Disney’s impressive catalog of iconic and memorable songs, from beloved classics such as “When You Wish Upon a Star"to modern chart-toppers like “Let It Go” fromFrozen, have captured our imaginations and moved us emotionally. It’s fascinating to see the enduring popularity of Disney’s music, as reflected in the Billboard charts that have been tracking music trends in the United States since 1940. Most Billboard chart-topping songs tend to be standalone music, and for a song that is tied to a movie to break out, one must really resonate with audiences outside the film.
The list features songs fromclassic Disney movieslikeThe Lion King,Beauty and the Beast, andAladdin, as well as modern hits likeMoanaandFrozen. It’s a remarkable showcase of Disney’s musical legacy, highlighting how its music has evolved over several decades. These are the songs that were chart toppers or got recognition later on. These are the songs that will help shape and define Disney for years to come. Without further ado, here are some of the greatest Disney songs, weighted by their place on the Billboard charts.
15"A Whole New World” – Aladdin (1992)
“A Whole New World” from Disney’sAladdinis a classic love song that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The song was written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice and sung by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, respectively.
“A Whole New World” Won Song of the Year
It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1993 and has become one of Disney’s most beloved and iconic songs. According to Billboard charts, “A Whole New World” was a massive commercial success.
The version performed by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the first Disney song to reach the top. The song also won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year, the only Disney song to do so as of 2023, cementing its place in music history. The lyrics describe the magic and wonder of falling in love and exploring new horizons, perfectly capturing the spirit of Aladdin’s adventurous and romantic story.StreamAladdinon Disney+.
14"Why Should I Worry?" – Oliver & Company (1988)
“Why Should I Worry?” is an upbeat number from an often-overlooked Disney classic. Performed by popular musician Billy Joel, this tune works as the introduction to the character of Dodger inOliver & Company. All about learning to thrive in New York, there are few better artists Disney could have hired for such a song.
First Disney Song Nominated for a Golden Globe
“Why Should I Worry?” received widespread acclaim and went on to become the first song from a Disney animated movie to be nominated for a Golden Globe.Billboardnow rates it number 46 in their top 100 Greatest Disneyverse Songs.StreamOliver & Companyon Disney+.
13"I’ll Make a Man Out of You" – Mulan (1998)
Played throughout perhaps one of the best training montages to grace the screen, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is a militant and humorous song performed by Donny Osmond. Laced with irony, the song is all about making an army of unlikely heroes into better soldiers. All the while, Mulan, a female soldier attempting to fight in the army, begins to excel during training.
“I’ll Make a Man Out of You” Is Iconic
The energetic track is often ranked among the best Disney songs, withBillboardranking it 47 on their list of the best Disney songs out there. Given the popularity of the track today, it’s no surprise that the song went double-platinum in the United States, making it one of Disney’s most successful songs. It truly has stood the test of time.StreamMulanon Disney+.
12"Circle of Life" – The Lion King (1994)
Disney’s The Lion King
“Circle of Life” is a timeless Disney classic from the 1994 animated film,The Lion Kingthat has captivated audiences worldwide. The song, composed by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice, has a unique African-inspired sound that perfectly captures the film’s themes of love, family, and the natural cycle of life. Upon its release, “Circle of Life” quickly made its way to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“The Circle of Life” Has Amazing Lyrics
The song’s powerful and uplifting message, memorable melody, and stunning visuals made it an instant hit. The stirring vocals of Lebo M and Carmen Twillie, combined with the majestic instrumentation, create a sense of grandeur and majesty that perfectly captures the film’s themes of heroism and destiny. Moreover, the song’s message of the interconnectedness of all life has resonated with audiences across generations, making it a timeless classic.StreamThe Lion Kingon Disney+.
11"Never Knew I Needed" – The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog
The romantic R&B ballad “Never Knew I Needed” is one of Disney’s most beautiful songs. The tender, poetic number performed by artist Ne-Yo appeared during the credits of 2009’sThe Princess and the Frog. Given that the song doesn’t feature much throughout the actual film, with no characters singing the ballad or montages playing, the fact the song went on to become so beloved only proves what a wonderful tune it is.
“Never Knew I Needed” This Good of a Song
Peaking at number 56 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, the powerful piece is the perfect track to bring the film to a close. The song would also be produced by Chuck Harmony, a talented musician who previously collaborated with artists like Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, and Toni Braxton.StreamThe Princess and the Frogon Disney+.
10"Let It Go" - Frozen (2013)
“Let It Go” is a song from the Disney animated movieFrozenthat quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and performed by Idina Menzel as the character Elsa. The song’s lyrics and catchy melody resonated with audiences of all ages and quickly climbed the Billboard charts, solidifying its place in the history of Disney songs.
“Let It Go” Was a Worldwide Phenomenon
What made “Let It Go” such a great Disney song was its relatable lyrics and empowering message. The music speaks to anyone who has ever felt the need to hide their true selves and encourages them to let go of their fears and be themselves. The soaring melody and Menzel’s powerful vocals make the song both emotional and inspiring. The music video, featuring Elsa embracing her powers and building her ice palace, adds to its iconic status.
“Let It Go” is a true Disney classic and a testament to the power of music to touch people’s hearts and souls. Itwon the Academy Award for Best Original Songand peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Top 100. It became the first song from a Disney animated film to reach the Billboard Top 10 since “Colors of the Wind” fromPocahontas.StreamFrozenon Disney+.
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9"Into The Unknown" – Frozen II (2019)
Following up on “Let It Go”, which was a cultural phenomenon, was always going to be a tricky prospect. While “Into the Unknown” might not have been the chart-topper in the same way, it peaked at 46 on the Billboard 100, it still was a great song for both the movie and a larger commentary on the nature of sequels.
“Into the Unknown” Doesn’t Disappoint
InFrozen II, “Into the Unknown” is Elsa’s big show-stopping song, where she is drawn to adventure even though she thinks her story has ended. It is a theme that speaks to heroes in many sequels, who, despite having won the day in their previous film, are drawn to a new adventure. Just because “Into the Unknown” isn’t “Let It Go”, that doesn’t make it any less great. In fact, it is one of Disney’s best songs.StreamFrozen IIon Disney+.
8"Beauty and the Beast" - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Beauty and the Beast
“Beauty and the Beast” is a classic Disney song from the animated film of the same name, released in 1991. The song,written by Alan Menkenand Howard Ashman, was initially performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. It is a ballad that captures the enchanting and romantic story of Belle and the Beast. The song was a beloved classic and a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
One of Disney’s Best Songs
It was also awarded an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television. The lyrics to this classic tune fromBeauty and the Beastare filled with emotion and beautifully capture the love story between Belle and the Beast. The song’s melody is enchanting, and the vocals are powerful and emotional, adding a depth of feeling to the lyrics.StreamBeauty and the Beaston Disney+.
7"Colors of the Wind" – Pocahontas(1995)
Pocahontas
“Colors of the Wind” is a beautiful Disney song that appeared on the soundtrack of the 1995 animatedfilmPocahontas. Sung by Judy Kuhn, it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and its popularity extended beyond the movie.The song was widely acclaimed for its lyrics and vocals. It made its way to the Billboard charts and became a great success.
“Colors of the Wind” Won an Academy Award
“Colors of the Wind"peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995 and was certified gold by the RIAA. The song was also a chart-topper on the Adult Contemporary and Adult Top 40 charts. It was no surprise that “Colors of the Wind” received such critical and commercial success, given its beautiful lyrics and music. The song conveyedapowerful message about respecting and protecting nature and the environment, resonating with many people.StreamPocahontason Disney+.
6"How Far I’ll Go” – Moana(2016)
“How Far I’ll Go” from the Disney movieMoanawas a massive hit and proved to be one of the most successful songs from the movie. The song, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was performed by the actress and singer Auli’i Cravalho, who also played the lead character in the film. “How Far I’ll Go” quickly became a fan favorite and was praised for its uplifting and empowering lyrics.
“How Far I’ll Go” Is Fantastic
The song tells the story of Moana, a young girl who dreams of exploring the world beyond her island. The lyrics are relatable and inspiring, making it a perfect fit for Disney’s target audience. The song’s popularity was reflected in its performance on the Billboard charts, when it peaked at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first song fromMoanato chart on the Hot 100.StreamMoanaon Disney+.
