Disney’s animated films have been ranked (Image: undefined)
The very first full-length Disney animated feature premiered nearly 90 years ago when the beloved Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs arrived in cinemas. The enchanting classic, adapted from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, is now recognised as “the one that started it all”.
Since that groundbreaking moment, the renowned film studio has captivated viewers with a remarkable collection of family-orientated animations showcasing everything from a wooden puppet yearning to become a real boy, to a determined girl embarking on a magical voyage across the ocean, and a young lion learning to understand the importance of the circle of life.
With nearly all of its animated productions (except Song of the South, which was withdrawn due to stereotypical portrayals of its black characters) accessible on Disney+, here’s a guide to what you might enjoy with some popcorn.
There’s the early nostalgic era of Snow White, the spectacular visual masterpiece that is Beauty and the Beast, the captivating and emotionally powerful Encanto and countless others.
In total there are 74 films, though all are fully-animated, received theatrical releases and come exclusively from the Disney studio, meaning no Pixar titles. The ranking is based on Rotten Tomatoes scores, which incorporate professional critiques and run from the top position to the least favoured.
1. Pinocchio
The second animated feature from Disney, Pinocchio draws inspiration from an 1883 Italian children’s story, The Adventures of Pinocchio, reports the Mirror.
The 1940 classic tells the tale of a wooden puppet crafted by carpenter Gepetto. Given life by a fairy, he aspires to become human but must first demonstrate courage, honesty and selflessness.
A cricket named Jiminy serves as his conscience whilst he faces temptation and goes astray.
It achieved a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it as “a genuine masterpiece”, “delightful” and occasionally “frightening”, whilst noting the film “captures the bittersweet madness of parenthood as eloquently as any work of art ever has”.
2. Zootopia
Starring the vocal talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba and Shakira amongst others, this 2016 release follows an inexperienced bunny police officer and a sly fox conman investigating the disappearance of several predators. The film shattered box office records and earned a 98% rating, with reviewers praising its cutting-edge animation and describing it as “socially responsible”, “important” and packed with “an abundance of humour and action”.
3. 101 Dalmations
Dumbo is the story of an orphaned elephant (Image: Internet Unknown)
Two Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, residing in London become proud parents to a litter of 15 puppies.
However, their joy is short-lived as the infamous villainess Cruella de Vil kidnaps their pups with the intention of turning their distinctive fur into coats. The ensuing adventure to save their offspring leads them to rescue even more orphaned pups along the way.
Released in 1961, the animation was met with positive reviews and was a box office success. Critics lauded it as “emotionally charged” and one of Disney’s “finest achievements”, awarding it a 98% score.
4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This film, based on the 1812 German fairytale Snow White by the Brothers Grimm, holds the distinction of being the first animated film produced in the United States. It tells the story of the orphaned princess Snow White who lives in the forest with her evil stepmother, the vain Queen.
When the magic mirror declares Snow White as the ‘fairest of them all’, the jealous Queen orders her death, forcing Snow White to flee into the forest where she stumbles upon the home of the seven dwarfs. This groundbreaking film, released in 1938, was named the greatest American animated film of all time in 2008.
Garnering a score of 97%, it has been described as “the one that started it all”, a “timeless gem” and “flawless”.
5. Aladdin
The 1992 musical fantasy, Aladdin, features the voices of Scott Weinger as Aladdin, Robin Williams as the genie and Linda Larkin as Princess Jasmine. Based on an Arabic folktale from One Thousand and One Nights, it follows street urchin Aladdin as he discovers a magic lamp housing a genie who grants him wishes.
Upon release, it was both a critical and financial triumph, becoming the highest grossing animation of all time until The Lion King surpassed it in 1994. It boasts a score of 96% and is lauded as “relentlessly entertaining”, “side splitting” and a “wish come true”.
6. Moana
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Polynesian islands, the film follows the headstrong daughter of a village chief, Moana, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho. Chosen by the ocean to undertake a crucial mission for the goddess of nature, Te Fiti, she is accompanied by shapeshifting demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
Released in 2016 to critical and commercial acclaim, it scores 95%. It was commended for its memorable and original music score and described as “progressive”, “visually stunning” and “empowering”.
Mulan came in at number 15 (Image: No Name)
7. Beauty and the Beast
Based on the French fairytale, the story is set in 18th century France and sees a selfish prince transformed into a monstrous creature as punishment for his actions. When he imprisons a villager, the man’s daughter Belle comes to his castle.
The beast must prove he can love and be loved for the spell to be broken.
Released in 1991 with Angela Lansbury voicing Mrs Potts, the castle housekeeper transformed into a teapot, the film proved a huge box office success and became the first animated feature to claim a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture. It boasts a 95% rating and has been praised as “enchanting”, “sophisticated” and an “instant classic”.
8. Cinderella
Based on the 1697 fairytale, Cinderella tells the tale of a young woman whose nobleman father remarries following her mother’s death. Reduced to serving her wicked stepmother and malicious stepsisters, she meets the prince at the Royal ball after her fairy godmother grants her wishes.
Released in 1950 during Disney’s financial difficulties, it proved both a commercial and critical triumph, rescuing the studio after World War II. With a 95% rating, reviewers have called it “delightful”, “dazzling” and “unforgettable”.
9. Fantasia
Eight animated sequences are accompanied by classical music, with all but one piece performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Initially conceived to revive Mickey Mouse’s popularity, it evolved into multiple segments, each telling its own story through magnificent orchestral arrangements.
Upon its 1940 release, it failed to turn a profit as World War II had blocked access to European markets. It has since been re-released numerous times and ranks among the highest-grossing films in American cinema history.
Scoring 95%, it has been called “fascinating”, “stirring” and “courageous beyond belief”.
10. Dumbo
When a baby elephant arrives late to his expectant circus mother, delivered by a stork, he faces ridicule for his unusually large ears and is cruelly nicknamed Dumbo.
Alongside his sole companion, a mouse called Timothy, he must demonstrate his value in an unforgiving world. The 1941 release stands as one of Disney’s briefest animated features.
It secured an Academy Award for its musical composition and holds a place in the US National Film Registry due to its cultural significance. With a 95% rating, critics have described it as “astounding” and “simple but powerful”.
11. Raya and the Last Dragon 2021
Starring the vocal talents of Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang and Gemma Chan, amongst others, the picture follows warrior princess Raya’s mission to rescue her father and the realm of Kumandra from malevolent spirits called Druun. Centuries earlier, dragons gave their lives to protect humanity from the Druun, but legend tells of one remaining dragon that Raya must locate.
The film’s launch was postponed owing to Covid-19, but upon its 2021 release it achieved both box office success and became the year’s third most-watched streaming title. It holds a 93% score and receives acclaim for its “gorgeous animation” whilst being deemed “exhilarating” and “striking”.
12. The Lion King
With a star-studded cast including Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, and Robert Guillaume, this coming-of-age animation is set in the lands of Tanzania.
The young son of the lion king and queen, Simba, is exiled after his father is murdered by his jealous uncle Mustafa. Released in 1994, it was a massive hit both commercially and critically, featuring original music written by Elton John and Sir Tim Rice.
It scored 92% and critics hailed it as “brilliant” and “awe-inspiring”.
13. The Lady and the Tramp
A pampered pooch named Lady finds herself in a predicament after her owners have a baby. Finding herself out on the streets, a street-smart mutt named Tramp takes care of her and the pair fall in love but must confront the reality of their different backgrounds.
It was a box office success upon its release in 1955 and scored 91% in the ranking. Critics described it as “charming”, “memorable” and “beautiful”.
14. Encanto
Pinocchio was number one (Image: LMPC via Getty Images)
The Madrigal family reside in the Colombian mountains within a rural village known as the Encanto. Every child and grandchild possesses magical abilities bestowed by a miracle, with the exception of Mirabel.
When these powers begin to fade, she embarks upon a quest to uncover the cause. The critically acclaimed animation garnered widespread praise, with its soundtrack achieving remarkable success, particularly We Don’t Talk About Bruno. It achieved a 92% rating and was hailed as “enchanting”, “sincere” and “epically emotional”.
15. Mulan
Drawing from the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, the film chronicles Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, as she disguises herself as a man to replace her elderly father in the Chinese army. Eddie Murphy provides the voice for Mushu, a disgraced dragon and the family’s former spiritual guardian who seeks redemption by safeguarding her during a Hun invasion.
Released in 1998 to both critical acclaim and box office success, it secured a Golden Globe and received numerous other nominations. It achieved a 91% rating and was commended for being “stunning”, “sumptuous” and “grand”.
Here are the rest of the top 74 Disney animations in ranked order:
16. The Little Mermaid (1989).
17. Bambi (1942).
18. Big Hero 6 (2014).
19. Bolt (2008).
20. Tarzan (1999).
21. Winnie the Pooh (2001).
22. Sleeping Beauty (1959).
Lady And The Tramp was in at number 13 (Image: © Disney)
23. Frozen (2013).
24. Tangled (2010).
25. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).
26. The Jungle Book (1967).
27. Wreck it Ralph (2012).
28. Lilo and Stitch (2002).
29. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000).
30. The Princess and the Frog (2009) 31.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990).
32. Hercules (1997).
33. Pooh’s Heffalump Movie (2005).
34. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996).
35. Fantasia 2000 (1999).
Moana made the top 10 (Image: AP)
36. Peter Pan (1953).
37. Frozen II (2019).
38. Disney’s Teacher’s Pet (2004).
39. Piglet’s Big Movie (2003).
40. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977).
41. Ducktales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990).
42. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949).
43. Alice in Wonderland (1951).
44. The Rescuers (1977).
45. The Great Mouse Detective (1986).
46. The Fox and the Hound (1981).
47. Melody Time (1948).
48. Fun and Fancy Free (1947).
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first (Image: Disney)
49. Strange World (2022).
50. Treasure Planet (2002).
51. Meet the Robinsons (2007).
52. The Sword in the Stone (1963).
53. Dinosaur (2000).
54. A Goofy Movie (1995).
55. The Aristocats (1970).
56. The Tigger Movie (2000).
57. Moana 2 (2024).
58. Recess: School’s Out (2001).
59. Pocahontas (1995).
60. Robin Hood (1973).
61. Make Mine Music (1946).
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Image: Disney)
62. The Black Cauldron (1985).
63. Oliver and Company (1988).
64. Home on the Range (2004).
65. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001).
66. Wish (2023).
67. Return to Never Land (2002).
68. Planes: Fire and Rescue (2014).
69. Bambi II (2006).
70. Brother Bear (2003).
71. Chicken Little (2005).
72. Doug’s 1st Movie (1999).
73. Planes (2013).
74. The Jungle Book 2 (2003).
