Disney movieshave brought joy and magic to people for generations. Whether taking the audience to faraway kingdoms, bringing beloved and timeless animated characters to life, or pioneering groundbreaking animation techniques, Disney movies have made their mark on film history in numerous and incredible ways.
For almost 100 years, Disney has transported viewers of all ages to wonderful new worlds and filled their lives with adventure, heart, humor, and the most memorable beats. From the very first Mickey Mouse cartoons andSnow White and the Seven Dwarfsto contemporary releases likeLightyearandTurning Red, Disney has showcased its ability to capture the audiences’ attention with stories of hope and dreams and love, and created a long-lasting legacy for itself.
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From literally shaping the childhoods of many to finding them on the bad days and staying with them for life, these movies have left a large impact on viewers. The vast and magical themes, fantastical characters, musical numbers, and the most important life lessons delicately woven into their plots have touched peoples’ hearts and fueled their imaginations like few others.
The movies on this list represent the very best of Disney’s legacy, with characters and stories that have come to blend themselves into the cultural fabric. Whether it is the masterful storytelling or the unparalleled animation, these movies have and continue to impact and inspire new audiences with each new generation. So get ready to reminisce about magical animated worlds, strong heroines,beloved sidekicks, and unforgettable songs as we revisit the most important Disney movies of all time – ones that have shaped Disney’s reputation as a creative force of storytelling to audiences worldwide.
25Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney broke new ground with its first fully animated feature film, ushering in the Disney “golden age” and setting the stage for decades of Disney classics to follow.Snow White and the Seven Dwarfstells the timeless tale of a princess named Snow White living as a kitchen maid and is tormented by her wicked stepmother, the Queen. When push comes to shove, she runs away and finds a family of seven dwarfs who take her in. Disney blends some delightful humor, memorable music, and outstanding animation into the classic fairy tale. Among the first “princess heroine,” we also get the seven lovable dwarf companions – Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, and Doc – who provide comic relief and heart.
24Fantasia (1940)
Fantasiaproved to be another grand outing for the studio. The film launched as an experimental blend of classical and contemporary music and vividly colorful animation. It seemed like Disney was determined to push its creative boundaries. The film has no narrative, instead using seven music selections from masters like Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Ponchielli as an inspiration and setting for animated segments featuring creatures like fishes, fairies, and flora. Initially, the movie was considered a financial failure, butFantasia’sstunning visual effects and using music to paint an image, as well as putting Mickey Mouse on the map, really cemented its place as one of Disney’s more important movies.
23Cinderella (1950)
Cinderellais a beloved classic that tells the story of a kindhearted young woman named Cinderella who dreams of escaping her life for just one night to attend the Royal Ball and meet the Grand Duke. But her feat is hindered by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. The film features some of Disney’s most memorable characters – the fairy Godmother and the lovable mice who help make Cinderella’s dreams come true. The animation is beautiful, and the story is charming, and it features Oscar-winning songs like “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,“all of which madeCinderellaan enduring favorite.
22The Lion King (1995)
A story that probably needs little introduction,The Lion Kingis a phenomenal animated musical movie that follows the journey of Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities and duties of the rightful King after the treacherous passing away of his father, Mufasa. Set in Pride Lands, the epic movie features breathtaking views of the African savanna, a rousing and memorable soundtrack, the annoying yet lovable warthog-and-piglet duo Timon and Pumbaa, and the menacing villain Scar. At its heart, though,The Lion Lingdramatizes important themes such as finding your place in the world, facing all kinds of challenges with courage, and understanding how complicated a family can be.
21Mulan (1998)
By the late ‘90s, Disney was already quite versed in experimenting, and when it came out with the very first major animated film based on an Asian legend, fans naturally showered praises.Mulanbroke the mold of traditional Disney princess stories when as a young Chinese woman, she masqueraded as a man to take her elderly father’s place in the Imperial Army and ultimately save his life. The film does not hold back and displays stunning panoramic views that nod right at Chinese culture with respect and nuance. Plus, the main character is a powerful woman who defies gender stereotypes with her courage, honesty, and refusal to conform, making the movie one of Disney’s most progressive animated features.
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20The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaidis another classic tale, this time featuring a free-spirited mermaid princess named Ariel who longs to be a part of the human world above the sea. When the sea witch Ursula strikes a deal with her, she is over the moon and eager to meet Eric, the human prince. But she is unaware of the witch’s true motives. The movie was a great addition toDisney’s highly successful Renaissance period of animation, with eye-catching underwater visuals, interesting characters, and Academy Award-winning songs – especially the soaring love ballad “Part of Your World” – that showcase the talent of composer Alan Menken, the movie is about love and bravery.
19The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This 2009 musical features Disney’s first African American princess, Tiana. Set in 1920s New Orleans,The Princess and the Frogcaptures the city’s popular jazz culture and folklore while telling a simple tale of choosing one’s destiny. Tiana dreams of owning her own restaurant but ends up being turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. She meets Prince Naveen, who has also been turned into a frog. Together, the two embark on an adventure to break the spell and become their natural forms. The movie has some great characters like comedic gators Ray and Evangeline and a strong-willed protagonist in Tiana, who works hard for her dreams. Despite being criticized before, the movie eventually received praise for showcasing Black culture and history in a positive light.
18Mary Poppins (1964)
Directed by Robert Stevenson,Mary Poppinsis a Disney movie that is perfect in every way. The musical fantasy follows a magical nanny who helps brings love and laughter to the previously dull and stern Banks household. Mary Poppins is a strong-willed yet adorable protagonist, iconized by Julie Andrews in her debut film role. Like any other Disney movie, this one also has some important lessons. It stresses on the idea of incorporating imagination and creativity into a child’s life while also reminding the adults to feel some wonder every now and then. It is a true labor of love – from practical effects to whimsical melodies – and it rightfully took home five Academy Awards and has become a timeless classic.
17The Parent Trap (1961)
The Parent Trapis a classic comedy that earned a sequel andwas also remade in the year 1998. The original film, directed by David Swift, stars Hayley Mills as identical twin sisters Sharon and Susan, who were separated at birth and reunite as teenagers at summer camp. The two work together on a common goal – to reunite their divorced parents. Their schemes revolve around attempts to trick them into falling back in love, and obviously, hilarious hijinks ensue. From mistaken identities to childish manipulations, the movie is a funny and comedic and heartwarming story of family and reconciliation.
16Ratatouille (2007)
This Disney gem tells the story of Remy, a rat with a gift for gourmet cooking who dreams of becoming a Parisian chef. When he gets the chance to show his skills to his idol Auguste Gusteau, he teams up with a young kitchen worker and secretly cooks from the boy’s hands in an attempt to make his culinary desires come true.Ratatouilleis super fun, but it also features a realistic portrayal of the pressures and thrill of working in a high-end kitchen. There are elements of surprise and joy and laughter throughout the movie. But ultimately,Ratatouillecelebrates the transformative power of passion, hard work, and following one’s dreams - no matter how unlikely they may seem at first.
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