Nobody can deny that most animated movies are made for kids. As adults, we’re supposed to ignore “Looney Tunes” and engage in more “intellectual” fare. For most of Americans, that means “CSI: Miami” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

Pretend those social norms don’t exist for a minute. Because when it comes to truly memorable onscreen characters, animation is the only consistent place to find it. Since we all, to an extent, grew up with certain cartoon personalities (be it Mickey Mouse or Shrek), they tend to leave a much stronger impression than most other fictitious characters.

Presented here are the 50 favorite animated movie characters from one lifelong kid-at-heart. The only limitation to the list: Characters needed to be featured prominently in at least one theatrically-released, feature-length film. While this lone rule knocked a few television favorites out of contention, there were still plenty of characters vying for a spot.

1. Buzz Lightyear & Sheriff Woody – “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2,” “Toy Story 3”
No reason to split up this dynamic duo. Pixar’s “Toy Story” films take on many of the biggest complications associated with growing up, from issues of abandonment to even gloomier notions of life and death.

Woody is the emotional center of the trilogy. In every movie he faces a problem that tests his loyalty to owner Andy and his fellow toys. It’s a testament to Tom Hanks that Woody never loses his charm through every selfish mistake.

Buzz always brings the bullheaded comic relief, but in the original “Toy Story,” he also faces a major identity crisis. When Buzz discovers he isn’t a real space ranger hero, he is forced to adjust to a life of smaller pleasures.

And just for fun, “Toy Story 3” presents a greatest hits of Lightyear personality: Lovable leader, delusional ranger-wannabe and, a new one– sophisticated “Spanish Buzz.”

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