Here is the conclusion to “My Ranking Of The Disney Animated Canon Part 2“.
19. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a fantastic showcase for what makes the franchise special. The characters are all so warm and lovable and interact incredibly well off of each other. While the stories are quite simple, I think it works to the films benefit for the most part. The animation is also quite nice although the standout is easily the Heffalumps and Woozles sequence.
18. The Emperor’s New Groove
The Emperor’s New Groove is very different to a lot of other Disney movies, more similar to the comedic stylings and comic timings of Looney Tunes. Nonetheless, it’s fantastic fun with sharp animation and a character arc for the main character that actually works really well. The villains of Yzma and Kronk are also wonderful.
17. Aladdin
Aladdin is a really fun film that has brilliant animation, fantastic songs and great characters in the form of Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Jafar. There is perhaps a bit too much time spent on Genie’s antics but it doesn’t take too much away from the movie.
16. The Fox and the Hound
The Fox and the Hound is a brilliant film about your place in life and how things are destined because of what you are but also how you can defy it. While there are certain story beats that I wish they pushed harder and some of the comedic side-characters grate after a while, The Fox and the Hound still holds a very special place in my heart.
15. Bambi
Bambi is a wonderfully and beautifully animated film that shows the conflict between nature and man through the life-cycle of a deer. Unfortunately, society as a whole has been spoiled when it comes to a shocking event later in the film but the film still holds up incredibly well.
14. The Rescuers
The Rescuers was a film that I watched constantly as a child and, viewing it as an adult, it still remains spectacular. The opening of the film is beautiful and you end up really caring about Bernard and Ms. Bianca. Their interactions with Penny are also excellent and Madame Medusa is a surprisingly underrated Disney villain.
13. Zootopia
Zootopia is an utterly brilliant depiction of an animal society that reflects our own. The main characters of Judy and Nick play really well off of each other and the film is continually fascinating as it works its way through the story. I confess that I don’t like Shakira’s character as she feels shoehorned in in order to have a celebrity singer. Nonetheless, Zootopia is one of the best Disney animated films in recent years.
12. Dumbo
Dumbo is a relatively simple but emotionally charged film that sees its main character struggling with society because of his differences. The film has some heart-wrenching moments but never forgets to have fun, showing how Dumbo can overcome the prejudices of society and how his differences are a gift. While the animation is a little simpler compared to other Disney movies at the time, it’s still wonderfully animated with a sleek, cartoony charm.
11. Cinderella
Cinderella is one of the finest examples of a Disney princess film with a main character who must suffer through the abuse of her uncaring, heartless family to get what she wants. The animation is exceptional, the villains terrifyingly vicious and the humour of the mice expertly handled.
10. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was the beginning of the Disney Renaissance and the film itself is a perfect example of the quality from that era. The animation is unbelievably good, every time I see The Little Mermaid I can’t believe how well Ariel’s hair is animated underwater! Besides that, the songs are incredible and the characters all serve their purposes excellently.
9. Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp is one of the most slick, beautifully animated films I have ever seen. I adore its characters and the way the romance between the two leads develop. From its opening moments to the end, save for one false death scene near the end, the film entrances me into the world of these dogs, the struggles they have and how they can overcome adversity.
8. Tangled
Of all of Disney’s CG films, I truly believe Tangled is visually one of the most beautiful they have ever done. Combining that with a wonderful journey of discovery, some brilliant comic relief characters, catchy songs and some incredibly emotional moments, I think Tangled deserves its place as one of the best Disney animated films.
7. Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars and it truly deserves it. Some of the greatest Disney songs ever are from this film along with superb animation and some fantastic character development on the part of Belle and the Beast. My one fault with this film is that I’m not terribly fond of the fight sequence near the end, it feels a tad too goofy, but the film is still one of the best animated movies ever made.
6. The Lion King
The Lion King is such a terrific film! I love all of the characters in the movie so much! The animation is top-notch with superb songs and an incredibly emotional journey for the main character, Simba. As far as I’m concerned, Disney took the formula of Bambi and perfected it in The Lion King.
5. Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland was one of my most watched movies from my childhood and I’ve only come to appreciate it even more as I’ve grown up. The world of Wonderland is wacky but nonetheless charming with Alice serving as a superb protagonist to explore this land. The animation is truly incredible and all of the characters that she comes across serve to show how crazy and bizarre this world is. Alice in Wonderland is truly deserving of being called a Disney classic.
4. Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty is a visual marvel when it comes to animated films with some of the greatest animation and artwork ever seen. Maleficent is such a brilliant villain and all of the characters are wonderful in their own way. The music is superb and the interactions of the three fairies are fantastic. I have no problem in saying that Sleeping Beauty is one of my favourite Disney films.
3. Pinocchio
Of all the Disney animated films that I watched in my childhood, Pinocchio was the one that I kept coming back to again and again. The animation is expertly crafted and the story is superb as Pinocchio struggles with a world that isn’t afraid to take advantage of the gullible. I love Jiminy Cricket as he finds that keeping Pinocchio on the right path is much harder than he expected. What’s probably a better sign of the film’s quality more than anything else was how the film’s donkey sequence terrified me as a child but I still found myself being drawn back again and again.
2. Lilo & Stitch
Lilo & Stitch is a film very close to my heart. As far as I’m concerned, Lilo is one of the greatest characters that Disney have ever created, being wonderfully charming but socially awkward which drives away potential friends. Nani is an incredible sister who is struggling to prevent Lilo from being taken away by social services. Stitch is the perfect addition, suffering from his own form of loneliness and confusion. The watercolour backgrounds are breathtaking and the emotional beats all land firmly.
1. Mulan
Mulan, as far as I’m concerned, is the most perfect animated film that Walt Disney Animation studios have ever produced. Mulan herself is an incredibly brave and determined character who defies society to protect those she loves. She’s supplemented by a fantastic range of characters from comic relief such as Mushu to the ferocious Shan Yu whose encroaching horde makes for a fearsome enemy. The animation is beautiful and, while a little sparse compared to other Disney movies, the songs are all brilliant.
Let me know your thoughts on this ranking of the Disney Animated Canon, which entries you agree or disagree with, your thoughts on the Disney Animated Canon overall and any additional information you might have on the topic.
Hopefully you have found this article interesting and informative and, if you wish to seek any of the works I mentioned, don’t hesitate to use amazon.co.uk or amazon.com for all of your needs!