In honor of Disney’s 100-year anniversary and the release of their newest feature “Wish,” in theatres now, let’s count down the top ten Disney animated features of all time. Having seen every previous Disney animated feature, I consider myself more than qualified to put a list together. While this list was certainly a hard one to put together, but I’m pretty satisfied it overall. Check it out below:
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
The A.A. Milne Winnie the Pooh novels are among some of my favorite books ever written. While the Disney adaptions of the original source material simplifies some of its themes, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is still an incredibly faithful adaptation that brings these characters to life in a beautiful way. The film was the perfect way to make the lovable characters from the hundred-acre woods pop culture icons.
9. Peter Pan (1953)
Peter Pan is a film that incapsulates what Disney means as a brand. It’s about keeping one’s childlike wonder alive, running away to Neverland and always looking for adventure. The music is sweeping, the animation is beautiful- the colors are transportive. Outside of some culturally outdated stereotypes, this film is one that continues to charm and capture the imaginations of generation after generation.
8. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
While Sleeping Beauty isn’t the most challenging film Disney has made on a narrative level, they have never made one that looks better than this one. The bright neon hues throughout the film simply explode off the screen. The 2-D animation here is just so immaculate that each frame is a painting. It is a bonafide work of art.
7. Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin is a classic within the Disney Renaissance and there are so many reasons why. Not only are its songs so memorable, its story is engaging and its characters are great. Robin Williams gives one of the best vocal performances of all time as The Genie. It’s just great entertainment all around.
6. Bambi (1942)
Walt Disney claimed that Bambi is the best film the company had made and to this day, it still ranks among Disney’s best. It is a slice of life film that show audiences a beautiful story of adolescence as Bambi discovers the horror and beauty of life. Ultimately, it is a stunning film and one that always stirs me up emotionally.
5. Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio is such a timeless story that it’s easy to see why so many directors want to make their stamp on this story. The idea of a puppet wanting to be a real boy and in turn, having to experience the indulgences of everyday life is deeply thematic. Disney still has done it the best. The film is a deeply rich story that dares to get existential and scary, but never looses the hope that makes their films so heartfelt and pure.
4. Tangled (2010)
Simply a perfect princess tale, Tangled is a beautiful film about one’s journey outside their house, discovering the joys and wonders of the world and figuring out who they are. While a great coming of age story, its the lantern sequence is among one the best sequences of film Disney has in their catalog to this day.
3. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film nominated for best picture and there’s a good reason why. It is just simply majestic and both epic in scope and intimate with its emotions. The film is the standard when it comes to telling a fairytale story with grounded characters. Belle is a great protagonist with dreams and aspirations audiences can latch onto, and is a great role model for children who grow up with it.
2. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King is an undeniable classic and is one of the most epic films ever made, even outside of the Disney canon. What Hans Zimmer does with the music juxtaposed with Disney’s stunning animation is something to behold. The film is proof of what art can come out from large studios who give artists the freedom to express themselves. At the end of the day, it’s a transcendent film that transcends being a mere children’s film. It is healing for everyone, especially those overcoming loss.
1. Fantasia (1940)
Despite being first released in 1940, Fantasia, to this day, remains as the best-looking animated feature ever made. What the filmmakers and Walt Disney have created here is so cutting edge. This is simply one of the most innovative films of all time. Juxtaposing some of the most beautiful orchestral music of all time with poetic Disney animation is a match made in heaven. It is such a transfixing film and the type of experiment that Disney wouldn’t dare to try to attempt ever again. I’ll always be thankful we at least have this one.
all stills courtesy of Disney
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