Fans and critics have been in agreement recently that Disney‘s once masterful storytelling and even animation quality has faltered. With releases like Wish and Mufasa: The Lion King not surpassing the certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and scoring in the lower-mid-range on IMDB and Letterboxd, seeing the quintessential castle logo before a film doesn’t indicate that it will be a truly magical adventure anymore.

Even though films like Mufasa and Moana 2 were financially successful, more and more discourse online and among communities emerges every time Disney releases a cash-grabbing live-action film or an animated film with significant story blunders and even unfinished-looking animation. Now is a better time than ever to revisit the classics that made audiences fall in love with Disney. Even though it’s bittersweet that Disney may never get back to this point, their legacy in animation must be acknowledged and honored.

10

The Emperor’s New Groove Is a Musical Turned Buddy Comedy

What Was Once an Underrated Hit Has Been Finally Receiving More Praise in Recent Years

Released at the turn of the century, The Emperor’s New Groove was coming off the heels of the Disney Renaissance. To say the film had a lot to live up to would be an understatement, and so Disney aimed to make a musical that mirrored their former successes. Originally titled “Kingdom of the Sun,” the film was initially modeled after Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper.

The final version of the film would see some semblance of this as Kuzco is the emperor and Pacha is a peasant, but the story shifted to be more about Kuzco’s growth rather than the characters learning from each other like in the original story. The film was also intended to be a musical. Some unreleased songs have made their way out to the public, leaving some fans disappointed that they were never fully developed and included in the film. Still, it’s hard to ignore The Emperor’s New Groove‘s undeniable presence as a hilarious, zany buddy adventure film with distinctly hilarious characters, a killer cast, and an unparalleled tone.

The Emperor’s New Groove

Release Date

December 15, 2000

Runtime

78 Minutes

Director

Mark Dindal

Writers

Chris Williams, Mark Dindal, David Reynolds, Stephen J. Anderson, Don Hall, John Norton

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9

Lilo & Stitch Taught Audiences the Importance of Ohana

This Is 1 of Disney’s Most Memorable Films of the 2000s

“Ohana means family” is a quote that so many Disney fans hold dear, and it perfectly encapsulates the themes of Lilo & Stitch. When feeling like an outcast, finding that one person who understands and can relate to one’s troubles is sometimes all that’s needed to feel welcome, even if that person is an unpredictable space alien.

After escaping his home planet, where he’s immediately shunned for his crudeness, Stitch finds Lilo, who has been equally ostracized by her peers for her erratic behavior and active imagination. Lilo’s seemingly irresponsible actions stem from the deep, unprocessed grief she is dealing with after her parents are killed in a car crash, leaving her older sister Nani to care for her. Through their unlikely friendship, Lilo and Stitch find comfort in each other and establish a potent connection of understanding and care that significantly betters their lives.

Lilo & Stitch

Release Date

June 21, 2002

Runtime

85 minutes

Director

Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

Writers

Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

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8

The Princess and The Frog Has Every Ingredient of a Modern Disney Renaissance Movie

This Is 1 of Disney’s Final Adapted Fairy Tales

By the time the Disney Renaissance concluded with Tarzan in 1999, Disney had already shifted away from interpreting classic fairytales, delivering modified versions for new generations to enjoy. After Mulan, which is based on the Chinese folk tale of Hua Mulan, Disney did not release a film adapting a traditional fairy tale until The Princess and the Frog.

Not only was the film a revitalized retelling, but it also had all the other elements of a Renaissance film with a strong female protagonist, a dashing prince, a wickedly charming villain, hilarious animal sidekicks, and, of course, captivating musical numbers that perfectly fit the New Orleans setting. With influences of jazz and traditional musical flare, The Princess and the Frog truly feels like it was ripped right out of the Renaissance and is an absolute standout among Disney’s 2000s films.

The Princess and the Frog

Release Date

December 10, 2009

Runtime

97minutes

Director

John Musker

Writers

John Musker

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7

The Little Mermaid Is Pure Musical Theater Injected Into a Disney Film

A Story That Is Unequivocally Disney in Every Way

It’s upsetting to think that The Little Mermaid almost ended up completely different if it weren’t for lyricist Howard Ashman advocating for the film to stick to its musical theater influences. The Little Shop of Horrors writer and lyricist fought for the implementation of a traditional musical structure to bring The Little Mermaid to life.

What resulted was a truly mesmerizing experience with beautifully powerful songs and stunning animation. The Little Mermaid remains today as one of Disney’s best musical films, setting a precedent for all future films to come. As the film to kick off the Disney Renaissance in 1989, The Little Mermaid served as the catalyst for Disney’s most famous era and is frequently cited for reviving the musical genre within Disney’s lineup.

6

Beauty and the Beast Is a Riveting Love Story

This Film Exemplifies Disney’s Most Powerful Strengths

Another fairytale adaptation that both follows and subverts Disney’s tropes, Beauty and the Beast, made an indelible mark on the animation and film industry. Its excellence was even recognized by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, gaining a nomination for Best Picture at the 1992 Academy Awards.

For such a simple story, Beauty and the Beast captivates with its gorgeous animation and detailed settings. Belle’s village, the Beast’s castle, and the village pub where Gaston’s invigorating villain song takes place are all artfully crafted and bring viewers into the world. The use of lighting and shadows, especially during pivotal scenes like when Belle sees the Beast for the first time, showcases the film’s impeccable craft, elevated by showstopping musical numbers that are irrevocably timeless.

Beauty and the Beast

Release Date

November 21, 1991

Runtime

84 Minutes

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5

Tangled Is Disney’s Best 3D Animated Musical

This Retelling of Rapunzel Is Magical and Action-Packed

When Disney decided to adapt the story of Rapunzel, they initially aimed to stay true to the source material. While in development, the creators conceptualized a more adventurous plot rather than an archetypal princess story. These changes turned out to be for the better, as Tangled effortlessly balances Flynn’s daring escapades with Rapunzel’s journey of self-discovery.

Alan Menken, who also composed the music for The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, returned to deliver a contemporary pop/rock sound with Rapunzel’s I Want song “When Will My Life Begin” while infusing more classical compositions in “Mother Knows Best” and “I See the Light.” Every song, while disparate in sound, flows beautifully together with the pacing of the film, creating a rich atmosphere for fans nostalgic for the Renaissance.

Tangled

Release Date

November 24, 2010

Runtime

100 minutes

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4

The Hunchback of Notre Dame Is a Mature, Gripping Story

Another Renaissance Musical That’s Unabashedly Awe-Inspiring

One of Disney’s more underrated films, perhaps for its heavier subject matter, The Hunchback of Notre Dame eloquently explores morality with each character, dissecting preconceived notions and defying expectations. In just the first 10 minutes, viewers are treated to a harmonious musical number and a deeply disturbing origin story.

After murdering a Romani woman for attempting to escape from him, the notoriously evil Judge Claude Frollo is forced to care for her disabled child, Quasimodo. Quasi grows up isolated in the bell tower of the famous cathedral, desiring a life outside his quiet quarters. Soon, he falls in love with a kind-hearted and spirited Romani woman named Esmerelda, who becomes the target of Frollo’s cruelty. Together, with the help of the misguided but noble Captain Phoebus, they change the very fabric of the city for the better.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Release Date

June 21, 1996

Runtime

91minutes

Director

Gary Trousdale

Writers

Tab Murphy

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3

Aladdin Shows That Wishes Really Can Come True

This Film Bleeds Magic With Its Gorgeous Visuals and Music

It’s hard to summarize every aspect that makes Aladdin so iconic. From Aladdin and Jasmine’s electrifying chemistry to Robin Williams’s indomitable performance as the genie, the film radiates a fervent energy that never loosens its grip on viewers. Every song expands upon each character’s motivation and moves the story forward. The vast setting of Agrabah transports viewers to a vast new world that is easy to get lost in.

Watching Aladdin’s character arc develop is perhaps the film’s most compelling aspect, as he teaches audiences about the importance of honesty and staying true to your integrity. Even though some moments in the film haven’t aged well, Aladdin is endlessly rewatchable and captures Disney’s signature charm with every frame.

2

Mulan Is a Tale of Courage and Finding Self-Assurance

This Iconic Film and Character Broke the Disney Princess Mold

It’s hard enough for someone to find themselves and form an identity they aren’t just comfortable with but proud to be living in. Coupled with predetermined expectations entirely dictated by gender further complicates this prospect for the young protagonist Mulan. Though her journey is difficult as she disguises herself as a man to prevent her unwell father from having to return to war, her strength and intuition continuously guide her and allow her to find who she really is.

Like many other Renaissance films, Mulan has breathtaking musical numbers that balance humor, introspection, and tragedy. Before Mulan was introduced to the Disney canon, the official title of Disney Princess was only granted to heroines who were born royal or married royal, like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine. However, Mulan‘s impact was so outstanding that Disney added a rule claiming that if a significant act of heroism was committed, a female protagonist could fall into the Disney Princess category.

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1

The Lion King Is a Marvelous Story of the Circle of Life

This Film’s Influence on Disney and Cinema in General Cannot be Understated

From the first vocal note followed by an exquisite sunrise, viewers know that The Lion King will be a transcending experience. Following Simba’s immaculate journey across the pride lands and beyond, with the help of unforgettable characters, the film traverses myriad emotions that are integral to the human experience. Even though the characters are animals, there is something so connecting and resonant about The Lion King. The underlying message about standing up for what’s right and never losing sight of who you really are is perpetually pertinent for every generation.

The music breathes life into the story with African rhythms and instruments that illustrate the warmth of pride rock while also seamlessly shifting into something sinister when venturing into Scar and the hyena’s territory. The film’s legacy has been cemented far beyond the film itself. The Lion King‘s Broadway Musical is Disney’s longest-running and highest-grossing musical. Any Disney fan who hasn’t seen The Lion King, though that’s probably unlikely, simply must witness Disney operating at the top of their game with this masterpiece.

The Lion King

Release Date

June 24, 1994

Runtime

88 Minutes

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