For generations, Disney’s animated movies have brought unforgettable characters, memorable songs, incredible worlds, and plenty of heart to the big screen. From groundbreaking classics like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Pinocchio” to modern favorites like “Inside Out” and “WALL·E,” the studio’s catalog has something for practically every kind of movie fan. Here are 30 Disney animated movies that deserve a spot on every fan’s watchlist.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan’s struggles with youth and Captain Hook’s antics make for one of the most entertaining films to come out of the 50s.
Inside Out
The genius of this movie was depicting human emotions through different characters, thus exploring one’s psyche in a very entertaining manner.
Treasure Planet
Yes, this was a big box office flop for Disney. However, the story of Jim Hawkins and his treasure quest remains one of the most underrated pieces in the company’s history.
Alice in Wonderland
An all-time classic that does justice to Lewis Carroll’s novel while also having a distinct visual identity and direction, elevating Alice’s journey and keeping it accessible to younger audiences.
Lilo & Stitch
One of the most unexpected box office hits from 2002, this animated movie about found family in Hawaii remains a certified classic.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Another animated Disney film of the 2000s that suffered in both box office and reviews. However, time has been kind to this film and its themes of exploration, adventure, and cultural differences, thus becoming a cult classic from the company.
Hercules
The rise and adventures of Hercules were never more entertaining than in this one film. Moreover, this animated movie also offers perhaps the funniest version of Hades to ever grace fiction.
Mulan
The challenges and obstacles that Mulan has to go through, even disguising herself as a man to be able to fight, make her achievements and victories all the more rewarding in this remarkable film.
Pocahontas
The first Disney film based on a real person, Pocahontas is beautifully drawn, well-directed, and manages to tell a great story worth telling.
Tangled
It’s somewhat fitting that Rapunzel’s hair alone made this one of the most expensive Disney movies ever made because of the difficulties in animating it. However, it was worth it since it comes with a great romance, fun comedy, and a story that flows well from beginning to end.
The Lion King
One of the films responsible for Disney’s return to glory in the 90s. And still remains one of the most emotionally driven and compelling animated films in its catalog.
Monsters, Inc.
A fantasy comedy that shows how monsters make a living scaring children… and an amazing film, at that. The duo of James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and Mike Wazowski is simply amazing, and they carry the movie.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
A stop-motion animated musical fantasy film that combines Gothic elements with Christmas shouldn’t work… on paper. But this 1993 film not only works, but it thrives and has become a classic of the holiday.
Dumbo
An emotional and captivating movie about an elephant who manages to overcome the odds. And it is incredible that Disney cut back costs in the animation department, but the film still looks beautiful.
WALL·E
Such an amazing film that it doesn’t require dialogue. WALL·E is a masterclass in visual storytelling and has aged like fine wine.
Aladdin
Fun, exciting, and with a knack for comedy, Aladdin was the kick in the pants that Disney needed in the early 90s. And remains one of their finest films.
The Incredibles
The greatest superhero family movie ever made? It’s up there. The Incredibles is the perfect balance of comedy, heartfelt moments, and commentary on superheroes without feeling cynical. A stroke of genius.
The Princess and the Frog
In a market dominated by CGI, The Princess and the Frog came out in 2009 with a lot against it and ended up (and rightfully so) as an underrated classic. Princess Tiana is a delightful protagonist and her adventures in this film have the right balance of emotion and entertainment.
Fantasia
An anthology film, Fantasia stands tall as one of the most visually striking animated movies of its time and pushed animation forward. It didn’t reap results for Disney at the time, but it has become a timeless classic.
Beauty and the Beast
Disney came out swinging in the early 90s and Beauty and the Beast is evidence of that. A masterful example of storytelling and romance, crafting a movie that has become rightfully iconic.
The Little Mermaid
It’s common knowledge that Disney went through a steady decline in the 80s. However, the tide began to shift in 1989 with The Little Mermaid, a film that added much-needed life, gravitas, and excitement to the company reaching out to a new generation.
The Great Mouse Detective
Part of the company’s so-called “Dark Ages”, 1986’s The Great Mouse Detective is a Disney cult classic. It focuses on a mouse who takes a lot of influence from Sherlock Holmes as he attempts to rescue a kid’s father. This film is also one of the earliest examples of mixing CGI with hand-drawn animation.
Winnie the Pooh
One of the last Disney films to be hand-drawn, it perfectly captures the essence of Winnie the Pooh, especially regarding the bonds of the characters and the warm feeling you get by watching them interact.
Pinocchio
The film tanked at the box office due to WWII, but has become one of the most beloved animated movies ever made. This 1940 production makes Pinocchio’s journey both beautiful and frightening, which is quite surprising considering the era it was made in.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This film defined Disney. The fantasy elements, the musicals, the swift and delightful animation, the inspiration from fairy tales… It has everything while offering a timeless adventure of Snow White and her true love.
Tarzan
To a lot of people, it’s the last film of the Disney Renaissance. And what an end to that run! Tarzan is beautifully animated, has a strong story, and some of the best visual storytelling in the company’s catalog.
Bambi
Walt Disney loved animals, and the 1942 Bambi movie was a passion project for him, and it shows. Animators studied the movement of deer to make it more realistic while delivering a heartfelt portrayal of the titular character, who has to grow up in the forest as he overcomes adversity.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
While the plot of the film is simple, with Cruella De Vil wanting to turn the titular dogs into fur coats, it is presented in a very entertaining way while also selling you the bond of the Dalmatians quite well.
The Emperor’s New Groove
The Emperor’s New Groove went through production difficulties for several years, but it still managed to come out in 2000 and become an underrated gem. Its biggest strength is its sense humor and having some of the best comedic timing in Disney’s vast history.
