Disney has produced some of the most beloved and timeless classics in American cinema. Although it is the leader in animation, Disney’s contributions go beyond and into the very fabric of film as a storytelling medium. Every film lover has a favorite Disney film; almost everyone has seen the Disney classics, has their favorite princess, and knows the main villains. The Mouse House is a titan in the business, thanks to its 100-year-old history.

A crucial reason behind Disney’s success is the music. Many of cinema’s best musicals come from the Mouse House, with brilliant, game-changing lyricists and composers like the Sherman Brothers and duos like Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman building a rich musical legacy. Indeed, these songs are near-universally adored, and with good reason; after all, few other Hollywood studios have as many iconic tunes as Disney.

30 “Baby Mine”

From ‘Dumbo’ (1941)

Calling Dumbothe saddest Disney film might be an overstatement, but it’s certainly up there. The film tells the story of Jumbo Jr., a circus elephant nicknamed “Dumbo” by the other elephants, who becomes an unexpected star when he discovers he can use his large ears as wings and fly. Dumbo’s bond with his loving mother, Mrs. Jumbo, is a crucial part of the story. When she is locked in a cage after defending him from mistreatment by cruel children, a saddened Dumbo stands outside, and she comforts him with the sweet lullaby “Baby Mine.”

This heartbreaking tune is among Disney’s most sincere, thanks to the simple yet profound lyrics and Betty Noyes‘ performance. “Baby Mine” has a universality that few other Disney songs have, a warmth that evokes melancholic feelings of innocence and yearning. Emotional without becoming manipulative, “Baby Mine” is a near-perfect lullaby that speaks to Dumbo‘s themes of acceptance and the powerful bonds between outcasts.

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29 “Friends on the Other Side”

From ‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009)

Disney villain songs are among the studio’s most recognizable tunes. 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, a severely underappreciated gem, features one of the best villainous songs in the Mouse House’s catalog. The plot follows an ambitious waitress and a spoiled prince who get turned into frogs by an evil voodoo witch doctor.

The villain, Dr. Facilier, gets an outstanding theme, “Friends on the Other Side,” a catchy tune that blends macabre imagery with lyrics about opportunism and ambition. Further enhanced by the great Keith David‘s incredible vocal performance, “Friends on the Other Side” is arguably Disney’s last great villain song. It perfectly summarizes Facilier’s personality and role in the film while remaining deceitfully playful. It’s the film’s most memorable song and a wonderful showcase of Randy Newman‘s unique talents.

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28 “How Far I’ll Go”

From ‘Moana’ (2016)

Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s Disney debut came with 2016’s Moana. Set in ancient Polynesia, the film follows Moana, a spirited teenager and daughter of an island chief. When a blight strikes her island, she sets on an adventure with the once-mighty demigod Maui to reunite an ancient goddess with a relic.

Moana benefits from Miranda’s energetic and charming score full of earworms. Moana’s main song, “How Far I’ll Go,” is a classic Disney tune. Like many “I want” songs that came before it, “How Far I’ll Go” does a stellar job exploring Moana’s adventurous and ambitious character through straightforward yet effective lyrics. Boasted by Auli’i Cravalho‘s gorgeous voice, “How Far I’ll Go” is a Broadway-like tune that recalls the glory days of the Disney Renaissance. It was nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Song, but unfortunately, it was no match to the juggernaut that was La La Land.

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27 “Friend Like Me”

From ‘Aladdin’ (1992)

Aladdin is among Disney’s most romantic movies. Based on the popular Arabic folk tale, the film tells the story of Aladdin, a young thief in the kingdom of Agrabah who finds a magic lamp and wishes to be a prince to win the love of the beautiful princess Jasmine.

The film features one of the Disney Renaissance’s most electrifying and animated soundtracks. One of its most recognizable and acclaimed songs is “Friend Like Me,” a showstopping number performed by the late great Robin Williams in his role as the Genie. Serving as the character’s introduction, “Friend Like Me” is a hectic and explosive number that showcases the Genie’s magical powers. Williams sings the heck out of it, bringing his iconic and contagious energy into the mix and transforming the already playful lyrics into an irresistible symphony of jokes, impressions, and so much more.

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26 “Hellfire”

From ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame has, without a doubt, the darkest, most complex and elevated soundtrack of any Disney film. Loosely based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, the film tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, who falls for the beautiful Esmeralda, just as his despotic foster father, Claude Frollo, sets his sights on her.

Dark and atmospheric, the film features an iconic soundtrack by Menken and Schwartz. From it, no musical number is more arresting than Frollo’s villainous tune, “Hellfire.” A groundbreaking song that defied expectations and left multiple families scandalized, “Hellfire” is an overt exploration of lust, guilt, and religious fanatism brought to new heights by the late Tony Jay‘s intense, haunting vocal performance. Frollo is possibly Disney’s cruelest villain, and he needed a song that lived up to his ruthlessness: “Hellfire” does him justice.

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25 “Winnie The Pooh”

From ‘Winnie The Pooh And The Honey Tree’ (1966)

Winnie the Pooh is a curious character. The plump bear is among Disney’s most famous figures, yet none of his movies have the same staying power as Disney’s other classics. The exception might be his first-ever appearance, the 1966 featurette Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree, which sees him attempting to raid a beehive in a tall tree.

Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree‘s most memorable contribution might be the song “Winnie the Pooh,” composed by the Sherman Brothers. Performed by the Disney choir, the song introduces the film’s main characters, describing Winnie as a “willy, nilly, silly old bear.” Sweet and unabashedly heartwarming, “Winnie the Pooh” is the perfect companion to such a loveable and innocent character.

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24 “You’ll Be In My Heart”

From ‘Tarzan’ (1999)

Widely considered the end of the Disney Renaissance, 1999’s Tarzan marked the conclusion of the studio’s most fruitful and acclaimed era. The film adapts Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 1912 story Tarzan of the Apes and tells the story of an orphaned boy who grows up in the jungle with a family of apes.

Phil Collins wrote several songs for the film, including the Oscar-winning ballad “You’ll Be in My Heart.” A gentle lullaby from a parent to their child, the song is performed by Oscar-nominee Glenn Close before transitioning to Collins. Gentle and loving, “You’ll Be in My Heart” is a tune about a parent’s undeterred love for their child and one of the studio’s sweetest songs.

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23 “Poor Unfortunate Souls”

From ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989)

1989’s The Little Mermaid kickstarted the Disney Renaissance, bringing the studio out of a decades-long dry spell and into its most acclaimed era. The film adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s original The Little Mermaid and tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who trades her voice for a pair of human legs and goes to the surface, pursuing the man she loves.

The film’s antagonist, Ursula, ranks as one of Disney’s best villains. Striking, endlessly quotable, and visually unforgettable, Ursula is a titanic creation, supported by the timeless tune “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” The song is structurally ambitious and dynamic, sinister yet slightly playful, leading to a Gothic crescendo that culminates with Ursula’s deranged laugh. Few villain songs are as memorable as this one, cementing Ursula as one of the studio’s most iconic foes.

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22 “Be Prepared”

From ‘The Lion King’ (1994)

A re-interpretation from William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Hamlet, 1994’s The Lion King is perhaps Disney’s greatest triumph. The film follows Simba, a young lion prince exiled by his evil uncle after his father’s death, who returns years later to reclaim his birthright.

Nearly every film in the Disney Renaissance has a villain song; however, few compare to Scar’s “Be Prepared.” Scar is already one of Disney’s best villains, but “Be Prepared” takes him to the very top of the list. Written by Tim Rice and composed by Elton John, “Be Prepared” is a call-to-arms by Scar to his supporters, announcing his plans to kill Mufasa and claim the throne. With inspired lyrics and Nazi-inspired imagery, “Be Prepared” is a one-of-a-kind song that ranks leagues above most Disney tunes.

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21 “Remember Me”

From ‘Coco’ (2017)

Pixar’s Coco takes the revered and world-famous Day of the Dead Mexican holiday as a vehicle to tell a story about music, family, and legacy. The film centers on Miguel, a 12-year-old boy accidentally sent to the Land of the Dead. Teaming up with a homeless skeleton, he must return to the Land of the Living and lift his family’s ban on music.

Coco‘s main theme is “Remember Me,” written and composed by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. A loving ode to the dearly departed, “Remember Me” is a sentimental yet uplifting ballad that stresses the importance of the love that lingers behind even after people are no longer around. “Remember Me” won the 2018 Oscar for Best Original Song, continuing Disney and Pixar’s domain over the category and confirming the Lopez duo as two of the industry’s best musicians.

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20 “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

From ‘Encanto’ (2021)

Encanto might be Disney’s biggest breakout hit since Frozen. The film centers around the Madrigal family, who possess spectacular abilities from a magical candle. When Mirabel, the family’s sole member without gifts, discovers the Madrigals are losing their magic, she sets out to save her family.

Lin-Manuel Miranda composed original songs for the film, the most famous of which is the major crossover hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Sung by several members of the Madrigal family, the song describes their infamous uncle, Bruno, warning Maribel to stay away from him. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is a unique take on the villain song, centering on other characters’ perceptions of villainy that ultimately turn out to be untrue. The tune was a major commercial success, and many decried its omission from the Best Original Song category.

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19 “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes”

From ‘Cinderella’ (1950)

Cinderella might be the most beloved of all Disney Princesses. Her story is a timeless classic with countless remakes, but Disney’s version remains arguably the best. The film is a fateful retelling of Charles Perrault’s tale about a young woman mistreated by her wicked stepmother, whose fate changes after her fairy godmother grants her a wish to attend her kingdom’s ball, where she captures the heart of the Prince.

Cinderella has only a handful of songs, but they are all iconic. The princess’s main theme, “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” is a sweet and gentle ode to hope and faith, precious qualities inherent to the archetypical Disney Princess. The song might seem slightly dated for modern listeners, but it remains a heartwarming gem from the Disney vault.

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18 “Beauty And The Beast”

From ‘Beauty And The Beast’ (1991)

Arguably Disney’s greatest animated achievement, Beauty and the Beast adapted the eponymous 1756 French fairy tale. The plot follows Belle, a young French woman who agrees to stay with a fearsome beast in exchange for her father’s freedom. Over time, Belle and the Beast develop a close bond, falling in love despite their differences.

The film’s titular theme, composed by Ashman and Menken, won the 1992 Oscar for Best Original Song. A tender lullaby about the blossoming love between Belle and the Beast, “Beauty and the Beast” is romantic, atmospheric, and utterly iconic. The song is also a surprisingly thoughtful description of love, describing its timeless and altering nature beautifully.

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17 “Under The Sea”

From ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989)

The Little Mermaid included several memorable rhythms to complement its Caribbean-themed plot. One of the film’s most famous songs, the energetic and instantly memorable “Under the Sea,” blends elements of calypso and reggae to craft a playful and enthusiastic love letter to aquatic life.

Like the film’s other songs, “Under the Sea” was written by Howard Ashman and composed by Alan Menken. It was the prototype of the Broadway-inspired group number that would become a mainstay in most Disney Renaissance films. “Under the Sea” won the 1990 Oscar for Best Original Song, becoming the first Disney track to prevail in the category since “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

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16 “Colors Of The Wind”

From ‘Pocahontas’ (1995)

1995’s Pocahontas takes its titular character’s real-life story and crafts a highly fictionalized yet satisfying animated film that stands as one of Disney’s most underappreciated efforts. The plot follows the forbidden relationship between Pocahontas, the daughter of a clan chief, and John Smith, an English explorer.

Pocahontas‘ most famous song, “Colors of the Wind,” is a loving and thought-provoking ode to nature. With music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, the song is a near-poetic examination of humanity’s relationship with its surroundings, with Pocahontas asking John to witness and appreciate the beauty surrounding him. “Colors of the Wind” is a gentle and loving examination of nature, elevated by Judy Kuhn’s beautiful voice.

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15 “Go The Distance” – ‘Hercules’ (1997)

Based on the mythological Greek demigod, Disney’s 1997 hit Hercules has become increasingly popular in recent years. The story follows Hercules, the demigod son of Zeus, as he trains under the legendary Philoctetes to become a true hero and ascend to Mount Olympus.

Hercules has a gospel-inspired sound combined with the traditional Broadway vibe that characterized most Disney Renaissance films. The film’s most famous song, the Oscar-nominated “Go the Distance,” is a sweet coming-of-age tune about youth dreams and challenges. Fueled by Roger Bart‘s hopeful and boyishly charming voice, “Go the Distance” is an inspiring and encouraging song perfectly in tune with the film’s themes of heroism and growing up into one’s true self.

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14 “Someday My Prince Will Come”

From ‘Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs’ (1939)

The first-ever Disney feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs remains one of the all-time great animated films. The plot revolves around the titular princess, who seeks refuge with a kindly group of dwarves after her evil stepmother sends a huntsman to kill her out of jealousy of her beauty.

Although the film only has one song, it’s one of Disney’s most tender and heart-warming. Written by Larry Morey and Frank Churchill and performed by Andriana Caselotti, “Someday My Prince Will Come” is the ultimate princess song. Its lyrics might seem antiquated under modern standards, but they fit the film’s narrative and Snow White’s personality to a tee.

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13 “The Bare Necessities”

From ‘The Jungle Book’ (1967)

The Jungle Book is one of Disney’s most energetic and playful classics. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s eponymous 1894 novel, The Jungle Book follows the adventures of Mowgli, a child raised by a pack of wolves in the Indian jungle, who must join his friends to fight against the ruthless tiger, Shere Khan.

The film has a jazzy and enthusiastic score, best remembered for its emblematic song “The Bare Necessities.” A love letter to leisure and relaxation, “The Bare Necessities” is among Disney’s funniest and wittiest tunes. The memorable song was written by Terry Gilkyson and performed mainly by Phil Harris in his role as the hilarious Baloo, the bear.

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12 “Cruella De Vil”

From ‘One Hundred And One Dalmatians’ (1961)

One Hundred and One Dalmatians is an adaptation of Dodie Smith’s eponymous 1956 novel. The plot centers on Roger and Anita, a couple whose beloved 15-puppy litter is stolen by Cruella de Vil, a wealthy heiress who wants to skin and turn them into a fur coat.

The pinnacle of Disney villain songs, “Cruella de Vil” is a jazz masterpiece and a worthy theme to one of Disney’s best and most deranged villains. Composed by Mel Leven, “Cruella de Vil” is famous for its catchy and now-iconic piano melody and scathing lyrics, describing Cruella’s toxic personality to a tee. “Cruella de Vil” is the very definition of iconic. From its biting opening lines to its smooth, seductive melody, it’s a song that has all but surpassed the film itself.

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11 “Chim Chim Cher-ee”

From ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)

Disney’s 1964 masterpiece Mary Poppins is a live-action/animation hybrid and one of the studio’s greatest triumphs. Julie Andrews stars in her Oscar-winning role as the titular magical nanny, who arrives at the home of the Banks children to help them repair their relationship with their father.

The Sherman Brothers wrote the songs for Mary Poppins, including the Oscar-winning “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Performed by Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, “Chim Chim Cher-ee” is a whimsical tune about chimney sweeps and the supposed good luck they bring. Like most of the film’s songs, “Chim Chim Cher-ee” is an inspired effort, walking a fine line between wittiness and near-nonsense. However, its timelessness comes from its catchy tune and memorable lyrics, placing it highly among Disney’s collection of beautiful songs.

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