Top 10 Best Disney Animated Movies

Disney is a company that most people should know exists. It has created some of the greatest animated movies in history. From the first film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney has been in business since 1937. Here we will list the greatest Disney animated movies ever created.
The Top Ten
1 The Lion King

If you have never seen The Lion King, then you don't have a complete childhood. I remember watching this movie for the first time when I was six or seven, and it is still my favorite Disney movie. Why watch it? The animation is top-notch, including the amazing CGI "wildebeest" moment. The characters develop in incredible ways, there are truly memorable lessons, and the movie combines Shakespeare, the Bible, and African folk legends to create a fun, emotional movie for adults and children.

Oh yes, and the music, thanks to Elton John, is the best I've ever heard in an animated film. From the epic "Circle of Life" sequence to the hilarious "Hakuna Matata," this movie is also the highest-grossing animated film in history. The Lion King truly shows how important standing up for yourself, your friends, and life is.

2 Toy Story

Many people sadly think that this movie revolutionized film, but don't realize it's more than just that. I have seen several movies from Ghibli to Pixar to Disney, but this is the best animated movie. What's good about the movie is that it appeals to people who hate themes of "friendship" or "love," and also to those who like them. I lean more towards disliking friendship themes in movies, but it didn't bother me. The movie's entertainment value is enough to make the audience forget the theme. This movie is plain genius. If you don't think this movie is better than the third one (although the third one is a very great movie), I need to have a talk with you. The third will never surpass the first or the second.

3 Aladdin

This is probably one of the best Disney movies ever made. Even the remake is good! (I love Naomi Scott though, so I'm partial.) And to anyone who prefers Will Smith as the Genie to Robin Williams, get out! Robin Williams's Genie for life!

Toy Story before Aladdin? Really? Toy Story shouldn't even be in the top ten. The animation in Aladdin is far more superior, and the plot is also more interesting with better musical numbers. Robin Williams, may he rest in peace, was amazing in this film as well. Aladdin should be number one.

4 Beauty and the Beast

I have to say that I absolutely adore this movie! I've loved it ever since I was practically a baby. I'd always sing along to the songs, and I still do to this day. The movie is fun, romantic, and beautiful. Belle is the best Disney Princess for several reasons:

1. Don't judge a book by its cover.
2. People will judge you, so move on and do what you love.
3. The nicest people often come from unexpected places.
4. Be nice to everyone, no matter what.
5. Don't follow the crowd. Stand out as your own person.

I'm sure there are more lessons, but these are all I could think of. If you haven't watched this movie, I highly recommend it. Also, if you haven't seen the live-action version, it's also awesome!

5 Finding Nemo

Who doesn't like Nemo?! Finding Nemo is the best, and here's why.

1. There is father-son love, not that other love muck.
2. There are so many funny fish in the movie.
3. It's about a man, or fish to be correct, being able to not be afraid of the outside world.
4. Dory!
5. Crush! He is the coolest dude.
6. Vegetarian-ish sharks.

This movie has the best movie written all over it. It deserves to be higher than Toy Story.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Some parts are funny and some are sad. I like that the setting is based in Australia because I have traveled there, and it's a beautiful country. I didn't expect a Disney movie to be set in Australia. I recommend that you vote for Finding Nemo!

6 Mulan

A girl is thrown into a position that not only does everyone believe she doesn't belong in, but she herself thinks she could not bring honor to her family in this way. A war is forcing her disabled father, whom she loves, to be recruited and fight. This girl loves her father so much, she is willing to risk her life to keep him safe. One problem: girls aren't allowed to enter the war.

When I first watched this movie, it made me laugh, cry, and cheer on Mulan as she broke down boundaries that divided men and women, and basically won a war for her nation that forbade girls to do such things. While there is romance, it isn't "guy sees girl, guy falls for girl." In my opinion, Mulan is the best Disney princess, not because she fell in love with someone important, not because something wonderful happened to her. It's because something horrible happened to her, and she was strong enough to overcome it.

And yet, no matter how amazing I try to make her, she's still human. She still has flaws. Also, have you seen the "dragon"?

7 Up

Now this may surprise most people, but I think Up is a bit overrated. This is coming from someone who genuinely loves Up. The first 10 minutes of the movie is art and film at its peak. The rest of the film is a very fun-loving and hearty adventure, and the twist villain was obvious, but at least it made sense. The reason I think it's overrated is because of those first 10 minutes. People act as if those first 10 minutes define what the film is like as a whole, but they don't. The rest of the movie doesn't even come close to how spectacular the first 10 minutes were, although it was still good. Yes, I think it's overrated, but it's overrated for a good reason. This is still one of my favorite animated movies of all time.

8 Monsters, Inc.

I might have a bit of a bias because this was the first movie I ever saw in a movie theater. However, Monsters Inc. is probably still my favorite Disney movie. It's likely tied with Toy Story and Wall-E, but I think this should be higher up on this list.

Sully is such a cute monster that you just want to hug, and so is our secondary protagonist, Boo. It feels like you're watching Sesame Street, but in a manner more oriented for both younger and older kids, as well as teenagers like me. Anyway, you should definitely give this a shot.

9 Toy Story 3

This is the best movie I have ever seen in my life! The strategy used in this movie is amazing. It's a very, very nice movie. Hats off to Mr. Lee Unkrich! With this movie, Disney Pixar has proved that it is the best company for animation movies. After watching this movie, I became fond of animated films. My favorite character is Woody because he never loses self-confidence and never gives up on his friends. This movie should be in first place! I expect more fantabulous animated movies like Toy Story 3 from Disney. Disney, you are great!

10 Wreck-It Ralph

I agree that this deserves higher ranking, but because the main character was a white male, and another main character was not only a white male but also a Southern-fried "good ol' boy," it doesn't have the support of the SJWs. Yes, there are also two female main characters who fit the "strong" bill, but they're both white, and one of them is also blond.

SJWs are the only reason "The Princess and the Frog" and "Mulan" haven't otherwise faded into obscurity. Their praising of "Big Hero 6's" non-white leads caused that movie to instantly overshadow "Wreck-It Ralph."

The Contenders
11 Tangled

A wonderful movie that anyone of any age or gender can watch and most definitely enjoy. The animations are beautiful, and I really love the storyline too. Actually, I love everything about this movie. I've watched it countless times, and it never fails to make me feel light and happy. The movie pulls me into the story so much. One moment I'm laughing, the next I'm crying, and then I'm melting because it's all so cute and sweet.

The voice actors were perfectly cast. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi singing together was amazing. Oh, and have I mentioned how cute Rapunzel and Eugene are? Every character in the story is unique in its own way. The movie brings back the original 'Disneyness' - innocent, pure, and sweet. Tangled will definitely stay as my favorite movie for a very long time.

12 The Little Mermaid

I've seen all the classic movies, and I absolutely love them all. However, it was The Little Mermaid that really made me pay attention and grow to understand meanings within the movies themselves. Not to mention that it is a classic movie. It's even written that if it hadn't been for the success of The Little Mermaid during the era it came out, pretty much none of the other movies we all know and love would have even been made. It set up the potential and the inspiration for the Disney Renaissance that made so many amazing and memorable movies (i.e., The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, etc.). It is and forever will be my most favorite and prized Disney movie until the day I die!

13 Big Hero 6

To be honest, this movie made me cry, especially at the end where Baymax had to say goodbye to Hiro, which broke my heart. In my opinion, this movie kind of inspired me to choose a path in electronics because of all the tech that was in the movie and the possibilities that could happen in our daily lives. This movie was definitely one that had not only good graphics but also an amazing story plot. I would definitely watch this movie again.

This movie is unique. It is the first Disney movie where not one person has a love interest - even in Brave, the parents did. I thought they did a beautiful job with Hiro's character, and I was glad he was the protagonist. It is also one of the few Disney movies where the main character turns into a villain. It's not as predictable as everyone thinks. How many people thought Tadashi was Yokai? There were also some clichés, but in its defense, it is a Disney movie. I think this is the best movie Disney ever created. It's totally worthy of the top ten.

14 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1937) remains the most impressive full-length animated film of all time, and no computers were used! In terms of dramatic story development, excellent animation, and brilliant color - not to mention eight timeless songs - this movie ranks among the best motion pictures in the history of cinema. I'm always enthralled by the marvelous 'Silly Symphony' sequence. Everything about it is superb.

Each of the seven dwarfs has a distinct personality, and the animals are endearing as well. Snow White herself captures our emotions. We love her innocence and fear for her life at the hands of the evil queen, her stepmother. When the dwarfs mourn her lifeless body preserved in a glass coffin, we empathize with them.

It's incredible how the use of thousands of drawings can influence the viewer's mind and heart. A work of creative genius, this film is a gem for all ages. Initially known as "Walt Disney's Folly," it became the most successful animated feature of all time and ranks 10th on the list of the most successful movies ever. It was also the first animated motion picture to be chosen for placement in the National Film Registry. "Magic mirror on the wall, which is the fairest animated film of all?" After 80 years, the answer remains the same: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Dr. H. James Birx
Distinguished Visiting Professor
Faculty of Philology, University of Belgrade

15 Zootopia

Don't get me wrong. I think Nick Wilde is my favorite character in this film. But you have to admit, he has had a tragic childhood that hits way too close to home. He had a dream that he would become the leader of his own scout troop when he was young. But as the big day came, when he was going to be the first predator to join the Junior Ranger Scouts, all the members turned on him, pinned him down, and forced a muzzle onto his face. Then we see him running away in tears, retreating to a nearby corner, ripping the muzzle off his face, and curling up into a fetal position. It was also implied that his family was raised in poverty, so that explains everything. If you were raised as a sweet and innocent kid during your childhood and experienced that kind of situation (minus the muzzle), then chances are the scene can make for a difficult watch.

16 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Easily the best Disney film ever. The story, visuals, voices, and music represent Disney at its finest. People think it's inappropriate for children, but it's not. My parents let me watch it when I was two, and my siblings and I loved it. We didn't even pick up on the dark themes as children. Kids don't notice or understand those elements at a young age. It's visually and musically entertaining and exciting. As we got older, understanding those themes made us love the movie even more. The characters are relatable and realistic, and the voices are perfect. Frollo is the best Disney villain ever, and Esmeralda is the first true Disney feminist. She's smarter than Belle and braver than Mulan. Disney needs to breathe life back into this movie and start promoting it again at all the theme parks and stores.

17 The Incredibles

This movie is impressive. I could watch it every day, and I would love to see a second part of it. I really think it's appropriate to give to a child to watch. It changes their view of the world.

Part of the reason I love this movie is that my whole family really relates to it. This should be higher on the list. It addresses more serious topics, like suicide and genocide, and turns them into something fun and exciting.

Brad Bird really put a lot of effort into this film, and I like the fact that it's just a bit more mature and edgier than the usual Disney fare.

18 Frozen

Why in the world is this ranked 42nd?! This is seriously one of the best movies ever! (And I'm a teenager.) I loved Elsa. I think she was definitely the best character. I loved how she was a good person overall but could be bad at times, like a normal person would. Not to mention that she's gorgeous - one of the prettiest Disney princesses so far.

This movie had some amazing songs too. I honestly loved all of them. The cast was amazing and had great voices. It wasn't super over-romantic like a usual Disney movie. I loved how at the end, Elsa was the act of true love and not Kristoff. I liked how they showed sisterly and familial love. Elsa's ice magic was amazing, and the animation was beautiful. The movie also has a lot of meaning if you really pay attention. Overall, this is one of my all-time favorite movies, not just Disney - all time!

19 Wall-E

An actual Disney/Pixar film that isn't about princesses, superheroes, cheesy kid-human characters, or random songs popping out of nowhere. The plot is more understandable than most Pixar films. Take Monsters Inc., for example: the plot is about monsters creating energy made of screams. And then, plot twist, the leader of the corporation is evil. The end.

And it's my second-best Pixar film, but Wall-E takes the top spot. A robot in a time-scarred Earth is sent to rebuild and clean the Earth. Humans are sent aboard a space cruiser to survive, and WALL-E's home is a shipping container full of scrap. Then a large rocket disturbs the peace. A large white and blue robot named Eve comes out (WALL-E pronounces it 'Eva'). They then stow away on the human colony ship, with an evil computer controlling its movements. Better than any plot in an animated movie.

20 Hercules

Why was this movie not on the list until just now? I love, love, LOVE this movie! (Despite it differing from the actual ancient Greek mythology, but that's really beside the point.) Prepare yourselves for a rant. Here we go...

First, we have the handsome yet clueless and accident-prone Hercules as the hero. Then we have a Disney princess (Megara) who actually betrays her "prince" and then saves his life before dying (and coming back to life). Not to mention Hades (James Woods - he totally nailed the voice) is probably one of the cleverest, funniest villains I've ever seen.

Hades: How sentimental. You know, I haven't been this choked up since I got a hunk of moussaka caught in my throat.

21 The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is just the first movie that someone has to watch in their childhood. It delivers the important message that you should value your friends, a lesson I believe everyone should take into account. The movie is so much fun!

I have loved The Jungle Book since I was a little kid. This definitely should be in the top 10. Knock out some of the computer-animated movies. Leave some with original-type animation. Hand-drawn animation adds a lot of character to a movie!

My favorite movie ever! I love all the characters. Baloo and Shere Khan are cool. This is my dad's favorite Disney movie. My great-uncle Leo painted some Jungle Book drawings on my bedroom wall. His son Jonathan helped.

22 Fantasia

I watched half of this movie months ago, and so far, it blew me away! My favorites are Bald Mountain and the dinosaur scene. Fantasia is without a doubt one of Disney's milestone movies. A masterpiece!

Yeah, the Concert Feature gets my vote. I didn't even have to think about this one. If I had to pick one with a continuous narrative, it's probably Beauty and the Beast or Hunchback, maybe Pinocchio. But Fantasia is simply my favorite Disney animated feature by far. In fact, it's my favorite animated movie of all time and a top ten film for me personally. Each viewing is just as enjoyable as the last, and I find something new to appreciate each time. I still smile at the humor and magic of Sorcerer's Apprentice, have my perception of survival changed by Rite of Spring, laugh raucously at Dance of the Hours, and stare in awe at Night on Bald Mountain. It's an experience, a film like no other. It gets my vote for number one, unequivocally.

23 Pinocchio

I will admit, I did not vote for Pinocchio, but I still think this is a great Disney film. It will probably never get the recognition it deserves, given the popularity of Disney's later movies. However, in my opinion, Pinocchio has the best animation seen in a Disney film, especially given the time period it was made.

The story, although nonsensical at times due to how naive Pinocchio was, really nails the morals in a frighteningly memorable way. This pushes the film into the discussion as one of Disney's best films. I would put it at least in the top 10, if not the top 5.

24 Lilo & Stitch

This movie is my favorite, and I think it's very underrated. Here are some reasons why this movie is so epic:

1. Lilo teaches Stitch that there is more to life than destruction.
2. The movie is about friendships and family.
3. It was funny.
4. The music was great.
5. It had action-filled, suspenseful moments.
6. Stitch and Lilo both have their own flaws, making them an awesome pair.
7. I love how Lilo keeps saying that you don't leave Obama behind.
8. Lilo is bullied by her friends, making her relatable to some people.
9. They are both unique.
10. Lilo means broken in Hawaiian, and Stitch fixes her.

25 Alice in Wonderland

I just had to vote for this because it's an absolute classic, and I have a fascination with weird, trippy things. Oddly enough, I never did drugs, but I get my highs off watching movies like this. Things in it don't make sense. It's very dream-like and surreal. I love it. Plus, the Cheshire Cat is one of my favorite Disney characters of all time. I could watch this over and over and never get bored of it!

I just really enjoy how weird it was. The animation is beautiful. I'm just a sucker for colors. The characters are amazing too. Who doesn't love the Cheshire Cat? And it's surprisingly humorous if you catch the jokes. This, Brother Bear, and The Emperor's New Groove have got to be the most popular underrated Disney movies ever, and rightfully so.

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