Every Pixar Hero Ranked From Worst To Best

6. Carl Fredricksen (Up)

Brave Ratatouille Toy Story
Pixar

Up gets major brownie points for delivering the rarest of things in an animated movie - a protagonist pushing 80 years of age.

The experiences of a grief-stricken elderly man are so anathema to what most animated films are about, and yet Up's tear-jerking opening montage will earn Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) sympathy from even the most stone-hearted viewer.

Carl's far more than just a cantankerous old guy, though: while desperate to honour his late wife's legacy, he comes to learn that the spirit of adventure need not evaporate in your twilight years.

Cannily paired up with peppy Wilderness Explorer Russell (Jordan Nagai) and "talking" canine Dug (Bob Peterson), Carl learns to open his heart once again and embrace however much of the ride that is life he has left. If you somehow don't find that relatable yet, you surely will someday.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.