The Best Disney Animated Movies Ever Made

Ask five people to name the best Disney animated movies ever made and you’ll get seven answers, a heated debate about
whether Pixar “counts,” and at least one person quietly humming “Circle of Life” like it’s a legal argument.
That’s the magic: Disney animation isn’t just a catalog of filmsit’s a shared language of scenes, songs, and “wait,
I’m crying?” moments that follow us from childhood to adulthood (and sometimes back again on a random Tuesday night).

This guide pulls together patterns from major U.S. entertainment outlets, critic-aggregation sites, and film-history
institutions to highlight the titles that show up again and again when people talk about Disney animation at its best.
Think of it as a “greatest hits” albumexcept the album is two hours long, your eyes are suspiciously watery, and
the villain has an absolutely unfair musical number.

What “Best” Means Here (Because We’re Not Trying to Start a Family Group Chat War)

“Best” can mean different things depending on whether you’re choosing a movie night pick, ranking artistry, or trying
to convince your friend that animation is real cinema (it iscalm down, Brad). For this list, we use a balanced
scorecard:

• Storycraft: Does the plot hold up when you’re not eight years old?
• Animation innovation: Did it push the art form forward or redefine a style?
• Music and sound: Are the songs iconicand do they serve the story?
• Cultural footprint: Did it become a reference point for later films, creators, and audiences?
• Critical and audience love: Does it score well with critics and remain rewatchable?

Also, yesPixar is included under the broader Disney umbrella because (1) Pixar films are distributed by Disney and
part of many “best Disney animated” conversations, and (2) omitting them would feel like pretending dessert doesn’t
exist. We focus on films that are primarily Disney-branded animated features, especially Walt Disney Animation Studios
and Pixar.

The All-Time Greats (The “Yes, This Is Cinema” Tier)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

The film that proved a feature-length animated story could hold an audiencewithout needing a “please clap” sign.
Snow White set the template: a fairy-tale structure, memorable side characters, emotional stakes, and a visual
style that still reads as classic. Even if you’ve never watched it start-to-finish, you’ve absorbed its DNA through
a century of animation that followed.

Why it’s here: it’s foundational Disney storytelling, with hand-crafted charm and a sense of wonder that still works
when you view it as film history and as entertainment.

Pinocchio (1940)

If Snow White built the house, Pinocchio installed the stained-glass windows. The craftsmanship is
astonishinglush backgrounds, expressive character animation, and sequences that swing from whimsical to genuinely
unsettling (in the best “fairy tales aren’t always cuddly” way). It’s also a moral story that doesn’t feel like a
lecture. It feels like a journey.

Why it’s here: visual precision, emotional complexity, and the kind of atmospheric filmmaking that rewards rewatching.

Fantasia (1940)

Fantasia is Disney choosing chaosin a classy tuxedo. It’s an experiment: animation as a concert experience,
where music leads and imagery follows. Some segments are pure visual poetry; others are the kind of bold swing that
makes you respect the attempt even if it’s not your personal favorite. Over time, the film became a landmark for
animators and cinephiles because it treats animation as an art gallery that moves.

Why it’s here: ambition, artistry, and the rare feeling that you’re watching a studio try something that doesn’t
fit neatly in a box.

Bambi (1942)

Bambi is proof that an animated movie can be quiet and still hit like a thunderclap. It’s not a rapid-fire
comedy; it’s a nature poem with characters. The forest feels lived-in. The seasons feel like chapters in a life.
It’s also a film that shaped how animation portrays animalsnot as props, but as beings with emotion and vulnerability.

Why it’s here: mood, atmosphere, and storytelling through visuals more than dialogue.

Cinderella (1950)

Elegant, simple, and endlessly replayable, Cinderella is Disney’s “comfort food” classicwarm, polished, and
full of scenes that have become cultural shorthand. The pacing is brisk, the comedy lands, and the transformation
sequence is still one of the most famous “movie magic” moments in animation.

Why it’s here: timeless fairy-tale structure and a studio at full storybook stride.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Consider Sleeping Beauty the museum-piece masterpiece: stylized backgrounds, storybook composition, and a
painterly look that stands apart from other Disney classics. And then there’s Maleficentone of Disney’s greatest
villains, delivering menace with perfect theatrical timing. (If evil had a dress code, she wrote it.)

Why it’s here: design excellence and iconic villainy, plus a visual identity that’s instantly recognizable.

The Renaissance Run (When Disney Turned the Volume to “Legendary”)

The Little Mermaid (1989)

This is the spark that reignited Disney’s musical storytelling in a modern waybig emotions, big songs, big
character moments. Ariel’s longing is instantly relatable, the humor is sharp, and the film balances romance,
adventure, and comedy without feeling stitched together.

Why it’s here: a turning point film that helped launch Disney’s late-’80s/’90s powerhouse era.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

A fairy tale with surprisingly mature emotional beats, Beauty and the Beast is the rare Disney romance where
the relationship is built on growth, not just vibes. The music is peak Disney musical theater, and the film’s craft
and storytelling were recognized far beyond the animation categorybecause it’s simply a great movie.

Why it’s here: character-driven storytelling, iconic songs, and top-tier filmmaking that plays for kids and adults at once.

Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin moves like a rocket: fast jokes, big set pieces, and a romance that feels like two people actually
talking to each other instead of staring dramatically at sunsets for 90 minutes. The Genie is an animation showcase,
but the film doesn’t forget the heartAladdin’s insecurity is a real, human flaw disguised under a “street rat” grin.

Why it’s here: comedy, energy, unforgettable characters, and a soundtrack that refuses to leave your brain.

The Lion King (1994)

If you want “epic” in animated form, this is the blueprint. The opening alone is basically a master class in
cinematic storytellingscale, music, emotion, and a world that feels mythic. It’s also a film that understands
grief and responsibility in a way that doesn’t talk down to younger viewers.

Why it’s here: sweeping storytelling, iconic music, and the kind of cultural footprint most films can only dream of.

Mulan (1998)

Mulan succeeds because it’s driven by identity, not just plot. The training sequence is famous (and yes,
still motivating), but the film’s real strength is watching Mulan navigate expectations and earn respect through
skill, courage, and strategy. It’s funny without being frivolous, and serious without becoming heavy-handed.

Why it’s here: a compelling hero’s journey with sharp character work and a strong emotional core.

The Modern Classics (New Tech, Same Heart)

Tangled (2010)

A modern fairy tale that’s witty, warm, and surprisingly grounded in character. Tangled works because
Rapunzel’s curiosity and anxiety feel real, Eugene’s charm has layers, and the film balances comedy with emotion
like it has a metronome. Plus: lantern scene. That’s it. That’s the whole argument.

Why it’s here: character chemistry, smart humor, and a modern Disney musical feel without repeating old formulas.

Frozen (2013)

“Let It Go” is the headline, but Frozen endures because it reframes the emotional center: sisterhood and
self-acceptance, not only romance. It’s also a film that knows how to build set pieces that feel like story moments,
not just spectacle. (Also: Olaf’s existential jokes are funnier than they have any right to be.)

Why it’s here: huge emotional resonance, memorable music, and a story that subverts expectations without being smug.

Zootopia (2016)

Part buddy-cop mystery, part social satire, Zootopia is tightly written and genuinely funny. It uses its
animal-city premise for visual gags and for commentary, while keeping the focus on characterJudy’s optimism
meets Nick’s guardedness, and the friction feels earned. It’s one of Disney’s sharpest modern scripts.

Why it’s here: strong plotting, clever world-building, and humor that lands for multiple age groups.

Moana (2016)

Moana is an adventure story powered by purpose. The ocean is a character, the music is relentlessly catchy,
and Moana’s growth is about leadershipnot “finding a prince,” but finding her confidence. It’s energetic, funny,
and surprisingly moving when it leans into heritage and responsibility.

Why it’s here: modern epic storytelling, standout songs, and a heroine driven by duty and curiosity.

Encanto (2021)

A family story disguised as a musical spectacle. Encanto captures the pressure of expectations, the weird
roles families assign, and the way love can look like stress when it’s tangled with fear. The songs are sharp,
the visuals are vibrant, and Mirabel is an instantly relatable protagonist precisely because she’s not “chosen” by magic.

Why it’s here: emotionally specific storytelling and music that communicates character, not just vibes.

Pixar’s Corner (Because Disney Animation Doesn’t Live in One Studio Building)

Toy Story (1995)

A technical landmark and a storytelling triumph. Toy Story doesn’t rely on tech novelty; it builds a world
with rules, humor, and heart. Woody’s jealousy, Buzz’s identity crisis, and their eventual friendship are classic
character arcs that still work. It’s also the film that helped rewrite what mainstream feature animation could be.

Why it’s here: groundbreaking history and genuinely strong storytelling.

Finding Nemo (2003)

A father-son odyssey that’s hilarious, tense, and emotionally honest. Finding Nemo builds an underwater world
that feels expansive, then fills it with characters who pop. It’s also a film about parenting and fearlearning to
protect without controlling, and to trust without disappearing.

Why it’s here: emotional storytelling with a big adventure engine and unforgettable supporting characters.

Honorable Mentions (AKA “Your Favorite Might Be Here and That’s Valid”)

• The Emperor’s New Groove (2000): comedy-first Disney that’s basically a rapid-fire meme machine.
• Lilo & Stitch (2002): heartfelt, funny, and wonderfully oddfamily themes with real bite.
• Hercules (1997): stylized, upbeat, and packed with musical swagger.
• Wreck-It Ralph (2012): a surprisingly tender story about identity and belonging.
• Ratatouille (2007): Pixar’s love letter to craft, ambition, and tasteliterally and metaphorically.

How to Pick the Right “Best Disney Movie” for Your Night

“Best” also depends on your mood. Try this:

• Want classic magic? Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio.
• Want a musical powerhouse? Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Moana.
• Want laughs that don’t stop? Aladdin, The Emperor’s New Groove, Zootopia.
• Want an emotional gut-punch (in a good way)? Bambi, Finding Nemo, Encanto.
• Want an “art film” vibe? Fantasia, Sleeping Beauty.

Final Thoughts: Why Disney’s Best Animated Movies Stick

The top Disney animated movies don’t last because they’re “for kids.” They last because they’re well-made: strong
characters, clear emotion, memorable music, and visuals that do more than decorate the storythey tell it.
When Disney animation is at its best, it becomes a shared reference point across generations. You don’t just watch
these filmsyou quote them, sing them, revisit them, and occasionally use them to measure your own life stages.
(“I thought I was a Simba, but I’m clearly a stressed-out Marlin today.”)

Extra: Real-World Disney Experiences That Make These Movies Feel Even Bigger (About )

One of the funniest things about “the best Disney animated movies” is how they sneak out of the screen and into
everyday life. These films aren’t only entertainment; they become rituals, shortcuts for feelings, and even
mini-traditions families and friends build without realizing it.

For example, movie-night culture is basically a Disney ecosystem. Someone suggests a title, and suddenly the room
divides into factions: the “classic hand-drawn era” defenders, the “Pixar or nothing” crew, and the one person who
insists Fantasia is the best choice because they’re “in a contemplative mood” (translation: they want to
vibe, not argue about plot). What happens next is the real magicsnacks appear, people start quoting lines before
they happen, and the same songs you’ve heard a thousand times somehow land again.

These films also show up in small, random moments. A friend says “just keep swimming” when you’re stressed. Someone
hums “Be Our Guest” while setting the table like they’re hosting a tiny Broadway production in a kitchen. A parent
uses The Lion King to explain responsibility (“You can’t run from your problems forever, my dude”) in a way
that feels less like a lecture and more like a story. Disney’s best animated movies become emotional vocabulary: they
give people a way to talk about fear, grief, courage, jealousy, growing up, or feeling out of placewithout having to
turn the conversation into a therapy session in the cereal aisle.

Then there’s the soundtrack factor. Disney songs don’t just live in playliststhey become performance opportunities.
Karaoke nights, school talent shows, community theater concerts, marching band arrangements, and social media trends
keep these melodies circulating. The reason isn’t only nostalgia; it’s that the best Disney songs are built like
storytelling engines. They reveal character, raise stakes, and make you feel something while giving you an excuse to
dramatically point at the horizon as if your future is calling.

Even travel and theme-park experiences (or just seeing Disney references in stores, parades, and holiday events) can
change how a film hits. When a movie becomes part of a larger cultural spacemerchandise, attractions, costumes, and
celebrationsit starts feeling like a shared world you can step into. That’s why people revisit these films: they’re
not just rewatching a story, they’re reconnecting with a feeling and a time in their lives.

Ultimately, the “best” Disney animated movies are the ones that meet you where you are. Kids watch the adventure.
Teens catch the identity struggles. Adults notice the themes about family systems, responsibility, and self-worth.
The films don’t changeyou do. And somehow, the good ones keep making sense anyway.