imagine saying that to someone you love?
What do you think of the married couples on this list? Are there any of your favorites that are missing?
Edited by: Hannah Wilkes