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Why Non-Humans Make the Best Film & TV Sidekicks!

Written by Amanda Baltazar. Published: February 26 2024
(Photo: Marvel Entertainment Studios)

 

AfterGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 came out in 2017, Baby Groot completely stole the show! For me, at least. Baby Groot is by far the cutest thing ever, ever, ever, in the whole universe. I mean, how cute is his little, "I am Groot"?

 

 

 

I can go on and on about Baby Groot and it's safe to say he's my favorite of Starlord's sidekicks. Which got me to thinking, who are some other great, non-human sidekicks?

 

Let's start with Star Wars...

 

Chewbaca, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO

I'm cheating a little bit and grouping them all into one entry because it's Star Wars and I couldn't choose between them all. Chewy is the ultimate right-hand man and best friend an adventurer like Han Solo could have, while R2-D2 and BB-8 are smart, sassy, and the cutest droids, both in appearance and personality. C-3PO is the smart, nerdy, sidekick who provides the voice of reason. Together these droids and wookiee are my favorite sidekicks in the Star Wars universe.

 

 

 

Donkey

Eddie Murphy voices Donkey in Shrek and is pure comedy. He has jokes, sass, and a heart of gold. His friendship with Shrek is one for the ages and a friendship I emulate very much. Donkey may be annoying at times, but who isn't? Donkey is a wonderful and hilarious sidekick, and, oh, did I mention his wife is a DRAGON?! Yeah, let's not forget that.

 

 

 

Hedwig

Harry Potter's snowy owl, Hedwig, is a beautiful and majestic creature. Loyal, loving, and brave to the very end. Let's just say Hedwig will always go down as one of the most devoted sidekicks in history. #RIP

 

 

 

Dory

While Dory from Finding Nemo is a bit forgetful, she is kind, caring, and a goofball. Fun and laughs fill the ocean when Dory is around. I mean, come on, she even got her own movie. 

 

 

 

Timon and Pumba

Now on to Disney. Timon and Pumba from The Lion King remind Simba -- and all of us too -- that sometimes you have to just tell yourself, "Hakuna Matata." Ah, yes, what a wonderful phrase. There are many times in my life that I need someone to remind me that I need to chill out and have no worries, and Timon and Pumba would be the guys for the job!

 

 

 

Sebastian

Another Disney sidekick, Sebastian from The Little Mermaid makes the list because, although a little stressed at times, he was a great assistant to both King Triton and Ariel. He went above and beyond, even singing to Prince Eric to "Kiss the Girl" and help Ariel break the curse. And he had some great musical numbers!

 

 

 

Salem

Moving from movies to television, let's look at Salem from "Sabrina The Teenage Witch". This was one of my favorite shows, due much to the fact that Salem was a snarky, cheeky little thing. I blame him for my sassiness now as an adult. Although he was bent on world domination, he got the one thing he really needed, and that was family.

 

 

 

Wilson

Last but certainly not least, Wilson from the Tom Hanks film, Cast Away. Wilson may just be a bloody volleyball to others, but what he symbolized meant more to Tom Hanks's character than anyone could ever realize. He was sanity, hope, and a friend, and I will be yelling "WILSON!" to all volleyballs I come across from the rest of my life.

 

 

 

These are just a few of my favorite sidekicks in the non-human category. There are many other who could make this list. Who is on your favorite sidekick list?