The 25 Best Disney Movies Of All Time

Navigating Disney's Vast Catalogue to Uncover the Top 25 Must-Watch Films

Davy

• Published in Disney
• February 13, 2024

Disney, a titan in the entertainment industry, is both celebrated for its iconic masterpieces and criticized for its relentless pursuit of global dominance.

While its extensive library, now available on Disney+, boasts countless gems, it also harbors numerous forgettable sequels, flops, and unnecessary remakes. To help you discern the Lion Kings from the Mars Need Moms-es, we've delved into Disney's vast catalog to meticulously rank the top 50 must-watch films for your next family movie night.

Join us on this cinematic journey as we uncover the timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on generations of viewers.

"Pinocchio:

The Pinnacle of Disney Animation"

Our team of film critics has unanimously crowned Pinocchio as the greatest animated film of all time. And it's not difficult to understand why.

This timeless tale of a little wooden boy's quest to become real stands as the ultimate achievement for Disney. From the iconic moments of Pinocchio's ever-growing nose to the thrilling climax inside a whale, from the enchanting presence of the Blue Fairy to the heartwarming melody of Jiminy Cricket's "When You Wish Upon a Star," every minute of this film is filled with awe and inspiration.

"Toy Story:

The Timeless Original that Captured Hearts Everywhere" The sequels may have sharpened the humor, heightened the emotion, and amplified the sense of adventure, all while improving on the CGI, but when it comes to pure joy and charm, nothing surpasses the original Toy Story.

Andy's misfit toys have become ingrained in our lives, akin to cherished companions, a testament to the fully realized characters, from the main stars to the supporting comic relief, straight out of the box. It's astonishing to think there was a time when Woody and Buzz weren't the inseparable duo we know them as today, but in this classic tale, they initially clash before joining forces to overcome the true adversary: the toy-wrecking troublemaker Sid.

"Incredibles:

A Superhero Saga That Rivals Marvel and DC's Finest" Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl find themselves in a bind when the government bans superhero activities, forcing them to lay low. Despite the chance for some much-needed rest and relaxation, they yearn for the thrill of stopping crime.

Before long, they're back in action, proving that this top-tier superhero tale stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of Marvel and DC.

"Dumbo:

A Heartfelt Tale of Triumph and Tears" Dumbo, the most peculiar member of the circus, endures relentless mockery due to his oversized ears, making life under the big top even more challenging.

However, the tables turn when Dumbo discovers that his ears grant him the extraordinary ability to fly! Get ready to experience a rollercoaster of emotions and shed a few tears as you witness Dumbo's journey, accompanied by the unforgettable melody of 'Baby Mine,' a tune that will tug at your heartstrings for eternity.

"Snow White:

A Timeless Masterpiece That Defies the Ages" Disney's inaugural animated feature revolutionized the film industry, and even amidst today's dazzling computer animation, it stands as a remarkable feat. Equal parts thrilling, scary, funny, and whimsical, Snow White continues to captivate audiences, proving its enduring brilliance.

While countless remakes, reimaginings, and adaptations have come and gone, Snow White's enduring legacy remains untouched. Much like the timeless fairytale that inspired it, this film remains an everlasting source of entertainment for generations to come.

"Ratatouille:

A Pixar Masterpiece" Join the endearing rodent Remy, voiced by the charming Patton Oswalt, on a sweetly ridiculous journey to fulfill his dreams of becoming a renowned chef. With wit, cleverness, and gentle moral lessons, this Pixar gem is both whimsical and convincingly dramatic. Who could resist the lovable Linguini, voiced by Lou Romano, a hapless human under Remy's expert guidance?

Together, they face off against the Snow White-style villain, the power-hungry food critic Anton Ego, portrayed by Peter O'Toole. But fear not, for we won't spoil the delightful conclusion of this unexpectedly delightful culinary adventure for the few who have yet to experience its magic.

"Up:

A Heartwarming Adventure Beyond the Tears" Disney-Pixar's Up is not just remembered for its emotional opening montage that moves even the most hardened hearts to tears; it's also a testament to the art of storytelling, brimming with emotional depth.

As widower Carl's house takes flight, the film transforms into a thrilling adventure, filled with exotic destinations, talking (and flying!) dogs, vibrant birds, and a determined young boy scout. And for those craving more after the credits roll, Disney+ offers a series of shorts titled Dug Days, focusing on the lovable canine character from the film.

"Cruella:

A Stylishly Sinister Tale of Fashion and Folly" In this original feature, iconic villain Cruella De Vil, brilliantly portrayed by Emma Stone, embarks on a quest to make coats out of the adorable pups of Pongo and Perdita.

As she obsesses over her sinister scheme, the film showcases a riot of villainous characters and charming old-timey London locales. Rest assured, this is a Disney film, so no puppies will lose their fur in the process.

"Wall-E:

A Heartwarming Tale of Loneliness and Love" In Pixar's Wall-E, an ancient robot finds himself alone as the sole remaining robot on Earth, grappling with loneliness in a desolate world.

However, his solitary existence is transformed when EVE, another robot, arrives. Pixar's masterful storytelling demonstrates that a moving narrative doesn't require an all-star voice cast or extensive dialogue. Instead, Wall-E beautifully portrays the journey of lonely souls, or in this case, computer programs, discovering warmth even in the coldest of worlds. As humans eventually make their appearance, Wall-E transitions into a delightfully zany sci-fi comedy, offering a multifaceted and unforgettable viewing experience.

"The Jungle Book:

Mowgli's Journey in Disney's 'The Jungle Book'" In Disney's adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, Mowgli, a young orphan, embarks on a quest to uncover his place in the world.

With the aid of his animal companions, Mowgli navigates the jungle while confronting the formidable Shere Khan. Join Mowgli on his captivating journey of self-discovery and adventure in "The Jungle Book."

"Beauty and the Beast:

A Tale of Love and Redemption" In Disney's Renaissance-era fairytale, a haughty prince experiences a transformative lesson when he's cursed by an enchantress, turning him into a fearsome beast. The spell can only be broken through true love.

When the beast captures the town's clockmaster, his courageous daughter becomes both the captive's savior and the key to the beast's salvation. Join in the enchanting journey of "Beauty and the Beast," the first animated film to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, as it unfolds a timeless tale of love and redemption.

"Finding Nemo:

An Undersea Adventure of Independence and Wisdom" In Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo," the spirited young fish Nemo often challenges his father's warnings to stay close, eager to explore the vast ocean on his own.

However, when Nemo goes missing and encounters the formidable great white shark named Bruce, he learns the value of his father's guidance. As Nemo navigates the depths of the sea, he discovers that sometimes, it's wise to heed the advice of those who care about you the most, even if it means listening to your 'ol dad.

"Bambi:

A Heartfelt Tale of Growth and Friendship" Disney's "Bambi" follows the journey of a charming young deer as he navigates the challenges of the forest with the support of his family and friends. While the loss of Bambi's mother remains a poignant moment, the endearing bond between Bambi, Thumper, and Flower brings warmth and joy to the story.

As Bambi grows and learns alongside his companions, the film beautifully captures the essence of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.

"The Lion King:

A Disney Masterpiece of Epic Proportions" Apologies to Shakespeare, but Disney's "The Lion King" reigns supreme as the ultimate retelling of Hamlet. Among the three major films of the Disney Renaissance, "The Lion King" stands out as a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. With its unforgettable songs, compelling storyline, and powerful emotional resonance, the film continues to captivate viewers, with the heart-wrenching Mufasa death scene etched into our memories.

While "Hakuna Matata" remains an infectious earworm, and the unnecessary 2019 live-action remake may have disappointed some, nothing can diminish the impact of the original animated masterpiece in the hearts of '90s kids and beyond.

"Coco:

A Vibrant Celebration of Family and Culture" In Pixar's "Coco," reminiscent of "Inside Out," the studio delves into emotional themes, exploring a young boy's journey to rediscover his family heritage in the Land of the Dead while pursuing his musical idol from generations past. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film offers a colorful, humorous, and touching portrayal of Mexican culture and the importance of family legacies.

With its captivating songs and imaginative creatures, "Coco" breathes life into the concept of death, making it a film that feels remarkably alive despite its focus on mortality.

"Lady and the Tramp:

A Timeless Tale of Canine Romance" In "Lady and the Tramp," a refined cocker spaniel and a streetwise pup defy social boundaries to find love in a heartwarming canine romance.

Decades later, the iconic spaghetti-slurping scene between the two dogs continues to captivate audiences, ensuring that this timeless tale remains pawsitively irresistible.

"Moana:

A Lively Oceanic Adventure with Heart and Soul" Join young Moana, a spirited Polynesian princess, as she embarks on a daring voyage to save her island from a dreadful curse, accompanied by her endearing pet chicken. Featuring delightful songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a stellar vocal performance by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the cocky demigod Maui, "Moana" is a vibrant modern Disney flick bursting with energy.

With its unique vibe and captivating imagery, this oceanic adventure stands out among the company's contemporary fables, delivering a tale of courage, determination, and the power of self-discovery.

"Tangled:

A Modern Twist on Rapunzel's Tale" In this contemporary retelling of Rapunzel's story, our princess finds herself trapped in a tower with no means of escape, her cascading locks resembling those of a shampoo commercial. Just as she begins to lose hope, a charming prince arrives, sparking a new chapter in her life.

"Tangled" heralds a new era for Disney, blending slapstick comedy and crowd-pleasing songs to create a captivating fusion of timeless fairytales and modern sensibilities.

"Aladdin:

A Timeless Adventure with a Magical Twist" While certain characterizations in "Aladdin" may have aged poorly, the enduring charm of the Arabian Nights tale about a street-smart kid granted three wishes still shines through in one of Disney's most enjoyable '90s endeavors.

Robin Williams' dynamic portrayal of the motor-mouthed genie adds a layer of magic to the film, but it's the perfect blend of action, memorable songs, and heartfelt moments that truly make "Aladdin" soar. This animated classic not only opened up a whole new world for Disney but also revolutionized animation with its embrace of celebrity voices and computer-assisted art.

"Frozen:

Iconic Sisters: Anna and Elsa"

If you're not yet acquainted with Disney's dynamic duo, Anna and Elsa, let's bring you up to speed: these two sisters have captured hearts worldwide since their debut in 2013. In "Frozen," Elsa grapples with her icy powers, inadvertently plunging her kingdom into eternal winter.

Will her devoted little sister, Anna, be able to help thaw the frosty situation? Oh, and good luck shaking off the unforgettable earworm, 'Let It Go,' from the film's beloved soundtrack!

"Lilo & Stitch:

A Whimsical Tale of Family and Ohana" In "Lilo & Stitch," the young Hawaiian girl Lilo accidentally befriends an alien, whom she mistakes for a dog named Stitch.

Despite the mix-up, it soon becomes clear that their unconventional bond is destined for a greater purpose. As Stitch learns the true meaning of family (ohana), this heartwarming adventure takes audiences on a wild departure from Disney's typical style of storytelling, delivering a delightful and unforgettable journey from start to finish.

"Fantasia:

A Magical Symphony with Mickey Mouse" Disney's "Fantasia" is a groundbreaking fusion of fantasy and classical music that catapulted Mickey Mouse to stardom, rivaling even his iconic debut in "Steamboat Willie." Regarded as one of Disney's most inventive films, "Fantasia" features Mickey as a bumbling magician attempting to conjure up enchanting performances.

While this 1940s classic is a masterpiece of animation, it's worth noting that some of its darker moments may be a tad intense for younger viewers.

"Pocahontas:

A Musical Journey through History" Disney brings to life the story of Pocahontas, a courageous Native American heroine, and her forbidden romance with Captain John Smith, a colonist in the 17th century. Despite her father's disapproval, Pocahontas embraces love and acceptance in a time of cultural clash.

While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy, its themes of unity, acceptance, and environmentalism resonate deeply, making "Pocahontas" a timeless tale of love and courage.

"Encanto:

A Colorful Journey of Family and Individuality" Disney's latest offering, "Encanto," is a vibrant celebration of family, featuring a delightful collection of tunes from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songwriter behind "Hamilton" and "Moana."

The film follows Mirabel, a young woman grappling with her identity as the only 'normal' member of a family blessed with magical abilities. Set in the lush landscapes of Colombia, complete with adorable capybaras, "Encanto" is not only an explosion of color but also a heartfelt celebration of individuality and the bonds that unite us.

"Zootopia:

An Adventure of Determination and Diversity" Follow Judy Hopps as she leaves her rural home to pursue her dream of joining the police force in Zootopia, a bustling metropolis. Despite facing skepticism from her colleagues as the first rabbit on the force, Judy takes on a missing persons case to prove her worth.

Teaming up with the reluctant con artist fox, Nick Wilde, the duo embarks on a journey filled with clues, scandals, and unexpected twists. Along the way, "Zootopia" delivers thought-provoking commentary on issues of diversity and racism, making it a captivating and socially relevant animated adventure.

Davy