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The 45 best Disney movies of all time
Seems like when you wish upon a star, Disney answers.
What does one call that special type of joy you feel watching a Disney movie? Is it nostalgia? Is it a resurgence of childlike wonder? Regardless, whatever it is makes the stuff Disney churns out so fricken' enjoyable, especially when they hit you out of nowhere with a surprisingly deep underlying message. It’s pretty obvious that these movies are not just tailored for the kiddos. I mean, consider all of the the emotional subtext that only a grown-up rewatch picks up on.
If you’re scrolling aimlessly through Disney+ or just want to do a deep dive back into your own DVD archive, you’ve got a whole lotta options from the house of mouse to choose from. Whether it’s a princess looking for her prince or a young woman looking to break some ancient rules, Disney has always had us covered. Here, in no particular order, the greatest, most memorable Disney movies of all time.
The Emperor's New Groove
Of all the beautiful quotes to come out of Disney's catalogue, name one nearly as affecting as "Pull the lever Kronk!" Also Yzma's lashes in this movie almost rival Kylie Jenner's.
Hercules
This movie has heart, but more importantly, it has vocalssss. The Muses might be one of the many great girl groups to come out of the late '90s.
High School Musical
I mean, this movie having a spot on the list is just obvious. I would argue that High School Musical 2 is the best of the iconic trilogy but that is a convo for another day.
The Princess Diaries
Who says princesses can't be socially awkward too? Mia Thermopolis begs to differ! Give this a rewatch if only for that iconic makeover scene alone. "You broke my glasses!!" Never gets old.
Ratatouille
If you're frustrated with failed kitchen attempts and are looking for inspo, turn off the Food Network and turn on this classic. Anyone can cook!
Cars
Did you know life isn't complete until you watch the movie where Owen Wilson plays a high strung race car? No? No worries, you still have time.
Holes
Ah, 2003. The year Madame Zeroni struck true fear in young audience members everywhere, and maybe some adults as well.
Brother Bear
I cannot think of a better film set in Alaska. No seriously, think about it.
Meet the Robinsons
Time travel, a boy genius, and singing frogs are apparently the recipe for making a super inspiring film. Who would've thought?
Big Hero 6
Severely underrated and, like most Disney movies, unexpectedly heartbreaking. It's another one of those beautiful family tales that'll have you FaceTiming your parents afterwards.
Mulan
Who is that girl I see? Why, a brave soul with a big heart, the voice of an angel, and a strength greater than any army that fought during the Han Dynasty. That’s right, I’m looking at you and your pecs, Li Shang.
WALL·E
BRB, going to find someone to recreate all those scenes of WALL·E and Eva calling for each other in this heartwarming film about a trash compactor robot falling for a probe at a time when Earth is a literal pile of rubbish.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
In 1937, Disney released its very first full-length animated feature, which had everything from an evil witch to lovable supporting characters (seven of them, to be exact). It also made everyone do double takes on red apples.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
When an inventor accidentally resizes his children and his neighbour’s children with a shrinking machine and throws the teeny, tiny youth into the bin (also an accident), the group must fend for themselves against scary things like sprinklers, ants, and a scorpion.
Toy Story
If the phrase “To infinity and beyond!” means nothing to you, do drop everything and feel all the feels from this movie about toys that come to life and go on adventures whenever the humans are not around.
Up
If you can get past the first montage without turning into a giant puddle of your own tears, Up is a wonderful movie about friendship, kindness, and the best “talking” dog who can’t resist a squirrel sighting.
The Princess and the Frog
Oprah Winfrey’s role alone (as Tiana’s mother) should be enough reason for you to watch this for the 40th time. That, and the sweet, sweet story of what happens when a young woman turns into a frog after kissing a prince trapped inside a frog’s body. (You can thank the evil voodoo priestess for that one.)
Robin Hood
Apologies if the mere mention of this movie means you’ll have the whistle theme or the song that begins with “Robin Hood and Little John, walking through the forest” in your head for the rest of the day.
Mary Poppins
Name a more iconic nanny. We’ll wait. In the meantime, listen to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” on repeat while counting all the ways Julie Andrews is one of the greatest actresses to ever grace the big screen (with and without animated turtles).
Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo blessed us with many wonderful things: Bruce the vegetarian shark, a deeper appreciation for our oceans, and Dory (who taught us it’s quite alright to “just keep swimming”).
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