Nothing works like a good old fairy tale. While fairy tales don’t exist in real life, who says we can’t escape into them on-screen? Critical cinema buffs might argue otherwise, but there is so much simplicity in watching an animated Disney movie. While we agree that we can’t time-travel back to our childhood, we can surely indulge in the movies of our childhood. And the best thing about a Disney movie you ask? The packed nostalgia which comes while watching it. Disney has given us some of the most memorable movies of all time. People still associate it with their childhoods. And it has been an important part of everybody’s lives growing up.
We know that the job at hand is very difficult in every sense of the word, but we have tried to compile a list of the top 10 Disney animated movies. While the decision to include these movies was very difficult ( what is a bad Disney movie even), read on ahead to know the complete list.
10. The Little Mermaid
The movie which started it all. A classic love story between a mermaid and a human. The story has been in the oral and written traditions for ages but it was only in 1989 that Disney launched its animated version. The movie saw huge applause on its release and became of the pioneering movies of Disney. It was the first of the movies to be released under the improved Disney Renaissance. The story of love and yearning between a mermaid and a human was very unique and quirky for the time in which it was released. The story still works like charm for all age groups.
9. Mulan
The movie is distinguished by the new kind of Disney princess it introduced in mainstream cinema. The follows the story of a girl who was destined to pre-marry and led her life as a submissive housewife. But instead, she cross-dresses and becomes a man and fights in the war. The sheer courage shown by her in the face of adversity by running away and choosing to live life on her own terms was very revolutionary. It introduced a new type of Disney princess who can fight just as easily as they can love.
8. Cinderella (1950)
We are not sure what to write about a story as grand as Cinderella, but here we are. This is probably one of the most widely read and heard stories in the history of stories. While many revisions change the minute details and the ending of the movie the name Cinderella always rings a familiar bell in the mind of the people. An orphan girl’s story to go on and become a princess always works like a charm. The movie is not only one of the most-watched Disney movies ever but also enjoyed a lot of success.
7. Fantasia
There is no arguing there that the world of Disney is ruled by its female characters. Nothing could beat a Disney princess in terms of popularity, but Mickey Mouse is one male character that has received a lot of recognition in his wake. From getting a whole series to many short animated movies, Mickey Mouse has come to be known as the face of Disney. One such movie which features this beloved character is Fantasia. The movie uses magic and music in a beautiful combination to create a one of its kind movie. The most memorable segment of the movie is The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
6. Moana (2016)
While many movies in this list are classics, Moana is a comparatively modern Disney movie. The fact that it is included in this list speaks volumes about its success. In Moana, the world got its first Disney princess to hail from the Pacifics Island region. Young girls are deeply impressed by Moana. In no time, she became one of the most liked Disney Princesses. In the movie, she pairs up with a demigod named Maui to fight up and save her people. The movie saw a shift in the Disney princess who not only waited for a prince to fight, but she fought herself.
5. Tangled
While Disney was trying to change its face with more adventure and action-packed movies, the classic fairytales became less in number. The need for this change was necessary to show that Disnet=y can do it all. But the change led to fewer and fewer fairy tale movies that Disney is known for. But in 2010, the release of Tangled stirred applause from the audience once again. The movie is based on the classic story of Rapunzel. Every girl wanted to have hair like her growing up, and we can’t blame them. The movie follows a girl who is locked away in a tower and is eventually united by her prince.
4. Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Disney is quite memorable when it comes to romances. But it is equally responsible for giving us some most memorable and perfect friendship duos of its times. Lilo and Stitch are one such pair. The movie’s ability to draw such well-versed friends to family relationships scored it this high spot in this list. The movie showcases an unlikely friendship between a girl and an extraterrestrial koala-like creature who she befriends and renames Stitch. The movie won many awards and was a sweeping success at the Box Office. Unfortunately, it lost to Spirited Away at the Oscars.
Also Read: Top 10 Harry Potter Deaths That Still Gives Us Goosebumps
3. Aladdin
It is very rare that a movie is known by its animated version even after having its own live-action movie. After being adapted into an animated movie, the movie still had a live-action version with Will Smith. Yes, before Will Smith created his big controversy at the Oscars, he was in a Disney movie! The movie follows Aladdin who suddenly finds a magic lamp. The rubbing of the lamp summons a genie who grants wishes. Aladdin then uses this lamp to woo princesses and travel to faraway lands. The story has Arabic origins and is heavily inspired by magic and mysticism.
2. Beauty and the Beast
This movie is responsible that we have an animated film category at the Oscars. Yes, it might be hard to believe at first but this is the movie that started it all the way back in 1991. The movie follows the story of a cursed prince by a witch. The prince was transformed into a beast and would transform back only when a girl will love him despite his appearance. The movie is very popular for the positive message it imparts about love. It was remade into a live-action musical starring Emma Watson as Belle.
1. The Lion King
Unarguably, one of the most successful, popular, and devastating movies by Disney. The movie is based on Shakespeare’s very famous play Hamlet. The animation of the movie is praiseworthy and the movie has grown to be a fan-favorite movie with time. It follows the story of Simba, a cub who had to run away from his own home and learn how to be a good king. This was after his uncle plans to fall his father, King Mufasa to his death. The young cub’s journey to becoming a king touched the hearts of millions of its viewers.
That was one of the top 10 Disney animated movies of all time, stay tuned to theartistree for more such content!