My Top 30 Disney Animated Movies

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Recently, Rotten Tomatoes did a countdown of the top fifty animated Disney movies of all-time and I was a little surprised by the results. Since I so disagreed with their rankings (and I think most Disney fans would) I have decided to make a list of my own. I will admit, even though I am a huge fan of all things Disney, I have not seen all fifty animated Disney movies. For the purposes of my rankings I will be listing the top thirty animated films. I have attempted to remove personal biases from my rankings, but cannot do so completely. Even though I try to be objective, I know that my own personal feelings about the films will have some impact on the rankings. However, I have also looked at several other factors such as artistic beauty, plot and character development, music, box office gross, innovation, and legacy in helping to rank these animated films. It should also be noted that I have not included Pixar movies in this list (I will save that for another day). Most importantly, I am not saying that my list is the be-all-end-all ranking of Disney animated movies. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and this one is mine.

I will begin the countdown with numbers 30 through 26. Please feel free to comment with your own opinions of these movies.


30. Great Mouse Detective (1986)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 31
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6.9/10
• Domestic Gross: $38.6 million
• Synopsis: Basil, the rodent Sherlock Holmes, investigates the kidnapping of a toy-maker and uncovers its link to his arch-enemy, Professor Ratigan, and a plot against the Crown itself.
• My Views: This is a very creative adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and is one of the darker Disney animated movies. It is a fast-paced adventure full of mystery and intrigue, but there are also some lighter moments that provide a release of tension. Basil might be one of the more clever and witty Disney characters, but he does not really receive much notoriety today, while Ratigan’s evil/creepy quality can be highly attributed to the great voice work of Vincent Price.

29. Sword in the Stone (1963)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 35
• IMDB Rating: 7.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6/10
• Domestic Gross: $22.2 million
• Synopsis: Animated version of the legend of King Arthur as he is raised and trained by the wizard, Merlin.
• My Views: It may not be the most traditional version of the legend of King Arthur, but it is certainly entertaining. The movie is just as much, if not more, about Merlin as it is Arthur and he is responsible for many of the movie’s funnier moments. The Sherman brothers provide the music for the film and, although it may not be some of their best know work, some of the songs (like “Higgatus Figgatus”) are very catchy. It is also a movie with a good message for younger viewers: the importance of an education not matter what career you seek.

28. Rescuers Down Under (1990)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 42
• IMDB Rating: 6.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6.1/10
• Domestic Gross: $27.9 million
• Synopsis: The Rescue Aid Society agents, Bianca and Bernard, race to Australia to save a boy and a rare golden eagle from a murderous poacher.
• My Views: This is one instance where I thought a sequel was better than the original movie. This movie has much more action and adventure than the original in addition to its more exotic setting in Australia. What really impresses me about this movie is the cast, with Bob Newhart providing the voice of Bernard, Eva Gabor voicing Bianca, and John Candy providing much of the comedic relief as the albatross Wilbur. Not to be overlooked, Percival McLeach, voiced by George C. Scott, is one of my all-time favorite Disney villains.

27. Dinosaur (2000)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 39
• IMDB Rating: 6.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6.2/10
• Domestic Gross: $137.7 million
• Synopsis: An orphaned dinosaur raised by lemurs joins an arduous trek to a sanctuary after a meteorite shower destroys his family home.
• My Views: Visually this movie is absolutely amazing, combining live action backgrounds with digitally animated dinosaurs. It was actually the most expensive movie produced in 2000 and really took animated movies to an entirely new level; nothing of this magnitude had ever been attempted before. The stunning visuals are also enhanced by a powerful score by James Newton-Howard. While I am not a huge fan of including lemurs in a story about Dinosaurs, they help to convey the message of the importance of family and sticking together no matter what the conditions.

26. The Aristocats (1970)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 38
• IMDB Rating: 6.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6/10
• Domestic Gross: $17.5 million
• Synopsis: Upon Madame Adelaide Bonfamille's passing her cat Duchess and 3 kittens stand to inherit her fortune. But not if Edgar the butler can help it.
• My Views: This a very creative concept for a story and features some memorable characters, even though the villain is a butler who is more laughable than evil. It is definitely a movie with its fair share of comedic moments. The music is a little different from most Disney movies in that it is more jazzy, especially the movie’s best-know song “Everybody Wants to be a Cat.” There is great chemistry between the voice talents of Eva Gabor (also in The Rescuers) as Dutchess and Phil Harris (also in Jungle Book and Robin Hood) as Thomas O’Malley, which sometimes does not always come across through animation.

Stay tuned for the rest of the countdown!

 

[ScorpionX]

Great countdown!

 

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The countdown continues with numbers 25 thru 21:


25. Tarzan (1999)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 17
• IMDB Rating: 7/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.6/10
• Domestic Gross: $171 million
• Synopsis: A man raised by gorillas must decide where he really belongs when he discovers he is a human.
• My Views: This is a movie that has a little of everything: action, adventure, comedy, and romance, but the strengths of this movie are not necessarily its plot or characters. Tarzan’s sidekicks Tantor and Turk are a tremendously funny duo, but Clayton lacks the depth and development of other Disney villains. Rather, the movie’s success lies in its visual beauty and its music. The movie is animated in a way that really brings the jungles of Africa to life with tremendous realism. In addition, even though I have never really been a fan of Phil Collins, the movie features some truly memorable songs like “You’ll Be In My Heart,” “Son of Man,” and “Trashin’ the Camp.”

24. Alice in Wonderland (1951)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 28
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6.5/10
• Domestic Gross: Not Available
• Synopsis: Alice stumbles into the world of Wonderland through a rabbit hole and embarks upon a series of bizarre adventures. Will she get home? Not if the Queen of Hearts has her way.
• My Views: Although the plot can be a little disjointed and at times seems a little confusing or just downright odd (and I would venture to say that it might be the most “trippy” Disney animated film), it is a movie that delivers many classic moments and well known characters; Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts are still popular characters to this day. The music may not be as memorable as other Disney movies, but visually this movie does a great job in brining viewers into an enchanting and fantastic new world. It is definitely a worthy adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel.

23. Pocahontas (1996)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 44
• IMDB Rating: 6.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 6/10
• Domestic Gross: $141.6 million
• Synopsis: The daughter of a Native American chief and an English soldier share a romance when English colonists settle in 17th century Virginia.
• My Views: Visually this movie is very impressive, one of the finer animated Disney movies. The music is also a strong point of this movie with songs like “Colors of the Wind” putting it on nearly the same level (musically) as movies like Little Mermaid, Aladdin, or Lion King. Some of the most enjoyable and memorable characters in the movie are actually the sidekicks, like Meeko the raccoon and Flit the hummingbird, who provide some much needed comic relief to what is one of the more serious Disney animated films.

22. Tangled (2010)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 16
• IMDB Rating: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.5/10
• Domestic Gross: $186.4 million
• Synopsis: The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when a runaway thief has stumbles upon her she discovers the outside world for the first time and who she really is.
• My Views: Throughout the entire movie I kept telling myself “if only this were hand drawn it would be truly amazing.” That being said, this movie is still visually stunning and surprisingly exceeded my expectations. Much was made of changing the name from Rapunzel to Tangled, but I think the new title more accurately fits the film; it is a movie about a princess, but it does not feel like your typical princess movie. While both Rapunzel and Flynn Ride are likable characters, it is smaller characters like the chameleon Pascal and the horse Maximus that really steal the show. The music might not be the most memorable, but some of the songs are catchy.

21. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 21
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7/10
• Domestic Gross: $89.3 million
• Synopsis: Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha, the gentle llama herder.
• My Views: This is one of the funnier Disney animated movies, which is not surprising with David Spade, John Goodman, and Patrick Warburton providing voices for some of the movie’s main characters. The film’s villain, Yzma, really steals the show and is as much comedic as she is evil. The film differs from many other Disney movies in that it has a more hip/modern feel, but this fits well into the movie’s storyline. It may not have the great music of other Disney films and the animation may not be as visually impressive, but this is a movie that will keep you laughing from beginning to end.

 

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Here are numbers 20 thru 16:


20. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 24
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.3/10
• Domestic Gross: $104.4 million
• Synopsis: A fairy tale set in Jazz Age-era New Orleans and centered on a young girl named Tiana and her fateful kiss with a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again.
• My Views: Disney proved with this movie that it could still produce a quality hand-drawn animated film. Visually this was one of the most stunning movies that Disney has made in a long time. The storyline may jump around a little and could have been more developed in places, but its real success lies in strong characters. To start with, Dr. Facilier is one of the better Disney villains in recent memory. In addition, Louis the alligator and Ray the firefly are both audience favorites who provide much of the movie’s comic relief. The music may not be on the same level as Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin, but songs like “Dig a Little Deeper” and “Down in New Orleans” are high-energy, foot-tapping numbers worthy of a Disney movie.

19. Robin Hood (1973)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 46
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 5.5/10
• Domestic Gross: $32 million
• Synopsis: The story of the legendary outlaw is portrayed with the characters as humanoid animals.
• My Views: This movie tends to get underrated by many, but I actually think it is one of the more clever Disney adaptations. It is a movie that has plenty of action and adventure, but also mixes in more dramatic/emotional moments along with some comedy and even romance. In this way, it is a storyline that appeals to a wide audience. The real strength of the movie is its well-developed characters, such as Prince John (voiced by Peter Ustinov) who is a comedic yet sinister villain. The types of animals representing the different characters also aids in their development. For example, a fox is generally regarded as sly and cunning, just like the character of Robin Hood.

18. Bambi (1942)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 12
• IMDB Rating: 7.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8/10
• Domestic Gross: $102.8 million
• Synopsis: A young deer named Bambi grows up in the wild after his mother is shot by hunters.
• My Views: This movie can best be described as a timeless classic. Despite being just the fifth feature-length Disney animated film, first released in 1942, it is still extremely well-known. The movie can really be appreciated on multiple levels, featuring many emotional and heartwarming moments that resonate with older viewers as well as more comedic and lighthearted parts that can be appreciated by younger members of the audience. With an original/creative storyline and memorable characters, Bambi helped set the standard for all the Disney movies that followed.

17. Lady and the Tramp (1955)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 18
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.5/10
• Domestic Gross: $93.6 million
• Synopsis: A cute, classy Lady cocker spaniel escapes from her confining owner and falls for an alley dog, known as the Tramp, who rescues her from some mean dogs out on the streets.
• My Views: This movie delivers one of the most classic moments found in any Disney animated film, the famous pasta-eating scene that has been replicated and reused numerous times throughout the years. This heartwarming scene is enhanced by the song “Bella Note” which is one of several memorable songs from the movie in addition to “He’s A Tramp” and “The Siamese Cat Song” (yes that is actually the name of the song). There may not be a strong villain like those found in many other Disney films, but this is a movie which is more about appealing to viewers emotions and feelings. For this reason, the movie primarily focuses on the relationship between Lady and Tramp, but there are several other supporting characters that really enhance the story; Tony and Joe, the singing Italian chefs, are a great example of this.

16. Peter Pan (1953)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 30
• IMDB Rating: 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.1/10
• Domestic Gross: $87.4 million
• Synopsis: Wendy and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland with the hero of their stories, Peter Pan.
• My Views: Peter Pan is a movie which appeals to the child in all of us. Who hasn’t dreamed of flying, travelling to faraway/ exotic lands, or fighting pirates? It is for this reason that the movie continues to be so popular even to this day. In addition, the movie has delivered many of the most memorable Disney characters, not only Peter Pan and Tinkerbell but also Mr. Smee and Captain Hook (who ranks among one of the best Disney villains). The music may not be as memorable as other Disney animated films, but it is a movie filled with action and adventure, fantasy and enchantment; it really is what Disney movies are all about.

 

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Continuing now with numbers 15 thru 11:

15. Dumbo (1941)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 4
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8.4/10
• Domestic Gross: Not Available
• Synopsis: Ridiculed because of his enormous ears, a young circus elephant is assisted by a mouse to achieve his full potential.
• My Views: At just three minutes over an hour long, Dumbo just barely qualifies as a feature-length movie (and the shortest Disney animated movie on this list), but that does not mean that the story suffers for it. It is a movie with a great message, emphasizing the importance of friendship, courage, and perseverance no matter what others say or think about you. These universal themes help make Dumbo such a timeless classic. Despite the fact that there are really no truly memorable characters besides Dumbo, the movie does have its share of touching and emotional moments in addition to lighter, more comedic elements. Visually this movie may not be the grandest in scope, but the animation does a great job in bringing the bright, vibrant, colorful atmosphere of the circus to life.

14. Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 32
• IMDB Rating: 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes Ranking: 7.1/10
• Domestic Gross: $100.1 million
• Synopsis: A deformed bellringer must assert his independence from a vicious government minister in order to help his friend, a gypsy dancing girl.
• My Views: This is a movie that I appreciate so much more now that I am older as opposed to when I first saw it as a child. Hunchback of Notre Dame is definitely a movie geared more towards adults, with a much darker feel and imagery than most other Disney animated movies. It is a movie which is very dramatic and theatrical and would make a great Broadway musical (it has been a very successful musical in Germany and I would love to see it come to the United States). Two elements of the movie really make it special. First is music which is incredibly grandiose, emotional, and passionate with songs like “The Bells of Notre Dame,” “Out There,” and “God Help the Outcasts.” Second is the visual beauty of the movie; the depth and detail of the animation really bring the city of Paris to life.

13. Hercules (1997)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 27
• IMDB Rating: 6.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7/10
• Domestic Gross: $99 million
• Synopsis: The son of the Greek Gods Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.
• My Views: With so many Disney movies focusing on princesses, it is a refreshing to see a movie with a male lead. This is definitely a more boy-centric movie than many other Disney animated films, but while the movie does feature plenty of action it also has its fair share of romance and plenty of comedic elements as well. This movie has some great characters, and not necessarily the main characters of Hercules and Meg. Hades really steals the show and is one of my favorite Disney villains not because he is evil but because of his whit and sarcasm. Hades’ sidekicks, Pain and Panic, are also incredibly funny and greatly enhance the movie even just as supporting characters. The movie’s music may not be as dramatic or powerful as other Disney movies, but “Go the Distance” remains one of my favorite Disney songs and the gospel rhythm and style of songs like “Zero to Hero” and “A Star is Born” gives the movie a different feel (musically) than most other Disney animated films.

12. Mulan (2002)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 26
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.5/10
• Domestic Gross: $120.6 million
• Synopsis: To save her father from service in the army, a Chinese maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroes in the process.
• My Views: The character of Mulan may be the strongest female role in any Disney animated film as opposed to most movies where the princesses appear as damsels in distress. Mulan shows that a person's worth should not be judged by their appearance or gender. This is a great theme that resonates strongly with the newer generations of moviegoers, providing a great inspiration for young girls. Just because the main character is a girl, however, does not mean this movie is not good for boys and features plenty of action, drama, and intense battle sequences. The movie has a great number of well-developed and enjoyable characters, not only Mulan but also the incredibly funny dragon Mushu and Mulan’s comrades Yao, Shang, and Chien-Po. Musically, “Reflection” is an absolutely beautiful song and others like “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “Girl Worth Fighting For” are catchy and fun if not memorable.

11. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 10
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.9/10
• Domestic Gross: $15.1 million
• Synopsis: A snubbed malevolent fairy casts a curse on a princess that only a prince can break, with the help of three good fairies.
• My Views: Artistically this movie has a very distinct look, with animation that is more stylized rather than realistic. What I liked most about the music in this movie is how it utilizes Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty waltz as the melody to the song “Once Upon a Dream,” which is one of the more memorable songs in any Disney animated film. When it comes to the movie’s main characters, there is only one that is truly significant. It is not Aurora, whose character is really not developed as much as many other Disney princesses, but rather Malificent who may be the most evil Disney villain in any movie. She has set the standard by which all other Disney villains are measured and most are not able to reach her level; she is truly a villain you love to hate.

 

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The countdown continues with numbers 10 thru 6:

10. Jungle Book (1967)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 15
• IMDB Rating: 7.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.4/10
• Domestic Gross: $44.6 million
• Synopsis: Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilization.
• My Views: The strength of this movie is its truly memorable characters. It starts first and foremost with Baloo, voiced by Phil Harris, who might be the most iconic voice in Disney animation (also providing the voices of Little John in Robin Hood and Thomas O’Malley in The Aristocats). In addition, the voice of jazz legend Louis Prima is perfect for the character of King Louie. There is also Shere Khan who is a truly nasty villain, even though not receiving the notoriety of many other Disney villains. There are also numerous characters in supporting roles that really help make the movie what it is, such as Kaa the snake and Colonel Hathi the elephant. Adding to the great cast of characters is the movie’s truly memorable music created by the Sherman Brothers, with songs like “Bear Necessities” and “I Want to be Like You.”

9. Cinderella (1950)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 7
• IMDB Rating: 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 7.4/10
• Domestic Gross: $34.1 million
• Synopsis: When Cinderella's cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball, she gets some unexpected help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, and from her Fairy Godmother.
• My Views: There may be no movie more quintessentially “Disney” than Cinderella. When it comes to fantasy and enchantment, this is a movie that delivers numerous unforgettable and magical moments. Whether it be the Fairy Godmother turning a pumpkin into a coach or the iconic scene of Cinderella running down the castle stairs and leaving one shoe behind, this is a movie that continues to mesmerize audiences to this day. Another strength of this movie is its great cast of characters, not only Cinderella but also the Fairy Godmother, the mice Gus and Jaq, and even Cinderella’s wicked step sisters. Added to all of this are memorable songs such as “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” and “So This is Love” that make the movie truly special.

8. Pinocchio (1940)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 1
• IMDB Rating: 7.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 9.1/10
• Domestic Gross: $38.9 million
• Synopsis: A living puppet, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy.
• My Views: Another timeless classic, Pinocchio delivers many memorable moments and unforgettable characters. In addition to Pinocchio himself, Jiminy Cricket remains to this day a truly iconic Disney character and others like the Blue Fairy, Geppetto, and even Figaro the cat are still recognizable among the newer generations of Disney fans despite the film being released in 1940. The movie’s success and longevity can be attributed to a creative and well-developed storyline, with a good combination of heatwarming and lighthearted moments, in addition to its memorable music. “When You Wish Upon a Star” has become a song synonymous with Disney, possibly the most recognizable of any Disney song, and one that really represents what the movie (and Disney) are all about.

7. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 5
• IMDB Rating: 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8/10
• Domestic Gross: $60.7 million
• Synopsis: When a litter of Dalmatian puppies are abducted by the minions of Cruella De Vil, the parents must find them before she uses them for a diabolical fashion statement.
• My Views: This movie was significant because it was the first Disney feature film to use photocopying technology (Xerography), which made an animated film with this much visual complexity possible. This new technology not only helped animators bring 99 dalmatian puppies to life, but in a way that makes each puppie unique rather than being mere carbon copies of each other. Beyond this new technology, the movie delivers a truly creative and original storyline that features its share of lighthearted, dramatic, and touching moments. Of course, it is impossible for all the puppies to be fully developed characters, but some of them like Rollie, Patch, and Lucky have very distinct personalities. Of all the characters though, it is Cruella De Vil that truly makes the movie what it is and is probably the single most memorable character from the movie.

6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 3
• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8.8/10
• Domestic Gross: $184.9 million
• Synopsis: The fairy tale of Snow White, a beautiful young maiden cast into a deep sleep by an evil queen, but rescued from the dark magic spell through the love of handsome Prince Charming.
• My Views: The movie that started it all. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs proved that a full-length animated film could be successful and it paved the way for all the other movies that followed. This was the movie that set the extremely high standard that all of the other movies on this list have had to follow. This movie has a little of everything, from its memorable songs like “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh Ho” to its loveable characters (with Grumpy and Dopey being the most popular today out of the seven dwarfs) and a truly evil villain in the Wicked Queen. Visually the animation may not be the most detailed or realistic of all the Disney animated movies, but for its time it was truly groundbreaking. This movie is a timeless classic and its storyline and characters remain incredibly popular even to this day.

 

[ms7479a]

And, without further ado, here are the top five:

5. Little Mermaid (1989)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 13
• IMDB Rating: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8/10
• Domestic Gross: $109.9 million
• Synopsis: Animated screen version of Hans Christian Andersen's story of a mermaid named Ariel, who falls in love with a human prince.
• My Views: This was the movie that helped usher in a new Renaissance of Disney animation using a recipe of success that was continued and improved upon by the movies that followed. First are the unforgettable characters, not only the major roles of Ariel and Eric, but also a great supporting cast of characters like Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle who all help to great enhance the story. Second is a truly evil, and well-developed, villain in Ursula who helps drive the plot. Third is the visual beauty of the film with animation that really brings the undersea world to life. Finally, there is the music, which is some of the most memorable of any Disney film. Songs like “Under The Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World” really make the movie what it is and create a timeless quality that allows the movie to still appeal to audiences over twenty years after first being released.

4. Fantasia (1940)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 2
• IMDB Rating: 7.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8.6/10
• Domestic Gross: $25.4 million
• Synopsis: A collection of animated interpretations of great works of Western classical music.
• My Views: Revolutionary, groundbreaking, and innovative are all words that aptly describe Fantasia. It is unlike any other animated movie, and while it may not have been a major box office success it still holds an extremely important place in the history of animation. Artistically this may be the most ambitious and the most beautiful Disney animated movie ever created. The combination of music with the animation is so skillfully done, with different types of music allowing for various styles of animation. The movie is also significant as a major breakout role for Mickey Mouse in what might be his most memorable role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

3. Aladdin (1992)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 9
• IMDB Rating: 7.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8/10
• Domestic Gross: $217 million
• Synopsis: Aladdin, a street rat, falls in love with Princess Jasmine, but she can only marry a prince. A magical genie might be the solution.
• My Views: This is a movie that does so many things well and appeals to such a wide demographic of viewers. It has a storyline that is filled with action and adventure, but also plenty of comedy and even some romance. The plot is driven by a series of dynamic characters, not only Aladdin and Jasmine, but also a truly evil villain in Jafar as well as lesser characters like Abu, Iago, Sultan, and the magic carpet. When it comes to character, though, this movie would be nothing without Genie and the voice talents of Robin Williams. Genie may rank as one of the most beloved, charismatic, and memorable Disney characters and definitely has one of the largest personalities. The movie also benefits greatly from its music, from its upbeat songs like “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali” to the beautiful lyrics and flowing melody of “A Whole New World.”

2. Lion King (1994)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 8
• IMDB Rating: 8.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8/10
• Domestic Gross: $312.8 million
• Synopsis: Tricked into thinking he killed his father, a guilt ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future King.
• My Views: When it comes to memorable and well-developed characters, no movie may have more than the Lion King. What really aids in the portrayal of these characters are the voices of many talented actors. James Earl Jones and Mufasa and Jeremy Irons as Scar may be two of the best-voiced characters in any Disney movie. In addition to the main characters of the film, there are a score of supporting characters that really make the movie what it is. Timon and Pumba are possibly the funniest duo found in a Disney movie and other characters like Zazu, Rafiki, and even the hyenas Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed all greatly enhance the story. Visually this movie is absolutely stunning, bringing the beautiful scenery and majestic animals of the African savannah to life. Enhancing the animation even more is the movie’s tremendous music with songs like “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” “Be Prepared,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

1. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

• Rotten Tomatoes Rank: 6
• IMDB Rating: 8/10, Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 8.2/10
• Domestic Gross: $140.9 million
• Synopsis: An arrogant prince is turned into a beast and, in order to break the spell, he tries to win the love of a village girl who stumbles upon his enchanted castle.
• My Views: It is difficult for a movie to be any more perfect than Beauty and the Beast, which was the first animated film ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for best picture. While it may not have won the Oscar, it remains one of the most beloved movies of all-time (and not just among Disney films). This success lies in a storyline that runs a whole gamut of emotions, allowing it to be appreciated just as much by adults as by children. There are also a plethora of memorable characters, from Belle and the Beast to Belle’s father Maurice and the whole host of the Beast’s servants, especially Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, and Cogsworth. Gaston may not be the most evil Disney villain, but his cockiness and egotism might make him one of the most despised. Wrapping everything together is the movie’s amazing music with truly unforgettable songs. With songs like “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” the movie has the feel of a Broadway musical on screen. Beauty and the Beast has truly set the gold standard for Disney animated movies, and while other films have come close, it has yet to be topped.

 

[jackcomodo]

My Favourite Disney movie are

Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Tangled
Toy Story
Finding Nemo