I like many people grew up watching Disney animations. So I decided to list a few of my favourites that I recommend. However there are what feels like hundreds I could include on here, so I’m sure there will be a second and probably third instalment of this list. As usual this is your spoiler warning!
Number 5
Treasure Planet
Released in 2002, Treasure Planet based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson, is one of Disneys lesser known films after it only made 109.6 million at the box office, even despite its star studded cast of Joseph Gordon Levitt and Emma Thompson. The film follows the journey of Jim Hawkins a troubled teen, struggling to find his place in the universe, as he and his family friend Delbert Dopplar embark on a journey to find Treasure Planet. This film is the perfect hidden gem that is easy to follow and still full of action and adventure with plenty of laughs as well as tugging on your heart stings. My favourite scene has to be the montage where Jim is doing his work on the ship, as it shows his progress and how he is adapting and fitting in, and although it early in the film, it finally seems as though he has finally found his place.
Number 4
Cinderella
The classic story that has been retold countless times is iconic, however I’m taking you back to the original that kicked it all off back in 1950! Making 542.4 million at the box office and starring Ilene Woods and Eleanor Adley, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t know the story of Cinderella, however if you don’t here’s a quick summary. After Ellas mother dies, her father remarries so she has a mother figure in her life, however after her father is sent away on business and unfortunate doesn’t return, Ella is left with her step mother and two step sister, who banish her to the attic and make her wait on them hand and foot, eventually earning her the nickname Cinderella. Years pass and the Price of the kingdom is holding a ball in hope to find a wife. One Cinderella’s dress is ruined by her step sisters before the ball and she is left in tears, a fairy godmother appears before her and grants her wish to go to the ball but she must be back by midnight. It is here she gets her iconic dress, the pumpkin turns into a carriage and of course we can’t forget the all important glass slipper. Anyway, she goes to the ball, dances with the Prince but must leave before she gets a chance to give her name, in her rush she leaves her slipper, which the prince happens upon, and I’m sure you know the rest! I have always loved this film as it just the classic comfort fairytale where you know the story like the back of you hand and that everything is going to be okay in the end. My favourite scene is the reveal scene, where the glass slipper is broken, we think Lady Tremaine has won and Cinderella won’t get her happy ending, then Cinderella pulls out the other shoe and shocks everyone and its really just brings a smile to my face.
Number 3
Tangled
Next is the newest film on the list, released in 2010 Tangled is the retelling of Rapunzal and her magical hair. Starring Mandy Moore and Zachery Levi. This film will have you smiling with laughter, sobbing with tears and at times even on the edge of your seat. It has so many different and unique characters that all bring something to the film, from our protagonist Rapunzal the lost princess, radiates sunshine and brings joy to everyone she meets, to our price of the film Flynn Ryder, a thief who looks out for himself and only himself. There is also the classic Disney villains and sidekicks who are needed to make the film the masterpiece it is. My favourite scene is when Rapunzal and Flynn first come into the kingdom and we get to see her experience everything for the first time as well as watching him fall more in love with her with each step.
Number 2
Hercules
Hercules
Next on the list is Hercules, released in 1997 and making 252.7 million at the box office, I personally feel that tis film isn’t given as much hype as it deserves, it has some of the best characters, songs and dialogue that is just hilarious. It also introduced one of my favourite characters in the whole of the Disney franchise, Megera. A sarcastic, sassy, independent woman, who is more than happy to put anyone one in their place if its needed. I feel like she was a brilliant character to introduce and showed that not every female protagonist had to be all rainbows and daisies. The music in the film is also phenomenal, whether its the muses songs to move the story along, Hercules’ trainer sharing his past or even Meg belting out a power ballad of how she’s scared to fall in love, there isn’t one song that you won’t belt you heart out to. My favourite scene as cliche as it is, is the final scene where Hercules saves Megera then chooses to become mortal to stay on earth with her. I just think it is a nice round off to the film and tugs on your heartstrings
Number 1
Aladdin
Lastly at number 1 is Aladdin, this film released in 1992 has always been my favourite. It made 504 million at the box office and stars Scott Weinger and the late great Robin Williams. The story follows street rat Aladdin who finds himself in possession of a magic lamb, that the genie inside has granted him three wishes. He uses one to make himself a prince, so he is eligible to marry the princess, who he had a brief encounter with. The film is quirky, full of life and highly entertaining. Again I feel the characters have a large portion to play in this, firstly there is Aladdin, an orphan left to fend for himself with only the help from his monkey sidekick Abu, and in the short time we are introduced to Aladdin we can see he’s more than willing to help people in need, even if he could also use the help himself. Princess Jasmine is also a great character, she is a strong, independent woman unafraid to give her opinion and fight for her rights as well as the rights of others. There is also the genie, who is a great sidekick to Aladdin as well as just brilliant bringing hilarity to every scene he’s in. My favourite scene is the one where we first meet Jasmine, we are quickly gntoriced to her character and her situation. Although she must be married by her nest birthday she is against it and would just like her freedom, she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and let her father know her opinion. One of the main reasons I like this scene so much, is at the end she sets free the birds that are in the cage and they fly off, she does this as she understands what its like to be caged up and wants someone to give her her freedom just as she has done for the birds.
There you have it, I could make plenty more of these lists, so let me know if that’s something you would be interested in reading, as well as letting me know your opinions. All of these films are available on Disney + if you want to give them a watch. Thanks for reading!
Cinema & Chapters by Peggy 