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For many of us, Disney films are deeply intertwined with our childhood memories. They remind us of carefree days spent watching movies with family and friends, creating a sense of nostalgia that brings us back to a simpler time. The characters and stories we grew up with become a part of who we are – we learned the importance of family and friendship, the power of love and bravery. Disney has brought to life a plethora of characters that have become cultural icons, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was possible in animation.
Perhaps the most significant reason why we love Disney films is the emotional connection they create. Whether it's the heartwarming bond between Woody and Buzz in Toy Story or the tear-jerking reunion of Nemo and his father in Finding Nemo, Disney films tug at our heartstrings and leave a profound impact on us.
Today, we’re looking at some of the highest-rated Disney films according to IMDb.
The Lion King (or Hamlet for kids) is an animated musical film that tells the story of Simba, a young lion who must reclaim his place as the rightful king of the Pride Lands. Simba’s enemy is his uncle, the menacing Scar, who is allegedly the most hated lion in the world, but we can’t cite our sources. With the help of his friends, including the wise and hilarious meerkat Timon and the endearing warthog Pumbaa, Simba learns important life lessons through songs like ‘Hakuna Matata’. The sweeping landscapes of the African savanna, the vibrant colours of the sunset, every frame is a work of art. The attention to detail is impeccable. Another aspect that sets The Lion King apart is its unforgettable soundtrack, composed by the legendary duo of Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional music by Hans Zimmer.
Based on the French fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, this enchanting movie tells the story of Belle, a young woman who finds herself falling in love with a vain prince cursed to live as a beast. Yes, he holds her captive. No, they’re not trying to promote Stockholm Syndrome. It’s about overcoming prejudices, guys! Despite her initial fear, Belle agrees to take her father's place and discovers that beneath the Beast's fearsome exterior lies a kind and gentle soul. With the help of the castle's enchanted inhabitants, including Lumière the candlestick, Cogsworth the clock, Mrs. Potts the teapot, and Chip the teacup, Belle begins to see the true beauty within the Beast (see what we did there). The film was a breakthrough in the world of animation, utilising a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated imagery. In 1992, it became the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, solidifying its place in cinematic history. If you still want to psychoanalyse Belle, be our guest (yep).
Aladdin takes audiences on a magic carpet ride through the fictional city of Agrabah. Based on the Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, this enchanting story takes us on a journey filled with adventure, romance, and laugh-out-loud jokes. Aladdin tells the story of a young, nipple-less, street urchin named Aladdin who dreams of a better life. With the help of a mischievous genie and a magical flying carpet, he embarks on a quest to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine (by lying to her at first, but that’s okay) and defeats the evil sorcerer, Jafar (it’s a miracle he was taken seriously with that beard). The true standout character of the film, however, is the larger-than-life Genie, voiced by the legendary Robin Williams. With his boundless energy, quick wit, and incredible comedic timing, Williams brought the Genie to life in a way that was instantly declared iconic, and has resonated with viewers for decades. His performance not only made the Genie one of Disney's most beloved characters but also elevated the film to new heights.
Disney’s Toy Story is one of the most beloved and iconic animated films of all time. Written and directed by John Lasseter, it was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995. The movie follows the adventures of a group of toy characters led by Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) as they deal with everyday life in Andy's room. The film received widespread acclaim upon its release and spawned three sequels that are equally beloved by adults and children alike. Did you know that in its early stages of production, writers had originally envisioned Woody as being a villainous character who would try to thwart Buzz Lightyear's escape from Andy's bedroom up until his redemption at the end of the film? However, once Tom Hanks was cast as Woody’s voice actor, directors realised how perfect Hanks was for portraying a lovable cowboy character who audiences could sympathise and relate with – leading them to revamp Woody's role to be more heroic instead of villainous .
The film follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish living in the Great Barrier Reef, who embarks on an epic adventure to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a scuba diver. Along the way, Marlin encounters Dory, a lovable blue tang fish with short-term memory loss, who becomes his loyal companion in his quest. Along their journey, Marlin and Dory meet an array of characters, including Crush, a wise and laid-back sea turtle, and Bruce, a vegetarian great white shark struggling to suppress his predatory instincts. These characters add depth and humour to the narrative, making Finding Nemo a joyous and entertaining experience. In trademark Disney style, there’s a greater social message in this one, too. Finding Nemo is not only a tale of adventure but also an important lesson about the conservation of marine life. The film raises awareness about the fragility of our oceans and the need to protect the diverse ecosystems within them. By emphasising the beauty and wonders of the underwater world, Finding Nemo encourages viewers to appreciate and respect our environment.
The Incredibles follows the superpowered Parr family – Bob (Mr. Incredible), Helen (Elastigirl), Violet, Dashiell (Dash) and baby Jack-Jack – who live in a world where superheroes are prohibited and their powers are heavily regulated by the Government. When Mr. Incredible gets pulled away from his usual desk job at Insuracare to combat a new supervillain known as Syndrome, the entire family bands together to help him save Metroville from destruction. As they try to balance their lives between being ordinary suburbanites and secret superheroes fighting crime, they embark on an exciting adventure that takes them all across the globe. Led by first time director Brad Bird’s excellent writing and direction, along with a talented cast voicing various characters throughout the movie, The Incredibles was one of the greatest successes for the studio. It also has a sequel which was released fourteen years later, in 2018.
Zootopia takes place in a world where animals live in harmony, but with a twist - they have evolved to include a city filled with districts that cater to different species. The story follows Judy Hopps, a small-town bunny with big dreams of becoming a police officer in the bustling metropolis of Zootopia. However, she faces setbacks and discrimination due to her size and species. Determined to prove herself, Judy teams up with a con artist fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case that threatens to disrupt the peace in their city. The clever writing tackles big themes like the nature vs. nurture debate, or the elitist concept of ‘civilisation’ with humour and sensitivity. The DMV scene has you in splits, and The Godfather sequence makes you fall in love with the wit and brilliance of the writers. The mystery element of the film is done well, and adds suspense and intrigue, while also allowing for a deeper exploration of the themes at hand. Disney's storytelling prowess shines through in the way they seamlessly blend humour, heart, and a thought-provoking message into a cohesive narrative.
The story of Frozen revolves around two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who live in the kingdom of Arendelle, and are heirs to the throne. Elsa possesses the power to create ice and snow, but after an accident that almost injures her younger sister Anna, Elsa isolates herself from the world, fearing her abilities. As Elsa struggles to control her powers, she inadvertently plunges Arendelle into an eternal winter. Determined to save her sister and her kingdom, Anna embarks on an epic journey filled with magic – with a snowman, a reindeer, and what’s-his-face? This is Disney’s first attempt at making a subversive film, and launched a new era of a series of animated films where the female protagonist doesn’t end up with a man. Elsa's journey is a metaphor for self-discovery and learning to embrace her unique abilities. Her character arc teaches us the importance of embracing our strengths and not being afraid to be ourselves, even in the face of adversity. It does make you want to go out and build a snowman with your sibling – but if you live in a tropical country, you might have to…let it go (sorry).
Moana tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana Waialiki, who is chosen by the ocean to embark on a daring journey to save her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti, an ancient goddess. With the guidance of the demigod Maui, Moana sets sail across the vast ocean, encountering mythical creatures, treacherous obstacles, discovering her own strength along the way. Moana is also known for its unforgettable music, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina. The songs, such as ‘How Far I'll Go’ by Auliʻi Cravalho and the hilarious ‘You're Welcome’ by Dwayne Johnson, became instant hits. We won’t judge you even if you are 30-something and know all the lyrics to the soundtrack – they’re all bangers.
Set during the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Coco follows the journey of 12-year-old Miguel Rivera. Miguel dreams of becoming a musician, but his family, especially the matriarch, who strongly opposes music, wants him to follow in their footsteps as shoemakers. Determined to pursue his passion, Miguel embarks on an adventure that takes him to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the blessings of his deceased ancestors — and discovers the true meaning of family. The Land of the Dead is a visually striking world, filled with vibrant colours and intricate details, and an elaborate and delightful Frida Kahlo sequence. The attention to detail in every frame is awe-inspiring, and it transports you into a realm where the living and the dead coexist harmoniously. Keep a box of tissues handy, you’ll need them during ‘Remember Me’.