When watching a Disney animated film, we are not just taking in attractive images or watching something that will keep the kids entertained. We’re probably seeing a movie featuring one of the most famous Disney musical moments ever to grace the screen.
These songs have ranged from the more straightforward but no less effective ditty from Walt Disney’s early works to the more lyrically complex compositions written by writers like Howard Ashman and Lin Manuel-Miranda.
If your life were a musical, which movie/series track would you choose as the theme song? #movies #OTT #Hollywood #Bollywood #Netflix #AmazonPrimeVideo #DisneyPlus #Disney
— Bakstage (@bakstage_flyx) January 9, 2021
You will undoubtedly find enough noteworthy songs to make selecting the best of these songs difficult regardless of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ era. To realize how many details and the amount of work went into the toe-tapping set pieces that have characterized Disney’s reputation, one must first crack the top 15 Disney Animation musical numbers.
Here is the list of the 15 greatest Disney musical films that will compel you to get on the floor.
Greatest Disney Musical Movies:
15. The Princess and the Frog
- Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
- Writer: Ron Clements; John Musker; Greg Erb; Jason Oremland
- Cast: Anika Noni Rose, John Musker, Bruno Campos
- IMDb Ratings: 7.1
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
The Princess and the Frog Plot:
The movie, set in New Orleans in the 1920s, centers on a dedicated waitress named Tiana. She aspires to own a restaurant.
Following her disastrous kiss with a frog prince who wishes to become human again, the young server Tiana heads out on an interesting trip. Watch the musical performance from The Princess and the Frog called “Friends on the Other Side” to witness the super performance of Keith David.
Friends on the Other Side: The Princess and The Frog
Dr. Facilier’s persona is a charmer who must be persuasive to entice passersby to try their hand at voodoo magic.
David has confidence and charisma with his expert delivery of words like “It’ll allow me to do anything I choose.” Definitely one of the best-animated films. Many fans love this movie because of the music only. Thus, make sure to watch this Disney musical cause it has the best songs.
14. The Great Mouse Detective
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker, Burny Mattinson, David Michener
- Writer: Ron Clements; John Musker; Greg Erb; Jason Oremland
- Cast: Vincent Price, Candy Candido, Val Bettin
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
The Great Mouse Detective Plot:
Basil is a detective who undertakes the case after discovering that Professor Ratigan, his archnemesis, has abducted Hiram, a toymaker. The Great Mouse Detective isn’t typically associated with Disney musicals since it’s not actually a musical. However, the movie does contain two instances where the characters start singing.
The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind: The Great Mouse Detective
One is an absurd theatrical number (yes, you read that correctly). At the same time, the other is “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind,” a more appropriate Disney villain song.
It’s not surprising that Vincent Price plays this character because the words are so blatantly ludicrous and portray his villainy in such a general way. This is one of the most loved Disney mouse movies of all time.
13. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
- Writer: Tab Murphy
- Cast: Demi Moore, Tom Hulce, Tony Jay
- IMDb Ratings: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Review:
This movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, is based on Victor Hugo’s gothic novel of the same name, was created during the Disney Renaissance Era when animators were experimenting with darker themes. It is one of the underrated Disney movies that deserves more appreciation.
Although Disney’s rendition of Notre Dame’s deformed but kind-hearted bellringer won a million hearts, the original work was far too dismal for the younger.
The elders sympathized with Quasimodo’s forbidden affection for Esmeralda. One of the first songs in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, “Out There,” starts with a depressing tone with the cunning Judge Frollo telling Quasimodo to live in the bell tower house.
I am your only friend: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Frollo croons, “I am your only friend,” as he tells Quasimodo how the universe would only see him as a madman. In this instance, audiences must witness Frollo’s brutality before the song’s second half changes its attention to Quasimodo’s desire to spend only one day “out there”.
12. Mary Poppins
- Director: Robert Stevenson
- Writer: Bill Walsh; Don DaGradi
- Cast: Julie Andrews, Karen Dotrice
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This live-action feature picture from the Disney stables was far ahead of its time. It increased the value of the production company. The film Mary Poppins, which got five Oscar nominations and thirteen Motion Picture nominations, starred the stunning Julie Andrews, who also won an Academy Award for her work in the movie.
Mary Poppins Plot:
Walt Disney’s finest achievement at the time was “Mary Poppins.” This Disney musical film is surely a classic. In search of a nanny for his two unruly kids, Mr. Banks discovers Mary Poppins, a heavenly nanny. Mary Poppins not only makes a difference in the lives of others but also transmits happiness everywhere.
11. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Director: David Hand, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen
- Writer: Bill Walsh; Don DaGradi
- Cast: Adfriana Caselotti, Eddie Collins, Paul Colvig
- IMDb Ratings: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Review:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first feature-length animated movie, which premiered after the featurettes on Mickey Mouse. The film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, won an Honorary Academy Award for Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animation work while being criticized for being too fragile and charming.
The dwarfs shout out the phrase like a vast ancient chant, making a big entry with the phrase’s beginning.
Heigh-Ho: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
“Heigh-Ho” established an early high standard for what kind of tunes you’d find in Disney cartoons, despite being different from subsequent Disney tunes by composers like Howard Ashman.
10. Beauty and the Beast
- Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
- Writer: Linda Woolverton, Brenda Chapman, Chris Sanders
- Cast: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Beauty and the Beast Review:
Gaston is not your typical Disney villain, so it seems to reason that his villain theme song would be similarly out of the ordinary. Le Fou and his neighbors sing the villain Gaston a song of praise, him halfway through Beauty and the Beast.
It does a fantastic job of showing how Gaston represents the accepted vices in society. But what makes Gaston so fantastic isn’t only that it differs from previous Disney villain tunes.
Gaston: Beauty and The Beast
The lyrics by Howard Ashman are extremely hilarious and use Gaston’s braggadocio personality to convey exaggerated reflections of his power. The story is about a prince who is transformed into a beast by a magical curse. He imprisons Belle for a while so she can fall in love with him and liberate him from the spell.
Belle eventually discovers that the Beast is a cursed prince. The film is certainly one of the greatest Disney musical films. This one, in general, has the best music.
9. Mulan
- Director: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
- Writer: Robert D. San Souci
- Cast: Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Gong Li
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Some Disney movies are funny, while others are heartwarming. But how many motivate you to get up and immediately do every chore on your to-do list? That is what “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan does for you.
Mulan Review:
This movie made the brilliant decision to place a stirring musical performance during a traditional training montage. Thus, through words and an accompanying beat that are sure to get your heart racing, we see Mulan and her companions transform from being klutzes to skillfully defying the obstacles.
8. Moana
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Writer: Ron Clements; John Musker; Chris Williams; Don Hall; Pamela Ribon
- Cast: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Moana Plot:
The lighthearted movie interprets Hawaiian legend by Ron Clements and John Musker brought to life. It features unquestionably the first Disney princess who did not require a prince to prove her worth.
I Am Moana (Song of Ancestors): Moana
However, what makes “I Am Moana (Song of Ancestors)” so effective is how it manages to enter the protagonist’s psyche while still being aware of her family’s history and how that affects her.
I Am Moana (Song of Ancestors) stands out in the Moana soundtrack and other Disney musical performances and has won awards for the best-animated feature. Make sure to watch this Disney musical movie because it has some of the best songs.
7. Pinocchio
- Director: Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen, Norm Ferguson
- Writer: Carlo Collodi, Ted Sears, Otto Englander
- Cast: Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Some songs gain enduring popularity for no discernible reason. However, it’s not a secret why “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio continues to be popular.
Pinocchio Review:
Geppetto’s intense desire for his puppet to become a real boy is well captured by such powerful music. Cliff Edwards’ singing and the song’s succinct lyrics effectively capture the sweet, emotional heart of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
With all these attributes, it’s understandable why “When You Wish Upon a Star” has become one of the most well-known Disney songs ever and serves as the theme song for the Walt Disney Pictures logo. Making it one of the best Disney musical movies.
6. Tangled
- Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
- Writer: Dan Fogelman, Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm
- Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy
- IMDb Ratings: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Tangled Plot:
Rapunzel’s overly protective mother imprisons the young and innocent Rapunzel. When she meets the kind burglar Flynn, her desire to leave her jail finally becomes a reality. Tangled is an animated musical comedy film that Disney made in 2010.
The little princess defies her mother’s wishes and helps the handsome intruder guide her to a world she has never seen. The Tangled song “Mother Knows Best” turns motherly counsel on its head.
Mother Knows Best: Tangled
Disney tested many names when they adapted “Rapunzel”. They finally decided on the name “Tangled” because audiences felt connected with it for reasons other than the apparent hair allusion.
For example, the warped interpretation of the well-known tale and the complicated relationship between the two main characters. Murphy’s voice acting is also outstanding, especially when she amps up the threat in Gothel’s character.
5. The Little Mermaid
- Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
- Writer: John Musker, Ron Clements, Hans Christian Andersen
- Cast: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois
- IMDb Ratings: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
The Little Mermaid Plot:
The movie, The Little Mermaid, has been a favorite among younger audiences and older people. The sea witch Ursula successfully executes a clever agreement with Princess Ariel. The princess can meet Eric, the human prince she admires, but at a cost.
Ariel finds herself running into problems without realizing them. This movie is worth watching with your entire family. The Little Mermaid is one of the most popular Disney movies.
Part of Your World: The Little Mermaid
The movie’s song “Part of Your World” has rarely, if ever, been as impactful as other films from the Mouse House. The Little Mermaid is a very sole comforting animated musical film from Disney.
4. Cinderella
- Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
- Writer: Charles Perrault, Bill Peet, Erdman Penner
- Cast: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald, Eleanor Audley
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Cinderella Plot:
Cinderella receives assistance from her Fairy Godmother when her wicked stepmother prevents her from joining the Royal Ball and meeting the Grand Duke. Despite the difficulties, Cinderella makes it to the Royal Ball and impresses Prince Charming after her fairy godmother magically makes her dreams become a reality. However, the spell wears off at nightfall, and she incurs the wrath of her outraged stepmother and sisters.
3. The Lion King
- Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
- Writer: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
- Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
- IMDb Ratings: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
The movie Lion King had an incredible reception at the box office and still keeps audiences entertained with its undercurrent Shakespearean concept.
The Lion King Plot:
See how, throughout your lowest points in life, “Hakuna Matata” inspired you! One doesn’t need to write much about it! Like Hamlet, Simba has to leave the Pride Lands as a cub after his father Mufasa, is killed by his evil uncle, Scar. He returns as a young lion years later to take back his throne.
Be Prepared: The Lion King
But when he performs his major musical piece, “Be Prepared,” everything changes. Scar abandons his role as Mufasa’s passive resentment and embraces his cunning, evil nature. This is made clear by Scar’s looming presence over an army of hyena goons that are marching in a manner reminiscent of SS troopers, as well as by the song’s revelation of Scar’s deadly goals.
Scar has abandoned his subdued nature in favor of something more outwardly nasty as the scene culminates with him and his hyena companions climbing to the sky on towering boulders. Surely one of the best classic films and greatest musical films of all time. The cast members did an amazing job too.
2. The Jungle Book
- Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
- Writer: Larry Clemmons, Ralph Wright
- Cast: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima
- IMDb Ratings: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%
The Jungle Book Plot:
In The Jungle Book, A young boy named Mowgli was raised by wolves. His animal friends and family attempt to convince him to leave the jungle and live among humans when a man-eating tiger threatens his life. Disney’s retelling of “The Jungle Book,” which is set in the dense jungles of Seoni, was a massive hit at the time.
“The Bare Necessities,” possibly the most well-known song from the film, illustrates this point and marks it as one of the greatest Disney musical films of all time. It’s difficult to listen to this track without smiling; the easygoing melody wonderfully portrays the carefree vibes of Baloo the Bear (Phil Harris).
The Bare Necessities: The Jungle Book
“The Bare Necessities” demonstrates how these presentations may be as powerful with two people singing and performing everyday tasks as with sweeping hordes of vocalists in some Disney musical numbers. It is one of the favorite films of many fans.
1. Aladdin
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Writer: Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Andersen, Chris Buck
- Cast: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
- IMDb Ratings: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
You only need to hum a few bars of the Aladdin song “A Whole New World” to a complete stranger for them to start picking up the following verse.
Aladdin Plot:
A lowly thief named Aladdin falls in love with Princess Jasmine but cannot wed her because he is not a prince. A royal vizier with a hidden motive named Jafar asks Aladdin for assistance in locating a magical lamp.
A Whole New World: Aladdin
The song “A Whole New World” is well-known to everyone, and it’s easy to understand why. When it comes to wishing for more, a Disney song like “Part of Your World” is all about it, while “A Whole New World” is the beautiful and triumphant conclusion to all that wanting. The latest film with this song sung by Zayn Malik and Zhavia Ward is pretty catchy.
However, just so you know, these are not the only good Disney musicals of all time; the list is quite long. Since mentioning all of them is not really possible in just one article, we have a few musicals that you should watch by Disney.
The list is quite long. From Finding Nemo to spider-man, From high school musicals to The Greatest Showman, these movies have a good musical score. These Disney songs are pretty good to groove to!
