Disney is known for its unforgettable films, many of which shaped countless childhoods since the studio’s humble beginnings in 1923. From its animation technique to its direction, the company set new standards that few other studios could match, allowing the brand to stand out among competitors for generations.
Many of the films that the studio went on to create delivered far more than just entertainment, offering viewers stunning emotional arcs, thrilling musical scores, and unforgettable characters. Disney’s golden era was full of new, innovative films that thrilled viewers in ways that set the standard for future generations to near untouchable heights.
12
Old Yeller
Old Yeller follows Travis Coates, a young boy growing up in post-Civil War Texas, and his loyal dog, Old Yeller. With Travis’s father away for a cattle drive, Old Yeller helps protect the family from predators and other wild animals. The dog becomes a dear companion to Travis and his family before tragedy strikes.
The film stands out as one of Disney’s most raw and emotional live-action film adaptations. Old Yeller captures life with grounded realism, allowing every moment from joy to sorrow to land with powerful emotional resonance, making it a film audiences can’t forget.
11
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid centers on Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of living on land. She has a deep fascination with the human world, collecting artifacts from shipwrecks and closely observing them whenever she has the chance. After she meets a dangerous sea witch, Ariel trades her voice for legs, needing true love’s kiss to remain human.
The film stands out among Disney’s princess films as a revolutionary, Broadway-style film that featured a rebellious protagonist rather than a passive or domestic one. With memorable songs, characters, and an engaging storyline, the film stands among the best Disney classics.
10
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins follows the titular character, a magical nanny who arrives at the Banks household in Edwardian London to care for Jane and Michael. Mary Poppins brings order, joy, and wonder to the children’s lives while teaching them valuable life lessons through fantastical adventures.
Mary Poppins stands as one of the studio’s crowning achievements and one of its best live-action classics.
The film is one of Disney’s most iconic live-action films, filled with memorable songs, characters, and lessons. From beginning to end, the film felt imaginative, charming, and magical, creating an experience that few other Disney films can match. Mary Poppins stands as one of the studio’s crowning achievements and one of its best live-action classics.
9
Tarzan
Tarzan centers on the titular character, Tarzan, a boy raised by gorillas in the African jungle after his parents are stranded and later killed by a leopard. He survives and grows up under the watchful eye of his adoptive mother, Kala, until he discovers Jane Porter and his human heritage.
The film stands out most for its unforgettable, critically acclaimed soundtrack by Phil Collins. Beyond the music, the innovative 3D technology used in the film allowed the jungle scenes to feel dynamic and eye-catching, particularly when Tarzan is essentially surfing through trees.
8
Bambi
Bambi follows the life of a young deer as he grows up in the forest, from learning to walk to exploring new friendships with Thumper, Flower, and a young doe named Faline. He learns from his mother and his father, the Great Prince of the Forest, that there are dangers in the forest, particularly in open spaces like the meadows.
The film follows Bambi’s growth to adulthood, including the tragedies he experiences and the beauty of the forest. Bambi is a coming-of-age story that explores the loss of innocence, grief, and the transition to adulthood, making the film both timeless and universal. Bambi stands out as one of Disney’s best animated classics.
7
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast follows Belle, a young woman from a small village who sacrifices her freedom to live in a castle with a mysterious Beast in exchange for her father. However, over time, she discovers that he is cursed and learns to see past his fearsome exterior, forming a strong bond with him.
Beauty and the Beast is the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, cementing its iconic status among Disney’s extensive catalog of films. With beautiful art, strong themes, and an unconventional protagonist who broke the mold, Beauty and the Beast is one of the best Disney princess movies.
6
Aladdin
Aladdin centers on the titular character, a clever orphan boy living on the streets who discovers a magical lamp containing a genie who can grant three wishes. Using the wishes, he pursues Princess Jasmine and must put a stop to the evil vizier Jafar from taking control of the kingdom.
The film is best known for its unforgettable characters, imaginative world-building, and origins from the fairy tale One Thousand and One Nights. Aladdin stands out as one of Disney’s best animated works due in part to its charming, witty protagonist, Robin Williams’ iconic Genie, and beautiful backdrops and settings.
5
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs follows the story of Snow White, a princess whose beauty and kindness incite the jealousy of her wicked stepmother. After an assassination attempt, she is forced to flee into the forest, where she finds a shelter with seven dwarfs, each with distinct personalities.
The film is Disney’s first full-length animated feature and is entirely hand-drawn from beginning to end, standing out as a jaw-dropping artistic feat, especially for its time. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs forever revolutionized cinema with its use of technicolor and musical integration.
4
Fantasia
Fantasia is an experimental anthology that doesn’t have a singular plot, instead, it uses classical music across several animated segments, each telling a distinct story. The film stands as a groundbreaking masterpiece that demonstrates Disney’s commitment to innovation and evolution.
To this day, Fantasia stands as a one-of-a-kind film and a visually stunning achievement for the studio.
While it initially received mixed reviews, it now stands as one of Disney’s best classic films, showing that the studio wasn’t afraid to be ambitious and experimental. To this day, Fantasia stands as a one-of-a-kind film and a visually stunning achievement for the studio.
3
The Fox and the Hound
The Fox and the Hound tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Tod, a young fox, and Copper, a young hound, whose bond is tested as they grow older. They are forced apart by the expectations placed on them, ultimately leading to a conflict that tests both their natures and their upbringing.
The film stands out for its emotional maturity and heavy themes, including societal pressure, class, and prejudice, and friendship. It’s known for its expressive animation and touching story, making The Fox and the Hound one of Disney’s most unforgettable animated classics.
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