Starting with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, Disney has released a total of 60 movies over the last 80 years. Many of these movies have become classics that are loved by people of all ages, thanks to their timeless stories and memorable characters. If you’re looking for a ranking of the best newer Disney movies, you’re in luck! I’ve created a list of my personal favorites for you. You can get a Disney+ plan to watch the majority of the movies.
Growing up, did you ever watch a Disney movie and think to yourself, “Wow, this is amazing”? With iconic stories, unforgettable characters, and decades of experience, Disney has created some truly fantastic movies for us all to enjoy. From classic characters like Dumbo and Bambi to more modern additions like Simba, Disney has something for everyone. In fact, the studio has released 60 movies since 1937, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. If you’re looking for a great way to watch Disney movies, I recommend signing up for a Disney+ subscription plan. This will give you access to the majority of their movies.
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Best Animated Movies from Disney (2022)
Disney has created some of the most iconic and timeless characters in film history. From Simba in The Lion King to Elsa in Frozen, these characters have captured the hearts and minds of children all over the world. With Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and other major production studios, the company has only added to its impressive roster of films. However, for the purposes of this article, we will be focusing specifically on the best Disney animated movies from 1990 to 2022 from Walt Disney Animation Studios. So without further ado, here are our picks for the greatest Disney animated films of all time!
1. The Lion King (1994)
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Metacritic: 88%
- Directors: Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers
- Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
- Release date: 24 June 1994
- Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes
The Lion King is one of Disney’s most successful productions to date. The story, characters, and songs are all top-notch and worth praising. I can’t recall the first time I saw this film, but the song “Circle of Life” always takes me on a nostalgic trip. The story is about a young lion prince named Simba who is supposed to rule one day. However, his evil uncle Scar casts him out of the pride, blaming him for his father’s death. Simba runs away too far and becomes very weak. Soon, Timon and Pumba save him and raise him as their friend.
2. Aladdin (1992)
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Metacritic: 86%
- Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Cast: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
- Release date: 25 November 1992
- Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Aladdin is a poor thief from Agrabah who steals to get by. He befriends Jasmine, a princess who is supposed to marry a man she doesn’t love, and Jafar, the king’s advisor who is obsessed with a magic lamp. Aladdin finds the lamp in the Cave of Wonders and releases the Genie. The Genie only wants to be free, so he grants Aladdin three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
The story of Aladdin is one that has been loved by many for years. It follows Aladdin, a young boy who falls in love with Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah. In order to win her hand, Aladdin must use his three wishes wisely – all while trying to outsmart the evil Jafar who is also trying to obtain the lamp for himself. This story is adapted from One Thousand and One Nights and is just as full of adventure and enchantment. After the movie’s release, it was followed by a three-season animated series in 1993 and two sequels. In 2019, a live-action adaptation was released which was loved by old and new fans alike.
3. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
- Metacritic: 95%
- Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
- Cast: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti
- Release date: 22 November 1991
- Runtime: 1 hour 24 minutes
Disney created a beautiful love story when a young princess sees love in a prince, who is under a curse that gives him the appearance of a beast. The curse can only be broken if the beast can make the young maiden, Belle, fall in love with him. When Belle’s father, Maurice, becomes ill and is taken prisoner by the beast, Belle takes her father’s place as prisoner.
The entire staff of the castle is also enchanted and helps the girl appreciate the beast. She soon falls in love with the creature, and the story begins. However, back in the village, unscrupulous hunter Gaston has evil plans for Belle. A live-action version of the film was released in 2017, starring Emma Watson.
The staff of the castle, who are all under the beast’s enchantment, help the girl come to appreciate him. She falls in love with the creature, and the story begins. However, back in the village, unscrupulous hunter Gaston has evil plans for Belle. A live-action version of the film was released in 2017, starring Emma Watson.
4. Zootopia (2016)
- IMDb: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Metacritic: 78%
- Directors: Rich Moore, Byron Howard
- Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba
- Release date: 4 March 2016
- Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes
Zootopia is a fun and unique city made up of animals from all walks of life. From the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you’ll find every mammal imaginable in Zootopia. We follow Judy Hopps, the first rabbit to join the police force, as she navigate her way through the city. Though she’s met with skepticism and doubt from her colleagues because of her small size, Judy is determined to prove herself and takes on a mysterious case involving animals going savage and falling back into their killer instincts. The task requires her to work with Nick Wilde, a canny fox who makes her job even harder.
