Top Ten Disney Movies

By: Jenny Kim and Lexie Corcoran

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all,” The Emperor of China said from the movie, “Mulan.”

This famous quote comes from the heartwarming and action-filled movie “Mulan.” “Mulan” has become one of the most inspiring movies of all time, at least to us, and sends messages out to girls that they can do anything. Our childhood would not have been what it is today without that movie.

The Disney company has produced many movies and TV shows that have become the basis for childhood memories today.

“High School Musical,” for example, has taught us to not stick to the status quo and that people do randomly break out into musical numbers. Although only one of those things have come true, High School Musical has remained as one of our favorite movies since the beginning of time.

Disney movies have provided comfort, joy, and emotion for families all across the world. They have made many outstanding movies; however, there are ten that stand out from the rest of them. These ten have been and will still be, in our opinion, the most influential movies of all time.

Here is our list of the top ten Disney movies:

10) Beauty and the Beast

Starting at number ten, “Beauty and the Beast” is a classic Disney film that was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise.

For the few of you who have not seen this movie, it’s about a prince who was very rude to an old witch. In reality, that which turned out to be a beautiful woman in disguise and cursed the prince and all his staff, turning the prince into the beast and his staff into house utensils. The castle, the staff, and the prince are all gloomy until a bright young girl named Belle runs into the palace, where she learns that looks aren’t everything.

This is a beautiful romance story makes everyone realize what’s inside is what truly matters. To prove this movie was truly an influential success, Beauty and the Beast won an Oscar for Best Music and Original Song, a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Best Original Score, an Annie Award for Best Animated Feature, and many many more.

9) The Little Mermaid

Right above “Beauty and the Beast” is “The Little Mermaid” directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. “The Little Mermaid” is about an curious and adventurous mermaid, Ariel, who falls in love with a human (of course) and tries to become human so she can be with him.

Ariel goes so far that she even choses to lose her beautiful singing voice, but in the end, she ends up with the man of her dreams.

Although people may confuse the moral of this movie as “change how you look for boys”, the true meaning behind this movie is don’t be afraid to take chances. Go for it, because in the end, it can all work out.

This movie has won an Oscar for Best Music, a Golden Globe for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, a Grammy for Best Recording for Children, and a bunch more awards and nominations that would take forever to write.

8) Aladdin

If you had a genie that grants any of your wishes, what would you wish for? Well, some may wish for more wishes, or for more money, or for that new Ferrari. But the main character in this movie, very poor Aladdin, spends all his wishes on love. I know, sappy, right?

However, this movie also incorporates Jasmine, the princess that Aladdin’s desperately in love with, who shows some feminism in this movie by denying the marital candidates that her father, the king, has picked out for her. She soon falls in love with Aladdin as well, where in the end, they live happily ever after.

As a reward for its great moral and film, Aladdin has won two Oscars, two Golden Globes, an Annie Award, a BMI award, and numerous more.

7) Finding Nemo

Have you heard the expression, “a small fish in a big ocean”? This animated picture, “Finding Nemo” was released in 2003 and follows a small kidnapped clown fish as his helpless fathers goes through large depths (literally) to find his son.

This comedy and action-packed film, teaches us the importance of family and the lengths family will go to keep each other safe, no matter the obstacles.

“Finding Nemo” collected numerous awards including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and many other honorable titles in 2004.

6) Up

With an astounding 73 wins and 72 total award nominations, “Up” is a fantastic movie that is perfect for all ages. Carl Fredricksen, a cranky former balloon salesman, sets out to fulfill his past wife’s wishes to live in South America. Yet, to keep the memories of his home, he brings his house along with him.

However, along the way, he finds Russell, a young naive Eagle Scout. Throughout their journey, Carl learns to love and enjoy the comfort of family, as he had no kids of his own. This heartfelt movie can bring anyone to tears, and if you haven’t seen it, we can honestly say you’re missing out. Come join this crazy adventure with giant birds, an evil explorer, and a talking dog.   

5) Mulan

Disney’s 1998 animated film, “Mulan,” was well received by critics and the public, grossing $304 million. The action packed, musical film, followed a young girl named Mulan who feared her ill father would be drafted into to Chinese military. In a heroic effort to save her father, Mulan impersonates a man and goes off to train with other Chinese recruits. Along with her guardian dragon, Mushu, she uses her smarts and bravery to help save her country and bring honor to her family. Along the way falls, she even falls in love with her handsome captain.

This captivating film proves women can do anything a man can, and sometimes women can do it better. “Mulan,” received 21 nominations and accepted 17 awards for its groundbreaking music, script, and animations.

4) Frozen

“Frozen,” the first Disney movie to tell kids that girls don’t need to be saved by a prince, was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. It was the most loved movie of 2013 year. With its extremely catchy songs and suspenseful plot, “Frozen” had caught the attention of many.

It’s the story of Anna and Elsa, the princesses of Arendelle. Elsa harbors a secret power over ice and struggles to control her powers around others. This is one of the few disney films that supports complete girl power, where the princesses are strong without their princes.

Frozen received a tremendous reaction from audiences, receiving an astounding 74 wins and 57 nominations. All in all this new classic is definitely worth melting for.

3) Monsters Inc.

The explanation for why so many kids think there’s monsters in their rooms is easily explained in this hilarious movie, where monsters use children’s screams as energy to power their world.

The story consists of Mike and Sulley, a scare team that finds themselves in deep trouble when a child, nicknamed Boo, crosses over to their world. However, the three find themselves an unforgettable friendship. As the antagonist, Randall, tries to sabotage Mike and Sulley’s career as the two fight to keep their jobs and also return Boo home to safety.

The amount of laughs and smiles this movie brings to us is too many to count. With Mike’s nerdy personality and Sulley’s new found amiable love for little Boo, puts this movie at spot number three.

“Monsters Inc.” won an Oscar for Best Music, BAFTA (Best Feature Film), an Annie for Outstanding Character Animation, and a total of another 38 nominations.  

2) Toy Story

Ever wonder what your toys do when you’re out of the room? Well, according to “Toy Story,” they go on crazy adventures, escape from bad villians, and go on rescue missions.

Woody is a cowboy doll, who belongs to Andy. He finds his position as Andy’s favorite toy jeopardized when Buzz Lightyear, a new action figure, comes into play. The story however, consists of the two trying to escape from the clutches of an evil neighborhood kid and finding true friendship between each other.

This movie is full of laughs and and heartwarming moments that are enjoyable to all. Toy Story emphasizes the strength of friendship and love between toys and kids.

“Toy Story” was awarded a Special Achievement Award since it made  the first feature-length computer animated film. The movie was also nominated for many awards such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTA  Awards.

 1) Lion King

Hakuna matata; it means no worries. If you automatically started singing the whole entire song to that verse, I’m with you. This landmark of a movie called “The Lion King” came out in 1994 but still remains and will remain in our hearts for eternity. The movie consists of love, betrayal, the search for self identity, gift of friendship, and revenge all in one, landing its spot at number one on our list.

This is the story of little lion Simba, who runs away after believing that he killed his father in a stampede. While being a runaway, he also meets his two best friends, Timon and Pumba. The movie consists of Simba finding his identity and fighting to get his rightful crown from his evil uncle, Scar. As fast paced this movie is, it also brings tears in our eyes in the heartfelt scenes where Simba loses his father or when he reclaims the throne.

Many scenes and quotes are still referenced today, including the scene where Rafiki guides Simba to finding his self identity as a true king.

The movie was awarded an Oscar, Golden Globe, Annie Award, BAFTA Award, and countless others. To fully achieve the circle of life, one must definitely watch this movie at least once in their lifetime.

Thank you Disney for the numerous amounts of stellar movies that bring happiness and joy to all of us. Our childhood would not have been the same without your efforts to make each movie its best.