The firstDisneyanimated movie was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which came out on August 10, 2025. Since then, they have released 70 spectacular animated films. This doesn’t include anyPixarfilms like thepopular Toy Story franchise.
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10The Lion King
This film stars a lion cub named Simba who is set to inherit taking over the lion pride and their territory called the Pridelands. Unfortunately, his uncle kills his father in order to take over the pride and gives out orders to kill him too. Simba runs away and grows up with new-found friends Timon and Pumbaa before returning home.
This is one of Disney’s classics. From the music to the animation to the heart-wrenching story, everything in this movie is top-notch. And, of course, James Earl Jones was Mufasa for crying out loud! The whole cast did an amazing job voicing their characters. And if you say you didn’t cry at the wildebeest scene or roar with the lions when Simba took his place on that cliff, you’re lying.
9Meet The Robinsons
This movie follows an orphan boy named Lewis, whose genius science fair invention gets stolen by a man in a bowler hat. Enter Wilbur Robinson, an unauthorized time traveler who takes Lewis with him to the future. While there, Lewis and Wilbur spend the day with Wilbur’s eccentric family, who can’t find out Lewis is from the past.
Meet the Robinsons is such an underappreciated movie. Lewis embodies the awkward types who don’t really connect with anyone, and he ultimately gets a perfect-found family. Not only that, this film’s “keep moving forward” motto and follow your dreams message is very motivational.
Tarzan’s a baby when he and his shipwrecked family happen upon the land, which is a beautiful and dangerous jungle. After a leopard kills his parents, Tarzan’s cries are heard by a gorilla whose baby was killed by the same leopard days before. She raises Tarzan, and he tries his best to fit in. When a British expedition comes through, Tarzan realizes that there are more like him.
Trying to balance two sides that make you who you are is difficult, as anyone who comes from two different cultures can attest to. Trying to fit in and be accepted is also quite universal. Now, Phil Collins' amazing soundtrack contribution itself would definitely be at the top of the list. However, since the whole movie needs to be considered, there were other movies that packed a stronger punch.
7Big Hero 6
This movie is set in the near future and features Hiro, a robotics prodigy who lives in San Fransokyo. After his older brother dies in a fire, he finds his brother’s latest project: a cuddly-looking robot named Baymax designed to care for people. When Hiro finds himself in the middle of a dangerous plot, he forms a high-tech hero team with Baymax and his brother’s friends.
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One of Disney’s more recent animated films, Big Hero 6, is a funny, action-packed adventure about super smart people joining together to take down the bad guy. This movie was so well received that it was followed up by comics, a series, and short films.
6Beauty And The Beast
The prologue shows an arrogant prince and castle staff getting cursed by an enchantress. The film then follows Belle, a book-loving, smart, and headstrong village girl who is seen as weird. When her father, Maurice, is taken by the Beast, Belle goes to the Beast’s castle and trades places. During her days as his prisoner, Belle, and the prince slowly warm towards each other before falling in love.
Belle is one of Disney’s original princesses and the only one who is the most proactive in her movie. And for all the book-loving little girls, an inspirational message that shows even the smart “outcast” can find someone who loves her for who she is. This movie also brought one of the most iconic songs in Disney movies.
5Lilo & Stitch
This film stars a little girl named Lilo who lives with her older sister Nani in Hawaii. She adopts Stitch, who turns out to be a wanted alien who crash-landed on the island. Stitch’s mischievous ways are slowly tamed through Lilo’s unwavering belief in Ohana and Elvis Presley’s music.
Stitch learns about love and loyalty through a little girl’s big heart. This beautiful and strong friendship between a human girl and a cuddly alien paved the way for sequels and even a TV series, not to mention fans rushing to buy their own Stitch plushie.
Zootopia is a utopian metropolis filled with all kinds of animals that coexist in harmony. Judy Hopps moves to Zootopia and becomes the first rabbit admitted into the police force. Since she’s highly underestimated and made a meter maid, she longs to prove herself and takes on a mysterious case, even if it means working with a con artist named Nick Wilde, a cynical fox who makes her job harder.
This film is socially relevant in today’s divided times. It teaches us that people shouldn’t be stereotyped or judged by what they look like, stereotypes and prejudice are hurtful, that anyone should be able to follow their dreams, and that we can all coexist peacefully. Shakira’s Try Everything song ties in beautifully.
Mulan is a young lady that lives under a patriarchal regime. When the Chinese military drafts men to fight the Huns, she takes her ailing father’s spot. Mulan impersonates a man and goes through rigorous training, and saves the captain’s life before she is found out. With the help of her horse, dragon, and lucky cricket, Mulan makes it to the capital to warn about the coming Huns.
With a great soundtrack, the perfect comedic relief provided by Mushu, and empowering messages to a young female audience, this film packs a powerful kick. Embrace who you are and defying society’s expectations are just two of these important messages.
2The Emperor’s New Groove
This movie stars a spoiled and selfish emperor named Kuzco, who is accidentally turned into a llama after firing his power-hungry advisor Yzma. Kuzco’s hubris is his downfall, and only with the help of a kind and humble farmer named Pacha can he make his way back to the palace. During this journey, Kuzco realizes the error of his ways and becomes a better person through self-growth.
This hidden gem was a box office flop when it first premiered. However, its excellent comedy, mostly by the scene-stealing Kronk, stands the test of time. The rest of the cast also was perfectly cast and gave great performances. The messages of friendship, treating others with respect, and being kind to others are universal and very important, now more than ever.
Moana of Motunui is the daughter of the village chief who has heard the call of the ocean since she was a little girl. Though her parents keep reminding Moana that her place is on the island with her people, Moana longs for adventure. However, the curse caused by the demigod Maui reaches her island. Moana’s grandma tells her that she needs to restore the heart of Te Fiti in order to save her people.
It features a young woman of color who goes into the unknown to save her people. She also has no romantic interests, and she will and determination are stronger than her male demigod companion. Not only that, but Moana has so many deep messages that this is one of Disney’s most impactful movies made in recent years. The overarching message is to not let the worst moment of your life define who you are. This amazing movie is paired with a breathtaking soundtrack that has captured the hearts of its audience worldwide.
