This is an article that originally appeared on D23 on April 5, 2018 – written by Megan Deppe
Chip and Dale have been part of our Disney experience for 75 years. As they’ve made life more difficult for Donald and Pluto, they’ve made ours even more fun, thanks to their jokes and pranks. To celebrate the many years of joy they’ve given us, we’ve done our best to select some of our favorite film and TV appearances by the chipmunk chums that truly sum up everything great about the playful pals.
1. Private Pluto (1943)
Our first introduction to the pair came in 1943 when, very creatively, they decided to use an army’s cannon to help crack their nuts. It was our first peek into how much mischief these troublemakers could make (as well as how ingenious they are), and Pluto found the “playmates” who would be part of his cartoons for years to come. The chipmunks were still unnamed in their inaugural appearance—it would be several years before they were given their distinct monikers, as well as their unique physical characteristics.
2. Chip ’n’ Dale Rescue Rangers (1989)
Chip and Dale’s cartoon short antics led to the pair starring in their own TV show! Chip and Dale solved crimes too “small” for the police to handle alongside their friends Gadget, Monterey Jack, and Zipper. Chip’s sense of leadership and Dale’s laid-back nature brought fun to their fans and fleshed out their characters for more fun onscreen.
3. Space Walkies (2014)
It would appear that Pluto can never escape the torment of those two little chipmunks—even in outer space! When he decides to take a bathroom break in space, Chip and Dale (appearing for the first time in Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts) appear in a spaceship that Mickey tries to use as a Frisbee and Pluto is compelled to chase the pair around the solar system.
4. Kingdom Hearts (2002)
When Disney characters took a trip into the world of Kingdom Hearts, you didn’t think this duo would be left behind, did you? Chip and Dale serve under King Mickey as royal engineers, helping the main character, Sora (and the gamer!), by creating their Gummi ship to travel to different worlds and take down the Heartless.
5. Two Chips and a Miss (1952)
These two come as pair, sure, but even Chip and Dale have disagreements sometimes. In this case, they both fell head over heels for the beautiful singer Clarice, and their competition for her affection turns into a great song for all three of them. They both get a kiss, and harmony is restored between the bosom buddies.
6. Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952)
In an especially adorable appearance, Chip and Dale make their way into Mickey’s house by way of a Christmas tree that the chipmunks take shelter in. The pair is ecstatic to find themselves surrounded by twinkling lights and ornaments (not to mention candy canes!), but Pluto wants them out. Mickey reminds his best pal that it’s Christmas and Chip and Dale deserve to be warm and happy around the Christmas tree, too.
7. Chicken in the Rough (1951)
Chip and Dale’s first solo cartoon is a special moment for them. There’s no Mickey, Donald, or Pluto—it’s all about these two friends and their adventures in the farmyard. A hen takes Dale under his wing—literally—the chipmunk runs in terror from a rooster, all to Chip’s amusement. Both chipmunks learn the important difference between nuts and eggs in this charming short.
8. Mickey and the Roadster Racers (2017)
Nothing can keep Chip and Dale out of the pit. Whether Mickey needs a little bit of work done in the garage, obstacle courses need to be set up, or a special car needs to be built for their friend Cuckoo-Loca, you can bet that these two chipmunks will do their best to get the wheels on the road.
9. Chip an’ Dale (1947)
Throughout the years, many of Chip and Dale’s pranks have been directed toward one beloved bird with a very short fuse: Donald Duck. This film—their first outing with Donald—also marked the first time that the pair were named and given distinct personalities and looks. When Donald chops down the tree where they’ve been storing their nuts for the winter, Chip an’ Dale (as they were called in this short) do their best to recover their precious supply from him. Each has met their match, and the lifelong rivalry that ensues between the duck and the chipmunks is a win for us all.
10. Chip ’n Dale’s Nutty Tales (2017)
These made-for-TV shorts were created just for the tiny duo and set in the world of Mickey and the Roadster Racers. Chip ’n Dale’s Nutty Tales follows the pair as they try to bake muffins, fly kites, and swim in birdbaths, occasionally creating trouble for Mickey and friends but always having fun along the way.
