10 Disney Movies That Are Bangers From Start to Finish

Disney has been putting out bangers for years, and there are many movies that have stood the test of time. While it’s hard to narrow down the best of the best of Disney bangers, there are several movies that stand out. Disney has no shortage of bangers that have captivated audiences for generations. The best bangers have stood the test of time and can be revisited time and time again by fans of all ages.

What makes a Disney movie a banger is a project that has been appreciated over time. Some movies, like Aladdin, feature lovable characters and captivating love stories. Others, like The Lion King, are meditations on identity and finding one’s place in the world that can be loved by anyone. These Disney bangers are deeply human stories, even if they feature non-human characters or magical and otherworldly backdrops.

10

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a different kind of Disney movie. Creating an animated movie based on Victor Hugo‘s massive novel, Notre Dame de Paris, was never going to be an easy task. However, Disney adds its spin on this epic story by introducing Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) as a lovable bell-ringer who falls in love with Esmerelda (Demi Moore), a Roma woman. The Hunchback of Notre Dame also features one of Disney’s most horrifying villains, Judge Claude Frollo (Tony Jay).

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a banger from beginning to end simply because it is made for a more mature audience. While younger viewers can appreciate the fun characters and spectacular songs, more mature viewers can appreciate the decidedly adult themes that the movie explores. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is also a banger because it is a solid adaptation of a classic work of French literature, and introduces this story to younger generations.

9

‘Tangled’ (2010)

Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard

Tangled is a charming retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale for modern audiences. In this version of the story, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is kidnapped by a witch who calls herself Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy). Gothel kidnaps Rapunzel for her hair, which has magical properties she wishes to exploit. As Rapunzel comes of age, she becomes curious about the lights that she sees released every year on her birthday. When going to investigate, she meets Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), a man on the run from the law.

It’s surprising to think that Disney waited so long to adapt such a classic fairy tale, beloved by generations, in this way. However, Tangled is a banger from start to finish because it is a fresh take on the story, and keeps just enough darkness from the source material to make the movie compelling. Tangled showed that Disney understood what has made this story about finding one’s place in the world so important to people across generations.

8

‘Fantasia’ (1940)

Directed by Joe Grant and Dick Huemer

Fantasia is a unique Disney experience because it features several stories rather than one overarching narrative. The movie combines classical music with Disney animation and characters to create an otherworldly experience, in which Mickey explores the extent of his metaphorical powers. Fantasia is an anthology, and features several chapters that highlight different characters and different musical interludes.

What makes Fantasia such a banger is that it is a timeless reflection on the power of Mickey Mouse as a character and as an entity. This is arguably the closest Disney has ever come to distilling everything magical about their concept into a single movie. Fantasia is a musical celebration of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and Disney’s role in it. Fantasia highlights everything that makes Disney so magical to this day.

7

‘Hercules’ (1997)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

Hercules is Disney’s take on ancient Greek myths of gods, goddesses, and the power of love. The movie follows Hercules (Tate Donovan), a young man who comes to discover he is the son of Zeus and Hera. When their son to remain on Earth to protect him from the clutches of Hades (James Woods), he is raised by human parents far from the glory of Mount Olympus. Hercules meets and falls in love with Megara (Susan Egan), who was Hades’ servant.

What makes Hercules such a banger from start to finish is the fact that it modernizes ancient stories for modern audiences of all ages. The fact that Disney made such legendary mythic figures accessible to modern audiences is a testament to how well they were able to translate these ancient stories. Megara and Hercules have a unique love story in the Disney canon, and Megara represents a unique protagonist who is worth investing in.

6

‘Frozen’ (2013)

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

Frozen‘s runaway success has been well-established. The movie follows two sisters, Ana (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel), princesses of a fictional Nordic kingdom. When Elsa becomes queen, she must reckon with her powers, which ultimately begin to cause chaos in her life. Ana only ever wants to connect with her sister, and cannot understand why Elsa consistently pushes her away. Frozen is ultimately a tribute to the power of sisterly love.

Frozen‘s universality is what makes it one of Disney’s bangers. While it might be a story of two royals, it’s ultimately a story of the powerful love that exists between siblings, sisters in particular. The fact that Frozen celebrates this type of love as equal to any romantic storyline is what makes it one of Disney’s best. The centering of Ana and Elsa’s relationship is what sets it apart from many other Disney projects that focus on romance.

5

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2002)

Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Lilo & Stitch follows the adventures of a small alien who finds himself in Hawai’i after escaping his home planet. He meets Lilo and her older sister Nani. The sisters struggle to get by after their parents are killed in a car accident. While Lilo is eager to accept Stitch into their family, Nani wants to focus on keeping their small family together. What follows is a charming story of a found family that is there for each other no matter what.

This is another example of a Disney movie that can be considered a banger because of how universal the story is. While Lilo & Stitch features a small-scale alien invasion, it remains a deeply human story from start to finish. The fact that Lilo & Stitch centers on the importance of family, and that families come in all shapes and sizes, makes it a timeless classic that can be appreciated by everyone, since creating a family is such a deeply human experience.

4

‘Mulan’ (1998)

Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft

Mulan is based on an ancient Chinese poem that chronicled the life and career of a female Chinese warrior in ancient China. The Disney movie introduces Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) as a woman at a crossroads, who chooses to take her father’s place in the Chinese army when he is too unwell to do so himself. Being perceived as a man, she bonds with her fellow soldiers as they defend China from an invading army.

What makes Mulan such a banger from beginning to end is the fact that it features a relatable protagonist who would stop at nothing to protect her family. While the love story is charming and the fighting is dramatic, this is a story about the importance of familial love at its core. It’s also a story about self-discovery and self-worth, as Mulan has to find her place in the world. Mulan truly has something for everyone to enjoy.

3

‘Aladdin’ (1992)

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements

Aladdin is based on the Arabic folktale “One Thousand and One Nights”. Disney’s version introduces Aladdin (Scott Weinger), a young man who lives on the street in the fictional city of Agrabah. He survives by stealing what he needs. When he meets a Genie (Robin Williams), who is confined to a lamp, he receives three wishes. He has the Genie make him into a prince so he can impress Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin).

What makes Aladdin such a banger is the fact that it is an example of a Disney movie that’s so versatile. It has humor, romance, friendship, and one of Disney’s most terrifying and fun villains. Aladdin is also another example of Disney successfully translating an ancient story for modern audiences. Aladdin is an everyman in that all he wants is to make a life for himself, and do the best with what he has been given.

2

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

The Lion King introduces Simba (Matthew Broderick), a young lion cub who is being prepared to be king after his father, Mufasa (James Earl Jones). After Mufasa is killed by his brother Scar (Jeremy Irons), Simba runs away and starts a new life far from his home. As he grows into a carefree adult, he forgets his purpose and has to be reminded by his childhood friend and love Nala (Moira Kelly). He has to decide whether to continue his worry-free existence or return home and claim his rightful place on the throne.

The Lion King is a banger because it is one of Disney’s most beloved projects. The movie’s messaging about the importance of finding one’s own identity and facing one’s problems has resonated with viewers since its release. Its exploration of creating one’s own destiny is surprisingly mature and speaks to younger audiences at their level. The Lion King is another total package that features lovable characters, unforgettable music, and a hopeful message that it’s never too late to face your fears.

1

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Beauty and the Beast is Disney’s interpretation of the classic French fairytale that sees a young woman fall in love with a man cursed to look like a Beast. In this version of the story, Belle (Paige O’Hara) offers to remain a prisoner of the Beast in exchange for her father’s freedom. As she and the Beast get to know each other better, they fall in love and recognize one another’s common humanity. Belle endears herself to everyone who lives in the castle.

Beauty and the Beast is the ultimate Disney banger because it’s the whole package of everything that makes Disney movies so magnetic. The movie features one of Disney’s most relatable and charming protagonists in Belle, a woman who knows her worth. Her relationship with the Beast only works because she sees the best in him and knows when to push back on his antics. Beauty and the Beast is a timeless celebration of good triumphing over evil, which makes it a classic.

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