The studio has released many iconic films over the years, and so for a bit of nostalgia, we took a look at some of our favourites…
Sleeping Beauty:
We might be slightly biased on this one as we used to rent this out every Saturday night! But it is a genuinely underestimated Disney film and the animation never fails to amaze and stun – as the designs are all very fitting as to the era in which the story is set. The songs are are lush and suitably dreamy and it all unfolds beautifully – even if the main princess in question has the least screen time of any of the other princesses!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks:
It is impossible not to love this film – the magic, the mixture of live action and animation, the characters and the charming story all work in its favour. But equally Angela Lansbury as Miss Price an apprentice witch and David Tomlinson as Mr Emelius Brown are exquisite to watch as the story unfolds – their rendition of “The Beautiful Briny” remains a personal favourite!
Fantasia:
For us, Fantasia really showcases just how far ahead of his time Disney was in commissioning a film like this. Combining classical music with animation to capture the power of imagination is a real stroke of genius and is still captivating to watch to this day, showcasing the power of music and animation. There is plenty to thrill, excite and charm from start to finish.
Mary Poppins:
Just like Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins has a magic to it that is really hard to match. Winning five academy awards and featuring some of the Sherman Brothers most recognised work, this is a film that is filled with magic and childish joy that no matter what your age you can enjoy easily – even if P.L Travers (author of the Mary Poppins books) was not a fan of!
101 Dalmatians:
Based on Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians makes for a wonderful film not only because of the heartwarming story that highlights the warmth of the relationship between a human and their pet dog but it also introduced us to female villain not quite like anyone else! It has plenty of adventure, loveable animal characters and is simply a joy from start to finish.
Moana:
AAs times changed, Disney moved with the times in terms of female characters and one of our absolute favourites is Moana – her sense of courage and adventure makes for wonderful viewing as the story unfolds. Of course there are plenty of laughs along the way and the original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina are simply joyous too. One of the best Disney films in modern times.
The Jungle Book:
As the last film that Walt Disney oversaw before he passed away, with The Jungle Book there is certainly amount of poignancy to it, bringing together all the elements that made a Disney films so great. Catchy songs, loveable characters and never losing sight of a heartwarming story with an emotional ending.
Zootropolis:
When Disney think outside of the box, films like the hilarious Zootropolis happen. With plenty of jokes for both adults and children to enjoy as well as a mystery to solve at the centre of it – what is not to love? It is smart, witty and engaging from start to finish.
Robin Hood:
Another underestimated Disney film and a wonderfully fun introduction to the story of Robin Hood, it is a film that is immensely enjoyable because it is filled with romance and adventure – oh and of course immensely catchy songs (which we are humming along to in our heads as we write this). If you haven’t seen it…why not?
Inside Out:
Goodness! This is a really cleverly put together film and one of the strongest partnerships on a film by Pixar and Disney. It is a gentle and thoughtful insight as to how our emotions effect us and how it causes us to react to different situations. There is much to be taken away from it for both adults and children.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit:
Now we will be honest, we had no idea that Who Framed Roger Rabbit? was a Disney film until we researched it. It is hard to resist the blend of comedy, mystery, murder and growing romance between two central characters. But the performances from all of the cast are superb to ensure it is an enthralling watch from start to finish.
Tangled:
It has to be said that this our favourite modern Disney film – the comedy values from the relationship between Maximus (the horse with ha grudge) and Flynn is just one example of this, while Mother Gothel gets some of the best songs (particularly for a villain) in the film. pure musical bliss!
Beauty and the Beast:
There is a wonderful timelessness to Beauty and the Beast. The elegance of Alan Menken’s score, the way in which the story is beautifully told and the gorgeousness of the animation really shows Disney at the height of its game again in the 90’s.
The Incredibles:
Once again the collaboration between Pixar and Disney paid off with this imaginative take on the world of superheroes as seen through one particular family all with unique powers. It is hard to resist the dazzling quality of the animation and the way in which the story unfolds with plenty of action along the way!
Mulan:
When growing up, the story of Mulan felt like a genuine call to arms to show how strong women can be in the face of terror and definitely showcased a change in the way in which Disney viewed its female characters and to great effect!
Monsters Inc:
Once again this is such a wonderful film filled with heart and showcases the imagination that Disney and Pixar apply when they collaborate together. The humour and world that they have created her is really delightful!
Aladdin:
Robin Williams as Genie is enough in itself to make this film iconic. But again it is the songs and story telling that also make an impact to ensure that the audience feels as though they are being swept away on a magical journey.
A Bug’s Life:
Every since watching this film, it would be fair to say we have tried to be careful with every ant that we encounter! A wonderful way to capture how the world looks from a different perspective, the work that has gone into this film is incredibly impressive.
The Lion King:
It is hard not to see a Shakespearean quality to The Lion King which ensures that there is a strong appeal both as a child and as an adult. There is a real theatricality to it that ensures the audience’s attention no matter how many times they have seen it before!
Toy Story series:
The whole series (although we have yet ti see the fifth one) showcase how the toys has evolved depending the situation that they have found themselves in. It is heartwarming and gently entertaining that keeps it endearing as a series.