Summary
Since their first film in 1937,The Walt Disney Studioshas been a leading force in animation and storytelling, producing some of the finest films in the entertainment industry. The bestfilms selected are ones co-produced by The Walt Disney Studios. Therefore, though Disney is known for its acquisitions of Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, and for founding Touchstone Pictures, those films are not included.
For generations, Walt Disney Studios has played an important role in the lives of many andthe company recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. As time moves forward, the studios' influence shows no signs of stopping. From live-action films to animation, Walt Disney Studios has got it all covered.
10 Disney Movies With Magic That Makes No Sense
Disney movies continue to captivate audiences with rich storytelling and worldbuilding, but sometimes the magic just doesn’t make sense.
Brought to life by the titular characters,The Muppet Christmas Carolis a heartwarming adaptation ofA Christmas Carolby Charles Dickens. Alongside a brilliant performance from Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and theMuppet Gonzo narrating as Dickens, the otherMuppets take audiences on a musical journey of the classic Christmas tale, exploring themes of generosity and second chances.
The Muppet Christmas Carolis an ambitious film within the franchise.
However, the music began to feel repetitive at times and the differences from Dickens' story were too much for some critics.The Muppet Christmas Carolis an ambitious film within the franchise, but not Disney as a whole.
Disney’s Pinocchio
Cast
Gepetto, an old Italian carpenter, wanted to be a father so badly that his puppet of a boy came to life. However, the wooden boy doesn’t know right from wrong and his nose grows when he lies.
Loosely inspired by Carlo Collodi’s children’s novel,Pinocchiois just as magical as its central story, which follows a wooden puppet who wishes to be made into a real boy.Pinocchiois one of Walt Disney’s darker movies and sometimes acts as a horror film for younger audiences, turning some audiences away. Still, it includesemotional, provoking storytelling and innovative animation that would become hallmarks of the studio. Jiminy Cricket’s song, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” has also become Walt Disney’s official theme.
The Hunchback of Notre Dameisa surprisingly serious film that showcased the risks the animation studio was willing to take in their storytelling. Much of the dark tone and themes present in the movie are driven by Claude Frollo, one ofDisney’s most sinister villains. The story is derived from Victor Hugo’s novel, but added characters, such as the gargoyles, and musical numbers lighten up the story, making it fitting for young audiences. Despite this, controversies and protests sprouted as a response from upset parents who disapproved of the film being marketed towards kids.
Retelling the classic folktale of Rapunzel,Tangledis led by the lively voice of Mandy Moore, whoperfectly embodies the trapped princess' curiosity and genuine excitement about the outside world. While adventure is a central theme inTangled, this isn’t always translated by the animation in the film. It may not be the most groundbreaking project from Disney, butTangled, especially during the time of its release, was a peak in the promising future of the company as classic and more modern modes of storytelling were implemented in the princess film.
Following the endeavors of Remy, a rat, who aspires to be a chef,Ratatouilleis one of Walt Disney and Pixar Studios' quieter films. Mouth-watering visuals of Gusteau’s finest offerings are paired with a Parisian landscape and an endearing bond between Remy and a wannabe chef at the restaurant, Alfredo Linguini. Audiences are given plenty of moments of laughter as the two come up with discreet ways to help one another reach their dreams. As artful and technically skilled asRatatouilleis, this gets overshadowed by the thrilling adventures in other films.
The 20 Best Movies Featuring Rats & Other Rodents
In day-to-day life, many people hate seeing rodents. However, in certain beloved movies over the years, people could not get enough of them.
The legacy ofFrozenis undeniable as the film was a massive box office and critical success. From the animation to the earworm hits, especially Elsa’s power ballad sung by Idina Menzel, “Let It Go,” earned widespread acclaim.Frozendominated as one of the biggest movies of the yearand one of the biggest Disney movies in a while. However, not all the awarded praise went towardsFrozen’s story and characters. A few critics felt as though the characters were standard for a Disney film and were not explored further than that until the film’s final act and biggest plot twist.
The Jungle Book
The story of a boy adopted by wolves in the forest, following their adventures on the way to the human village, alongside the bear Baloo and the panther Baghera, who are being hunted by the dangerous tiger Shere Khan.
Compared to other films produced by Walt Disney Studios,The Jungle Bookdoesn’t get discussed as extensively. Though the film is not wholly flawed, there isn’t much in the story to rave about either. Loosely based on stories in Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 book,The Jungle Bookis a fairly simple story with catchy songs. That being said,the animation of the various animals inThe Jungle Bookis among the strongest takeaways from the film. The style of animation acted as inspiration for other animals in films likeThe Lion KingandAladdin.
Hoping to replicate the romance fromBeauty and the Beast,Pocahontaswas made to be a romantic film about the titular figure and English settler, John Smith.Pocahontasis full of breathtaking imagery of the outdoors, as sung about in the Academy Award-winning song, “Colors of the Wind.” The ballad is a tribute to the Powhatan tribe’s relationship to their land, butsuch respect was not given to the accuracy of the film’s central relationship. In addition to a tonally confused story, the historical inaccuracies about their relationship are one of the biggestharsh realities about Disney princesses.
Inside Outunderstands the importance ofeach personified emotion in Riley’s mind. The colorful group of emotions, from Joy to Fear, helps guide Riley as she experiences the hardships of growing up. Pixar Animation Studios are accomplished at bringing audiences to tears andInside Outis no different. Ensuring to depict the impact Joy and Sadness' absence has on Riley,Inside Outis constantly going back and forth between the emotions' journey back to Headquarters and Riley’s emotional statewithout them, causing the film to feel hectic at times.
Kicking off the renowned Disney Renaissance,The Little Mermaidis a captivating watch. From skilled underwater animation to the memorable songs penned by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman,The Little Mermaidwas a much-needed refresh for the company, and it has a quality that manages to hold up beyond the context surrounding its release. There are a few questionable choices made by Ariel and, as a female protagonist, her journey doesn’t reshape the Disney princess mold, butThe Little Mermaidhits the mark in every other regard.
