Disney Movies that Everyone Should Watch At Least Once!
Since 1937, Disney has been releasing animated movies for years, with their first full-length animation being “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” These Disney movies are those that are still enjoyed as much now as they were when they were first released. Here are the best Disney Movies that everyone should watch!
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The Lion King
The Lion King was a mega-hit when it was released and even went on to become a major Broadway production. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind as to why this movie has captured the hearts of children and adults. Hearts were broken when Mufasa falls from the cliff, and Simba was tricked into running away from those who loved him. Timon and Pumbaa offered comic relief, and the catchy tunes will have you humming them for a long time afterwards. “Hakuna Matata” has become a phrase remembered and repeated by kids young and old.
Great music and a solid story make this one of the best Disney movies you should watch!
Aristocats
Aristocats features the fun Disney classic song “Abraham de Lacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O’Malley, O’Malley, the alley cat.” And who can forget the geese, Abigail and Amelia Gabble, and their Uncle Waldo? Whenever the song “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” starts jazzing out, everyone starts singing along.
First released in 1970, this movie has gone on to keep earning money for Disney during its reissues in 1980 and again in 1987. The movie was officially released on video in 1996.
Toy Story
It is hard to believe that it has been years since this movie was first released by Disney*Pixar. Rather than a classic animation as the original Disney movies were, Toy Story was a computer-animated film packed with special effects. This huge phenomenon would gross almost $200 million dollars and send the toy market into a buying frenzy. The movie was a success not only with children but with adults as well.
Every character, not just Woody and Buzz, keeps you laughing and glued to the great plot that was played out. The movie is action-packed, which keeps the kids interested, and adults absolutely loved the special effects. Seeing this type of animation was memorizing, and it was just the beginning of computer-generated special effects in the movie industry.
101 Dalmatians
Both the original 101 Dalmatians and the movie version starring Glenn Close (released in 1996) were smashing successes for Disney. Disney could not have picked a better Cruella De Vil than Glenn Close. The movie is clean family fun even when Cruella is rolling with the pigs. The following movies, including “102 Dalmatians,” didn’t make quite the impact as the original releases.
If you are a fan of this Disney franchise, Cruella starring Emma Stone should be watched also!
The Fox and the Hound
The Fox and the Hound was one of the very first Disney movies we’ve ever watched! Originally released in the 80s, this movie teaches youngsters valuable lessons on friendship. Amos and Abigail even put aside their differences, and like with most Disney movies-they “lived happily ever after.”
With its relatable characters, vibrant animation, and meaningful story, The Fox and the Hound is the kind of classic Disney movie that holds up well to repeat viewings throughout one’s lifetime. There are often new lessons to take away each time you watch.
Black Panther
Disney/Marvel’s take on Black Panther was beautifully filmed and has the perfect cast! Chadwick Boseman fills the role of T’Challa with so much grace and power. Michael B. Jordan as Eric Killmonger is one of my favorite villains EVER. He actually had the motive to take over Wakanda which made sense. Killmonger didn’t just do bad things just because it was part of an intricate plan which added even more tension to the movie!
We should note that lovers of Black Panther should also watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for its touching tribute to Chadwick Boseman.
Hocus Pocus
Another iconic Disney movie is the Halloween-inspired Hocus Pocus which introduces audiences to the bumbling Sanderson sisters who like to eat children. Ultimately they get bested by two teens, a kindergartner and a talking cat. With humor, magic, and a dash of spooky fun, the kids embark on a thrilling adventure to thwart the witches and save their town.
If you love Hocus Pocus, check out the Hocus Pocus sequel in which the three Sanderson sisters are brought back and their origins are revealed!
Elemental
Elemental is a 2023 release from Pixar and it’s one of our FAVORITE Pixar movies to date. Two individuals one made of fire and one made of water fall in love and have to contend with their disapproving communities who don’t believe elements should mix. It’s also a moving look at some of the things immigrants contend with when starting over in a brand-new country.
Check out our full review of Elemental here along with an interview with the Animation Director Gwen Enderoglu!
Cinderella (2015)
In this enchanting live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella,” we follow the story of Ella, a kind and gentle young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after the death of her father. Forced into servitude by her wicked stepmother (played by the brilliant Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, Ella’s life becomes a constant struggle until an invitation to the royal ball offers her a glimmer of hope.
With the help of a magical fairy godmother, Ella transforms into a stunning princess and captures the heart of the charming Prince Kit. However, the magic lasts only until midnight, and she must race against time to break free from her enchantment and find her happily ever after.
This timeless tale of love, courage, and kindness will capture the hearts of audiences of all ages.
Princess and the Frog
In Princess and the Frog, Tiana, a hardworking and ambitious young woman, dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been transformed into a frog by a voodoo magician. Mistakenly kissed by Naveen, Tiana also turns into a frog, and the two embark on a thrilling adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.
Along the way, they encounter colorful characters and learn valuable lessons about love, friendship, and staying true to oneself. This heartwarming animated musical is a celebration of perseverance, dreams, and the belief that true love can come in unexpected forms.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins tells the extraordinary story of the Banks family in London, who are in dire need of a nanny. When Mary Poppins, a magical and whimsical nanny, arrives at their doorstep, she brings a sense of wonder and adventure into the children’s lives. With her magical umbrella and bottomless carpet bag, Mary takes Jane and Michael on a series of fantastical adventures that not only entertain but also teach valuable life lessons. Through her unique blend of sternness and compassion, she helps the Banks family rediscover the joy of childhood and the importance of family bonds.
Mary Poppins is a must-see for the animations and catchy tunes like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
Disney and Disney*Pixar continue to release family movies that add to the never-ending list of popular movies produced by this massive company. As technology expands, movies continue to amaze and entertain both children and adults. However, it’s the classic movies that are still clean and simple that parents still keep in their video libraries to watch and enjoy year after year.
