As the school year draws to a close and we face a stark example of the inexorable march of time, there is no better way to celebrate our fleeting childhood than with a study break movie. Many may choose to stop at 10 when creating such lists, but I have gone the extra mile for you, reader, and now proudly present the top 12 Disney Animated Classics in no particular order.
‘Hercules'
Or I think you mean HUNK-ules. My buddy Wags mentioned it to me and there is no way Hercules did not make the list. Program of Liberal Studies and Classics majors beware … The Hydra's death is not historically accurate. Who doesn't love watching a wickedly strong demi-god run around and laugh at the misfortunes of Pain and Panic. The soul-inspired soundtrack is a complete joy to listen to.
Notable Tracks: "Go the Distance," "Zero to Hero"
‘Princess and the Frog'
Disney's goal of recreating the classic style of old went off without a hitch in this fantastic film. Finally getting around to Cajun and Zydeco-themed music and celebrating the rich culture of the south helped Disney deliver a movie that has joined the ranks of their best.
Notable Tracks: "Friends on the Other Side," "Down in New Orleans," "When I'm Human"
‘Snow White'
You've got to pay your respects to the one that started them all … the first full length animated feature film.
Notable Tracks: "Heigh-Ho!," "I'm Wishing"
‘Robin Hood'
One of my favorites that is often forgotten in the discussion of classics. Re-watch this in anticipation of Gladiator part II: Robin Hood. The fox and bear combination of Robin Hood and Little John running through the forest duping the childish King John is pure joy.
Notable Tracks: "Oo-de-lally"
‘Cinderella'
I have two words for you: the mice.
Notable Tracks: "The Work Song," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo"
‘Aladdin'
The best Disney movie.
Notable Tracks: All
‘Lion King'
There is little that needs to be said about a movie that gives you a chance to yell at the top of your lungs every time you see the sun rise and then hits you with life lessons less than a minute later. After all there is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.
Notable Tracks: All but "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
‘Mulan'
The most hard core of all Disney princesses, never have I wanted more to be a petite Asian woman in feudal Chinese society faced by an impending Hun attack than while watching this movie.
Notable Tracks: "I'll Make a Man Out of You," "A Girl Worth Fighting For"
‘Oliver and Company'
In this remake of the Oliver story, Oliver is a cat and the Artful Dodger is a dog owned by the unscrupulous Fagin. Lost on the hard streets of New York City, Oliver is shown how to survive by Dodger before eventually being taken into a wealthy home. It is impressive how closely they are able to follow Dickens' story while using talking cats and dogs.
P.S. Dodger is the coolest dog ever.
Notable Tracks: "Why Should I Worry"
‘AristoCats'
Another oft-forgotten movie but has what may be the catchiest Disney song of all time … "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat." Scat Cat and the rest of the gang lay down a sweet sound that really brings down the house.
Notable Tracks: "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat," "Thomas O'Malley Cat"
‘Emperor's New Groove'
An absolutely hilarious movie with fantastic characters and countless quotable lines. David Spade was the perfect voice for Kuzco, and for all you trivia buffs out there, this was Goodman's first Disney animated movie before being involved in what seems like every movie since. Kronk may be the best character of the lot with his love for spinach puffs, daring theme songs and the woodland scouts.
Notable Tracks: Doesn't need great songs, in a stretch "Girl from Ipanema"
‘Little Mermaid'
Sebastian is one of the greatest sidekicks in all of Disney movies and certainly has one of the best singing voices. Scuttle's knowledge of human culture is profound and Triton may be the only father figure that survives an animated movie. Definitely one of the classics.
Notable Tracks: "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," "Part of Your World"
Contact Matt Brown at mbrown14@nd.edu
