We are back with another Disney+ battle. This time there is a vast disparity in the eras of Disney animation. We’re looking at one of the stand outs of the Golden Era of Animation and one of the more recent films of the Disney Revival. Let’s compare “Pinocchio” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

1. PROTAGONIST

The main character of both of these films are evident by the names of the films. Pinocchio is the main character of “Pinocchio.” The puppet who is brought to life is trying to become a real boy. He makes mistakes and learns to be better eventually becoming a real boy when he risks his life to save his father. The main character of “Raya and the Last Dragon” is Raya. She is trying to restore her homeland after the leader of one section of it got greedy and tried to steal an important artifact that helps protect the land. Eventually, she works with the daughter of her enemy and friends she acquires along the way to save her homeland. Both are great lead characters, but I think Raya does more to drive her story while Pinocchio is an equal mix of driving the story and having the story happen to him. Point to “Raya.”

Pinocchio 0 | Raya and the Last Dragon 1

2. ANTAGONIST

Both of these films are unique in that they have multiple villains. In “Pinocchio,” the main villain is Honest John. He’s a crooked man who tricks Pinocchio into several adventures including the acting, getting thrown in a cage and the trip to Pleasure Island. There’s also Monstro the whale who is the villain of the sea, but isn’t really a villain so much as a whale acting like a whale. In “Raya and the Last Dragon,” the two perceived villains are Namaari and Virana, the princess and chieftess of the Fang section. Virana is the true villain as she seeks to rule the entire land. Namaari isn’t a villain, just someone who was raised by a villain. In the end, Namaari ends up being vital to saving their home. But Virana is more evil than Honest John, so point to “Raya.”

Pinoccho 0 | Raya and the Last Dragon 2

3. SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Both of these films are filled with impressive supporting characters. “Pinocchio” has some of the most iconic in Gepetto, Figaro, Cleo and Jiminy Cricket. Meanwhile, “Raya” has Sisu, Boun, Tong and Little Noi. Both sets of supporting characters advance the plot and standout in their own ways. I think I’m going to give the advantage to “Pinoccho” because of Jiminy Cricket’s longevity, though.

Pinocchio 1 | Raya and the Last Dragon 2

MUSIC

This is the most unfair category of this battle. “Raya and the Last Dragon” has some solid music. The score drives the plot. It gets you excited in all the right places. It makes you sad in all the right places. But, “Pinocchio’s” music is legendary. The score is amazing. Plus, it has the quintessential Disney song in “When You Wish Upon A Star.” Point to “Pinocchio.”

Pinocchio 2 | Raya and the Last Dragon 2

5. MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Now it’s time for the most subjective category. It’s hard to get more memorable than “Pinocchio.” “When You Wish Upon A Star,” Jiminy Crickett, the Blue Fairy, Pinocchio singing and acting, the growing nose, Pleasure Island, Monstro and Pinocchio’s sacrifice and becoming a real boy all stand out. “Raya and the Last Dragon” is very memorable in its own right with the divisions, attacks and finally the trusting those you wouldn’t trust before. It’s a great lesson. It may be a better movie, but
“Pinocchio” is more memorable. Point to “Pinocchio.”

Pinocchio 3 | Raya and the Last Dragon 2

“Pinocchio” wins this battle. I’m a little surprised given how strong “Raya and the Last Dragon” started, but, at the same time, I’m not surprised given how strong “Pinocchio” is as a film. I want to know which of these films do you prefer?

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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