Disney movies have brought joy and magic to people for generations. Whether taking the audience to faraway kingdoms, bringing beloved and timeless animated characters to life, or pioneering groundbreaking animation techniques, Disney movies have made their mark on film history in numerous and incredible ways.
For almost 100 years, Disney has transported viewers of all ages to wonderful new worlds and filled their lives with adventure, heart, humor, and the most memorable beats. From the very first Mickey Mouse cartoons and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to contemporary releases like Lightyear and Turning Red, Disney has showcased its ability to capture the audiences’ attention with stories of hope and dreams and love, and created a long-lasting legacy for itself.
From literally shaping the childhoods of many to finding them on the bad days and staying with them for life, these movies have left a large impact on viewers. The vast and magical themes, fantastical characters, musical numbers, and the most important life lessons delicately woven into their plots have touched peoples’ hearts and fueled their imaginations like few others.
The movies on this list represent the very best of Disney’s legacy, with characters and stories that have come to blend themselves into the cultural fabric. Whether it is the masterful storytelling or the unparalleled animation, these movies have and continue to impact and inspire new audiences with each new generation. So get ready to reminisce about magical animated worlds, strong heroines, beloved sidekicks, and unforgettable songs as we revisit the most important Disney movies of all time – ones that have shaped Disney’s reputation as a creative force of storytelling to audiences worldwide.
25 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney broke new ground with its first fully animated feature film, ushering in the Disney “golden age” and setting the stage for decades of Disney classics to follow. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tells the timeless tale of a princess named Snow White living as a kitchen maid and is tormented by her wicked stepmother, the Queen. When push comes to shove, she runs away and finds a family of seven dwarfs who take her in. Disney blends some delightful humor, memorable music, and outstanding animation into the classic fairy tale. Among the first “princess heroine,” we also get the seven lovable dwarf companions – Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, and Doc – who provide comic relief and heart.
24 Fantasia (1940)
Fantasia proved to be another grand outing for the studio. The film launched as an experimental blend of classical and contemporary music and vividly colorful animation. It seemed like Disney was determined to push its creative boundaries. The film has no narrative, instead using seven music selections from masters like Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Ponchielli as an inspiration and setting for animated segments featuring creatures like fishes, fairies, and flora. Initially, the movie was considered a financial failure, but Fantasia’s stunning visual effects and using music to paint an image, as well as putting Mickey Mouse on the map, really cemented its place as one of Disney’s more important movies.
23 Cinderella (1950)
Cinderella is a beloved classic that tells the story of a kindhearted young woman named Cinderella who dreams of escaping her life for just one night to attend the Royal Ball and meet the Grand Duke. But her feat is hindered by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. The film features some of Disney’s most memorable characters – the fairy Godmother and the lovable mice who help make Cinderella’s dreams come true. The animation is beautiful, and the story is charming, and it features Oscar-winning songs like “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” all of which made Cinderella an enduring favorite.
22 The Lion King (1995)
A story that probably needs little introduction, The Lion King is a phenomenal animated musical movie that follows the journey of Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities and duties of the rightful King after the treacherous passing away of his father, Mufasa. Set in Pride Lands, the epic movie features breathtaking views of the African savanna, a rousing and memorable soundtrack, the annoying yet lovable warthog-and-piglet duo Timon and Pumbaa, and the menacing villain Scar. At its heart, though, The Lion Ling dramatizes important themes such as finding your place in the world, facing all kinds of challenges with courage, and understanding how complicated a family can be.
21 Mulan (1998)
By the late ‘90s, Disney was already quite versed in experimenting, and when it came out with the very first major animated film based on an Asian legend, fans naturally showered praises. Mulan broke the mold of traditional Disney princess stories when as a young Chinese woman, she masqueraded as a man to take her elderly father’s place in the Imperial Army and ultimately save his life. The film does not hold back and displays stunning panoramic views that nod right at Chinese culture with respect and nuance. Plus, the main character is a powerful woman who defies gender stereotypes with her courage, honesty, and refusal to conform, making the movie one of Disney’s most progressive animated features.
20 The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid is another classic tale, this time featuring a free-spirited mermaid princess named Ariel who longs to be a part of the human world above the sea. When the sea witch Ursula strikes a deal with her, she is over the moon and eager to meet Eric, the human prince. But she is unaware of the witch’s true motives. The movie was a great addition to Disney’s highly successful Renaissance period of animation, with eye-catching underwater visuals, interesting characters, and Academy Award-winning songs – especially the soaring love ballad “Part of Your World” – that showcase the talent of composer Alan Menken, the movie is about love and bravery.
19 The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This 2009 musical features Disney’s first African American princess, Tiana. Set in 1920s New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog captures the city’s popular jazz culture and folklore while telling a simple tale of choosing one’s destiny. Tiana dreams of owning her own restaurant but ends up being turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. She meets Prince Naveen, who has also been turned into a frog. Together, the two embark on an adventure to break the spell and become their natural forms. The movie has some great characters like comedic gators Ray and Evangeline and a strong-willed protagonist in Tiana, who works hard for her dreams. Despite being criticized before, the movie eventually received praise for showcasing Black culture and history in a positive light.
18 Mary Poppins (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson, Mary Poppins is a Disney movie that is perfect in every way. The musical fantasy follows a magical nanny who helps brings love and laughter to the previously dull and stern Banks household. Mary Poppins is a strong-willed yet adorable protagonist, iconized by Julie Andrews in her debut film role. Like any other Disney movie, this one also has some important lessons. It stresses on the idea of incorporating imagination and creativity into a child’s life while also reminding the adults to feel some wonder every now and then. It is a true labor of love – from practical effects to whimsical melodies – and it rightfully took home five Academy Awards and has become a timeless classic.
17 The Parent Trap (1961)
The Parent Trap is a classic comedy that earned a sequel and was also remade in the year 1998. The original film, directed by David Swift, stars Hayley Mills as identical twin sisters Sharon and Susan, who were separated at birth and reunite as teenagers at summer camp. The two work together on a common goal – to reunite their divorced parents. Their schemes revolve around attempts to trick them into falling back in love, and obviously, hilarious hijinks ensue. From mistaken identities to childish manipulations, the movie is a funny and comedic and heartwarming story of family and reconciliation.
16 Ratatouille (2007)
This Disney gem tells the story of Remy, a rat with a gift for gourmet cooking who dreams of becoming a Parisian chef. When he gets the chance to show his skills to his idol Auguste Gusteau, he teams up with a young kitchen worker and secretly cooks from the boy’s hands in an attempt to make his culinary desires come true. Ratatouille is super fun, but it also features a realistic portrayal of the pressures and thrill of working in a high-end kitchen. There are elements of surprise and joy and laughter throughout the movie. But ultimately, Ratatouille celebrates the transformative power of passion, hard work, and following one’s dreams – no matter how unlikely they may seem at first.
15 Inside Out (2015)
Inside Out became a trailblazer for animation as soon as it came out. The film follows the emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear – that control the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. After moving out of her home in Minnesota, Riley is finding it really hard to adjust to her new life in San Francisco. And when Joy and Sadness are accidentally swept from headquarters, they embark on an adventure through Riley’s mind to return home before being forgotten. The film offers a profound, deeply humanizing look at the emotions that shape who we are. It also shows the important role both joy and sadness play in growing up and fostering all sorts of good things.
14 Finding Nemo (2003)
Underwater adventures seem to be Disney’s strong suit because the widespread love and acclaim that Finding Nemo received is incredible. The story centers around the journey of an overly cautious father clownfish named Marlin, who must travel the vast ocean to find his abducted son Nemo. From hilarious interpretations of the underwater world to colorful sea creatures with unique personalities, the movie has many elements that make it highly enjoyable to watch. But beneath the visuals are important lessons that Marlin learns on his quest about his overbearing nature and trusting others and finding inner strength. Finding Nemo brings a sense of wonder when it comes to ocean life while also capturing the bond between a father and a son.
13 Toy Story (1995)
The first fully computer-animated feature film from Disney after acquiring Pixar that not only revolutionized digital animation but also launched one of Disney’s most beloved franchises, Toy Story follows the adventures of Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy, and Buzz Lightyear, a delusional space ranger action figure. The two form an unlikely friendship when threats from the outside world force them to do so. There are scenes with hilarious banter between Woody and Buzz and also some heartwarming moments that showcase what it is like to be a child’s toy and to live for the joy and comfort they bring to their owner.
12 101 Dalmatians (1996)
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This 1996 live-action remake of Disney’s 1961 animated classic follows a newly-wed couple who find a litter of Dalmatian puppies. They take them in, and the puppies soon grow into an unruly but lovable brood. However, the puppies are threatened by the villainous Cruella De Vil, who wants to use their fur for her fashion designs. So she hires a pack of thugs to kidnap them. As fantastic as the original, 101 Dalmatians blend animatronics and digital animation to bring the adorable puppies to life. But at the heart of the story remains the celebration of love between humans and their pets and the triumph of good over evil – of course, with a lot of spots included.
11 Frozen (2013)
Disney never goes wrong with its fairy tales. And Frozen is a modern entry that features astounding visuals, catchy songs, and some of Disney’s most progressive and inspirational themes to date. The movie follows princess sisters Anna and Elsa. Their relationship sees turbulence when Elsa’s icy powers threaten the kingdom. Anna, in the company of an iceman Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven, sets out to find Elsa. The story focuses on sisterly bonds and female empowerment, defying the notion that romance must define a woman. Through Anna’s love and determination, Elsa is able to find her true self. Frozen’s success showcases Disney’s evolution by delivering a fairy tale for the modern age.
10 Big Hero 6 (2016)
From the creators of movies like Bolt, Tarzan, and Winnie the Pooh comes this heartwarming animated adventure. Big Hero 6 follows Hiro Hamada, a young robotics prodigy who, along with his friends, joins the robot Baymax, activates him to save the city from evil and avenge his brother’s death. The movie displays some really cool visuals inspired by Tokyo and Hong Kong. It even tackles heavy themes such as grief, loss, and the burden that comes with having big brains. However, beneath all the action and robotics, Big Hero 6 is about friendship and chosen family. Hiro comes to see his robot companion and his friends as the loving family he needs. Overall, the movie balances every aspect perfectly.
9 Moana (2016)
Moana is a headstrong teenager and the daughter of Chief Tui, chosen by the ocean itself to prove herself a master wayfinder. When the flora and fauna on her island start dying, she sets sail across the Pacific to save her people. She encounters mythical demigods and fearsome creatures on her quest for knowledge and power. But she is determined. Along the way, Moana discovers that real strength comes from within. Moana is refreshingly true to the Pacific Islander culture. The use of intricate designs, music, and mythological references truly enhances the heroine’s journey and gets the audience invested.
8 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a classic sci-fi comedy that follows a scientist who accidentally shrinks his and his neighbor’s children to just 0.5 inches tall. The kids, now pretty tiny, embark on an intimidating adventure through their now giant backyard. And apparently, it is full of dangers. The movie is extremely fun. The way the special effects show everyday objects and household hazards from the perspective of shrunken kids is interesting. For decades, it has continued to offer lighthearted laughs while highlighting themes of parental love regardless of your size, sibling rivalry that turns into teamwork when necessary, and the power of creative problem-solving.
7 Coco (2017)
This 2017 animated film takes the audience on a magical journey through the Land of the Dead for the sole purpose of understanding what it means to honor your ancestors and hear the story of their life. Coco follows 12-year-old Miguel, who, despite his family’s choices, dreams of becoming a musician. After an accident, he ends up in the Land of the Dead, where he meets his deceased relatives and learns the key to returning home lies in discovering the true story of his great-great-grandfather. Coco is a brilliant movie when it comes to combining themes of family, creativity, and heritage while also showcasing the traditions, cultural practices, and values of Mexico in a creative and meaningful way.
6 The Jungle Book (1967)
Disney’s original 1967 animated version of Rudyard Kipling’s everlasting tales brings the fantastical worlds and unforgettable characters of India’s jungles to life. The Jungle Book follows Mowgli, a little boy who is raised by wolves after being lost in the jungle. He creates a family out of the animals he lives with. But with his friends, he must outwit the scary yet amusing tiger, Shere Khan, who threatens his safety. The animals urge Mowgli to go live in the village with other humans, but he is adamant. The movie has some ingenious voice work and immersive animation to match the story’s heart, humor, and imagination.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
