Best Disney Movies Ever? These 10 May Shock You

The arguments become wild when people argue about which Disney movies are the finest. Some people claim The Lion King is the best movie ever, while others cry over Beauty and the Beast. A few diehard fans say that weird jewels like Robin Hood deserve the title. But here's the thing: Disney doesn't simply make movies; it makes enchantment that lasts forever.

When you hear “You've Got a Friend in Me“, you become 8 years old again right away. When you see that sparkling castle emblem, your brain goes, “Disney mode: activated.” These movies aren't just movies; they're cultural events, comfort food for the soul, and time machines that take you back to simpler times.

So let’s settle this once and for all. Here are the Top 10 Best Disney Movies Ever—with sass, nostalgia, and some shockers you probably didn’t see coming. Get your popcorn, call your best friends, and prepare to argue with me (because you will).

1. The Lion King (1994): Hakuna Matata, But Make It Legendary

If we’re talking about the best Disney movies, let’s be real—The Lion King is the crown jewel. From that jaw-dropping “Circle of Life” opening to Simba’s heartbreaking “Dad, wake up!” moment, this movie hits harder than a wildebeest stampede. The story? Shakespeare with fur. Simba, the young boy lion who runs from his destiny, has to face guilt, grief, and Scar—the sassiest villain with the best cheekbones.

The music alone cements this as one of the best Disney films ever. Elton John and Tim Rice gifted us “Hakuna Matata” (pure fun), “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (peak romance), and Scar’s menacing “Be Prepared,” powered by Jeremy Irons’ silky menace. Every track slaps.

At the box office, it crushed records, becoming one of the highest-grossing Disney movies of all time. It launched a Broadway juggernaut, inspired sequels like Simba’s Pride, and even spawned a live action movie remake with hyper-stunning visuals.

In the Disney pantheon, this isn’t just a classic—it’s the classic. A gorgeously animated savanna masterpiece that still teaches us to laugh, cry, and roar like kings.

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991): No One Does Disney Magic Like This

Forget “a tale as old as time”—this is the tale that redefined Disney animation. Beauty and the Beast proved that an animated feature could compete with Hollywood’s best, even snagging an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. It’s lush, it’s dramatic, and it’s dripping with romance and humor.

Belle wasn’t your cookie-cutter Disney princess. She was smart, bookish, and unbothered by Gaston’s muscles-for-brains routine. Meanwhile, the Beast gave us broody gothic vibes, while sidekicks like Lumière and Cogsworth served nonstop fun.

And that ballroom dance scene? Still one of the most visually stunning moments in Walt Disney Animation Studios history. Pair it with a soundtrack that swings from the ridiculous “Gaston” to the dreamy title ballad, and you’ve got classical music magic wrapped in fairytale glitter.

The film smashed the box office, raking in millions and winning hearts. It proved that Disney movies could be more than kids’ flicks—they could be art. If we’re talking best Disney film lists, this one waltzes straight to the top, no questions asked.

3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): Disney’s First Mic Drop

Before there was Simba or Belle, there was a pale princess, seven quirky miners, and one seriously dramatic wicked stepmother. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs wasn’t just a movie—it was the world’s first full-length Disney animation mic drop. Back in 1937, critics laughed and called it “Disney’s Folly.” Well, guess who had the last laugh? Walt Disney himself.

Snow White was the first recognized Disney princess, and people loved her for her sweetness (and her tendency of fainting). Her seven dwarfs were funny, heartwarming, and had names that everyone still remembers. And what about the Evil Queen? She set the standard for bad guys, showing that Disney always knew how to be dark.

“Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” are two Disney songs that were instant hits and are now part of mainstream culture. The graphics were ahead of their time and showed that animation could be more than just funny flicks.

The box office success launched Walt Disney Animation Studios into history, built the foundation of the Disney pantheon, and inspired every animated feature that followed. It wasn’t just the start of Disney—it was the start of a whole new art form.

4. Robin Hood (1973): The Fox That Made Us Question Everything

Be honest—did you have a crush on Disney’s fox Robin Hood? Don’t even try to deny it. This 1973 Disney classic may have been born in the cutting costs era (seriously, you can spot recycled scenes from The Jungle Book and even Snow White), but it still stole our hearts like Robin himself stealing from the rich.

Prince John crying for his mommy while sucking his thumb? Comedy gold. Little John (basically Baloo in disguise) brought warmth and wit, while Maid Marian was sweet without being boring. Even the Sheriff of Nottingham oozed cartoonish charm.

And let’s talk about the music—“Oo-De-Lally” is one of the most fun little ditties in the Disney pantheon. It’s catchy, playful, and criminally underrated.

Sure, it wasn’t the most visually stunning film in the Walt Disney Animation Studios lineup, but what it lacked in polish, it made up for in heart. It’s proof that you don’t always need glossy animation when you’ve got personality, sass, and one very attractive fox.

5. The Jungle Book (1967): The Bare Necessities of Disney Magic

The Jungle Book is one of the few Disney movies that you can watch over and over again. It came out in 1967 and told the story of Mowgli, a small boy raised by wolves who learned life lessons from pals like Baloo and Bagheera. The story is simple but timeless: friendship, survival, and finding your place in the world.

And the music? Iconic. “The Bare Necessities” is pure Disney joy, catchy enough to have kids and adults dancing for decades. Meanwhile, King Louie’s jazzy “I Wan’na Be Like You” is chaotic brilliance, blending fun and swing.

Villains matter, and Shere Khan is one of the smoothest, most menacing villains in the Disney pantheon. His voice drips with menace, making every scene with him deliciously tense.

It was the final project personally overseen by Walt Disney, giving it extra emotional weight. While the animation wasn’t the most gorgeously animated, the characters and humor carried it to legendary status.

Bottom line? This is one of the best Disney films ever—proof that sometimes, the bare necessities really are enough.

ALSO READ: 7 Life Changing Lessons Learned From Walt Disney

6. Sleeping Beauty (1959): The OG Aesthetic Queen

Released in 1959, Sleeping Beauty is a Disney film that didn’t just tell a fairytale—it painted one. Princess Aurora might spend most of the movie napping, but who cares? This film isn’t really about her—it’s about Maleficent, the ultimate diva villain. She didn’t get invited to a party, so she cursed a baby. Petty? Absolutely. Legendary? 100%.

The movie flopped at the box office when it was released, but today, critics hail it as one of the most visually stunning and gorgeously animated films in Disney history. The art style was inspired by medieval tapestries, giving the whole movie a unique, painterly vibe that still looks fresh decades later.

And that dragon fight? Maleficent transforming into a fire-breathing beast to face Prince Phillip? Still one of the most jaw-dropping sequences in Disney animation.

It may have once been dismissed, but time has crowned Sleeping Beauty a Disney classic. It’s the proof that even a “flop” can rise into the Disney pantheon as pure art.

7. Lady and the Tramp (1955): The Spaghetti Kiss That Ruined All Other Romances

Love tastes better with pasta, as Lady and the Tramp (1955) showed us. This Disney classic gave us one of the most famous scenes in movie history: two dogs eating the same thread of spaghetti under the stars. Sorry, rom-coms, but Disney got there first.

Lady, the spoiled cocker spaniel, and Tramp, the scrappy mongrel, are opposites who show that love doesn't care about collars or social position. Their chemistry is pleasant, fun, and unexpectedly real. With side characters like Jock, Trusty, and Peg (voiced by Peggy Lee, who also wrote a lot of the movie's music), you have a cast that is full of personality.

And let’s not forget the atmosphere. The warm, hand-drawn Disney animation makes every street, alley, and candle-lit table feel cozy. Songs like “Bella Notte” remain timeless—few moments in Disney movies are this effortlessly romantic.

It may not have the epic stakes of The Lion King or the lavish visuals of Sleeping Beauty, but Lady and the Tramp proves that simple stories told well can still land in the best Disney films conversation. And honestly? No dinner date will ever top that spaghetti scene.

8. The Great Mouse Detective (1986): Sherlock Holmes, But Make It Disney

Released in 1986, The Great Mouse Detective dropped in the middle of Disney’s so-called dark age—but it proved the studio still had tricks up its sleeve. Enter Basil of Baker Street, the mouse version of Sherlock Holmes, complete with gadgets, deduction skills, and a loyal sidekick in Dawson.

The villain? Ratigan, voiced with over-the-top brilliance by Vincent Price, one of the most memorable baddies in the Disney pantheon. He’s larger-than-life, flamboyant, and absolutely terrifying in the best way.

The movie’s crown jewel is the chase inside Big Ben’s clock tower, one of the most thrilling sequences ever created in Walt Disney Animation Studios history. Even with limited budget and resources, it delivered stunning visuals and nail-biting suspense.

It wasn’t the biggest box office hit, but it was a creative turning point, paving the way for the Disney Renaissance. Quirky, clever, and criminally underrated, this Disney film is proof that even the “forgotten” ones can still rank among the best Disney movies ever.

9. Wreck-It Ralph (2012): The Bad Guy Who Stole Our Hearts

In 2012, Disney decided to ask: “What if video game villains had feelings?” The answer was Wreck-It Ralph, a Disney film that broke the mold. Ralph, a “bad guy” tired of being bad, teams up with Vanellope, a glitchy racer who proves even “mistakes” can save the day. Together, they’re chaotic, heartwarming, and unforgettable.

The movie’s stunning visuals turned Sugar Rush into pure eye candy (pun intended), with candy-coated racetracks, neon-lit arcs, and gags galore. It was visually fun and cleverly packed with Easter eggs for gamers and kids alike.

The emotional beats hit just as hard as the jokes. Ralph smashing the candy walls to help Vanellope race? Tears. The friendship at the core of this story showed that best friends don’t have to be perfect—they just have to stick.

And let’s not sleep on King Candy’s villain twist—equal parts hilarious and creepy. Wreck-It Ralph proved that modern Disney movies don’t need Disney princesses or castles to deliver magic. Sometimes, the best fairy tale is an arcade game with heart.

10. Mary Poppins (1964): Practically Perfect in Every Way

It's probably cheating to put a live-action movie here, but Mary Poppins (1964) is too lovely to leave out. Julie Andrews came in with her umbrella, sang her way into our hearts, and forever changed the divide between real life and Disney cartoons. This isn't just a Disney movie; it's a cultural landmark.

The images were ahead of their time because they mixed real performers with animated scenes in a way that appeared natural. The chalk-drawing excursions, the penguin dance, and the carousel horses all felt brand new and still do.

The music is iconic. “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Feed the Birds,” and the tongue-twisting “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” are so embedded in pop culture that even people who’ve never seen the film know the words. That’s the power of Disney movies—they give you songs that stick for life.

At the box office, it was a smash hit, proving that Walt Disney could dominate not just in animation but in live action too. Mary Poppins wasn’t just a nanny—she was proof that Disney could innovate endlessly. In the Disney pantheon, this one earns its spot by being, well, practically perfect.

Honorable Mentions & The Role of Music in Disney Magic

Of course, narrowing down the best Disney movies to just ten feels like asking a parent to pick their favorite kid. Some gems deserve a shoutout. Fox and the Hound (1981) gave us a heartbreaking look at unlikely best friends. The Black Cauldron (1985), while a flop, showcased bold, darker tones from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Strange World (2022) didn’t land with everyone, but its adventurous spirit and stunning visuals proved Disney still takes risks.

And who could forget The Last Dragon (Raya and the Last Dragon) with its lush Disney animation, or Peter Pan, Toy Story, and Cruella de Vil’s villainy that defined eras of storytelling? Even Meet the Robinsons gave us the quirky Bowler Hat Guy and Wilbur Robinson, showing Disney wasn’t afraid to get weird.

But let’s be real—Disney without music isn’t Disney at all. Every Disney movie has a soundtrack that makes it come to life, from the classical music brilliance of Fantasia to Alan Menken's powerful compositions for The Little Mermaid and Aladdin (hello, magic lamp). The songs are what make these movies last. For example, Kristen Bell sings as Anna in Frozen and Joey Lawrence sings as Oliver in Oliver & Company.

Disney's heart is music. It's why the first notes of “You've Got a Friend in Me“ or “Bella Notte” can make grown adults cry.

So, What’s the Best Disney Film of All Time?

Here’s the truth: there’s no single answer. Some will always swear by The Lion King’s roar, others will melt for Beauty and the Beast’s romance, while purists defend Snow White’s legacy. And honestly? They’re all right. Because the best Disney movies aren’t just about stories—they’re about moments.

Moments like Maleficent turning into a dragon. Like Mowgli and Baloo singing about bare necessities. Like Lady and Tramp kissing over spaghetti. Like Ralph smashing through candy walls for his glitchy bestie. Or like Mary Poppins teaching us that sometimes, magic shows up in the form of a spoonful of sugar.

Every Disney film, whether gorgeously animated features or groundbreaking hybrids, leaves us with a mix of fun, music, and characters we’ll never forget. They reflect our own lives—love, friendship, loss, growth—in the safest, sparkliest way possible.

So which one is the best? That depends on you. But one thing’s certain: Disney’s magic hasn’t just entertained us. It’s shaped generations, redefined storytelling, and built a universe where foxes can be heroes, toys can have feelings, and even a young circus elephant can learn to fly.

And that, my friends, is why no matter your pick, the best Disney movies ever will always live in our hearts—forever timeless, forever magical.

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