Disney is my childhood: Rankings
So here is my list. I have left off all the package movies. I haven't seen all of themand I don't feel that I can judge. They are a different type of mive as well. It kind of comparing a TV show or mini-series to a movie. It is the same medium, but they shouldn't be compared. I have judged the rest of overall enjoyment and entertainment factor, visuals, and depth. There isn't one that I dislike, there are just I like more than others. This would be me, being hyper critical.
30. Bambi (1942)
I know I shouldn't hate on Bambi. The visuals and the true to detail animals are great. But it is boring. And nothing happens. Except for I learn that humans are terrible and hunt animals and start fires. And I know it is groundbreaking, but Disney is known to be groundbreaking, heck, half of these films are groundbreaking. There are some delightful moments, but there is no character development really and the visuals are really what make it significant.
29. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
This one, however, is unsurprising. There is no real villain, there is no real character development, everything is sort of all over the place. It is cute it has cute parts, but there are better reimaginings of King Arthur and Merlin and this doesn't cut it for me. And most of it is just Merlin changing Arthur into animals. It also comes across as unmemorable. However, I do like the tongue in cheek aspect and it is just silly.
28. Oliver & Company (1988)
Even Billy Joel's voice doesn't save this one. Although this one might have my favorite death of a villain, it is just not that good. It is not very memorable. Like I am trying to remember parts of it right now, but the end only comes to mind and that silly chihuahua.
27. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
There are actually a lot of parts of this movie I like...the tale of the Carpenter and the Walrus, the characters, Alice herself, the Queen of Hearts, etc. Except for the scenes are too strange and weird that I feel over them before they are even halfway over. The visuals and craziness is fantastic, but it just doesn't really go anywhere. And you can tell Alice is over the crazy as much as we were. She was ready to go home, and at a certain point, I was ready for the movie to be over too. I was relieved it was wrapping up.
26. The Black Cauldron (1985)
This movie was forgotten for a reason. And maybe if I had an attachment to it as a child, it might fair better. However it doesn't have that to fall back on. The visuals are fantastic (this was a huge budget movie for Disney, and it didn't really pan out) and the villain is intense and the movie is dark. But a pig? And Gurgi? And just the lack of taking itself seriously when it should be doesn't really do it. Everything seems like child's play, and that is what it is when your characters are children. The humor, like Sword in the Stone, does seem forced too.
25. Cinderella (1950)
So, this is my least favorite Disney princess movie. Not that is a bad movie. It isn't. I think I just don't really like it as a story. The evil step mother is pretty evil, but she doesn't have any powers, so she is just kind of a bitch. I really dislike the cat and mouse chase scenes, it is trying to bulk up the movie to make it long enough and I was over it after the first one. However, I wish I had a prince, a fairy godmother, and that dress and shoes. That kind of stuff, and Cinderella's silky smooth voice really makes this movie this movie. I think there just isn't as much depth and we just get to know Cinderella, not her prince and not anything else.
24. Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio is not really my thing either, besides how dark that shit is. Man it is as dark as my soul. I kid. Meh, I don't really have a good reason. I think the visuals are again very well done, I just don't like the pacing of it. And I don't find Pinocchio that likeable. And Geppetto is way more interesting, but he just plays the dad. It is just not as engaging as some of the other I think.
23. Dumbo (1941)
Now I think it is getting more difficult for me order things. I like Dumbo, however it is short. And the only really striking moment and tearjerking moment is when Dumbo is reunited with his mom. And it is really touching. And other parts of the movie are cute...but it is not my favorite or anything. And the movie does go on that weird trippy dream with the elephants, which is awesome...but why? There is also nothing visually amazing about the movie, so I am not in love with it.
22. Fantasia (1940)
As a piece of art, this film is a masterpiece. However, to watch each part in one sitting, is a struggle. Juar watching a part and then shutting it off is the best way to watch this film. And in my opinion the best piece comes at the end, when you are over the movie. And the interview in the middle disturbs the flow. However, it is breathtaking and creative.
21. The Jungle Book (1967)
The music is fantastic in this movie. But it is by far the best thing about it. Shere Khan's voice and personality is especially evil, the movie does a great job making us hate him before we even meet him, which takes 2/3rds of the movie. The elephant plotline thing, although funny, is not particularly necessary, especially since they aren't the ones to track down Mowgli. I like the premise, but in the end, I think Tarzan was a much more heartwarming version of this tale. And with a lot more depth. And Mowgli isn't likeable. The supporting characters, especially the dynamic between Baloo and Bagheera is what make this movie.
20. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
This is now more of a matter of preference. Besides some slow parts and just the fact that it is hard to stretch out such a short fairy tale are the down sides (and Snow White's voice is kind of irritating). The dwarves are fantastic, the evil Queen is fantastic, and her death and just utter evilness makes the movie. The music is also good. It is just such a short story in general that nothing happens in most of the movie to continue the plot. That is the downside to taking a 5 page story into a 75 minute movie. And the fact that it is incredibly brilliantly animated for 1937 gives it a thumbs up.
19. The Rescuers / The Rescuers Down Under (1977, 1990)
So I can't decide at all which one I liked more. And I was going to put them consecutively anyway. But I think both movies are absolutely darling, but the premise in both are ridiculous in a good way of course and the world building is fun. And both have tearjerker moments. And I love the blossoming and ending in the engagement of Bernard and Bianca. It is the first relationship out of the movies previously listed that I felt invested in its success. Both villians are deliciously terrible. But I think their sidekicks kill a lot of their evilness and are meant to fuck everything up in a predictable way. It is comic relief. And as movies, both are almost too similar, the only thing that really makes them different in the setting and the changing of Bernard and Bianca's relationship. It has a TV show feel to it. But enjoyable nonetheless.
17. The Aristocats (1970)
Very cute movie. The names are the best in that one. By a lot. And Edgar is such a dunce. The dialogue is super snappy, it plays up the English and French stereotypes in a nonoffensive terrific way, and has a bunch of fun songs (which also have a bunch of fun stereotypes too). However, those hick dogs are a waste of my life. So unnecessary. But the rest of the movie, although again not a whole lot happens is just really really fun and engrossing. It feels like such a true character movie, the first out of the ones listed. And I enjoyed watching the kitties grow. And Edgar gets sent to Timbuktu. Thank goodness. I also think I have an emotional attachment to this one and a lot of the others.
16. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Another adorable movie about characters. I actually think the animation is fantastic and the setting is fun too. Lady and the Tramp play with class issues, freedom versus security, and actually for a lot of children, how to deal with a sibling coming into the older sibling's life. I don't know if this movie did anything for me as a child, but I would hope that in a subliminal way it gives solace to the older sibling and that they won't be forgotten. Children's TV shows do it in a much more heavy handed way, and I find it awesome that this one doesn't. It is a terrific movie without being so depressing.
15. Hercules (1997)
A very fun movie. And enjoyable. I love the sarcasm, the different take on the villain, and the different take on the heroine. I also like the theme of not fitting in, but unfortunately all the movies released around it use the same theme, and they all do it better and more interestingly. Hercules doesn't fit in, but he gets strong and it is all cool. The other movies do a better job, but with more layers. The animation is fun, the music might be one of my favorites, and I love the destruction of the Greek myth and at the same time inserting it over and over into it. Fun, but not my favorite.
14. Robin Hood (1973)
This one is an emotional attachment movie for me. I love this myth dearly. And I think it is one of the better retellings and/or reimaginings of the myth. The music is completely different than normal in a good way, and the animal choices seem so perfect. And it is funny. And chaotic. I don't really have a lot to complain about. I don't really love the baby bunny silliness, but the poor children are needed so we can feel bad about them. And Hiss is kind of unnecessary. It is just not as well done, animation wise as some of the others, because it was so low budget. But it is really terrific.
13. Peter Pan (1953)
Another tale I enjoy immensely. Tinkerbell is jealous jealous jealous. Hook is delicously evil. The Darling family each of their own separate interestingness. And Peter is also fun. I also like that this movie as a very distinct plot and stuff actually happens in it. Of the earlier films, it really is first one that has a complex plot, and it is really refreshing. I find the setting, and just the animation a joy. I could do without the Indian political incorrectness, but it is ok, it makes the movie a product of its time.
12. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Another terrific low budget Disney film. It is totally underrated. It is witty, creative, and funny. Ratigan is a terrific villain, smart and insane and merciless. They could not have done a better job, creating a sly and surprising plot and creating such accurate depictions of Basil and Dawson. The film made it feel that everything has a solution, and we can fix it. And it was just tongue in cheek. The music is nothing to write home about (because there isn't really a lot) but I think the plot and intelligence of the movie really make up for it being less of an epic.
11. Pocahontas (1995)
I love that this movie has a bittersweet ending. I prefer movies that don't have a happy ending. John Smith and Pocahontas (not only historically inaccurate) getting together just wasn't right for this film, and I am happy that Disney just didn't give into it to make little children happy. Visually and musically, it is no trouble to hate this movie. The only thing I don't like about it is historical inaccuracy, which I can bypass, because who the fuck knows what really went down anyway. Smith's journals were half bullshit anyway. I don't really love the animal sidekicks. But I hate all the of the animal sidekicks. So I can't really bitch too much about it. The animals just aren't as interesting as the others. But as a piece of learning for children, it is great. The portrayal of Indians isn't the best, but I think it is an unbelievable improvement from Peter Pan anyway. And it is better than Avatar anyway.
10. The Little Mermaid (1989)
So, it is only number 10 because as I was watching it with my brother he made some valid points. Ariel is not the best heroine by a long shot. She just wants to marry a boy (a hot boy, nonetheless) and she no other goals or aspirations. She is a curious little creature, but it really about her and the boyfriend. But besides that, I WANT THEM TO GET TOGETHER. AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL BABIES. So I don't really care that much. This movie is wonderful anyway. Ursula, the music, the visuals, all of the supporting characters make this movie why Disney came back to its previous glory and create so many awesome movies that I love and grew up watching. It is not my favorite, but it is quite delightful and I will always covet Ariel's hair.
9. Tarzan (1999)
I am really surprised that this movie is number 9 to me. Shocked, actually. I wasn't even that excited to watch it. But in reality, this movie (besides the Fox and the Hound) made me cry the most. This movie is about acceptance, being true to yourself and all that hubabalooie. The relationship between Tarzan and his mother are what actually kills me in this movie and gives this movie more strength then some others. Like up, the movie breaks your heart within the first 5 minutes. And as much as am over the Phil Collins soundtrack, it does its job perfectly. Rosie O'Donnell's character and the elephant play their roles of comic relief the right amount, to whereas it is not annoying anymore, and they actually have a purpose within the plot structure. And Clayton dies in one of the most disturbing, horrifying ways of any Disney movie. Disney's last movie to really hit it out of the park.
8. Mulan (1998)
The music. The sidekicks. And finally a female lead who is so badass that we all want to be her. Mulan herself is so important to the canon, where almost all the women are girly girls. Mulan breaks this traditional mold, smashes it, and kicks its ass. As a person who was never a girly girl, Mulan was relatable. She wasn't waiting for no prince to save her ass. He came to her, bitches. Mooshoo is hysterical. And as a film, it is gorgeous and a great teaching tool for other non-Western cultures. Disney in the 90's travelled the globe, and this is probably one of the best cultural examples of it.
7. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Victor Hugo probably deserves the most credit for creating a story with so much depth. As a film it deals with so many heavy themes--rape, prejudice, discrimination, christian theology, corruption--and all with in the realms of a PG children's movie. It is impressive. Visually, the Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, the costumes, the characters are portrayed beautifully. Maybe the most gorgeous of any of the films. It is like a great scenic overly ornate painting that I get to watch. Awesome. Frollo might be the villain that gives me the most creepy shivers. I also love that the ending is bittersweet for Quasimodo. It is heartbreaking that he doesn't get the girl, but right for the movie and life. I like that the film doesn't cop out. The only thing I could have done without are the talking and singing gargoyles, but the movie I guess does need something light.
6. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Another under rated classic. This movie is the most gut wrenching, heart breaking, saddest Disney flick of them all. Ever. They are adorable cute friends, and then it is hate, because of social constrictions. And then I cry. And then his mom sets him free. And I cry some more. Friendship and love. That is what makes this movie for me. The levels of friendship and love are changing. And circumstances change. And for children, this movie helps us come to terms with moving on, and saying goodbye, as awful and terrible as it is. I've moved so many times and this movie is as awful as that experience is, but definitely gives some hope at the end that everything is going to be ok. It is just sad and bittersweet that the two are not really going to be friends again.
5. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty is an artistic triumph. The style of the movie is just so different then anything before and anything that comes after. It really has this stained glass quality about it. Aurora is not very exciting as a character, but I find her the most attractive and her voice and the songs she sings are wonderful. The fairies are terrific, I love their expansion of character and the magic war they have. It is stunning and Maleficient is evil and her castle is evil and it is just how evil should be portrayed. It is the portrayal of the Grimm fairy tales and I find it absolutely breathtaking.
4. Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin, however, is my personal favorite, and probably will always be my personal favorite. It is because well, it is funny and interesting. Jasmine isn't your average sort of princess, who is much more badass than we give her credit for. I think this movie is energetic and romantic and sweet. And continues Disney's tour of the world. Jafar could not be any sleezier, and the music is fun as well (and oh so romantic). Aladdin is smart, and finally we are breaking class barriers and teaching the importance of keeping promises and that other things are more imprtant besides power. It is such a terrifically funny movie. It is super popular, and it is appealling broadly just like...
3. The Lion King (1994)
There is pretty much nothing wrong about this movie. From the accuracy of the animals, to the struggle good and evil, the references to Hamlet. It is masterful and teaches the lesson of having a place on the earth and being part of something greater. Without being religious. It is about making bad decisions, and choosing to fix them. It is about telling the truth and making the hard decisions. It is funny. It has amazing songs. It is slightly romantic, without going over the top. It is good for both boys and girls unlike the princess movies. It is one of my favorites.
2. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
So, I didn't realize how wonderful this movie was until I rewatched it. It is really fantastic. I love the animation in this movie--for example at the beginning, the matching dogs and humans is terrific and I want to see more human/dog comparisons. And I want to keep watching the movie, it just has so many fantastic details, like the TV shows. They are fascinating in themselves. Although not all the puppies have distinct personalities, their parents, their owners, and a bunch of supporting characters do. I love Cruella and her stooges. And the dialogue is unbelievably witty and snappy. I like how gruesome and tension building the plot is as well. God, this movie is terrific. Just the creativity of this movie makes it worth watching and why it is this high on the list.
1. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
It isn't my favorite, but it is obviously one of them. This movie is deserving of the Academy award it was nominated for. Not only is Belle a badass, but she tells it like it is. The animation is gorgeous--have you seen the castle's detail?. And the wolf chase scenes? Beast develops from a completely different character. The supporting cast in fantastic as well. They are funny and interesting. Gaston is a pain in the ass, in the most appropriate way. And the music is probably my favorite, and the orchestration is great. As a movie with lessons, it teaches right off the bat that appearances are decieving and that it shouldn't matter what you look like, it is what is on the inside. Belle is gorgeous, but the town finds her insane, although she isn't. Gaston is handsome, but just a terrible person. And Beast, although cold intially, really does change into a loveable better person in the end. This movie, in my opinion is the best Disney has given to us. And that is saying a lot, given the greatness on this list.
There you have it. Disney is the best. What are your favorites?
30. Bambi (1942)
I know I shouldn't hate on Bambi. The visuals and the true to detail animals are great. But it is boring. And nothing happens. Except for I learn that humans are terrible and hunt animals and start fires. And I know it is groundbreaking, but Disney is known to be groundbreaking, heck, half of these films are groundbreaking. There are some delightful moments, but there is no character development really and the visuals are really what make it significant.
29. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
This one, however, is unsurprising. There is no real villain, there is no real character development, everything is sort of all over the place. It is cute it has cute parts, but there are better reimaginings of King Arthur and Merlin and this doesn't cut it for me. And most of it is just Merlin changing Arthur into animals. It also comes across as unmemorable. However, I do like the tongue in cheek aspect and it is just silly.
28. Oliver & Company (1988)
Even Billy Joel's voice doesn't save this one. Although this one might have my favorite death of a villain, it is just not that good. It is not very memorable. Like I am trying to remember parts of it right now, but the end only comes to mind and that silly chihuahua.
27. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
There are actually a lot of parts of this movie I like...the tale of the Carpenter and the Walrus, the characters, Alice herself, the Queen of Hearts, etc. Except for the scenes are too strange and weird that I feel over them before they are even halfway over. The visuals and craziness is fantastic, but it just doesn't really go anywhere. And you can tell Alice is over the crazy as much as we were. She was ready to go home, and at a certain point, I was ready for the movie to be over too. I was relieved it was wrapping up.
26. The Black Cauldron (1985)
This movie was forgotten for a reason. And maybe if I had an attachment to it as a child, it might fair better. However it doesn't have that to fall back on. The visuals are fantastic (this was a huge budget movie for Disney, and it didn't really pan out) and the villain is intense and the movie is dark. But a pig? And Gurgi? And just the lack of taking itself seriously when it should be doesn't really do it. Everything seems like child's play, and that is what it is when your characters are children. The humor, like Sword in the Stone, does seem forced too.
25. Cinderella (1950)
So, this is my least favorite Disney princess movie. Not that is a bad movie. It isn't. I think I just don't really like it as a story. The evil step mother is pretty evil, but she doesn't have any powers, so she is just kind of a bitch. I really dislike the cat and mouse chase scenes, it is trying to bulk up the movie to make it long enough and I was over it after the first one. However, I wish I had a prince, a fairy godmother, and that dress and shoes. That kind of stuff, and Cinderella's silky smooth voice really makes this movie this movie. I think there just isn't as much depth and we just get to know Cinderella, not her prince and not anything else.
24. Pinocchio (1940)
Pinocchio is not really my thing either, besides how dark that shit is. Man it is as dark as my soul. I kid. Meh, I don't really have a good reason. I think the visuals are again very well done, I just don't like the pacing of it. And I don't find Pinocchio that likeable. And Geppetto is way more interesting, but he just plays the dad. It is just not as engaging as some of the other I think.
23. Dumbo (1941)
Now I think it is getting more difficult for me order things. I like Dumbo, however it is short. And the only really striking moment and tearjerking moment is when Dumbo is reunited with his mom. And it is really touching. And other parts of the movie are cute...but it is not my favorite or anything. And the movie does go on that weird trippy dream with the elephants, which is awesome...but why? There is also nothing visually amazing about the movie, so I am not in love with it.
22. Fantasia (1940)
As a piece of art, this film is a masterpiece. However, to watch each part in one sitting, is a struggle. Juar watching a part and then shutting it off is the best way to watch this film. And in my opinion the best piece comes at the end, when you are over the movie. And the interview in the middle disturbs the flow. However, it is breathtaking and creative.
21. The Jungle Book (1967)
The music is fantastic in this movie. But it is by far the best thing about it. Shere Khan's voice and personality is especially evil, the movie does a great job making us hate him before we even meet him, which takes 2/3rds of the movie. The elephant plotline thing, although funny, is not particularly necessary, especially since they aren't the ones to track down Mowgli. I like the premise, but in the end, I think Tarzan was a much more heartwarming version of this tale. And with a lot more depth. And Mowgli isn't likeable. The supporting characters, especially the dynamic between Baloo and Bagheera is what make this movie.
20. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
This is now more of a matter of preference. Besides some slow parts and just the fact that it is hard to stretch out such a short fairy tale are the down sides (and Snow White's voice is kind of irritating). The dwarves are fantastic, the evil Queen is fantastic, and her death and just utter evilness makes the movie. The music is also good. It is just such a short story in general that nothing happens in most of the movie to continue the plot. That is the downside to taking a 5 page story into a 75 minute movie. And the fact that it is incredibly brilliantly animated for 1937 gives it a thumbs up.
19. The Rescuers / The Rescuers Down Under (1977, 1990)
So I can't decide at all which one I liked more. And I was going to put them consecutively anyway. But I think both movies are absolutely darling, but the premise in both are ridiculous in a good way of course and the world building is fun. And both have tearjerker moments. And I love the blossoming and ending in the engagement of Bernard and Bianca. It is the first relationship out of the movies previously listed that I felt invested in its success. Both villians are deliciously terrible. But I think their sidekicks kill a lot of their evilness and are meant to fuck everything up in a predictable way. It is comic relief. And as movies, both are almost too similar, the only thing that really makes them different in the setting and the changing of Bernard and Bianca's relationship. It has a TV show feel to it. But enjoyable nonetheless.
17. The Aristocats (1970)
Very cute movie. The names are the best in that one. By a lot. And Edgar is such a dunce. The dialogue is super snappy, it plays up the English and French stereotypes in a nonoffensive terrific way, and has a bunch of fun songs (which also have a bunch of fun stereotypes too). However, those hick dogs are a waste of my life. So unnecessary. But the rest of the movie, although again not a whole lot happens is just really really fun and engrossing. It feels like such a true character movie, the first out of the ones listed. And I enjoyed watching the kitties grow. And Edgar gets sent to Timbuktu. Thank goodness. I also think I have an emotional attachment to this one and a lot of the others.
16. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Another adorable movie about characters. I actually think the animation is fantastic and the setting is fun too. Lady and the Tramp play with class issues, freedom versus security, and actually for a lot of children, how to deal with a sibling coming into the older sibling's life. I don't know if this movie did anything for me as a child, but I would hope that in a subliminal way it gives solace to the older sibling and that they won't be forgotten. Children's TV shows do it in a much more heavy handed way, and I find it awesome that this one doesn't. It is a terrific movie without being so depressing.
15. Hercules (1997)
A very fun movie. And enjoyable. I love the sarcasm, the different take on the villain, and the different take on the heroine. I also like the theme of not fitting in, but unfortunately all the movies released around it use the same theme, and they all do it better and more interestingly. Hercules doesn't fit in, but he gets strong and it is all cool. The other movies do a better job, but with more layers. The animation is fun, the music might be one of my favorites, and I love the destruction of the Greek myth and at the same time inserting it over and over into it. Fun, but not my favorite.
14. Robin Hood (1973)
This one is an emotional attachment movie for me. I love this myth dearly. And I think it is one of the better retellings and/or reimaginings of the myth. The music is completely different than normal in a good way, and the animal choices seem so perfect. And it is funny. And chaotic. I don't really have a lot to complain about. I don't really love the baby bunny silliness, but the poor children are needed so we can feel bad about them. And Hiss is kind of unnecessary. It is just not as well done, animation wise as some of the others, because it was so low budget. But it is really terrific.
13. Peter Pan (1953)
Another tale I enjoy immensely. Tinkerbell is jealous jealous jealous. Hook is delicously evil. The Darling family each of their own separate interestingness. And Peter is also fun. I also like that this movie as a very distinct plot and stuff actually happens in it. Of the earlier films, it really is first one that has a complex plot, and it is really refreshing. I find the setting, and just the animation a joy. I could do without the Indian political incorrectness, but it is ok, it makes the movie a product of its time.
12. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Another terrific low budget Disney film. It is totally underrated. It is witty, creative, and funny. Ratigan is a terrific villain, smart and insane and merciless. They could not have done a better job, creating a sly and surprising plot and creating such accurate depictions of Basil and Dawson. The film made it feel that everything has a solution, and we can fix it. And it was just tongue in cheek. The music is nothing to write home about (because there isn't really a lot) but I think the plot and intelligence of the movie really make up for it being less of an epic.
11. Pocahontas (1995)
I love that this movie has a bittersweet ending. I prefer movies that don't have a happy ending. John Smith and Pocahontas (not only historically inaccurate) getting together just wasn't right for this film, and I am happy that Disney just didn't give into it to make little children happy. Visually and musically, it is no trouble to hate this movie. The only thing I don't like about it is historical inaccuracy, which I can bypass, because who the fuck knows what really went down anyway. Smith's journals were half bullshit anyway. I don't really love the animal sidekicks. But I hate all the of the animal sidekicks. So I can't really bitch too much about it. The animals just aren't as interesting as the others. But as a piece of learning for children, it is great. The portrayal of Indians isn't the best, but I think it is an unbelievable improvement from Peter Pan anyway. And it is better than Avatar anyway.
10. The Little Mermaid (1989)
So, it is only number 10 because as I was watching it with my brother he made some valid points. Ariel is not the best heroine by a long shot. She just wants to marry a boy (a hot boy, nonetheless) and she no other goals or aspirations. She is a curious little creature, but it really about her and the boyfriend. But besides that, I WANT THEM TO GET TOGETHER. AND HAVE BEAUTIFUL BABIES. So I don't really care that much. This movie is wonderful anyway. Ursula, the music, the visuals, all of the supporting characters make this movie why Disney came back to its previous glory and create so many awesome movies that I love and grew up watching. It is not my favorite, but it is quite delightful and I will always covet Ariel's hair.
9. Tarzan (1999)
I am really surprised that this movie is number 9 to me. Shocked, actually. I wasn't even that excited to watch it. But in reality, this movie (besides the Fox and the Hound) made me cry the most. This movie is about acceptance, being true to yourself and all that hubabalooie. The relationship between Tarzan and his mother are what actually kills me in this movie and gives this movie more strength then some others. Like up, the movie breaks your heart within the first 5 minutes. And as much as am over the Phil Collins soundtrack, it does its job perfectly. Rosie O'Donnell's character and the elephant play their roles of comic relief the right amount, to whereas it is not annoying anymore, and they actually have a purpose within the plot structure. And Clayton dies in one of the most disturbing, horrifying ways of any Disney movie. Disney's last movie to really hit it out of the park.
8. Mulan (1998)
The music. The sidekicks. And finally a female lead who is so badass that we all want to be her. Mulan herself is so important to the canon, where almost all the women are girly girls. Mulan breaks this traditional mold, smashes it, and kicks its ass. As a person who was never a girly girl, Mulan was relatable. She wasn't waiting for no prince to save her ass. He came to her, bitches. Mooshoo is hysterical. And as a film, it is gorgeous and a great teaching tool for other non-Western cultures. Disney in the 90's travelled the globe, and this is probably one of the best cultural examples of it.
7. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Victor Hugo probably deserves the most credit for creating a story with so much depth. As a film it deals with so many heavy themes--rape, prejudice, discrimination, christian theology, corruption--and all with in the realms of a PG children's movie. It is impressive. Visually, the Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral, the costumes, the characters are portrayed beautifully. Maybe the most gorgeous of any of the films. It is like a great scenic overly ornate painting that I get to watch. Awesome. Frollo might be the villain that gives me the most creepy shivers. I also love that the ending is bittersweet for Quasimodo. It is heartbreaking that he doesn't get the girl, but right for the movie and life. I like that the film doesn't cop out. The only thing I could have done without are the talking and singing gargoyles, but the movie I guess does need something light.
6. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Another under rated classic. This movie is the most gut wrenching, heart breaking, saddest Disney flick of them all. Ever. They are adorable cute friends, and then it is hate, because of social constrictions. And then I cry. And then his mom sets him free. And I cry some more. Friendship and love. That is what makes this movie for me. The levels of friendship and love are changing. And circumstances change. And for children, this movie helps us come to terms with moving on, and saying goodbye, as awful and terrible as it is. I've moved so many times and this movie is as awful as that experience is, but definitely gives some hope at the end that everything is going to be ok. It is just sad and bittersweet that the two are not really going to be friends again.
5. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty is an artistic triumph. The style of the movie is just so different then anything before and anything that comes after. It really has this stained glass quality about it. Aurora is not very exciting as a character, but I find her the most attractive and her voice and the songs she sings are wonderful. The fairies are terrific, I love their expansion of character and the magic war they have. It is stunning and Maleficient is evil and her castle is evil and it is just how evil should be portrayed. It is the portrayal of the Grimm fairy tales and I find it absolutely breathtaking.
4. Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin, however, is my personal favorite, and probably will always be my personal favorite. It is because well, it is funny and interesting. Jasmine isn't your average sort of princess, who is much more badass than we give her credit for. I think this movie is energetic and romantic and sweet. And continues Disney's tour of the world. Jafar could not be any sleezier, and the music is fun as well (and oh so romantic). Aladdin is smart, and finally we are breaking class barriers and teaching the importance of keeping promises and that other things are more imprtant besides power. It is such a terrifically funny movie. It is super popular, and it is appealling broadly just like...
3. The Lion King (1994)
There is pretty much nothing wrong about this movie. From the accuracy of the animals, to the struggle good and evil, the references to Hamlet. It is masterful and teaches the lesson of having a place on the earth and being part of something greater. Without being religious. It is about making bad decisions, and choosing to fix them. It is about telling the truth and making the hard decisions. It is funny. It has amazing songs. It is slightly romantic, without going over the top. It is good for both boys and girls unlike the princess movies. It is one of my favorites.
2. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
So, I didn't realize how wonderful this movie was until I rewatched it. It is really fantastic. I love the animation in this movie--for example at the beginning, the matching dogs and humans is terrific and I want to see more human/dog comparisons. And I want to keep watching the movie, it just has so many fantastic details, like the TV shows. They are fascinating in themselves. Although not all the puppies have distinct personalities, their parents, their owners, and a bunch of supporting characters do. I love Cruella and her stooges. And the dialogue is unbelievably witty and snappy. I like how gruesome and tension building the plot is as well. God, this movie is terrific. Just the creativity of this movie makes it worth watching and why it is this high on the list.
1. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
It isn't my favorite, but it is obviously one of them. This movie is deserving of the Academy award it was nominated for. Not only is Belle a badass, but she tells it like it is. The animation is gorgeous--have you seen the castle's detail?. And the wolf chase scenes? Beast develops from a completely different character. The supporting cast in fantastic as well. They are funny and interesting. Gaston is a pain in the ass, in the most appropriate way. And the music is probably my favorite, and the orchestration is great. As a movie with lessons, it teaches right off the bat that appearances are decieving and that it shouldn't matter what you look like, it is what is on the inside. Belle is gorgeous, but the town finds her insane, although she isn't. Gaston is handsome, but just a terrible person. And Beast, although cold intially, really does change into a loveable better person in the end. This movie, in my opinion is the best Disney has given to us. And that is saying a lot, given the greatness on this list.
There you have it. Disney is the best. What are your favorites?