Given the current state of the world, I need a break. So, today I am writing about something a little more light-hearted: Disney films! I was raised on VHS Disney movies, until DVDs were a thing, and I love to rewatch my favourite films from the franchise.
And yes, I am a 20-something working professional, but Disney films are for everyone – kidulting for the win. To me, Disney is a source of comfort and symbol of joy. No production company comes close to Disney in relation to storytelling and animation. There’s no better way to escape this current reality than to dig into your favourite Disney films.
So I’ve decided to take on the impossible task of ranking and listing the top 10 Disney films. My judging criteria include the film’s soundtrack, the strength of the story, depth of the characters and joyfulness. I have also performed some “market research” to confirm my findings – a reasonable excuse to rewatch a few of the Disney classics. Alongside my rankings, I will also share some brief thoughts, my favourite song from each film and a quote as a self-development prompt. So sit back, relax and enjoy some Disney-derived inspiration.
10. Aladdin (1992)
Best song: Friend Like Me (the accompanying animation sequence is second to none)
Aladdin is a classic Disney film with a princess, villain and a love story. Jasmine and Aladdin’s love story is kind of cute. However, the expected happy ending does rely on Jasmine forgiving Aladdin for his lies. I don’t know how you feel, but the level of deception definitely throws a major red flag. Then again, if I had the sort of musical chemistry and harmony that Jasmine and Aladdin have during ‘A Whole New World’, I might choose love and forgiveness too.
Aside from Aladdin’s problematic lies, the key element that sets Aladdin apart from other Disney films is Robin William’s Genie. Robin Williams (may he rest in peace) gives an incredible performance, especially due to his quick wit, improvisation skills and great comedic timing. There are so many good scenes, but one of my favourites is his monologue when he emerges from the lamp for the first time: ‘Hello, Aladdin, nice to have you on the show. Can we call you Al, or maybe just Din? Or how about Laddie?’ Alongside all the jokes, the Genie does impart a large amount of wisdom as well:
Phenomenal cosmic powers… itty bitty living space.
The Genie
This quote should remind you that your individual greatness is not determined by your outward appearance or humble beginnings. Believe in yourself and always shine a light on your strengths.
9. Coco (2017)
Best Song: Remember Me (it won an Oscar)
I don’t tend to cry during films, but Coco made me cry… several times. The film revolves around a 12-year-old Mexican boy, Miguel. He is an aspiring musician, despite a family ban on music in his household. The story follows his journey into the Land of the Dead after he accidentally steals the guitar from his idol’s tomb. I wouldn’t say that it’s a sad film, even with the overarching theme of death. Rather Coco follows a young boy chasing his dreams, whilst also shining a light on the importance of family, legacy and joy.
I have to sing, I have to play. The music, it’s not just in me, it is me. When life gets me down, I play my guitar.
Miguel
Miguel is a perfect example of a person doing the things that bring them joy because that is what makes life worth living. So don’t neglect the things that bring you joy and that make you, you.
8. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Best Song: Be Our Guest (the cliché choice of Beauty and the Beast is a close second)
The pacing of the film is slightly off, as Belle and Beast bond way too quickly given their supposed hatred of each other for a significant chunk of the film. Aside from this small plot flaw, what I really love about Beauty and the Beast is that it feels like it was written as a Broadway musical. The songs are well written and very theatrical – you can’t get more Broadway than ‘Be Our Guest’. Musicals are my favourite type of theatre to watch. Therefore, bringing together musical theatre with Disney will always be a winning combination for me.
“You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring!”
Lumière
Fear is a useless emotion in the majority of situations and usually results in negative inaction. I can’t think of many situations where fear has served me well. So stop letting fear hold you back! Unless it’s a life and death situation, what’s the worst that could happen?
7. Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
In all honesty, this film is hands-down one of the funniest Disney films. The characters are fully formed, from the self-absorbent Kuzco, to the sweet kind-hearted Pacha, dim-witted Kronk and evil Yzma. Speaking of Yzma, I have two words for you: Eartha Kitt! It’s hard not to love the Yzma in this movie. Given that Kuzco does have a tendency to be a tool, if it wasn’t for Pacha, I’d be rooting for Yzma all the way.
Oh, it’s not the first time I was tossed out of a window, and it won’t be the last. What can I say? I’m a rebel.
Old man
The real lesson from this film is to learn how not to be a jerk, as I don’t know how Pacha put up with Kuzco, but I wanted to highlight this quote instead. Kuzco ordered his guards to toss the old man out of the window, and the old man still stood by what he believed in. Now that is what I call conviction! I’m not a rebellious person in the slightest, but I am very determined.
6. Tarzan (1999)
Best Song: Strangers Like Me (how can you not love the dulcet tones of Phil Collins)
Tarzan is about a young orphan boy who is adopted by a female gorilla and grows up as part of the pack. This just screams identity crisis. Tarzan struggles to conventionally fit in amongst both the gorillas and the humans. Without getting too political, this film is basically the Disney précis on intersectionality. The overriding message is that inclusion and acceptance are fundamental to co-existence in the world. In stark contrast to Clayton’s gentlemanly appearance and indefensible entitlement, Tarzan demonstrates the right kind of nobility, and deservingly wins Jane’s heart.
Put your faith in what you most believe in.
Two Worlds, Phil Collins
Whether or not you’re religious, we all need some faith. The key is to concentrate this faith on your beliefs and values. Faith is such a beautiful and personal thing. Therefore, it should not be wasted on things or people that do not serve you.
5. Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Lilo is the complete opposite of the majority of Disney princesses. She is a young, orphaned Hawaiian girl, but she doesn’t need a prince. Well, who needs a prince when you’ve got an illegal genetic experiment named Stitch. Stitch is more than your average sidekick. He’s an alien who gives hugs! The friendship between Lilo and Stitch is so pure and that’s the main reason why I love this film.
‘Ohana’ means ‘family’. ‘Family’ means ‘no one gets left behind.’
Lilo
If this quote doesn’t touch you, you’re not human. Both Lilo and Stitch didn’t have the luxury of being surrounded by a biological family, but they built their own. Friendships are so important, and many of my close friends are like second siblings to me. So, surround yourself with people who you can trust and keep people who will always be there for you when you need.
4. Moana (2016)
Best Song: How Far I’ll Go
Moana is an amazing Disney film with a strong female lead and a solid soundtrack. Moana can move forward in life without a love interest to distract her. She is selfless, independent and heroic. She is ready to step up as the leader of the island and is fighting for the survival of her people. Female empowerment for the win!
Disney spent 5 years on the development of Moana in order to preserve some cultural accuracy in relation to the film’s Polynesian influences. Disney actually did their homework for this film. They chose an actual Hawaiian girl, Auli’i Cravalho, to voice Moana. Disney also did a great job on the animation, and Moana’s curly hair actually looks wet when it gets wet.
There’s just no telling how far I’ll go.
Moana
You don’t necessarily know where you will end up, but you should be confident in yourself as your strengths will take you to where you need to be.
3. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Best Song: Part of Your World (anyone got any “thingamabobs”)
The Little Mermaid will always be in my top three because I loved water and swimming as a child. I desperately wanted to be able to breathe underwater. I mean, who didn’t want to grow up to be a beautiful singing mermaid under the sea?
That being said, I do recognise that Ariel was not the best role model. This film is like the Grease of the Disney world – amazing music but the storyline is Ariel is a girl doing too much to please a potential suitor. On a positive note, Ariel is fearless and left her protective bubble to explore the world. Although she was spoilt, Ariel’s intellectual curiosity is one of her greatest personality traits. Without feeling too entitled, I’ve always related to Ariel’s desire to want something for her life and to understand more about the way the world is. For those poor unfortunate souls who can’t relate, at least the music is great. The soundtrack is definitely top 3 Disney material.
You got your own style. Now let it shine through and remember, no matter what, you’ve got to be you.
Sebastian
This is one of Sebastian’s stand-out moments, aside from ‘Under the Sea’. Sebastian is like that annoying uncle who you always argue with but love anyway. Here, he reminds Ariel to embrace her uniqueness. So, remember that there’s only one ‘you’ in this world and you should embrace that. Just do you.
2. Mulan (1998)
Best Song: I’ll Make a Man Out of You (a staple on my workout playlist)
Mulan is the best Disney princess there is and that is a straight-up fact. She is the ultimate and OG heroine. She demonstrates that you can put your mind to anything and remembers to take off her makeup at the end of the day. Mulan never gives up, even when the odds are stacked against her. And although there is a very suitable prince in this story, she doesn’t need him. Mulan saves the day of her own accord, winning the battle against Shan Yu using her intelligence, rather than just physical strength. This one-woman revolution is a vibe.
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
The Emperor
Difficulty is something we all face in life, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. It can be a teaching moment that forms part of your journey. More often than not, overnight success is a myth, and the “adversity” you face in life contributes to the person you are today.
1. The Lion King (1994)
Best Song: The Circle of the Life (but for the record, I want to claim all of them)
I rewatch The Lion King several times every year, without fail. It is a beautiful story about growing up and self-discovery. The film handles every single emotion with perfection. The wildebeest stampede (SPOILER ALERT) that leads to Mufasa’s death gets to me every single time. The Lion King never gets old, but instead gets better with age. All the nuances and puns went over my head when I was younger but I am fully appreciative now. Just to name a few:
- “Cheetahs never prosper” (Zazu)
- “We can have whatever’s lion around” (Banzai)
- “What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?” (Timon) – this was an ad-lib by Timon’s voice actor
- “What’s a motto?… Nothing, what’s the motto with you?” (Simba and Timon)
- “I always thought they were balls of gas burning billions of miles away… Pumbaa, with you, everything’s gas.” (Pumbaa and Timon)
The Lion King also has the best musical soundtrack of all the Disney films; facts are facts. Starting with the ‘Circle of Life’, opening sequences for films don’t get much better than this. The announcement of the birth of Simba is iconic.
The other songs on the soundtrack are just as great. Disney captures all the feels across the entire repertoire of songs during this film. ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ is a banger that preaches invincibility. It also plays a key role in emphasising Simba’s youthful innocence leading up to the death of Mufasa. ‘Be Prepared’ is the ultimate villain song setting out Scar’s plan for authoritarian domination. ‘Hakuna Matata’ is one of the most relatable phrases to come out of a film and the song is undeniably catchy. Who would have thought an animated meerkat and warthog would have such a lasting impact? ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ is a great love song, with the excitement of newfound love between Simba and Nala. The writers also add in the hilarious cries of Timon and Pumbaa, who are worried about losing their friend to love.
Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.
Rafiki
I think we all need a Rafiki in our lives, although preferably a Rafiki that doesn’t beat your head with a stick. Rafiki knows one or two things about courage and learning from the past. Remember who you are and don’t let your past hold you back.
Am I right, or am I right?
So there you have it – the top 10 animated Disney films are:
- The Lion King
- Mulan
- The Little Mermaid
- Moana
- Lilo and Stitch
- Tarzan
- Emperor’s New Groove
- Beauty and the Beast
- Coco
- Aladdin
I hope this post brought some relief from the stress of the world. I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’m curious to hear what you think are the best Disney films, even though I know I’m right.
To finish, I wanted to share a final inspirational quote, from the man himself:
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
Walt Disney