In Disney’s massive catalog, there are movies that have stood the test of time. While some Disney projects are viewed less favorably as time has passed, there are some that are still beloved by Disney fans, and people who just love movies. Many of the best Disney movies present some of the studio’s most iconic characters, and some of the best music that is still sung by fans years later. The Disney movies that most fans love also highlight timeless stories that are relatable to fans across generations.
While many Disney projects are loved by fans, there are several that stand out. These movies are timeless, and have been loved by fans of all ages. The most well-loved Disney projects capture the magic of childhood, and everything that makes these movies so special. The Disney movies loved by the most fans capture stories that contain universal truths and introduce relatable characters who use their flaws to grow and change for the better.
10
‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ (2000)
Directed by Mark Dindal
The Emperor’s New Groove introduces Kuzco (David Spade), a young, bratty Incan emperor who is turned into a llama by his scheming advisor, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), and her sidekick Kronk (Patrick Warburton). He finds himself stranded in the wilderness and has to rely on Pacha (John Goodman), a community leader who had previously been told by Kuzco that his home was to be destroyed to build a theme park. Kuzco learns the value of humility through his friendship with Pacha.
The Emperor’s New Groove is a fun film from start to finish, making it popular with audiences of all ages. This movie highlights some of Disney’s most memorable characters, including Kronk, who holds this story together. The Emperor’s New Groove has a timeless message about the power of friendship and about the importance of letting go of one’s ego. Underneath the humor, it’s a surprisingly poignant commentary on the fact that it’s never too late to change one’s life.
9
‘Pinocchio’ (1940)
Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske
Pinocchio is a timeless story that is a sweet reflection on human nature and the challenges of growing up. Like the classic Italian fairy tale on which it’s based, Pinocchio introduces its titular character, a puppet created by an old woodcarver, Geppetto (Christian Rubb). Pinocchio experiences an existential crisis when he questions whether he is a real boy and how he can become the best version of himself while facing the real world.
The fact that this is the definitive version of Pinocchio is what makes it so beloved. No other version of this story has come close to capturing the horror and moral complexity of the original fairytale. This version of Pinocchio stands the test of time because it treats all viewers as equal and capable of wrestling with often challenging moral questions. Ultimately, this movie’s cultural impact makes it a Disney project that’s still appreciated by fans today.
8
‘Tangled’ (2010)
Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
Tangled is a loose adaptation of the classic German fairy tale “Rapunzel”. In this version of the story, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is a princess kidnapped by an old woman named Gothel (Donna Murphy). Rapunzel is raised by Gothel, never knowing the fact that she is a long-lost princess. When she meets outlaw Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), she accepts his assistance to escape her massive tower and discover the truth about who she is.
Tangled is so beloved because it’s an example of Disney adapting a beloved fairytale for new generations. The movie gives this story new life, and introduces new characters who are charming and easy to root for. Tangled combines humor and heart to create a sweet love story that is a journey of self-discovery at its core. This is also another example of a Disney movie with emotional depth, which makes it stand out.
Tangled
- Release Date
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November 24, 2010
- Runtime
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100 minutes
7
‘Frozen’ (2013)
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Frozen introduces two princesses, Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell), two princesses who are left orphaned when their parents are lost at sea. Elsa has powers which cause her to accidentally trap her kingdom in an endless winter. When Elsa runs away from Arendelle, Anna teams up with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and lovable snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) to find her and bring her back home where she belongs.
Frozen is loved by so many for its iconic song “Let it Go” alone. As a whole, however, the movie’s songs, innovative visual storytelling, themes, and voice performances make it stand out within the Disney catalog. The fact that this is a unique love story in that it highlights the powerful love between sisters also makes Frozen deeply popular. Elsa and Anna are standout Disney princesses, and their journey to connect with each other makes them deeply relatable.
Frozen
- Release Date
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November 27, 2013
- Runtime
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102 minutes
6
‘Fantasia’ (1940)
Story Directed by Joe Grant and Dick Huemer
Fantasia is a musical anthology that consists of eight segments set to classical music. Some stories are more abstract, and focus on visual storytelling, while others are short narratives. Two of the most memorable stories featured in Fantasia are “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, which sees Mickey Mouse learn magic from a powerful sorcerer, and “Night on Bald Mountain”, which sees evil spirits rise from the underworld.
Fantasia is one of Disney’s most groundbreaking projects since it experiments with combining art and sound. The movie has become a cult classic among Disney fans, since it’s become easy to recognize how ahead of it’s time it was. Fantasia has inspired fans and artists across generations. The movie was groundbreaking in recognizing animation’s true potential to tell unique and mature stories rather than sticking to stories for children.
Fantasia
- Release Date
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November 13, 1940
- Runtime
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124 minutes
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Deems Taylor
Narrator – Narrative Introductions
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Walt Disney
Mickey Mouse (segment ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’) (voice)
5
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson
Mary Poppins introduces its titular magical nanny, played by Julie Andrews, who cares for the Banks children. The Banks are a dysfunctional family, and Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber) are desperate to be seen by their parents, who are strict Edwardians. Mary Poppins takes the children on fantastical adventures, along with her chimney sweep friend Bert (Dick Van Dyke). Along the way, she restores this family that has become disconnected.
As one of Disney’s most charming movies, Mary Poppins continues to be loved by Disney fans. Mary Poppins is one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, and its music is instantly recognizable decades after the movie’s initial release. Mary Poppins speaks to what makes the best Disney movies stand the test of time, because it is a family story at its core about a family whose flaws make them endearing.
4
‘Mulan’ (1998)
Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft
Mulan introduces Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen), a young woman living in Imperial China during an unspecified time in history. When her father is called up for military service, Mulan decides to take his place since she knows her father isn’t well. She poses as a male conscript, and meets and falls in love with her commander, Li Shang (BD Wong). Mulan is based on the classic Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, which depicts a heroine leading the Chinese army against invaders.
What makes Mulan so beloved is the fact that it presents a different kind of Disney heroine who’s easy to cheer for even at her most flawed. Mulan’s commitment to her family as well as her desire to stay true to herself makes her stand out as a protagonist. Mulan also tackles the realities of war and doesn’t hesitate to show how violent it is for anyone who lives through it. Mulan’s courage makes her an inspiration to fans of all ages.
Mulan
- Release Date
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June 19, 1998
- Runtime
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87 Minutes
- Director
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Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft
3
‘Aladdin’ (1992)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Aladdin follows Aladdin (Scott Weinger), a young man living on the streets who steals food to stay alive. He meets the Sultan’s free-spirited daughter Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin), and falls in love with her. Aladdin meets a Genie (Robin Williams) trapped in a lamp, and uses his wishes to transform himself into a wealthy prince so that he can impress Jasmine. Along the way, Aladdin learns the value of staying true to himself, and trusting that he is enough even if the world tells him otherwise.
Aladdin is so beloved because it’s an underdog story at its core, and introduces some of Disney’s best characters who are easy to invest in. This is another example of a movie that introduces some of Disney’s most memorable songs. Fans love Aladdin for Williams’ performance alone, since he creates such an iconic character with equally memorable lines. All viewers can relate to Aladdin’s personal journey to be the best version of himself, and stick to his values against all odds.
Aladdin
- Release Date
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November 25, 1992
- Runtime
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95 Minutes
2
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Beauty and the Beast is based on the French fairy tale of the same name. The story follows a selfish young prince who is turned into the Beast (Robby Benson) by an enchantress. Years later, when Belle’s (Paige O’Hara) father Maurice accidentally finds himself on the Beast’s property, Belle begs him to keep her prisoner rather than her father. Beauty and the Beast is a love story as Belle and the Beast end up falling in love despite their differences.
Beauty and the Beast remains one of the best-loved Disney movies because it tells such a heartwarming story. This is one of Disney’s most romantic stories, and the romance at the heart of Beauty and the Beast remains one of the studio’s most endearing. Even more than this, however, it’s easy to appreciate the movie’s theme of finding beauty within and appreciating the fact that real beauty comes from a kind soul.
1
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
The Lion King is one of the most well-known and well-loved movies. The story introduces Simba (Matthew Broderick and Jonathan Taylor Thomas), a young lion who finds himself having to flee his home and community when his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones) is murdered by his uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons). Before he eventually returns home to reclaim his rightful place as king, he regroups and finds refuge with Timon (Nathan Lane), a meerkat, and Pumbaa (Ernest Sabella), a warthog.
The Lion King is Disney’s most loved movie because it’s a timeless story about a character who comes of age against the backdrop of tragedy. Watching Simba heal and accept his destiny after his father’s death is a journey that viewers can take time and time again. This is another example of a Disney movie that’s so well-loved because it invites viewers to think about the importance of family, and how family is sometimes found in the most unlikely places.