8 Most Iconic Cartoon Donkeys of All Time

While there are plenty of lovable cartoon horses, there are also some great cartoon donkeys as well.

Many of these cartoon characters have become quite recognizable in pop culture over the years.

From the quick-witted Donkey to the adorable Eyeore, we are sharing the most famous cartoon donkeys.

These lovable cartoon donkeys have starred in some of the most iconic franchises.

8. Benjamin (Animal Farm)

The animated donkey Benjamin from the Animal Farm film

Benjamin was an old donkey that appeared in the 1954 film adaptation of Animal Farm. The movie is based on the 1945 George Orwell novel of the same name.

Benjamin is the main protagonist of the film. He leads the counter-revolution of the animals against tyrannical leader Napoleon after his abuses finally go too far. Benjamin is the oldest of all the animals and is also one of the wisest.

Benjamin’s character can be interpreted in many different ways. Animal Farm was also made into a live-action film in 1999.

7. Nestor (Nestor, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey)

Nestor (Nestor, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey)

Nestor the donkey is the star of Nestor, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey. The stop-motion short film is a Christmas classic.

With his overlong ears, Nestor becomes an outcast in Roman-era Judea. Nestor tries to disguise his special ear with socks, but when Roman soldiers discover the truth they take all of other donkeys from his owner Olaf. Olaf then kicks out Nestor, however, Nestor finds a special purpose as he helps guide Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

Nestor is an adorable donkey and his overlong ears make him extra special. Nestor, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey is a wholesome Christmas story the whole family can enjoy.

6. Jacchus (Fantasia)

The cartoon donkey Jacchus from Fantasia

Jacchus the donkey stars in the Disney hit film Fantasia. He appears in the “Pastoral Symphony” segment as the pet of Bacchus.

Like his owner, Jacchus is goofy looking and foolish, but also lovable. He delightfully takes part in the winemaking with the satyrs, centaurs, and centaurettes.

When caught in a storm by Zeus, Bacchus and Jacchus got washed away in a stream of wine. After lighting strikes the tub they were hiding under, they forgot about the dangers and merrily keep drinking wine.

5. Small One

The donkey Small One from Small One movie

Small One is an old and skinny yet lovable donkey from The Small One. The Small One is a short animated Disney film based on the story of the same name.

A young boy is told by his father to sell his beloved donkey, Small One. Reluctantly, he takes Small One to a horse auction, where the auctioneer proceeds to make fun of the donkey for his scrawny build. The donkey and the boy run away, however, they meet a kind man who offers to buy the donkey.

The man and his wife who buy Small One happen to be Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. The Small One is a heartwarming Christmas story that the whole family can enjoy.

4. The Donkeys (Encanto)

The Donkeys from the Encanto movie

While never specifically named, the donkeys in Encanto appear several times throughout the movie, including in important scenes. Many people throughout the movie own donkeys and ride or drive them.

The donkeys in Encanto are known for regularly escaping and Louisa often has to use her super strength to carry them back to their home.

The donkeys are also a big part of the song “Surface Pressure” where they appear doing various things including dancing and playing instruments.

3. Bo (The Star)

The donkey Bo from The Star

Bo the donkey is the main character in the Christmas film The Star. The Star features a star-studded cast and is a movie the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Bo is a young yet brave donkey that desires a life beyond milling wheat. Once he finds the courage to break free, he sets out on the journey of his dreams. Bo teams up with Dave the dove and Ruth the sheep and along their journey, they meet more animals including three camels.

Bo, along with his new friends, follow the Star and become Christmas heroes by accident.

The Star is a new retelling of the classic nativity story from the point of view of a donkey.

2. Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)

The donkey Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh

Eeyore the donkey is one of the main characters from the Winnie the Pooh franchise, which has multiple shows and movies. He is one of the most beloved cartoon donkeys in the film industry.

Eeyore is friends with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Kanga and Roo, Owl, Rabbit, and Christopher Robin. He has a gloomy personality and isn’t a fan of many things except eating thistles. Eeyore frequently losses his tail and often needs help finding it.

While Eeyore is certainly not the cheeriest of the bunch, his loyalty wins the heart of his friends. He is an iconic character and has garnered numerous fans over the years.

1. Donkey (Shrek)

Donkey from the Shrek movies

With his quick wit and happy-go-lucky personality, Donkey is one of the best parts of the Shrek movie franchise. He is the trusty friend of Shrek the ogre.

Donkey is frequently tagging along with Shrek on his adventures. He always speaks his mind and enjoys dancing and singing, often annoying those around him. He has quite the sweet tooth and while he can be a bit of a coward, he is deeply caring.

Shrek and Donkey’s adventures are never dull, as Donkey even once turns into a majestic white stallion. Donkey is married to Dragon and they have children together known as “Dronkeys.”

Also read: Why Do Donkeys Have a Cross on Their Back?

The post 8 Most Iconic Cartoon Donkeys of All Time appeared first on Horsey Hooves.

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