I cannot even fathom going up to someone and them telling me they’ve never seen even one Disney movie. I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who haven’t; but even so, we can all agree that the Walt Disney Company has made a ridiculous amount of wonderful and charming movies, many of which have touched our lives and inspired us. So here is a list of the ones that have really stuck with me over the years. I’m really only choosing from the movies that were made pre-2000, sticking with the classics. In a few weeks we’re going to play “How Many Have You Seen?” with the entire, comprehensive list of movies made by Disney, both live action and animated, all the way from Snow White in 1937 to Frozen in 2014 (or is it the new Planes movie?)
Anyway, these are my favorite classic Disney movies; this was a super hard list to come up with because I am such a fan of the whole Disney library. But these were the ones I immediately thought of when I started this list. These aren’t in any particular order
Pocahontas (1995)
I know how historically inaccurate this movie is, but I don’t even care. The music is GORGEOUS, the animation is amazing, Meeko, Flit, and Percy are hilarious animal sidekicks, and let’s be honest, who wasn’t madly in love with John Smith?
Robin Hood (1973)
Nothing like watching a handsome (come on, you thought it too) fox stealing from clumsy bad guys who are so bad at being bad they practically help the good guys out. Lots of fun folk music here, with a sweet love story and inspiring heroics from the legend himself.
101 Dalmatians (1961)
One of my reasons for this being on the list is I adore the art in this movie. Its so whimsically drawn and artsy…the story is fun too, of course, but I just love watching for the animation (I LOVE the opening credits).
Aladdin (1992)
The script in Aladdin is so ridiculously clever, a fact which I am largely attributing to Robin Williams’ comedic genius in the role of Genie. And no matter how much you may say to the contrary, I know you all secretly love to sing “A Whole New World”.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
I have been watching Winnie the Pooh (and specifically The Many Adventures Of, though I have seen much of the TV show and the later movies) since I can remember watching anything. It’s probably the only thing I’ve watched my entire life. And I still adore it. It’s so comforting to just turn on Blustery Day and enjoy the calm and pleasant stories of Pooh and his friends. I’ll probably watch it until I die.
Honorable Mentions:
Mulan (1998)
Mulan is hilarious, inspiring, clever, with some AWESOME music (I’ll Make A Man Out of You is probably one of the greatest Disney songs ever written). Definitely belongs on my favorites list.
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
This one is actually relatively new to my favorites list. I don’t really remember watching it when I was younger, but I have come to adore the music and the animation style. Not necessarily my favorite story, but still very fun to watch, even if it’s just to see “Once Upon a Dream”.