Which Side of Disney Are You On?
With hundreds of catchy tunes and unforgettable characters, it’s hard to know where to even start with Disney! Which ones are worthy of all the praise and which underrated classics fell under the radar? Say hello to our list of showstoppers—and buried favorites we never forgot about.
1. Frozen (2013)
Putting this at the top of our list seems weird, but let’s be honest—Frozen was everywhere. From Elsa costumes to people blowing out their voices to the soundtrack, this movie garnered the attention of children and adults alike. With A-list actors and stunning visuals, it’s easy to understand the hype, but we really wish people would let it go.
2. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King deserves attention for Hans Zimmer’s score alone. Aside from that, it’s hard to pull away from this ‘90s classic when Mufasa’s death has haunted us for decades, and we still know all the songs by heart. We didn’t understand the Hamlet references back then, but darn it all if it doesn’t make a good story in adulthood.
3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
You wouldn’t think a movie that’s almost 100 years old would still hold up, but Snow White and her merry men continue to entertain! Maybe it’s the charming soundtrack. Maybe it’s the adorable dwarves. It could be the incredible artwork. Whatever it is, this classic holds a special place in our hearts.
4. Cinderella (1950)
As such an iconic princess, it’s hard to believe that Cinderella’s 75 years old already! Age hasn’t slowed legacy down though; the original Disney flick still boasts impressive visuals and a memorable heroine we root for every time.
5. Mulan (1998)
What can you say about Mulan? It has a perfect cast, amazing side characters (one of whom didn’t even speak), an awesome soundtrack, and a great tale. Of course we still love it! Rather than a damsel in distress, we follow a daring heroine on the courageous journey to not only save China, but her family as well.
6. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
You’re right, Mrs. Potts—it is a tale old as time, and it’s one we’ll return to for years to come. You knew you were in for a treat after that stained glass window opening, but nothing could have prepared us for the stunning animation and the heartwarming romance between Belle and her captor. Sure, it’s a little problematic when you start to peel the onion, but it remains a timeless classic for Disney fans.
7. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
At face value, 101 Dalmatians is about a terrifying villain whose only mission in life is to turn puppies into the ultimate fur coat. It hardly screams “family fun,” but we promise this movie is so much more than that. With a catchy soundtrack and incredible animation, this movie hones in on the importance of family and teamwork. Besides, say what you want about Cruella, she’s one of the most iconic villains around.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
8. Aladdin (1992)
You never know what your day will look like with Robin Williams in the studio—and animators never did, which is how they gained sixteen hours of improvised material! The ad-libbing alone makes this an unforgettable classic, but let’s not ignore the iconic soundtrack and hilarious animations.
9. Tangled (2010)
It’s not every day you see such well-written characters in a Disney movie, but Tangled didn’t disappoint. Hilarious and surprisingly touching, this one gave some serious backstory to a heroine we all knew and loved from childhood…while introducing us to the perfect man.
10. Encanto (2021)
We don’t talk about Bruno. There. With that out of the way, let’s all spend the rest of our lives getting it out of our heads. What makes Encanto so special is just how realistic it is. There’s no cut-and-dry villain. We see everyday struggles we’ve all battled with. And at the center of it all, a multigenerational family that reminds us what it means to be alive.
With the big players out of the way, let’s dive into a few films that deserve way more attention.
1. Hercules (1997)
Hercules is hardly unheard of, but it also doesn’t get the same recognition as other films from the ‘90s. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason—it has great jokes, a slow-burning romance, incredible voice acting, and an amazing story about what it means to be a true hero. Also, the muses? Danny DeVito as a wise-cracking Satyr? What’s not to love?
2. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Look, Atlantis had a lot of competition when it came out, namely against hard-hitters like Shrek and Monsters, Inc. But that doesn’t mean this adventurous tale deserved to flop! Complete with an impeccable cast and mature storytelling, this was Disney’s first big dive into the world of sci-fi, and we think that’s worth the appreciation.
3. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Kuzco and Kronk deserve so much more than a cult following. The Emperor’s New Groove isn’t exactly an underground flick, but it never took off the way others did—despite being a hilarious masterpiece centered around character development and impressive artwork.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
4. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
We applaud anyone who can think about this story without sobbing. As for the rest of us, let’s just acknowledge the heartbreaking story of two friends who had to part ways, and some of Disney’s saddest farewells. As devastating as it was to learn, time does have a way of changin’ things.
Joe Haupt from USA on Wikimedia
5. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
We know it’s branded as a kids’ movie, but this remarkable film is more for the adults. From the jaw-dropping visuals to what is literally Disney’s greatest villain song, this is much darker than your typical kiddie flick—but that’s exactly why it deserves so much attention.
6. Robin Hood (1973)
What’s that? A heroic tale that isn’t about a princess? Not to cramp classic Disney’s formulaic style, but Robin Hood deserves more recognition as a terrific balance between humor and action. It has a great soundtrack, and the love story between Hood and Maid Marian is unlike any other.
7. Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia took a serious risk when it first premiered—one that didn’t pay off until decades later. At first, Walt Disney himself branded it a box office bomb until people eventually came around to appreciate the artistry! The animation paired with unparalleled orchestration? Talk about a production worth celebrating.
Walt Disney Productions for RKO Radio Pictures on Wikimedia
8. A Goofy Movie (1995)
We know what you’re thinking: there’s no way a movie centered around Goofy could have that much heart. Wrong! It’s a little more mature than your average kids’ movie, but it’s full of comedy, relatable characters, and some pretty great music. Maybe we couldn’t appreciate the nuance of parenthood until we ourselves got older!
9. The Aristocats (1970)
It’s easy to fluff this one off as just another middle-of-the-road flick, but we’re still enamored with this adorable cast of alley cats. (As a product of the time, it unfortunately comes with some culturally insensitive scenes, so be warned.)
Cory Denton from Saskatoon on Wikimedia
10. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Why should Sherlock Holmes get all the credit? There are adorable, hardworking rodents in the very same building with equally interesting stories! It’s funny, it has great music, and it introduced one of the best villains in animated Disney. (His name was a little on the nose, but that’s alright.)
