Walt Disney's Top 5 Best Animated Movies
MOVIES
Here are the top 5 best Disney animated movies according to Rotten Tomatoes.
These are just a few of the many great animated films produced by Walt Disney. If you're looking for a classic animated film to watch, I highly recommend checking out any of these films.
Walt Disney's Top 5 Best Animated Movies
Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Music: Hans Zimmer (score), Elton John and Tim Rice (songs)
Voice Cast:
Matthew Broderick as Simba
Jeremy Irons as Scar
James Earl Jones as Mufasa
Nathan Lane as Timon
Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa
Whoopi Goldberg as Shenzi
Cheech Marin as Banzai
Rowan Atkinson as Zazu
Plot Summary:
The Lion King is an epic animated film that tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who is destined to become the king of the Pride Lands. The film begins with Simba's birth, celebrated by all the animals of the Pride Lands. Under the guidance of his wise father, Mufasa, and the watchful eye of his loyal hornbill majordomo, Zazu, Simba learns about the responsibilities of kingship. However, Simba's uncle, Scar, who is jealous of Mufasa's power and Simba's birthright, plots to overthrow Mufasa and seize control of the Pride Lands.
Scar lures Simba into a stampede of wildebeests, intending to kill both Simba and Mufasa. Mufasa sacrifices himself to save Simba, but Scar convinces Simba that the tragedy was his fault. Overwhelmed with guilt, Simba flees the Pride Lands, believing he will never be able to return. He finds refuge in the jungle with Timon and Pumbaa, two comedic meerkat and warthog duo who teach him their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata" (Swahili for "no worries").
Years later, Simba has grown into a carefree adult, but his past catches up with him when he encounters Nala, his childhood friend and betrothed, who urges him to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his rightful place as king. With the help of Rafiki, a wise mandrill, and the ghost of Mufasa, Simba overcomes his guilt and returns to challenge Scar. A fierce battle ensues, culminating in Scar's defeat and the restoration of Simba as the rightful king of the Pride Lands.
Themes and Impact:
The Lion King explores themes of responsibility, redemption, and the circle of life. Simba's journey from a carefree cub to a responsible king is a powerful metaphor for growing up and facing one's responsibilities. The film's exploration of guilt, loss, and the power of forgiveness adds depth to the story, making it resonate with audiences of all ages.
The film's cultural impact is immense. Its iconic songs, such as "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Hakuna Matata," and "Circle of Life," have become timeless classics. The Lion King's blend of humor, drama, and spectacle, along with its stunning animation and memorable characters, has made it one of Disney's most beloved films. The film's success spawned a Broadway musical, a CGI remake, and a television series, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Legacy:
The Lion King remains a testament to the power of storytelling and animation. Its timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and iconic music continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you're a fan of classic Disney or a newcomer to the world of animation, The Lion King is a must-watch film that will leave you inspired and moved. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and prepare to be transported to the Pride Lands for an unforgettable journey. Simba's story will resonate with you long after the credits roll. "Hakuna Matata," indeed!
Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
Music: Alan Menken (score and songs)
Voice Cast:
Paige O'Hara as Belle
Robby Benson as Beast
Richard White as Gaston
Jerry Orbach as Lumière
David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth
Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts
Bradley Pierce as Chip
Jesse Corti as LeFou
Rex Everhart as Maurice
Plot Summary:
Beauty and the Beast is a classic animated film adapted from the French fairy tale of the same name. The story follows Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, who has been captured by the Beast, a prince cursed by a witch to live as a monster until he can learn to love and be loved in return. With the help of her father, Maurice, and her new friends in the castle, a candelabra named Lumière, a clock named Cogsworth, and a beautiful teapot named Mrs. Potts, Belle discovers that the Beast's true character lies beneath his monstrous exterior.
The film is set in a small provincial town in France, where Belle lives with her eccentric father, Maurice. Belle longs for adventure and excitement beyond the confines of her small town. When Maurice becomes lost in the forest while seeking help for his broken cart, he stumbles upon the Beast's castle, where he takes refuge for the night. Enraged, the Beast imprisons Maurice, but Belle offers to take her father's place.
In the ensuing days, Belle befriends the Beast and sees past his monstrous appearance to the kind and caring prince he once was. However, the film's villain, Gaston, a narcissistic and arrogant suitor of Belle, becomes increasingly obsessed with marrying her and will stop at nothing to capture and kill the Beast.
Themes and Impact:
Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale of love and acceptance, exploring the theme of inner beauty. The film's uplifting message is that true love can transform even the most fierce of beasts. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, a testament to the film's cultural impact and its ability to captivate and inspire audiences.
The film's iconic soundtrack, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, features hits such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Belle," "Gaston," "Be Our Guest," and "Something There." These songs have become timeless classics, celebrated for their sweet melodies and poignant lyrics.
Legacy:
Beauty and the Beast remains a beloved classic of animation and is one of Disney's crowning achievements. Its enduring themes of love, acceptance, and the power of inner beauty have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Whether you are a fan of classic Disney animation or a newcomer to the world of animation, Beauty and the Beast is an essential film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and lose yourself in the world of Beauty and the Beast. It's truly a tale as old as time.
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Music: Alan Menken (score and songs)
Voice Cast:
Scott Weinger as Aladdin
Robin Williams as Genie
Linda Larkin as Jasmine
Jonathan Freeman as Jafar
Gilbert Gottfried as Iago
Douglas Seale as Sultan
Frank Welker as Abu
Jim Cummings as Razoul
Plot Summary:
Aladdin is a lively and charming animated film inspired by the classic Middle Eastern folk tale "Aladdin and the Magical Lamp." The film follows Aladdin, a street urchin, who falls in love with Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah. However, their love is threatened by Jafar, the Grand Vizier of Agrabah, who also has his eyes on the princess as well as the magical lamp that will grant him ultimate power.
The film's opening sequence introduces viewers to the bustling marketplace of Agrabah, where Aladdin lives as a petty thief with Abu, his mischievous monkey companion. Aladdin meets Jasmine in disguise, and the two of them instantly connect. However, their love is forbidden, and Jasmine must marry a prince to secure the future of the kingdom.
Jafar, the villainous Grand Vizier, learns of Aladdin's connection with Jasmine and uses him as a pawn to acquire the magical lamp. Aladdin discovers the lamp's true power, the Genie, who grants him three wishes. With Genie's help, Aladdin transforms himself into a prince to win Jasmine's hand in marriage. However, Jafar jeopardizes his plans, and a battle between Aladdin and Jafar ensues.
Themes and Impact:
Aladdin is a vibrant and joyful film that explores themes of love, freedom, and the importance of remaining true to oneself. The film's unforgettable soundtrack includes hits like "A Whole New World," "Friend Like Me," and "Prince Ali," which have become iconic songs in the Disney canon.
The film's impact is significant, as it helped usher in a new era of Disney animation and brought animation into the modern age. The film's visual style, character design, and use of computer animation were groundbreaking for the time, and it paved the way for future Disney films.
Legacy:
Aladdin remains a beloved favorite among Disney fans and is considered a classic of animated filmmaking. The film's cultural impact is still felt today, with a live-action remake starring Will Smith and Naomi Scott released in 2019. Aladdin's themes of love, freedom, and the importance of remaining true to oneself are timeless values that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you are a fan of classic Disney animation or new to the world of animation, Aladdin is a film that will delight and charm you with its humor, heart, and unforgettable music. So, prepare yourself for a magical carpet ride, and enjoy the world of Aladdin.
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Music: Alan Menken (score and songs)
Voice Cast:
Jodi Benson as Ariel
Christopher Daniel Barnes as Prince Eric
Pat Carroll as Ursula
Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian
Jason Marin as Flounder
Kenneth Mars as King Triton
Buddy Hackett as Scuttle
Plot Summary:
The Little Mermaid is a classic animated film inspired by the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. The film follows Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to experience life beyond the sea. When she falls in love with Prince Eric, she makes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. However, Ursula's ultimate goal is to steal Ariel's voice and use it to trick Prince Eric into marrying her instead of Ariel.
The film opens with a stunning oceanic sequence showcasing the beauty of Ariel's underwater kingdom, where Ariel lives with her father, King Triton, and her six sisters. While exploring the ocean, Ariel rescues Prince Eric, who has fallen overboard during a storm. Ariel falls in love with the prince and makes a deal with Ursula to become human to pursue him.
However, Ursula schemes to take over the ocean kingdom by posing as Ariel, disguised as a human, and marrying Prince Eric. With the help of her loyal friends, Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel tries to thwart Ursula's plan and find a way to become human forever.
Themes and Impact:
The Little Mermaid is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the desire for freedom. Ariel's quest to experience life beyond the sea and discover her true identity resonates with audiences of all ages. The film's stunning animation, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken, continue to inspire and delight today.
The film is often hailed as the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a golden age of animation for the studio that spanned the 1990s. The success of The Little Mermaid helped establish Disney animation as a major player in Hollywood and paved the way for some of the studio's most memorable films, such as Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
Legacy:
The Little Mermaid remains a beloved classic of animated filmmaking and is celebrated for its outstanding animation, memorable characters, and unforgettable songs such as "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl," and "Under the Sea." The film's cultural impact is significant, influencing fashion, pop culture, and inspiring a live-action remake in 2018. The Little Mermaid is a timeless tale that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages, becoming an integral part of the Disney legacy. Whether you are new to the film or a longtime fan, the story, characters, and emotions it elicits are sure to captivate and inspire you. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the magic of Disney's classic film, The Little Mermaid.
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Music: Christophe Beck (score), Kristen Anderson-Lopez, and Robert Lopez (songs)
Voice Cast:
Idina Menzel as Elsa
Kristen Bell as Anna
Jonathan Groff as Kristoff
Josh Gad as Olaf
Santino Fontana as Hans
Alan Tudyk as Duke of Weselton
Chris Williams as Oaken
Plot Summary:
Frozen is a groundbreaking animated film based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, "The Snow Queen." The story follows two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who must learn to navigate their relationship after Elsa accidentally casts an eternal winter upon their kingdom of Arendelle. With Elsa on the run, Anna embarks on a quest to bring back summer and find her sister. Along the way, she teams up with Kristoff, a rugged ice harvester, and Olaf, a lovable snowman brought to life by Elsa's powers.
The film opens with Elsa and Anna's idyllic childhood, where Elsa's powers over ice and snow are seen as a magic trick to entertain Anna. However, after their parents pass away, Elsa's anxiety about her powers causes a rift between the sisters, and Elsa isolates herself to protect Anna. When Elsa's powers are unleashed during her coronation as queen, her fear creates an eternal winter, and she runs away to the mountains to be alone.
Anna embarks on a journey to find Elsa and convince her to restore summer to the kingdom. Along the way, she meets Kristoff and Olaf, who join her in her quest. However, the villainous Hans, a prince from a neighboring kingdom, has his sights set on becoming king of Arendelle and will stop at nothing to prevent Elsa from restoring summer.
Themes and Impact:
Frozen is a unique and refreshing take on the Disney princess formula, focusing on themes of sisterly love, self-acceptance, and the meaning of true love. The film's stunning animation, memorable characters, and unforgettable soundtrack, including the hit song "Let It Go," have solidified its place as a classic Disney film.
The film's cultural impact cannot be overstated. Frozen has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring pop culture references, merchandise, and a hit Broadway musical. The film's success has revolutionized the way that Disney views its female protagonists, emphasizing their agency, independence, and strength.
Legacy:
Frozen remains a beloved classic of modern animation and has inspired a new generation of Disney fans. The film's themes of sisterly love and self-acceptance continue to resonate with audiences, and its unforgettable soundtrack is celebrated for its memorable music and poignant lyrics. The film has become an integral part of the Disney legacy, earning its place as one of the studio's most beloved and successful films. Whether you are discovering the film for the first time or revisiting it after many viewings, Frozen's powerful story, unforgettable characters, and stunning animation are sure to captivate and inspire you. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the magic of Disney's Frozen.
Walt Disney's top 5 animated movies showcase the studio's creativity, innovation, and commitment to creating stories that inspire and delight audiences. From the classic tales of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast to the blockbuster hits of Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen, these films have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations.
Each film tells a unique and powerful story, whether it be the coming-of-age tale of The Little Mermaid, the classic romance of Beauty and the Beast, the exciting adventure of Aladdin, the epic tale of The Lion King, or the fresh take on the Disney princess formula in Frozen. These films use stunning animation, groundbreaking visuals, unforgettable music, and memorable characters to create some of the most beloved films of all time.
Whether you are a fan of Disney, animation, or movies in general, these films are truly worth experiencing. The stories, characters, and emotions they elicit are sure to captivate and inspire you, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the magic of Disney's timeless animated films. These movies are not just movies; they are a part of our cultural heritage, and they deserve to be celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and their ability to bring magic and wonder to audiences of all ages.
Here are some other Disney animated movies that are worth watching:
