We always consider dialogue to be a crucial part of a film, as it allows us to get to know and really connect with the characters that we are watching.
Dumbo
However, some of film's most well-known characters have barely uttered a word in all of their screen time. We take a look at some of them.
- Dumbo
Silent characters in Disney movies come along quite regularly, but Dumbo is one of the most famous... not to mention he is the lead character in the film.
Dumbo was released back in 1941, and was the fourth animated feature film from Disney. It was a huge risk having the central character not speak, however, it is one that Disney have not lived to regret.
Dumbo is one of the most iconic and loved Disney characters of all time, and he is a character that audiences have connected with for generations.
Other great Disney characters have been speechless over the years, including Dopey and the crocodile from Peter Pan.
- Wall-E
Another big animated character who is speechless comes in the form of Wall-E a Disney/Pixar movie that hit the big screen back in 2008.
The movie followed Wall-E; a waste collecting robot that is has been left on Earth to clean up the planet. But all Wall-E longs for is a companion... does he find one in EVE?
Wall-E remains one of my favourite Pixar characters and it is amazing how much can be conveyed without uttering a word.
The relationship between Wall-E and EVE is one of the best in Pixar history; it is touching and compelling and will totally melt your heart.
- Gromit
We turn our attention to stop-motion animation now and Wallace & Gromit; two characters we were introduced to for the first time in 1989.
Over the years, we have seen short films A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave & A Matter of Loaf and Death, as well as feature film The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
Gromit is Wallace's pet dog, sidekick, and best friend. Gromit may not have mastered the gift of the gab, but he is a great pilot and is rather handy with any piece of electronic equipment.
Gromit was originally going to be a speaking character, until Nick Park changed his mind. A great move, as nothing is funnier than seeing Gromit's reaction and expressions to just about everything Wallace says and does.
- Chewbacca
However, it is not just animation movies that have big non-speaking characters, life action do it just as well.
One of the most famous speechless characters comes in the form of Chewbacca, who starred in the original trilogy of Star Wars movies.
Chewbacca is the sidekick and friend of Han Solo, and despite not uttering a word, the pair has a great connection that is fantastic to watch.
Chewbacca starred in A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi, and the much-loved character will be back in Star Wars: Episode VII.
- Groot
We saw a speechless character hit the big screen this summer in the form of Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Vin Diesel was brought on board to record the single word that Groot could say 'Groot', but that didn't stop him from being a terrific character.
Much like Chewbacca and Han Solo, Groot was the sidekick of Rocket, and together they made a terrific fighting team - not to mention they were the greatest of friends.
Groot is one of the most unique and likeable Marvel film characters - watch the credits for a small dancing Groot!!!
- Jason Voorhees
The horror genre has also got in on the act with speechless characters with Jason Voorhees in Friday 13th.
We were introduced to the character of Jason for the first in 1980 when Friday 13th hit the big screen, and he has made several big screen appearances over the years.
Jason Voorhees has gone on to become one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. And yet during all of those big screen appearances he has remained a silent character.
Voorhees is a man who is not big on small talk... he would much rather kill you instead!!!
Other speechless characters include Dopey, Maximus from Tangled and Mr Bean.