40 Best Disney Movies Of All Time Ranked

Since 1937, when The Walt Disney Company made its first foray into feature films with the fully animated "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the studio has made an indelible imprint on the public consciousness. In 2020, Disney listed over 700 films on its D23 site, and their filmography has continued to grow and grow. Of course, with that many films, some are going to be better than others, but which House of Mouse movies are the best of the best?

Well, whittling that massive list down to the 40 all-time films is a Herculean effort, so we decided to leave out movies associated with Marvel and Lucasfilm, as well as Disney's Touchstone Pictures and Hollywood Pictures imprints. To get the rest of those hundreds of titles down to the best 40, we took several factors into account, including the film's themes, impact, and that intangible je ne sais quoi that exemplifies Disney magic. With that said, here are the very best films in the studio's history, from animated classics to beloved live-action dramas. (Be aware — some of the movies on the list include depictions of race that are offensive. Those films feature warnings on Disney+ to help you decide when and how to watch.)

Updated on February 21, 2023: Disney is still churning out classics, so every time you wish upon a star, be sure to check back here and see if we've updated this list to reflect the studio's ever-growing catalogue.

"The Parent Trap" is a remake of the 1961 film that starred Hayley Mills as twins separated at birth when their parents divorced. In this 1998 film, the twins are played by Lindsay Lohan in her breakthrough roles as Hallie Parker and Annie James, neither of whom knows the other exists until they meet at summer camp. The two share a fondness for pranks and soon figure out they're related. And then it's pranks galore as they scheme to reunite their parents. Lohan does a great job of giving each twin their own personality, as well as showing the subtle differences when each tries to impersonate the other. Director Nancy Meyers does a bang-up job of updating the film -– well, minus that weird custody agreement –- for a modern audience without losing the original's charm.

• Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Natasha Richardson, Dennis Quaid
• Director: Nancy Meyers
• Year: 1998
• Runtime: 127 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

Though the Disney brand is closely associated with animated fare, some of their best films are live-action or have live-action components. In the fantasy rom-com "Enchanted," Amy Adams stars as Giselle, who lives in the animated land of Andalasia. Evil queen Narissa sends Giselle into the "real" world to stop Giselle's marriage to Narissa's son, and while there, Giselle falls for Robert, the man who helps her deal with her new circumstances. The film plays with traditional Disney animated tropes in live action, such as small woodland creatures helping Giselle clean house while she sings like a princess. Adams is completely delightful in the wonderful world that is "Enchanted."

• Starring: Amy Adams, James Marsden, Idina Menzel
• Director: Kevin Lima
• Year: 2007
• Runtime: 108 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Take two sisters, add a genetically engineered agent of chaos, and you get "Lilo & Stitch," one of the best films of Disney's Post-Renaissance Era. 

After their parents are killed in a car accident, Nani finds herself caring for her little sister, Lilo, even letting the girl adopted a dog. However, the pooch she picks  turns out to be an alien designed specifically to cause pandemonium. But despite his penchant for chaos, Lilo names him Stitch and teaches him the true meaning of 'ohana ("family"). 

The Disney animators returned to the watercolor style from Disney's Golden Era to depict the lush beauty of Kaui'i and give the film a classic Disney feel, and it works beautifully. Plus, the emphasis on Lilo and Nani's sisterhood predates "Frozen" by several years, giving audiences a truly heartfelt film. Co-director Christopher Sanders voices Stitch as a cute but dangerous "dog" who finds his 'ohana is more important than his destructive directive.

• Starring: Daveigh Chase, Christopher Sanders, Tia Carrere
• Director: Dean DeBlois, Christopher Sanders
• Year: 2002
• Runtime: 85 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

"Toy Story 3" has the benefit of established character relationships, improved CGI animation from even the second film, and one of the most emotional scenes in the series. This time, the toy's owner, Andy, is about to leave for college. Worse still, the toys are accidentally thrown out and because of a misunderstanding with Woody, they jump into a donation box for a daycare center. Once there, they find themselves in the clutches of the vindictive Lotso, a bitter plush bear who was discarded by his owner. It's another escape adventure for the toys, but what makes it a top 30 film are the inherent sense of loss when a child enters adulthood and that incredibly moving scene when the toys band together as they're about to be incinerated. The love they show for each other in the face of impending doom is palpable. Plus, there's Spanish Buzz. ¡Olé!

• Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
• Director: Lee Unkrich
• Year: 2010
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

A shining example of Disney's Silver Age, "Lady and the Tramp" follows the two titular canines — one a pampered pooch from an upscale neighborhood and the other a street stray from the wrong side of the tracks — as they fall head-over-paws in love. Of course, while the most famous scene is probably Lady and Tramp eating spaghetti, the film isn't solely focused on their romance. Rather, it's about Lady affirming her place in both her dog and human families and the joys and drawbacks of each. Okay, there are some really cute puppies too. "Lady and the Tramp" also pushed Disney's animation process forward, as it's their first picture done in the CinemaScope format.

• Starring: Peggy Lee, Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts
• Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
• Year: 1955
• Runtime: 75 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Set in imperial Han China, "Mulan" is the second-to-last film of Disney's Renaissance Era and is partially based on the poem about legendary heroine Hua Mulan, "The Song of Fa Mu Lan." After all men are drafted into the army, Mulan disguises herself as a man so she can take her father's place and protect him. She's aided by a red dragon named Mushu who's trying to make up for his own mistakes and helps keep her secret. The animation is reminiscent of both Disney's Golden Era and of Chinese paintings, and Mulan is a strong character with a clear moral compass. Mushu is both sympathetic and hilarious, alleviating some of the tension of the battle scenes for Disney's youngest viewers.

• Starring: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong
• Director: Barry Book, Tony Bancroft
• Year: 1998
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is part of Disney's Bronze Age, also called the "Dark Ages" by some Disney fans, though there's nothing negative about this sweet collection of stories of the Bear of Very Little Brain, his best pals, and his human BFF, Christopher Robin. The film contains previously released shorts but with connecting scenes inserted and a whole new story added to bring the film to a natural conclusion. The songs are easy to sing along with, the animation resembles the illustrations of the original A. A. Milne stories, and well, it's got Tigger, who makes everything a bouncy good time.

• Starring: Sebastian Cabot, John Fielder, Sterling Holloway
• Director: John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reithermann
• Year: 1977
• Runtime: 74 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

"Raya and the Last Dragon" was one of the first big films of Disney's streaming era, releasing on Disney+ and in theaters simultaneously. It's also the first Disney film with a Southeast Asian princess. Raya is both a young royal and warrior who lives in the Heart tribe of Kumandra, a land split into five groups after an attack by evil spirits called Druun results in the creation of a magical dragon gem. Heart wants to reunite with the other four tribes, but fighting over the gem brings back the Druun. Desperate for peace, Raya searches for the last dragon, Sisu, who she believes she can defeat the Druun and save her world. "Raya and the Last Dragon" boasts beautifully detailed, culturally specific backgrounds for each tribe, stellar voice acting, and a thematically rich story.

• Starring: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wang
• Director: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada
• Year: 2021
• Runtime: 108 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

"The Incredibles" takes the concept of superheroes and puts it through its paces in an enjoyably frantic way. Superheroing has more or less been outlawed because of all the damage that occurs whenever "supers" clash. Stuck in their secret identities, the Parr family is restless, especially patriarch Bob, aka Mr. Incredible. Bob takes up vigilante work, which leads to an actual superhero job and the discovery of a supervillain, albeit at the risk of putting his family in serious jeopardy. "The Incredibles" pushed CGI animation forward, sure, but it's also a good old-fashioned family movie about families coming together in the face of caped adversity.

• Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
• Director: Brad Bird
• Year: 2004
• Runtime: 115 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

A combination of live-action with bits of animation, "Mary Poppins" is buoyed by an Academy Award-winning performance by Julie Andrews as the title nanny, who brings her magic to the lives of the Banks family. The Banks household is rather stern, but while Mary is firm, she's also fun. She helps the family loosen up and reconnect in ways it hasn't before with the help of her friend Bert, some dancing penguins, and a spoonful of sugar. "Mary Poppins" also won an Academy Award for its song "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and includes the equally singable "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," "Let's Go Fly A Kite," and "Step in Time." Despite its setting in 1910 Edwardian London, "Mary Poppins" is a timeless delight.

• Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Glynis Johns
• Director: Robert Stevenson
• Year: 1964
• Runtime: 140 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

"The Queen of Katwe" is based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl who became one of the first titled female chess players in Ugandan history. Set in Katwe, an impoverished neighborhood in Kampala, this modern-day Disney classic shows how chess became an integral part of Phiona's life. While the film is structured the way most Disney sports films are -– underdogs rise above their circumstances to succeed -– what sets it apart is director Mira Nair's eye for detail. She doesn't smooth away the edges of the poverty Phiona lives in, but she doesn't fetishize it either. The chess matches are full of drama, tension, and occasionally triumph, and each role is expertly cast.

• Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o
• Director: Mira Nair
• Year: 2016
• Runtime: 124 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Released in 2008, "Bolt" finds John Travolta voicing the titular canine, a pooch who's been raised to believe he has superpowers and who stars in a crime-fighting TV show with his human owner, 13-year-old Penny. An accident results in Bolt getting separated by thousands of miles from Penny and having to accept he's not a superhero -– at least, not the kind he thinks. Bolt's accompanied on his journey back to Penny — and to self-discovery — by the hyper hamster Rhino and the sardonic cat Mittens, resulting in a dynamically animated and enjoyable road trip that packs a surprisingly emotional wallop.

• Starring: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman
• Director: Chris Williams, Byron Howard
• Year: 2008
• Runtime: 96 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

"Finding Nemo" makes the list because of its touching tale of Marlin, a clownfish who becomes an overprotective and fearful father after his wife is killed protecting their eggs. Marlin's son, Nemo, is born from the one surviving but damaged egg, leaving him with a too-small fin. When Nemo is captured and taken off to spend his days in a dentist's aquarium, Marlin must team up with the forgetful Dory and overcome his fears to find his son. The brightly colored CGI animation and memorable tunes are perfectly paired with the timeless theme of conquering fear to become your best self. The voice work is stellar as well. Who hasn't tried speaking whale after seeing "Finding Nemo?"

• Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
• Director: Andrew Stanton
• Year: 2003
• Runtime: 100 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

"Bambi" is the last film from Disney's Golden Age. It has all the classic hallmarks of a Disney animated film, including a deceased parent, gorgeous animated backgrounds that resemble watercolor paintings, and cute animal sidekicks. Okay, all the characters are animals. Bambi is a fawn –- and technically, a Disney prince –- whose mother is killed by a hunter and whose father is the Great Prince of the Forest. Bambi makes friends with Thumper the rabbit, Flower the skunk, and Faline, another fawn, but the group comes of age together as "Man" encroaches on the forest. It's a gentle, heartwarming tale but with a few scary elements — the perfect mix of light and dark for young audiences.

• Starring: Hardie Albright, Stan Alexander, Peter Behn
• Director: David Hand
• Year: 1942
• Runtime: 70 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Another great film from Disney's Golden Age, "Dumbo" is a fanciful tale of a baby elephant whose large ears make him a target for bullying, but they turn out to be a tremendous asset. After Dumbo's mother is caged and shackled because she intervenes when cruel children taunt her son, Dumbo is helped by Timothy Q. Mouse to come out of his shell, escape the indignities the circus clowns put him through, and fly above it all. "Dumbo" has fantastic watercolor backgrounds and an absolute tearjerker of a song, "Baby Mine," that makes us sob just thinking about it. 

• Starring: Edward Brophy, Herman Bing, Verna Felton
• Director: Ben Sharpsteen
• Year: 1941
• Runtime: 64 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

"Up" begins with the most emotionally devastating scene in Disney film history since Travis had to, um, "let go" of Old Yeller. In less than five minutes, "Up" shows the entirety of Carl and Ellie's life, from their "meet cute" as children through marriage until her early death, mostly without any dialogue whatsoever. It packs a punch so forceful that you'll be racked with sobs. And that's just the adults in the audience! 

Now, alone and on the verge of losing his and Ellie's house, Carl attaches hundreds of balloons to his home and flies to his and Ellie's dream location, Paradise Falls. Unfortunately, a young scout, Russell, is trapped on Carl's porch. The slowly budding father-son relationship between Russell and Carl, not to mention that perfect union between Carl and Ellie, float this right into our –- SQUIRREL! — top 30.

• Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
• Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
• Year: 2009
• Runtime: 89 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

"Tangled" gives us an assertive, inquisitive version of Rapunzel and a fantastic villain in Mother Gothel, who's deliciously evil. There's also a heroic horse named Maximus and the cutest pet chameleon named Pascal. The CGI animation deliberately resembles the Rococo painting style to reinforce the story's setting, and Rapunzel's joy at discovering the world outside once Flynn Ryder helps her escape her tower is infectious and sweet. "Tangled" also has one of the best villain songs in Gothel's "Mother Knows Best." Just writing out the title gives us the shivers.

• Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy
• Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
• Year: 2010
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

"Frozen" is part of Disney's modern-day Revival Era and one of its best films ever. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Snow Queen," "Frozen" features Elsa, a princess born with powers, while her sister, Anna, has none. The sisters have a rift due to a childhood accident, which causes Elsa to withdraw into a world of winter and sparks a tale that upends a lot of Disney tropes, especially when Anna gives precedence to her family bonds over her fairytale dreams of love with a prince in order to find and save her sister. Also adding to the film's joys are the adorably dim but sweet snowman Olaf and the monster hit song, "Let It Go." "Frozen" is like a world's best warm hug.

• Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff
• Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
• Year: 2013
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Part of Disney's Renaissance Era, "Aladdin" is powered by a bravura vocal performance by Robin Williams as Genie, as well as the near-Shakespearean villain duo of Jafar and his bird sidekick, Iago. The tale of young "street rat" Aladdin is peppered with memorable set pieces such as Genie's showstopper, "Friend Like Me," one of the songs composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (Ashman sadly passed away before "Aladdin" was completed). Add in self-possessed heroine, Princess Jasmine, who wants to do her own choosing when it comes to marriage, and you get a fun magic carpet ride for kids of all ages.

• Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
• Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Year: 1992
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

The film that kicked off Disney's Renaissance Era is also one of its best. "The Little Mermaid" puts a Disney spin on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale of a mermaid who gives up her voice in order to become fully human and seek the love of a prince. But where Andersen's story gets bleak, "The Little Mermaid" is triumphant. The songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman are outstanding, especially the lively "Under the Sea," and the villainous Ursula is one of Disney's best baddies.

• Starring: Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Christopher Daniel Barnes
• Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Year: 1989
• Runtime: 82 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

"Pinocchio" is widely hailed as an all-time Disney classic — nay, an all time cinematic classic — and it's not hard to see why. The tale has heart, thrills, scares, laughs, and yeah, even more heart. It also has innovative and gorgeous animation that builds upon the achievements of its predecessor, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves." As for the plot, Pinocchio — accompanied by his "conscience," Jiminy Cricket — is brought to life by the Blue Fairy, but he has to prove he's worthy of becoming human. Along the way, he must avoid temptation, his own propensity for lying, and a terrifying whale named Monstro. "Pinocchio" is top-tier Disney filmmaking, one of the best films the studio has ever made, and features one of Hollywood's most beloved songs with "When You Wish Upon a Star."

• Starring: Cliff Edwards, Dickie Jones, Evelyn Venable
• Director: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske
• Year: 1940
• Runtime: 87 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" kicks off not just Disney's Golden Era but its entire film empire. It's the first film to ever use cel animation, and every frame is a beautiful wonder. Based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this version adds in adorable woodland creatures and omits a lot of the more gruesome aspects of the original story. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" has tunes that stick in your head for days (including "Heigh-Ho"), stunning animation, and a villain who's both a wicked queen and an evil stepmother. 

• Starring: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne
• Director: David Hand
• Year: 1937
• Runtime: 80 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Disney's aptly named Revival Era began with "The Princess and The Frog," which stars Disney's first Black princess, Tiana. Well, she's not a princess at first. Tiana is a young woman in New Orleans who works hard so she can open her own restaurant. When a confused frog prince asks her to kiss him and remove his curse, the smooch backfires and curses her as well. The two must figure out how to undo the spell before they remain frogs forever. Hand-drawn and digital artwork are paired in this lovely tale, giving the film a classic Disney animation look, with a jazz soundtrack courtesy of Randy Newman. Most importantly, Tiana is one of Disney's strongest characters, a motivated woman who finds she can balance work and love without giving up her own sense of self in the process.

• Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
• Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Year: 2009
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

"Pete's Dragon" is the rare case where the remake exceeds the original. It eschews the animated shenanigans of Elliot the cartoon dragon in favor of a CGI creature who looks like a cross between a mythical creature and a dog and acts like both. In this version, Pete's an orphan who's rescued by Elliot, and the two live in the woods for years until Pete is discovered by a kindly forest ranger and her family. Unfortunately, there's also a hot-headed lumberjack in the mix who's none too happy about a dragon scampering about in the forest. "Pete's Dragon" is an old-fashioned, emotionally effective "family is where you find it" film that showcases the best of Disney's ability to soar in the live-action realm.

• Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley
• Director: David Lowery
• Year: 2016
• Runtime: 103 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

"Moana" continues Disney's streak of hits in its Revival Era, as well as expanding the diversity of Disney characters. Moana is a young Polynesian girl and daughter of her tribe's chief, but her life quickly changes when the ocean chooses her to complete a magical quest. She must restore the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess, which was stolen by a demigod named Maui years ago. And during her quest, she'll actually have to ally with said demigod, who's lost his powers and isn't thrilled about having to assist this mortal. However, the search for Te Fiti results in self-discovery for both Maui and Moana, who will one day become her tribe's leader. The humorous braggadocio of "You're Welcome," the soaring notes of "How Far I'll Go," and the flawless CGI animation (except for Maui's tattoos, which are wonderfully hand-drawn) vault "Moana" into Disney's top 30 films.

• Starring: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
• Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
• Year: 2016
• Runtime: 113 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

In the charming coming-of-age film "Turning Red," Meilin is a 13-year-old girl who seems very confident. She helps her parents at the family temple, excels in school, hangs with her three besties, and nurses a huge crush on Robaire from the boy band 4*Town. But after a humiliating night courtesy of her mom's overzealous protectiveness, she wakes up as a giant red panda. "Turning Red" is hilariously funny as Meilin deals with her body's changes and the pull between her family duties and her desire to hang out with her friends and chase boys. The film is culturally specific but universal in its depiction of a young girl figuring out who she wants to be, and it's delightful.

• Starring: Rosalie Chung, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse
• Director: Domee Shi
• Year: 2022
• Runtime: 100 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

The third film of Disney's Golden Age, "Fantasia" is an experimental feature that has several segments marrying classical music to varied animation styles, as well as live-action connective scenes of famed conductor Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The most famous segment, the delightful "Sorcerer's Apprentice," stars Mickey Mouse as the overconfident title character, dealing with magic he doesn't understand. The other segments are wonderful as well, complete with fairies, dinosaurs, and demons. Note that the version available to watch now differs somewhat from the original, which is for the better because the segments removed featured racist depictions of Black characters.

• Director: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Wilfred Jackson
• Year: 1940
• Runtime: 120 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"Beauty and the Beast" is the classic film of the Disney Renaissance Era. Combining computer-generated backgrounds with hand-drawn art, the film expanded Disney's animation toolbox. As for the tale as old as time, Belle agrees to stay with Beast, a cursed prince who's imprisoned her father. The Beast's enchanted servants, including candelabra Lumière and stuffy clock Cogsworth, help Belle, and before long, she and Beast fall in love. Belle's would-be suitor, Gaston, naturally isn't a fan –- no one holds a grudge like Gaston! Several memorable songs and a heartfelt performance from the Beast's Robby Benson make "Beauty and the Beast" one of Disney's best.

• Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach
• Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
• Year: 1991
• Runtime: 84 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

"Coco" follows the adventures of Miguel, a boy who accidentally winds up in the Land of the Dead on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and has to find a way home before he's trapped there permanently. Miguel seeks out the soul of the man he believes is his grandfather for help, and another member of the dearly departed, Hector, agrees to assist if Miguel will make sure he's remembered by the living. "Coco" is bright and colorful, and its themes about memory and family — not to mention its fabulous songs — resonate long after the credits roll. Keep a whole box of tissues ready when you watch and make sure to hug your abuela.

• Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
• Director: Lee Unkrich
• Year: 2017
• Runtime: 109 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

"Ratatouille" stars Patton Oswalt as the voice of Remy, a rat in Paris who dreams of being a great chef. The problem is, well, he's a rat. No one is going to let a rat cook for them. But as Remy's hero, Chef Auguste Gusteau, says, "Anyone can cook." Remy winds up helping hapless kitchen worker Alfredo Linguini, turning him into the toast of the town via a truly unique cooking method that involves pulling Linguini's hair. However, things go wrong as they usually do, and it's up to Remy's cooking skills to save the day. "Ratatouille" is lushly animated, kinetic fun, but it also doesn't shy away from being a little heady, throwing in bits such as a Marcel Proust reference for the adults.

• Starring: Patton Oswalt, Peter O'Toole, Janeane Garofalo
• Director: Brad Bird
• Year: 2007
• Runtime: 111 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" sees comedy legend Rick Moranis play a nerd called Wayne who manages to build an impressive new invention that inadvertently shrinks his own children and two kids from the neighborhood to a minuscule size. The youngsters then have to somehow get safely back to the house as the adults devise a way to grow them back to their usual size. Coming out in 1989, it is one of the few live-action films from Disney that is considered among their best-ever releases.

Exactly the type of film that makes great viewing with the whole family, "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" won't offend anyone and is not too dumbed down that it can't be enjoyed by teenagers or even adults. Audiences obviously found plenty to like about the charming movie and its characters, as it has spawned a number of sequels and television spin-offs over the years.

• Starring: Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman
• Director: Joe Johnston
• Year: 1989
• Runtime: 93 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

"The Jungle Book" may be one of Disney's oldest films but it is also firmly among the company's greatest releases. First hitting cinemas in 1967, it tells the story of Mowgli, a feral child who is raised by animals in the Indian jungle and ultimately persuaded to escape to a human village to avoid the wrath of the evil tiger Shere Khan. While it differed from Rudyard Kipling's 1894 novel as a lighter and more family-friendly tale that did without many of the darker elements, it proved to be one of the last great Disney films until the Disney Renaissance many years later.

Adults in the U.K. voted "The Jungle Book" as the most nostalgic Disney film and it isn't hard to see why. It has all the characteristics that made those early animated movies from the company so brilliant, including stellar voice acting, songs you can't help but sing along to, and vibrant visuals that leave a lasting impression.

• Starring: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders
• Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
• Year: 1967
• Runtime: 78 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Following roaring success with a series of critically acclaimed and profitable films during the late 1980s and 1990s, the final film of the Disney Renaissance era came in 1999 in the form of "Tarzan." Taking inspiration from the original Edgar Rice Burroughs story, "Tarzan of the Apes," it follows a young boy who is raised by gorillas in a jungle following the death of his parents. Although well cared for, he expresses a desire to discover more humans like himself and seeks out a group who are exploring the area.

With a thumping soundtrack from Phil Collins, which won both an Academy Award and a Grammy, "Tarzan" was a big hit with critics and audiences alike. Praised for its fast-paced animation and beautiful visuals, it went on to win plaudits for sticking faithfully to the themes and ideas of the source material and keeping the story simple but engaging.

• Starring: Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close
• Director: Kevin Lima and Chris Buck
• Year: 1999
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

"Big Hero 6" is another modern Disney animation that will no doubt go down in history among other classics. Based on a character from Marvel Comics, Disney was able to create the film after the company acquired Marvel in 2009. Very loosely based on the original comics, the story follows a teenager called Hiro Hamada who teams up with the robot Baymax to fight against a villain who was seemingly responsible for the death of his older brother.

A touching tale, "Big Hero 6" delves into themes such as dealing with grief and what it means to be a hero. The robotic character at the center of the story, Baymax, is a lovable figure and charismatic figure that has become a marketing sensation. It is hard not to love this 2014 animated film and it has already created an impressive legacy with numerous television series based on the characters.

• Starring: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney
• Director: Don Hall and Chris Williams
• Year: 2014
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Although "Encanto" only arrived on cinema screens in 2021, it has already established itself as a true Disney classic. The film focuses on the magical Madrigal family, who are gifted with a variety of talents to help their local community. But when this magic starts to fade, the young Mirabel investigates to determine what is happening and how to stop it to keep her family together.

"Encanto" shines in many ways. Whether it's the use of advanced new technology and techniques for the colorful visuals or the memorable songs that have that catchy singalong quality of other great Disney films, the movie works on almost every level. Perhaps most important of all is how Mirabel is such a relatable character who is easy to sympathize with. The story of "Encanto" is equally as impressive, showcasing the conflict that can come in families and how everyone has to adapt in some ways.

• Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo
• Director: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
• Year: 2021
• Runtime: 102 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

It is fair to say that Pixar has dominated much of Disney's animated output over the last few decades, with a few notable exceptions with the likes of "The Lion King" remake and "Frozen." So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the studio has a number of great films among the best that Disney has to offer. One of the oldest Pixar films without a sequel, "WALL-E," tells the tale of a small robot left on Earth to clean up the planet in complete isolation after humanity abandoned the world.

Despite spending years without real companionship, WALL-E meets a probe robot called EVE and follows her back to the human colony ship known as the Axiom. Like many of Pixar's early short films, it has a strong reliance on visual storytelling and is beautifully animated, but "WALL-E" is also a genuinely funny and heart-warming story that is impossible not to like.

• Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
• Director: Andrew Stanton
• Year: 2008
• Runtime: 97 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

"Zootopia" is a 2016 film that went through a protracted production and changed significantly so that its story completely differed from what was first pitched. That seems to have worked out for the best, though, as the film took in a worldwide box office gross of more than $1 billion. Set in a world where anthropomorphic animals live and work together, the plot follows a conspiracy that tries to force predators to become second-class citizens that would allow mammals traditionally seen as prey to come into power. Two unlikely characters known as Judy Hopps and Nick reluctantly team up to expose the evil machinations.

Visually stunning, "Zootopia" doesn't just rely on its advanced animations to wow audiences. It also comes with a thoughtful message about accepting individuals and not being prejudiced toward those who are different. Throw in the fast action and the bountiful funny moments and this is a great modern Disney release for the entire family. The huge popularity of the film has also led to a spin-off series called "Zootopia+" on Disney's own streaming service and a sequel that is also under development.

• Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate
• Director: Byron Howard and Rich Moore
• Year: 2016
• Runtime: 108 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

One of the more recent films coming from Pixar and Disney, "Inside Out" is a 2015 film from Peter Docter that stars an ensemble cast made up of the likes of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Phyllis Smith. The story focuses on a young girl named Riley who struggles after moving home and her five basic emotions that control all of her actions. These include Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear.

When it was released, it received critical acclaim and has one of the highest Rotten Tomatoes ratings of any recent Disney film. Praised for its inventiveness and originality, "Inside Out" provides a thoughtful look at the way people can have many different sides to their personalities and how we can deal with a variety of complex emotions. The performances of its large cast were also a source of delight for viewers and it was among 2015 best releases.

• Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader
• Director: Pete Docter
• Year: 2015
• Runtime: 95 minutes
• Rating: PG
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

1994's "The Lion King" came smack bang in the middle of the Disney Renaissance, coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed box office hits, "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin." Like its immediate predecessors, it proved to be a massive financial success as the highest-grossing traditionally animated film in history, taking in almost $1 billion around the world.

Loosely based on story elements from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," it follows the adventures of Simba along with his family and friends. The heir to the throne of an African lion kingdom, he abandons his home following the death of his father. Although Simba blames himself, his villainous uncle was actually the true mastermind and he quickly seizes control of Pride Rock when Simba flees. Widely regarded as one of the company's most important films — especially in the last 30 years — there have been a number of spin-offs, sequels, and even a live-action remake over the years.

• Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons
• Director: Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
• Year: 1994
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

In many ways, "Toy Story" is the movie that launched Pixar. While the studio had previously worked on short films, such as "Tin Toy," it was this 1995 computer-animated adventure that propelled the company and John Lasseter into becoming the latest big hitter in the world of animation. Although "Toy Story" had plenty of production difficulties and was even almost canceled by Disney after executives saw the first cut, the finished product is one of the most memorable animated movies ever released.

Starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the story follows a group of toys that come alive when they are left alone. When their owner Andy gets a new Space Ranger action figure, the old-fashioned cowboy toy Woody gets jealous of the attention Buzz receives and this sets in motion a series of events that sees the two characters lost far away from their home. Nominated for a number of Academy Awards, it has become one of the highest-grossing movie franchises ever – cementing its place in Disney history.

• Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
• Director: John Lasseter
• Year: 1995
• Runtime: 91 minutes
• Rating: G
• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%