We’re back with another battle between two classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films. This week, I’m comparing and contrasting two of the most iconic films in the Disney canon, “Bambi” and “Cinderella.” Let’s take a look and see which film is better.

PROTAGONIST

Both protagonists are easy to recognize as they are each in their respective titles. Bambi is the lovable deer that grows up to be the prince of the forest. Cinderella is the girl who is abused by her stepmother and stepsisters before catching the eye of the prince at the ball. They are two of the more iconic protagonists in the Disney canon. When you ask people to name a Disney character, it seems like more will name Cinderella first before naming Bambi. She’s a favorite princess to many and I think she stands out as the winner here. Point to “Cinderella.”

Bambi 0 | Cinderella 1

ANTAGONIST

On top of having two of the most iconic heroes or heroines in the Disney canon, these films also have two of the more iconic villains. The hunter, or man, is the absolute villain of “Bambi.” The hunters are seeking the deer which from Bambi’s perspective is the most dangerous thing in the world. Meanwhile, Lady Tremaine and her daughters are purposely seeking to make Cinderella’s life miserable. The hunter is seeking to end Bambi’s life. Lady Tremaine doesn’t try to kill Cinderella, but she overworks her and abuses her. These are two of the worst villains we’ve seen. But, I have to give the edge to man, because he’s seeking to kill the protagonist while Lady Tremaine is not. Point to “Bambi.”

Bambi 1 | Cinderella 1

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Again, both of these films feature some of the most iconic characters in the Disney canon. In “Bambi,” we have Thumper, Flower, Feline and the other woodland creatures. In “Cinderella,” we meet probably the most famous Prince Charming, the Fairy Godmother, Gus Gus and Jaq. This is the third straight category that has been tough to decide, but I’m going to give a slight advantage to “Cinderella.” Point to “Cinderella.”

Bambi 1 | Cinderella 2

MUSIC

This is the most lopsided category of this battle. “Bambi” has an excellent score that advances the story perfectly. You really feel the love, friendship and fear between the characters. But, “Cinderella” gives us “Bippity-Boppity-Boo,” “Cinderelly” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” These are three of the most recognizable songs ever featured in Disney movies. Point to “Cinderella.”

Bambi 1 | Cinderella 3

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Once again, this is the most subjective of the five categories. The most memorable moments of “Bambi” to me were: Bambi being born and learning to walk, Bambi meeting his friends, Bambi getting twitterpated, Bambi’s mother dying and Bambi rescuing Feline. Meanwhile, in “Cinderella,” the most memorable moments to me were: The mice making a dress for Cinderella, her stepmother and stepsisters destroying the dress, the Fairy Godmother showing up and helping her go to the ball, the clock striking midnight and everything turning back to normal and the glass shoe fitting. Each film has five memorable moments. So, which ones are more memorable? I think the most memorable moments actually come from “Cinderella.” This one was hard, but point to “Cinderella.”

Bambi 1 | Cinderella 4

By my count, “Cinderella” wins this battle 4-1. But, “Bambi” was right there neck and neck and would have easily been the winner against almost any other film in the Disney canon. So, which film would you pick in this battle?

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Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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