People: It's hard to rank the Disney animated films.
Rating and analyzing these films was a much more complex project than I had anticipated. Finding a balance between my strong emotional connections (many from childhood) and general unbiased film criticism was, let's say, a challenge.
Then there is the X-Factor to consider: the Disney Magic. Hey, it's completely valid to love a movie because it makes you happy or emotional or, I don't know, hopeful. Those are all components of what has made Disney so successful - the magic, ya'll!
Other times during this challenge, movies I thought I liked well enough just didn't hold up. Few were notably dropped in ranking due in large part to some serious (and ugly) representation racial and/or gender role issues. Ugh.
So, that's my long-winded way of saying that I tried my best to rank these films with a critical eye, while still allowing room for an emotional connection, and yes, the Disney magic.
And now...after a year of viewing, I am proud to present my final ranking of all 59 animated feature films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. We're talking from 1937âs Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to 2021âs Raya and the Last Dragon.
[Note that this list does NOT include films made by Pixar Animation Studios, Disneytoon Studios, Blue Sky Studios, or 20th Century Animation.]
Rankings will go from the very worst to the very best. Bibbidi bobbidi boo...here we go!
-----
59. Chicken Little (2005) đž
Era: Post-Renaissance / Second Dark Age
The bottom line: Chicken Little looks and feels like an extended episode of a TV cartoon. Everything about this movie falls well below the Disney standard. Don't watch this one. Ever.
58. Home on the Range (2004) đ
Era: Post-Renaissance / Second Dark Age
The bottom line: Home on the Range is a terrible disappointment of a movie. It has an uninspired plot with characters we never grow to care about, much less love (imagine Rosanne Barr as a cow. Enough said). There is a reason this movie failed hard and why no one ever talks about it: it's dumb and completely out of touch. As Kevin Malone from "The Office" says, "Oh no, it's bad. It's real bad. It's like eating a hot circle of garbage." Watching 83 minutes of Home on the Range is like eating a hot circle of garbage.
57. Make Mine Music (1946) đč
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: This movie is weird, guys. It's a jumbled mess of segments and stories, and they vary greatly in tone, style, and craftsmanship. It's a odd little hodgepodge of a feature, clearly comprised of leftover ideas and limited resources -- and it's not good.
56. Melody Time (1948) đŒ
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: It's all kinda meh. I woke up the day after watching Melody Time and sort of struggled to remember it. Like Make Mine Music, this movie has an array of random, unconnected story lines set to "contemporary" music (for the 1940's, that is). There's nothing particularly exciting here, but it's probably worth a watch if you consider yourself a hardcore Disney fan.
55. Fun and Fancy Free (1947) đ
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: Forgettable. Other than the scary puppet scenes (which I will never forget), this feature is pretty unremarkable. I scored it slightly higher than Make Mine Music, however, because it did incorporate beloved established characters (including Jiminy Cricket, who sort of hopped around from house to house in an attempt to thread together the 2 animated segments). I won't be rewatching this anytime soon, unless it's to show someone just how bizarre the live-action parts are.
54. Bolt (2008) âĄ
Era: Revival
The bottom line: I don't like this movie, like at all. The beginning drags, the pacing is off, Miley Cyrus voicing Penny is distracting, and the plot is contrived and unoriginal (Bolt is basically Buzz Lightyear from the original Toy Story). There are mean cat stereotypes (boo) and I can't get over Penny being such a crap pet parent. Even a sassy cat side-kick named Mittens can't save this one for me. Bolt lacks anything fresh or distinctive. It's an insignificant entry to the Disney library.
53. Dinosaur (2000) đŠ
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: Dinosaur is formulaic and dull (even the generic title, Dinosaur, lacks originality). This movie lacks a good story, good characters, and good humor (there are 2 scenes where a baby dinosaur pees on a lemur, for goodness sakes). If you want to see a far superior version of this same plot, please watch a childhood favorite of mine, the incomparable The Land Before Time (not a Disney film, btw).
52. Fantasia 2000 (2000) đ¶
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: Look, I am a big fan of the original Fantasia - but I fell asleep multiple times watching Fantasia 2000. It's just not as imaginative or captivating, and the celebrity cameos (Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Penn and Teller) are distracting. Plus, the use of 1990s computer animation makes this entry feel far less impressive and satisfying than the original.
51. The Fox and the Hound (1981) đŠ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: This movie will emotionally destroy you. Between the overload of cute baby animals in the beginning, the sad separation of friends, the frustrating behavior of the humans, and the traumatizing abandonment of Tod, this movie is exhausting to watch. It takes too much emotionally without giving back enough to make the viewer feel like the experience was worth it. Watch it once (with tissues handy) and then try to forget the emotional damage you've just inflicted on yourself.
50. Treasure Planet (2002) đŽââ ïž
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: I'll be blunt: Treasure Planet is boring. I didn't hate the movie -- I was more indifferent (which, some would argue, is much worse). Treasure Planet tries really hard with beautiful artwork, but its weak characterizations and lack of an interesting plot makes this a truly disposable addition to the Disney canon.
49. Lady and the Tramp (1955) đ¶
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: Apologies to all the big Lady and the Tramp devotees out there, but my rewatch has led me to this conclusion: it's a boring movie. Truthfully, I struggled to pay attention while watching it. Yes, it has the iconic spaghetti dinner sequence, but honestly that scene has been SO parodied that it feels slightly like overkill to watch it (even if it is the original). So this is where it lands in the ranking.
48. Winnie the Pooh (2011) đŻ
Era: Revival
The bottom line: I'll admit that Winnie the Pooh wasn't really made for me. There's nothing I hated about the movie, but nothing a really loved about it either. I can't help but think that its 1977 predecessor The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh does a much better job of tugging at the heartstrings, so if I had to pick one version to introduce my kid to, that one would be it (sorry to Zoey Deschanel).
47. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) đ
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a fun, quick watch. It's not groundbreaking animation or storytelling, but it's a fun albeit sort of simplistic movie. There are no live-action integrations, super memorable songs, or established characters intermixed here. I'd guess that a big part of why it stays relevant is its enduring connection with Mr. Toad's Wile Ride and its Halloween theme.
46. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) đ»
Era: Revival
The bottom line: While Ralph Breaks the Internet can be charming and self-aware, the heart of the film which is supposed to be the friendship between Ralph and Vanellope feels uneven and unfulfilling. It's probably worth a watch, but there are infinitely better stories out there with more fulfilling emotional cores and likeable leads.
45. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) đșïž
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: While it gets high points for creativity and uniqueness, this movie's main problem is that it's just not memorable. It's a perfectly passable movie, and it really doesn't deserve to be considered a failure (except at the box office, where it, well, failed). Atlantis is an ambitious endeavor that deserves a watch, but mind the plot holes and the whole white-savior thing.
44. Brother Bear (2003) đ»
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: Brother Bear is a surprisingly decent mid-tier movie. It's a film with lots of heart, beauty, and a valuable lesson on the dangers of prejudice that kids would do well to learn early on. But upon rewatch, I will concede that it's by no means a perfect movie. Kenai is bitterly unlikeable, the story runs a little long in the middle. Still, worth a watch in my book.
43. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) đ§ž
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: Despite my affection and appreciation for the lessons and colorful characters in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, I think that the movie overall is simplistic and a little juvenile. The lack of a cohesive storyline and main antagonist is problematic. The stakes are never high, and the conflict is not there. It's a sweet little movie, but not a favorite for me.
42. The Rescuers Down Under (1990) đŠ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: The Rescuers Down Under is a fine, decent movie. It's an enjoyable film with a pretty good re-watchablity score, but I don't think anyone would say it's their favorite Disney flick. I think it suffers from not being a musical, and it's not particularly memorable. And it really can't hold a candle to the other movies in the Renaissance era. Plus, the human protagonist is 8 year-old Aussie WITHOUT AN AUSTRALIAN ACCENT. I can't get over it.
41. Saludos Amigos (1943) đ
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: Sauldos Amigos is not a bad movie. Quite the opposite, I found it very charming! I'd watch the "Aquarela do Brasil" sequence again and again. My problem is that it's difficult to compare against the other features that have one cohesive story and subject matter. I think that's why a movie like Saludos Amigos gets lost in the Disney vault. If I didn't have Disney+, I doubt I'd ever have watched it, which is a shame because it is an endearing, interesting little feature.
40. Meet the Robinsons (2007) đ©
Era: Post-Renaissance / Second Dark Age
The bottom line: Despite feeling a little messy with some rough 2000s-era computer animation, Meet the Robinsons is harmless little movie filled with creativity, heartfelt storytelling, and the valuable message of 'keep moving forward.'
39. The Sword in the Stone (1963) đĄïž
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: I didn't know what to expect with this movie, but I found young Arthur's story to be moving and full of hope. The theme of the film is obvious (as Merlin himself says it more or less several times): education is the way to succeed, brains beats brawn. But this message feels somewhat contrived as Arthur doesn't use his wisdom or brains to pull out the sword in the stone: it's more or less done by accident or chance. The theme I found much more resonant was the one of rising above your station, overcoming your circumstances to reach greatness.
38. Pinocchio (1940) đ€„
Era: Golden Age
The bottom line: I'm going to get in a lot of trouble here, but I can't help it: I don't like Pinocchio. I can (and do) appreciate the technical beauty and craftsmanship of the movie. The backgrounds are gorgeous and warm (this is in part thanks to the use of Disney's innovative multiplane camera, which created depth and astounding detail for shots). The songs are catchy and pleasant, with "When You Wish Upon s Star"sung by Jiminy in the opening as as the obvious standout. This is all a big deal should be recognized. But that leads me to my next point...I can appreciate Pinocchio without actually liking it. It's never going to hold a special place in my heart. I'm never going to want to watch it for enjoyment. There's not much I personally like about this movie. I mostly feel really bad for Pinocchio and old Geppetto throughout the film, and it sort of gives me anxiety to watch them both suffer through it.
37. The Jungle Book (1967) đŻ
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: This movie is considered a classic, but it unfortunately suffers from some serious representation issues. From its lack of female characters (apparently there are no lady animals in the jungle) to its non-existent of Indian voice-cast, this movie is a smidge problematic. Do I like The Jungle Book? Sure. Do I love it? No. There are a lot of pros and cons for this movie, so ultimately I'm ranking this one somewhere in the middle.
36. The Three Caballeros (1945) đ
Era: Package Film/ Wartime
The bottom line: Given the fact that this movie was produced in the middle of WWII while Disney had to contend with all sorts of roadblocks that forced them to use shortcuts in the animation process, the final product is delightfully fast-paced, colorful, and entertaining. The lasting legacy of this film is that it gave us The Three Caballeros group comprised of José Carioca, Panchito Pistoles, and Donald Duck.
35. Big Hero 6 (2014) đ€
Era: Revival
The bottom line: Big Hero 6 is fast, funny and full of tiny quirks that show the effort the animators put into constructing these environments and characters. The film does suffer, however, from predictability, an undercooked antagonist, and a bloated-action packed third act which slows everything down. Good but not great, Big Hero 6 shines brightest when Baymax is on screen.
34. Tarzan (1999) đŠ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: It isn't perfect, but there's still a lot to like in Tarzan. While I like the movie okay, it never resonated with me emotionally like so many other did in this Renaissance era. There are some problems with pacing and the shenanigans with young Tarzan and his friends are extraneous. I'm not going to lie: it got a little boring for me in the middle. And I can't really figure out why a movie set in Africa has no people of color in its voice cast. The best part of this movie is clearly Phil Collins' songs and its emotional, exciting opening sequences.
33. The Great Mouse Detective (1986) đ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who says they didn't enjoy this movie. And although I admit it's a fun and solid adventure, all the characters (minus Ratigan) are almost immediately forgettable. This, in turn, makes the movie forgettable.
The Great Mouse Detective (like all the films in this Bronze Age/Dark Age era) simply does not stand out amongst the formidable Disney animated library of feature films. I hadn't thought of Basil and his pals in many, many years, and would probably never have sought out this movie had it not been readily available to watch on Disney+.
32. Wreck-It Ralph (2012) đčïž
Era: Revival
The bottom line: Wreck-It Ralph is creative and clever without being too full of itself. It is both a light-hearted romp and a serious examination of what it means to be a hero, but the film should be more thoughtful in its portrayal of its female characters on screen (see Sergeant Calhoun).
31. The Black Cauldron (2012) đ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: The Black Cauldron is not a bad movie, nor does it deserve its lousy reputation. The design and visuals of this film are strong (it's actually the first animated feature to utilize CGI). The Black Cauldron visually feels reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty, but with a macabre twist. This fantasy has earnest characters, heaps of visual ambition, and ends with a lot of heart. The Black Cauldron may not be seen as a Disney classic, but it doesn't deserve its reputation as a disaster. And audiences nowadays, perhaps more accepting and appreciative of darker fantasy tales, may like way than 1980s audiences did. It's not a bad movie, and YOU SHOULD WATCH IT (but if you have really little kids, maybe wait until they are asleep...).
30. Oliver & Company (1988) đ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: Egad, this movie screams I WAS MADE IN THE 1980S. But at the end of the day, this is a story about the power of the love between pets and their people. I hadn't originally intended to give Oliver & Company this high a ranking, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I do enjoy this movie a lot. The music makes it entertaining as hell. Plus, as an animal lover, the message of this movie is especially meaningful and resonant.
29. The Aristocats (1970) đ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: I know this movie has a lot of problems. I KNOW. And yet, The Aristocats brings me joy. Is it because I love cats? Maybe. I love the meow-sic ("I'm Abraham DeLacey, Giuseppe Casey, Thomas O'Malley, O'Malley the alley cat!" Tell me a better intro song. TELL ME.) and I love the message about classism here: the posh upper-class Duchess & kittens are saved by Thomas O'Malley and his friends, bohemian alley cats. And although Duchess was certainly never prejudice against the alley cats to begin with, I think the film tries to show that people (er, cats) of all backgrounds can come together.
28. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) đŸ
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: While this movie is charming and full of nostalgia in its own right, it's mainly a vehicle for one of the greatest Disney baddies of all time: Cruella De Vil. Still, this movie has a lot of funny moments and endearing animal characters (my favorite is Sergeant Tibbs, a courageous and resourceful tabby cat that helps rescue the puppies). It's not revolutionary or award winning, but I do wish it got more love and recognition (outside of Cruella of course).
27. Peter Pan (1953) đ§
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: This movie would be ranked at lot higher if it were not PROBLEMATIC AF. I can't ignore the fact that there is an entire song called "What Made the Red Man Red" filled to the brim with offensive and embarrassing depictions of Native Americans. There's also the problematic gender roles (why is everyone crushing so hard on Peter and why is Wendy regulated to taking care of everyone?). Sigh.
26. The Princess and the Frog (2009) đž
Era: Revival
The bottom line: The Princess and the Frog is a welcome return to warm, traditional Disney animation and storytelling. It's a good (but not great) film with memorable characters and a lovely soundtrack. Its finale feels particularly joyful and well earned.
25. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) đ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is dramatically uneven, but its strong visuals, dark themes, endearing protagonist, and message of tolerance make for a more-sophisticated-than-average Disney film. The film has a genuine sincerity when it comes to its messages of standing up for you believe in, acceptance, and judgement against others. It makes a good case for self-esteem, tolerance, and social conscience. The film's closing line "What makes a monster and what makes a man?" is *chef's kiss* perfection.
24. Fantasia (1940) đ”
Era: Golden Age
The bottom line: Fantasia was a passion project for Disney, and it shows. The film overall is a little uneven, but I completely appreciate the ambition and bravery it took to create something like this. This movie is not for everyone - it's going to have the most appeal for those who can appreciate the music and visuals working together as an animated art piece. I'd also argue that this is not a film for children - it's way too abstract and serious for a kid to understand. It's an acquired taste, but certainly worth a re-watch if you haven't seen it since you were young.
23. Lilo & Stitch (2002) đŽ
Era: Post-Renaissance / Second Dark Age
The bottom line: Lilo & Stitch is funny, sad, and frankly a little weird - but oh so memorable. If you can get around the deep emotional scars this movie will inflict on you, it's one certainly worth watching again and again.
22. Zootopia (2016) đ„
Era: Revival
The bottom line: At its core, Zootopia is a touching story of an unlikely friendship steeped in popular culture and a sharp critique of modern society. It's a smart and ambitious animated film that will make you think.
21. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) đ
Era: Revival
The bottom line: The emotional power of Raya and the Last Dragon sneaks up on you. Filled to the brim with an excellent Asian-American voice cast and girl power, Raya and the Last Dragon is a mature and thoughtful adventure that looks, sounds, and feels inclusive.
20. Alice in Wonderland (1951) â€ïž
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: This movie is a fun ride and a nice departure from some of Disney's more serious animated works. It's packed with whimsy, mischief, and a wonderful frenetic energy that makes it a joy to watch. I've seen a few adaptations of this story take a much darker, sinister, and mature route (*cough*cough*TimBurton*cough*cough*). I much prefer this colorful, lighthearted version (it is a children's book, after all).
19. The Rescuers (1977) đ
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: This movie is criminally underrated. The Rescuers feels like it was crafted with so much care and respect towards the albeit bizarre storyline (mice rescuing a kidnapped orphan on a bayou, oookay). But somehow it all works. It's a more serious animated adventure, but still full of old-fashioned Disney charms. It has beautiful music, loveable characters, and an emotional resonance that rivals Dumbo (if you don't get teary eyed during "Someone's Waiting for You", you may be a monster).
18. The Little Mermaid (1989) đ§ââïž
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: While this movie ushered in a new era for Disney animation, Ariel as a heroine has not aged well. While I do maintain that our titular mermaid is a terrible, terrible character, she was necessary in terms of progression for the Disney female protagonist (we'll see that with later films). Still, The Little Mermaid certainly feels like elevated filmmaking and a return to dramatic, earnest storytelling, particularly through music. There is no denying that this movie has a spark -- that classic Disney magic.
17. Frozen (2013) âïž
Era: Revival
The bottom line: It's easy to forget how important this movie is because of all the Frozen-hype and oversaturation in the market. Still, Frozen is a memorable and beautifully animated story that keeps the audience engaged because it subverts expected tropes and stereotypes, over and over. Plus, you know, the song.
16. Bambi (1942) đŠ
Era: Golden Age
The bottom line: Simply put, Bambi is a masterclass in animation. The realism of the forest and characters gives the film a gravitas without losing that Disney-esque quality. Bambi remains a controversial film because of its realistic nature and tone. Yes, there are the fun scenes with young Bambi and Thumper playing on the frozen lake, but overall the film has heavy themes about the realities of mother nature and the detrimental effect of man in the forest. This movie is probably the first time a child has encountered the idea of death, particularly that of a parental figure. It's tough to watch, but also brings about another important theme: moving on from loss.
15. Cinderella (1950) đ
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: I think we all need a big dose of Cinderella's optimism and resilience right now. Rewatching this movie made me appreciate Cinderella's personal endurance in the face of adversity. The mice made me laugh and smile, the songs are touching and memorable. All in all, this is a special movie. I can't explain it - it made me happy. Isn't that the magic of Disney, after all? Let's not forget that the revenue from Cinderella allowed Walt Disney to keep the studio afloat and continue making films. I appreciate this movie even more knowing that Walt Disney gambled his entire future on this one feature. And it paid off.
14. Robin Hood (1973) đč
Era: Bronze/Dark Age
The bottom line: A sentimental favorite of mine. Robin Hood is not breaking any barriers or winning any awards, but it's damn enjoyable. The storyline is solid. The characters are solid. The songs are solid. This is the hill I will die on.
13. Pocahontas (1995) đŠ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: If you go in to Pocahontas thinking that you're going to get even the semblance of a history lesson, you are 100% wrong. Disney's Pocahontas is its own fantasy story, and the movie should be judged as such. I love and appreciate Pocahontas for the magic of what the movie is. And I can't hate on Pocahontas simply for the audacity of its existence. Pocahontas is a feast for the eyes and ears. It's a gorgeous movie with important progressive and feminist messages. It holds significant personal meaning for me, and I will forever love this film.
12. Aladdin (1992) đ§
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: Aladdin is arguably Disney's best example of a true musical comedy. It doesn't take itself too seriously while still imparting meaningful, heartfelt messages like "be yourself." The Genie leads an incredible supporting cast (so much so that the protagonist himself often gets overlooked in the fandom). However, the movie is stained by its ethnic insensitivity regarding character design and all-white voice cast and production crew.
11. The Emperor's New Groove (2000) đŠ
Era: Post-Renaissance
The bottom line: The Emperor's New Groove is an odd duck of a movie. It's almost a spoof of Disney movies, yet it was made by Disney itself. Although The Emperor's New Groove is not as serious or ambitious as other Disney animated features, the movie imparts a lovely lesson about friendship and humanity's capacity for change. While it may not be as highly regarded or even remembered amongst the Disney canon, what The Emperor's New Groove offers is outrageous and unpretentious fun with every watch.
10. Hercules (1997) đȘ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: Hercules is fast-paced, funny, and has very positive messages about finding yourself and the value of heart. It's a movie that always makes me laugh, sing, and cry -- with a very high re-watchability score to boot. With its memorable and imaginative aesthetic spin on Greek mythology, Hercules is a bona fide classic in the Disney pantheon. And thatâs the gospel truth!
9. Tangled (2010) âïž
Era: Revival
The bottom line: At its finest moments, Tangled is a magical musical romp that looks and feels like a traditional hand-drawn Disney Classic in 3D. It's charming, romantic, and has a heavy dose of that good ol' Disney magic. With its fun modern take mixed in with a classic formula, Tangled is a must-see for all. Is "I See the Light" Disney's best romantic sequence? Possibly, definitely, yes. Now bring me some tissues.
8. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) đ
Era: Golden Age
The bottom line: This is the one that started it all. This movie holds a special place in history and in people's hearts. I loved it as a child, and I was so happy to see that I still really enjoyed it as an adult. This is a movie stuffed with emotion, design, movement, color, and music. The movie is 84 years old and is still inherently enjoyable and enchanting. When people call Walt Disney a visionary this is what they mean â the feature length animated film as we know it was born with Snow White.
7. Dumbo (1941) đ
Era: Golden Age
The bottom line: Sometimes less is more. Coming on the heels of Fantasia and Pinocchio, two features that were rich in design, complex in development, and heavy in production costs, Dumbo is a refreshingly sweet and straightforward story. With a runtime of only 64 minutes, it's a concise and simplistic movie in both visual design and plot. But it works because the heart is there. The story is emotional, poignant, and incredibly relatable. Who hasn't been teased or bullied? Who hasn't felt alone or isolated? When Dumbo flies, we all share in his triumph. It's a universal story with a universal truth at the center: what makes you different makes you special.
6. Frozen II (2019) đ
Era: Revival
The bottom line: I saw Frozen II in theaters and was immediately a fan. I connected deeply with several of the songs/messages of the movie and feel strongly that this sequel is superior to its predecessor (which, to be fair, is also very good!). With meaningful songs, beautiful visual effects, and a thoughtful story packed with character development, Frozen II soars and feels like a more mature, developed version of its predecessor.
5. The Lion King (1994) đŠ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: The Lion King hits hard emotionally. At its purest interpretation, The Lion King has a soulful message of personal growth and evolution. Like Bambi before it, its circle of life themes of loss and love resonate mightily with those of all ages. It has instantly memorable characters, an Oscar-winning soundtrack, and a meaningful story; it hits the perfect trifecta of core ingredients for a great animated feature film. It's a movie without people, yet it has the unique power of stirring the most human of emotions in all of us.
4. Mulan (1998) đŠ
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: While Mulan was bracing and new when it was first released, upon reflection it's even more groundbreaking and progressive. Mulan is an impressive achievement, with a story and treatment ranking among the greatest in Disney history. It is both one of the funniest and one of the darkest of all Disney films. Overall, this is an inspiring film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on serious issues of war, honor, gender roles, and family.
3. Moana (2016) đ
Era: Revival
The bottom line: This is the kind of movie that wins you over almost instantly. It's one of the most heartfelt and gorgeous pictures Disney has ever made. From its breathtaking look, performances, and music, Moana makes for a full and magical film experience. Best of all, with Moana we have a new style of empowered princess, one who looks to the future while paying homage to the past.
2. Beauty and the Beast (1991) đ„
Era: Renaissance
The bottom line: There are a lot of reasons to love this movie, but for me it comes down to the character development. Belle and the Beast are not perfect, nor are they presented as such. They have layers and complexities. They argue, they're impetuous, they're stubborn, but they also give each other second chances -- and most importantly -- they learn from one another. Yes, this is a fairy tale with enchanted roses and talking teapots (shout out to Angela Lansbury), but it's still a realistic and moving portrayal of a relationship. It's completely engrossing and well, enchanting.
1. Sleeping Beauty (1959) đ
Era: Silver Age
The bottom line: This is the most beautiful Disney animated movie and the one that is the most visually distinct. The attention to detail and sophistication of Sleeping Beauty makes it stand out from other animated features -- each individual frame of this movie could be considered a piece of artwork. It also has the GOAT, the dramatic, elegant, dragon-loving Maleficent. And despite the fact that the titular character falls into a coma for much of the film, the story is packed with heartfelt girl power via the fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, the movie's true protagonists. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Disney feature animation, Sleeping Beauty has long been my personal favorite animated movie and continues to mesmerize audiences today with its gorgeous stylization and narrative ambition.
đŹ And that's a wrap! Hopefully this list will inspire you to watch one of these movies for the first time, or else revisit an old classic. Happy Disney watching, friends!
