Along withits best recent movies, the mouse house was able to collectively combine most of its content into one hub for Disney-lovers all over the globe, and if DisneyLand is the happiest place on Earth, Disney+ is the happiest place to stream. Here are some of thebest Disney moviesyou can stream right now.
This 1992 classic never really gets old. The film sees a street urchin namedAladdinconned by the devious Grand Vizier Jafar into retrieving a mystical lamp from the cave of wonders, in which it’s revealed a wise-cracking, quick-witted Genie rests. Aladdin uses the Genie’s help and three wishes to try and win the heart of Princess Jasmine, who Aladdin has fallen in love with.
Related:Why the Original Aladdin is Better Than the Remake Even After 30 Years
This was a fun new turn for Disney as it hadRobin Williamsbasically do a whole comedy special playing the big blue wish-granter, and was a standout in the pantheon of the Mouse House.
9Dumbo (2019)
Many critics will claim that this remake is inferior to that of the 1941Dumbo, but it definitely puts up a fight as a match for its cartoon-flourished predecessor. The story expands upon its human characters without losing sight of the titular character. World War I veteran Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) returns home to his kids to a struggling circus but that all changes when they encounter a flying elephant named Dumbo, previously named Jumbo.
Some criticized the film for not having the same emotional depth as the original, which couldn’t be further from the truth for those of us who thinkTim Burton’s baby elephant soarsin a movie which can easily have adults weeping in adoration.
What’s big, eye-popping, and visually fantastic? The answer isDinosaur. This film sees an iguanodon named Aladar travel to a nesting grounds with his lemur family. On his way, he encounters deadly raptors, evil carnotaurus' and a merciless leader named Kron.
What makes this film so amazing in its scope is its unparalleled visual effects that were an achievement for Disney at the time. Its talented voice cast and incredible work in visual arts have made this film a landmark in Disney’s history.
7Mary Poppins
Mary Poppinsis a movie that’s practically perfect in every way, something indicated by the fact that very few children’s movies stand its test of time, more than half a century, and still entertaining to both children and adults alike. Julie Andrews sports some nanny clothing and takes care of two children while singing songs, transcending into animation and teaching the children valuable lessons along the way.
The film earned Andrews her Oscar and continued the magic of Disney with its unique wonder, colorful palette, and sentimental value that could only be found in a Disney film.
6Bedknobs and Broomsticks
This movie is probably best known as the chaser toMary Poppins. The film starsAngela Lansburywho is forced to take care of three children during the second World War and the group goes on a fantastical adventure filled with cartoon animals and evil Nazis. While many critics comparedBedknobs and Broomsticksunfavorably toMary Poppins,it has a sense of fun and jovial humor (and downright weirdness) to entertain people of all ages with enough beauty, catchy songs, and surprising historical accuracy to satisfy enough Disney fans. It does alsomix animation with live actionin a wonderfully surreal way.
5Pocahontas
The 1995 Disney moviePocahontasmay be one of the studio’s most problematic to date, but it still has an awe about it that remains majestic in its execution. The story revolves around a group of Englishmen who travel to the New World in search of gold, but instead find a group of Native Americans. However, one of the Englishmen becomes smitten with an Indian named Pocahontas causing a rift between the two factions.
Related:Which Disney Animated Classic Won’t Get a Live-Action Remake?
While this film is incredibly problematic and seems a little too similar toRomeo & Juliet, it still has the old DIsney charm that made it memorable to its ardent fanbase, and is filled with beautiful music and a lot of heartfelt emotion.
4The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Damewas a darker turn in Disney’s history, giving audiences Victor Hugo’s epic masterpiece in a Disney-packaged film. It centers around the deformed hunchback Quasimodo, who befriends a gypsy woman named Esmeralda. However, that changes when the hunchback’s guardian Claude Frollo becomes lustful for the gypsy and hunts her down.
With a brooding and dark atmosphere, this film was a triumphant and artistic Disneymovie with religious themes, surprisingly, as it was a Disneyfied foray into damnation. Its beautiful songs and dynamic between good and evil will always be a rousing component for this animated delight.
3Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Like the remake forDumbo, this live-action was seen as inferior to its animated predecessor my many critics, but others believe it to be a stunning showcase forEmma Watsonand a vivid realization of the old animated classic. This film sees a young beauty named Belle (Watson) attempting to go after her missing father after he failed to come home safely, and finds herself in a beasts’ castle who has had a terrible curse placed upon him by an enchantress. The beast must earn the love of another to break the curse.
As romantic and enchanting (and problematic) as the original,Beauty and the Beastpays proper homage to the original and does better in the execution of its characters and its story to make the consequences in the end even more dire. Easily one of the best remakes to take center stage on the Disney platform.
2The Lion King
Admittedly, the 2019 “live-action” remake was gorgeous, but fans seem to be adamant that this 1994 version of lions in the savannah is the bestLion Kingof the bunch. The film revolves around a young lion cub named Simba whose father Mufasa is killed by his devious and sinister brother Scar. Simba is driven out of his home and comes across two care-free, stoner-like slackers named Timon and Pumba that teach him their motto of ‘no worries.’
The film’s resplendent vibrancy had a magic to it beyond that of regular Disney princes and princesses. What really solidifies it as an amazing film is Jeremy Irons' impressive vocal portrayal as Scar, though all the voice actors and musical performances are fantastic.
1The Princess and the Frog
The Princess and the Frogreignited theDisneyanimated musical genre from the studio’s Renaissance era. The film sees a hard-working Tiana trying to save up enough money to open her own restaurant. She comes across a prince who has been turned into a frog by a sly voodoo witch doctor. The movie resuscitated Disney’s musical splendor and gave the studio a much-needed boost in traditional animation, giving fans more hope for the Mouse House’s reputation as a corporate entertainment conglomerate.
