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Love is a universal theme, and children’s entertainment is no exception. In fact, some of the most peculiar and unexpected romantic relationships can be found in these kid-friendly stories. I’ve curated a list of the most unusual couples, ranked from mildly odd to downright bizarre. While some pairs are widely recognized, others might be completely new to you. To ensure variety, only one couple per movie or franchise is included, with the most unconventional or notable relationship taking the spotlight.
10. Aladar and Neera from Dinosaur
Released in 2000, Dinosaur broke new ground in animation by seamlessly blending CGI characters with live-action backdrops. However, the film’s technical achievements aren’t the focus here—it’s the unusual love story between Aladar and Neera. Aladar, an iguanodon raised by lemurs, doesn’t encounter his own kind until adulthood. Among the first he meets is Neera, a female iguanodon. Winning her affection isn’t easy, especially with her overprotective brother, Kron, standing in the way. After Kron’s tragic demise, Aladar comforts Neera, ultimately winning her heart. The film concludes with the couple raising their hatchlings, as Aladar’s lemur family welcomes the newest addition. While their relationship isn’t the strangest, Aladar’s unique upbringing earns them a spot on this list.
9. Manny and Ellie from the Ice Age series
Manny first appeared in the 2002 film Ice Age, but Ellie didn’t join the franchise until Ice Age: The Meltdown in 2006. Both are woolly mammoths, which might seem ordinary, but their relationship has unique quirks. Ellie is actually Manny’s second mate, as his first partner passed away long before the events of the original movie—a fact highlighted in a poignant cave painting scene. What makes this pair even more intriguing is Ellie’s upbringing: raised by possums, she initially believes she is one herself. It’s only after recalling a memory of her possum mother finding her that she realizes her true identity. Despite this, she remains deeply bonded to her possum “brothers,” Crash and Eddie, making them a package deal for Manny. Their family grows in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs when they welcome their daughter, Peaches.
8. Stitch and Angel from the Lilo and Stitch series
Even extraterrestrials crave companionship, and Stitch is no different. Disney introduced a character specifically designed to be his love interest: Angel, experiment #624, who debuted in the 2004 “Angel” episode of Lilo and Stitch: The Series. Angel resembles Stitch but is pink with longer antennae that mimic flowing hair. Her standout ability is her singing, which she uses to sway other experiments toward good or bad behavior. Although she appeared in 2004, it wasn’t until the 2006 “Snafu” episode that she and Stitch officially became a couple. What makes their relationship unusual is that Stitch and Angel are cousins! This peculiar dynamic adds a unique twist to their story. Despite this, the “Angel” episode was voted the best in the series by fans on Disney Channel’s official website, leaving many to question the lessons kids are picking up from these shows.
7. Kenai and Nita from Brother Bear 2
Fans of the 2003 film Brother Bear were in for a surprise with the 2006 straight-to-DVD sequel. Set in spring, the season of love, even Kenai—voiced by Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy fame—finds himself caught in its spell. When Kenai reunites with his childhood friend Nita, he’s initially thrilled, only to discover she wants his help to break a bond created by a necklace he gave her years ago. This necklace ties them together, meaning they can only be with each other. Kenai’s charm eventually wins her over, and she leaves her current partner, even transforming into a bear to be with him. The film culminates in a memorable bear wedding, a scene that’s as bizarre as it is unforgettable.
6. Shaggy and Scooby, and Crystal and Amber from Scooby Doo and the Alien Invaders
This entry features a unique double couple, but it’s impossible to mention one without the other. Everyone is familiar with Scooby Doo and his owner, Norville “Shaggy” Rogers. However, Crystal and Amber are lesser-known characters from the 2000 film Scooby Doo and the Alien Invaders. In the movie, Shaggy and Scooby are convinced they’ve found true love in Crystal, a free-spirited woman in tie-dye outfits, and her golden retriever, Amber. The group spends much of the film investigating alien sightings in the desert, and everything seems perfect—until a shocking revelation unfolds. Crystal and Amber are not who they appear to be. Initially claiming to be nature photographers, they later admit to working for the government, and finally reveal they’re not from Earth at all. As Velma aptly puts it, “I always said everyone has somebody out there… but I never thought I meant out there.” Sadly, their intergalactic origins make a lasting relationship impossible, and the four part ways, leaving fans to wonder about the fate of the groovy alien duo.
5. Robin and Starfire from Teen Titans
This entry focuses on the 2003 Cartoon Network series Teen Titans, not the original comics. Throughout the show’s run, which ended in 2006, the fanbase for Robin and Starfire was incredibly passionate. It wasn’t until the 2006 TV movie Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo that the two officially became a couple. So, why are they on this list? Robin is a human, while Starfire is an alien—specifically, a Tamaranian princess. Their relationship is a fascinating mix of interspecies romance and royal intrigue, making them a standout pair. It’s no wonder many fans, especially male viewers, would love to be in Robin’s shoes.
4. Melman and Gloria from the Madagascar series
Both characters debuted in the 2005 Madagascar film, but their romantic relationship didn’t blossom until Madagascar 2 in 2008, making them the newest couple on this list. The revelation comes unexpectedly when Melman suddenly confesses, “I love you Gloria, I always have!” early in the sequel. Gloria, unaware of his feelings, becomes involved with Moto Moto, a muscular hippo whose name means “Hot Hot” in Swahili. Moto Moto is drawn to Gloria’s size, calling her “Big and Chunky.” However, Melman ultimately wins her heart by attempting a dramatic sacrifice—jumping into a volcano to appease the fire gods. His bold gesture proves successful, and the two finally become a couple.
3. Donkey and Dragon from the Shrek series
This pair is arguably the most famous on this list. Donkey, a talkative donkey, and Dragon, a fire-breathing dragon, first appeared together in the 2001 film Shrek and have remained a beloved couple ever since. Like other interspecies pairs such as Horton and Gertrude, Bridget and Benny, and Melman and Gloria, their relationship is unconventional. However, what sets them apart are their five offspring: Peanut, Parfait, Coco, Bananas, and Debbie, known as Dronkeys. These hybrid children debuted in Shrek 2 in 2004, though one mysteriously vanished by the time Shrek the Third was released in 2007. The mechanics of their reproduction remain a mystery, even to Donkey, who humorously questions, “How does it happen?” in Shrek the Third.
Honorable Mentions: Shrek/Fiona from the Shrek Franchise, Doppler/Amelia from Treasure Planet, Skipper/Bobblehead Doll from the Madagascar Franchise.
2. Horton and Gertrude from Seussical
This couple, featuring characters with over 50 years of history, was introduced in the 2000 Broadway musical Seussical, based on Dr. Seuss’s works. Horton, the beloved elephant from “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg,” is paired with Gertrude McFuzz, a lesser-known blue bird from “Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories.” In the play, Gertrude, who lives next to Horton, develops deep feelings for him but worries her single-feathered tail is unattractive. She takes “pillberries” to grow her tail, only to find it becomes too long to fly. Despite numerous challenges, including a dog attack and a hit-and-run incident, Gertrude rescues Horton from the circus, winning his heart. The two eventually raise an elephant-bird together, though the play itself closed after just seven months due to its complex plot.
1. Benny and Bridget from The Wild
Similar to Melman and Gloria, this interspecies pair includes a giraffe, but that’s where the similarities stop. In this case, Bridget is the giraffe, and Benny is a squirrel. Their relationship, introduced in the 2006 film The Wild, had a rocky start. Benny is clearly smitten with Bridget from the beginning, but she shows no interest in dating a squirrel. However, after a series of wild adventures helping their friend Samson the lion rescue his son Ryan, Benny manages to win Bridget’s heart, even earning a kiss by the film’s end. Often considered Disney’s less successful counterpart to DreamWorks’ Madagascar, this movie still delivers its share of quirky moments. While Benny and Bridget outrank Melman and Gloria on this list, the next two couples are even more unconventional.
