This list of classic Disney films is sure to add smiling faces to any movie marathon watchers.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
The catchy musical numbers and the adorable characters have made Disney movies the favorites of people young and old. While asking people what someone’s favorite Disney movie is, it’s difficult to get a straight answer. Answers are often, “There are so many good ones,” or “You want me to pick just one?” This is evidence that Disney will always be a part of children’s hearts for years to come. Here is a list of the top ten animated Disney movies, in my opinion.
10. Wall-E
This Pixar animated movie set in the future shows the life of a cute little robot trying to survive on the now trash-filled planet, Earth. He meets a sleek, female robot who was sent to prove that life on Earth is still sustainable and Wall-E can’t help but fall in love with EVE since the only glimpse he has to the past life on Earth is show tunes he watches on an old television. EVE and Wall-E end up having to save the people of Earth from becoming obese and lazy while trying to maintain a friendship as well. This movie is a message to society that we cannot allow ourselves to become lazy and dirty like the makers believe will ruin the planet in the near future.
9. Lady and the Tramp
A classic tale of a seemingly impossible romance, Lady and the Tramp includes memorable scenes and lessons for all viewers. When the pampered Cocker Spaniel, Lady, meets the mutt from the wrong side of town, Tramp, she learns that life on the streets is no easy life for dogs. Tramp and Lady help each other learn about the other’s lifestyle and embark on many adventures and spaghetti dinners before falling in puppy love. The cute, lesson-filled movie is sure to satisfy everyone’s cinematic cravings.
8. Finding Nemo
The unforgettable characters and colorful scenery of Finding Nemo has made this film a favorite since 2003. When the cute little clownfish Nemo gets caught by a deep-sea diver from Australia, his dad Marlin must go on a search for him. He picks up the forgetful, friendly blue fish Dory along the way. It’s a heartwarming story that shows the love of a father and son and the importance of determination.
7. Mulan
The heroic tale of Mulan is cultural as well as humorous. Mulan has to fight many battles not only with herself but with outer forces, such as her trainer and eventually, the Huns, who wish to invade China. This story is the ultimate example of girl power. Mulan has to honor her family, save the country and, in the end, she even gets the boy. The blending of Chinese culture, comedy and conflicts makes this warrior princess a fierce competitor in my eyes.
6. Cinderella
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella. It has been retold and written in many different ways over the years. I believe that Disney’s film does the best job at telling this classic fairy tale. It sticks to the moral of the story and doesn’t get too cruel like the modernized versions that make Cinderella tug at your heart strings. The way the musical numbers and the helpful critter friends intertwine to show the desperation of Cinderella is truly a masterpiece.
5. Up
This heartwarming movie is a newer Pixar production that has a twinge of sadness to it. Unlike most Disney/Pixar films, Up isn’t all laughs and good times. I even got a little bit teary eyed at the beginning of the movie when the main character, Carl, becomes a widower after years of marriage to Ellie. The beginning scenes show how the two met, fell in love, and supported each other throughout life’s hardships. Carl becomes disheartened after Ellie passes away and when the city demands that he moves out of his house he begins his scheme to outsmart the city officials. With a house full of balloons and a surprise visitor, Russell, Carl decides to fulfill his lifelong dream of going to South America. If I had to choose one word to describe this flick it would be “endearing.” The characters and the storyline touch the hearts of viewers young and old. You feel for the adorable character Russell, with the absentee father and for the cute elderly man who dedicates his life and heart to his wife even after her passing.
4. Aladdin
No matter how old I get, Aladdin will always be one of my go-to films for every movie marathon I have. It’s a classic that teaches that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Aladdin is viewed as a street rat and a thief but when he discovers a magic lamp with a genie who will grant him three wishes, he realizes his true desire to be with the Princess of Agrabah, Jasmine. The two of them discover the blending of their separate worlds is an adventure of its own. Fighting the villain, Jafar, however is their biggest struggle. In the end, Aladdin and Jasmine are able to change the law and marry each other to combine their lifestyles to make “a whole new world” for each other.
3. Beauty and the Beast
One of my personal favorites, Beauty and the Beast is the only Disney princess movie in which the princess isn’t shallow enough to fall for a prince simply because of his looks or his wealth. Belle has to look beyond the Beast’s frightening appearance and get to know the man he is inside. The Beast on the other hand, has to learn to control his temper as well as learn to love someone more than himself. The memorable songs and beautiful scenery compliment the lovable characters who only want the best for the Beast. The movie helps to show that true love is blind and that in the end, the good guy always wins.
2. Toy Story
Although the two follow up movies to Toy Story are fun cinematic adventures, they cannot top the original film. Any story where toys come to life when no one is looking is bound to be a hit with children, but it’s the witty comments that make the movie fun for adults to watch, as well. Jealousy, unity and acceptance are themes included in the film that make it wholesome for kids and a great escape from the realities of life.
1. The Lion King
The Lion King tops my list of Disney’s animated films. The upbeat songs and exotic animals make this film a family favorite. Simba just can’t wait to be king of the jungle like his father, but little does he know there is much to learn about being king. With the help of his friends, Zazu, Nala and the worry-free Timon and Pumbaa duo, Simba must learn the way of the jungle. With trickery and envy exuding from the villain Scar, Simba has to overcome his extreme guilt after years of exile and complete “The Circle of Life.”
