Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of the most beloved children's classics in history. Originally written in 1865 by English author Lewis Carroll, the novel fiddles with the logical and the absurd throughout the story of Alice, a curious little girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world inhabited by both humans and anthropomorphic creatures. This tale, like many others, has been adapted countless times in every possible way over the years, ranging from short stories to films, including, but not limited to, plays, series, and even video games. Among all its adaptations, two of the most famous ones are the 1951 Disney animated film and the 2010 live-action directed by Tim Burton. The latter production is inspired by the original story and its characters, but it also adds some new elements in order to provide an innovative and updated twist to it.
At the time of its release, Burton's Alice in Wonderland met with mixed reviews, facing criticism for its lack of narrative coherence, but receiving overwhelming praise for its visual style, performances, and special effects, all of which are likely to be related to the director's hallmark and peculiar style. This film, that despite its reviews became a blockbuster and the fifth highest-grossing film of all time during its theatrical run, was also able to reinvent well-known characters such as Alice and all the inhabitants of Wonderland, that in 2016 were brought back to the silver screen as part of the sequel to this production, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Here is a ranking of the best characters of this film by Tim Burton.
8 Mallymkun
Mallymkun the Dormouse is a little white mouse and swordfighter-in-training who officiates as the Mad Hatter's assistant and sergeant of the resistance against the Red Queen. Secretly in love with Tarrant, she initially approaches Alice in a fairly rude manner, and accuses her of being an impostor. The actress commissioned to voice Mallyymkun was Barbara Windsor, who was specifically approached by Burton as he was an admirer of her work on the TV series EastEnders.
7 The White Queen
The White Queen is a benevolent, sweet, and fair figure, kind to both people and animals. One could say that her personality is the complete opposite of her sister's, the Red Queen. Also known as Mirana of Marmoreal, this Queen portrayed by Anne Hathaway should be reigning Underland, were it not for her vile sister snatching the throne from her. Mirana, however, does have a dark side that she fears, so she takes it upon herself to enlighten absolutely everything around her in order to avoid becoming like her sister.
6 Absolem
Absolem is head of the resistance, brilliantly played by the late Alan Rickman. This caterpillar doesn't speak much, but everything he says is carefully intended for those who listen, and he is also in charge of safeguarding Wonderland's Oraculum. Absolem relies on his wisdom to guide Alice on her mission to save the land, and has the peculiarity, as few other characters in the story, of being able to appear both in the real world and in Underland. By the end of the film, Absolem morphed into a butterfly, and visited Alice on one of her business trips.
5 Tweedledee & Tweedledum
Tweedledee and Tweedledum are two hilarious, wacky, and eccentric twins who are also part of the resistance as the Mad Hatter's lieutenants, even though they get captured by the evil Red Queen, who addressed them as "fat boys". These twins spend their days fighting each other, leading to a number of completely nonsensical situations. In order to create them, filmmakers combined live-action and CGI, per Foundry, casting Matt Lucas to play and voice the characters.
4 The Cheshire Cat
Cheshire is probably one of the most intriguing and quirky characters in Alice in Wonderland, and that's saying something. This cat, owner of a rather terrifying appearance and a slightly dark personality, has the ability to float, evaporate, and shape-shift, among many other skills. He frequently presents himself as just a floating head, and even as a pair of eyes with a huge grin in the dark. He is part of the resistance, although at times acts cowardly by using his abilities to flee from battles. The actor in charge of voicing this character was Stephen Fry.
3 Alice Kingsleigh
Alice Kingsleigh is the main character of the film, a role intended to represent the opposite of what was expected of women in the Victorian Era. She was played by actress Mia Wasikowska, and was the role that brought her international acclaim. Alice is non-conformist, brave and stubborn, not willing to do what is expected of her. Following her father's death, she grows even more uncomfortable with society's compliance and expectations. Upon Alice's return to Wonderland, she discovered that the place she had always dreamed of was not a fantasy, but a familiar reality filled with creatures she had to help in order defeat the Red Queen, a journey that made her even braver and more confident.
2 The Red Queen
The Red Queen, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is the antagonist of the story. Also known as Iracebeth of Crims, this character is a combination of the Red Queen and the Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll's novel. Her personal mission is to conquer the kingdom, and she reigns driven by cruelty and terror, sentencing those who dare to defy her to death. Angry, jealous, and with a disproportionately large head, the Red Queen hates everyone outside of herself, especially her sister, the flawless White Queen. When preparing the character, Carter drew inspiration from her young daughter, as she believed that the Red Queen was nothing but a tyrant with a big head.
1 The Mad Hatter
Tarrant Hightopp, better known as the Mad Hatter, easily takes the top spot in this ranking for his unique, bizarre and fascinating personality. Played by Johnny Depp in one of his many collaborations with Burton, the Mad Hatter comes from a tragic past that made him develop a split personality, is largely disconnected from reality, and takes part of the resistance determined to put an end to the Red Queen's reign. He madly enjoys making hats and hosting tea parties. With a very peculiar appearance, his orange hair from mercury poisoning and his eyes brimming with emotions, Tarrant is one of the most loyal, funny and complex characters in all of Wonderland.