TOP TEN MONKEY CHARACTERS OF ALL-TIME

Since monkeys are such interesting and fun animals, many books, shows and movies have had memorable monkey characters over the years! Here are our top ten picks:

10.  Monkey from the Kung Fu Panda films

Monkey is a member of the ‘Furious Five’ warriors who are students of Master Shifu. He practises the Monkey Style of Kung Fu. This style focuses on surprise attacks that the enemy cannot predict. It’s also very acrobatic and makes good use of the staff as a weapon—much like our own MonkeyMonk mascot!

Did you know: This character was voiced by beloved action star Jackie Chan?

9.      Rafiki from The Lion King films

Rafiki is a wise monkey who serves as the royal advisor to King Mufasa and his descendants. He never gives a straight answer but always talks in confusing riddles which everyone finds annoying! Though he is old, he is very energetic and enthusiastic. Maybe one of the reasons why is due to regular sports and exercise/?

Did you know: Rafiki is the only character in the movies that can talk to Mufasa’s ghost regularly.

8.      Caesar from the Planet of the Apes films

Caesar is a highly evolved and intelligent ape who learns to speak English. He also communicates in sign language. He was brought up by a scientist whom he became very close to. But soon, he realised how badly animals are treated by people and growing angry at this injustice, started a war against humans.

Did you know: Caesar was played by an actor called Andy Serkis whose appearance was digitally edited to look like an ape.

7.      Dunston from Dunston Checks In

Dunston is an orangutan who was trained by a thief to climb into people’s hotel rooms and steal jewellery. His master is a cruel man who only cares about the jewels that Dunston brings him, and not about the monkey himself. In the end, Dunston befriends two little boys who free him from his master and adopt him as their pet.

Did you know: A real orangutan by the name of Sammy played the role of Dunston in this movie.

6.      Abu from Aladdin

Like Dunston, Abu also steals but here, he isn’t forced into it. He is a mischievous monkey that loves shiny and sparkly things, and robs rich people along with his owner Aladdin. Abu can sometimes be selfish but at the end of the day, he has a kind heart that has helped many people.

Did you know: Aladdin and Abu met one day when Abu was trying to pickpocket his money. They’ve been best friends ever since.

5.      King Kong from King Kong

King Kong is a giant gorilla that is captured and brought to New York City by a group of film-makers. Standing at 25 feet in height and around 120-150 years old, he is extremely strong. He is also very smart and experiences emotions like anger, joy and sadness in the same way humans do.

Did you know: By the end of the movie, King Kong becomes friends with a human woman called Ann.

4.      Hanuman from the Ramayana

Hanuman is a legendary monkey god in Indian mythology. He is a follower of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, and fights on his side in the battle against King Ravana. Hanuman isn’t an ordinary monkey. He can fly, shrink to a small size or expand to a large size, and speaks and behaves like a human.

Did you know: Hanuman picks up a whole mountain called Sanjeevani and flies across the ocean for Rama’s brother, Lakshmana, who is injured and needs medicinal herbs.

3.      Jaggu bandar from Chhota Bheem

Jaggu is a character from the popular Indian cartoon, Chhota Bheem. He is one of Bheem’s best friends. Even though he’s just five years old, he is very skilled at climbing and swinging from trees. With our games like ‘CommandoNet’ and ‘Flying Fox’ you can experience a day in the life of Jaggu!

Did you know: Jaggu is naughty and loves playing pranks on Dholu, Bholu and Kalia.

2.      Mojo Jojo from The Powerpuff Girls

Mojo Jojo is a supervillain, and the Powerpuff Girls’ biggest enemy. He is a genius chimpanzee that comes up with many plans to take over the world but always gets defeated by the Powerpuff Girls. He actually used to be their father’s pet, but after the girls were born he became jealous and decided to destroy them.

Did you know: Mojo Jojo’s popular catchphrase that he says several times in each episode is “Curses!”

1.      Sun Wukong from The Monkey King

Sun Wukong is born when a Chinese goddess named Nuwa, sacrifices her life to protect heaven by turning into powerful crystals. One of these crystals falls to the earth, and over time, takes the form of a monkey. In the end, Sun Wukong defeats the evil Bull Demon King and earns everyone’s praise and respect.

Did you know: Sun Wukong is a master of disguises who can take on anyone’s shape!

Author: Shakthi