20 Greatest Disney Animated Movies

In honour of the launch of Disney Plus in the UK I have decided to create a list of the 20 greatest Disney Animated Movies! You will be able to save/print/share the list and cross off as you watch or give the list a share on Instagram and cross off all the films you've seen. On the list you will notice that there are no Pixar, Star Wars or Marvel movies but don't worry I will be sharing those lists with you very soon. I am a huge Disney fan, it was very hard for me to narrow down Disney's animated catalogue to just 20 movies, so I'm sorry if your favourite didn't make the list. Please give this post a share and let me know in the comments what Disney film is your favourite!

I know that a lot of people will be feeling anxious with Covid-19 so I teamed up with my friend who is an NHS assistant psychologist, read her tips to help here:

https://thisisjustafilmblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/7-ways-to-manage-anxiety-with-covid-19.html

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Snow White is not only the original Disney Princess film but also the first feature length animated movie to be made. Although Snow White may not be a modern role model the film is full of catchy songs and a great narrative. This film is a piece of cinema history.  

Dumbo (1941)

Dumbo is a classic tale of an elephant that can fly. This is a magical heartfelt film that will make you cry every time. Not only is this a great film but it also teaches us that it is okay to be different. 

Cinderella (1950)

Cinderella is one of the most popular Disney princesses of all time. This film is a classic full of memorable characters and cute sidekicks - who doesn't love Gus Gus? Cinderella has the original makeover scene, but no one believes that glass heels are comfortable at all. 

Peter Pan (1953)

You can fly, you can fly, you can fly! Peter Pan is a beautiful film about growing up and believing in magic. Tinkerbell is the sassiest fairy I have ever seen. This film has inspired everything from, movies to songs and the Disneyland Paris ride is the most magical experience. 

Sleeping Beauty (1959) 

Sleeping Beauty was my favourite Princess for a long time. Whilst Aurora is a great princess Sleeping Beauty's strength lies in its villain Maleficent. Considering this film was classed as a box office flop it stands the test of time with a villain that is arguably Disney's best. 

The Jungle Book (1967)

The Jungle Book's strength lies in its music, who doesn't love 'I wanna be like you' and 'Bear necessities'? Baloo is a standout character, but the depth of ever character is stunning. The Jungle Book is the classic happy film.  

The Aristocats (1970)

The Aristocats is a journey film about family and a single mother. There is a lot to love about The Aristocats from the music, to the kitten's (especially Marie), to the fairy-tale ending. This film also shows the issues with animal theft and the love owners have for their pets which I love.  

The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Little Mermaid tells the story of a mermaid wanting to be human in a charming tale. 'Part of your world' is one of the most memorable Disney songs. Usula is the sassiest Disney villain and her plan was almost effortless. 

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

A tell as old as time. Beauty and the Beast teaches us to not judge a book by its cover, to look past beauty, to use your brain and to treat everyone with respect. Belle is probably my least favourite princess, but this film is full of teaching combined with cute characters and an amazing ballroom scene. 

The Lion King (1994)

For a long time, many considered (some still do) The Lion King to be the greatest Disney film of all time. The Lion King has the saddest scene of any Disney film and is the powerhouse song wise. 

Hercules (1997)

Hercules is a fantastic hero story with some of the best humour. Again, there is a great villain, a fantastic hero and Meg is a great heroine. Hercules was so different to anything Disney had ever done and still is. This is a fantastic mythic film. 

Mulan (1998)

Mulan is such an inspirational character; she goes to war to protect her father and China from an invasion. Mushu is one of the best Disney sidekicks, every one of his line is so funny. Mulan is a very different Disney princess film and it is one of the best ones. 

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

The Emperor's New Groove is a comedy film that has so many catchy lines: 'Boom Baby'. What's not to love about an Emperor that gets turned into a Llama? This film is completely original and is a fan favourite.  

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire is an animated action adventure film. I think this is a massively underrated film. The music is magical, and the montage scenes are something you don't normally get in animated films. The narrative is so creative and fun. Milo is a great lead and Kida is fantastic. 

Lilo and Stitch (2002)

'Ohana, means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten' Who doesn't love Lilo and Stitch? This is a great film about family and love. Lilo is adorable and Nani is such an inspirational character. When I went to Disneyland I was shocked by how popular Stitch still is.

Treasure Planet (2002)

Treasure Planet is a clever story about growing up and becoming a responsible adult. I think this film will resonate with children and adults alike. This is also the only Disney animation to take place in space. Treasure planet is a visually stunning film and certainly worth repeated viewings. 

Tangled (2010)

Tangled is my favourite Disney film and Rapunzel is my favourite princess. Flynn is the perfect, pascal is hilarious, Mother Gothel is a scary villain and she is the only Disney villain to recognise herself as a villain. Tangled is also the most beautifully animated and detailed animated film I've ever seen. 

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Big Hero 6 is Disney animated film based on a Marvel comic and it's fantastic. Baymax is one of the best characters ever created. This film is a thrilling ride that is unlike anything else created by Disney. 

Moana (2016)

Moana is a Disney princess film without a prince. This film walks the line between a serious tale of a young woman trying to feed and save her people and a whimsical tale that features coconut people and a singing carb. Moana is an inspirational character and the songs are super catchy. 

Frozen II (2019)

Frozen II is a magically journey film about two of Disney's most inspirational characters: Anna and Elsa. This film is so emotive, full of sadness and laughs. Frozen II should be regarded as an instant classic. Olaf is so funny and relatable. Everything about this film is awe inspiring. 

So, there you have it my list of the 20 Greatest Disney Animated Movies. I hope you enjoyed this list! Please share the below watchlist and cross off the films you've seen or whilst we are all on lockdown why not just re-watch every film on the list and cross off as you go? 

I just want to take a moment to thank all the NHS staff working hard to get us through the pandemic, and to all the front-line staff helping to keep us all safe and well.

Thank you for reading and stay safe xx