7 Disney Movies That Are Basically Perfect

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For over a century, The Walt Disney Company has created many beloved films, and we’ve chosen seven that are truly exceptional. While Disney owns several studios like Pixar, 20th Century Studios, and Marvel, this list focuses specifically on films from Walt Disney Animation Studios – the ones most people think of when they picture classic Disney magic.

As a lifelong animation fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It all began back on October 16, 1923, with Walt’s early Alice Comedies shorts. But things really took off in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – that’s when they started consistently creating full-length animated movies, and they haven’t stopped since! Over the years, from Snow White all the way up to the planned Zootopia 2, they’ve made a whopping 64 feature films. But if I had to pick, there are only seven that I truly consider perfect.

7) The Little Mermaid

Released in 1989, The Little Mermaid is widely considered the film that launched the Disney Renaissance – a hugely successful period for Disney movies that revitalized the company in the late 80s and 90s. It was the first of many films co-directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, and tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who trades her voice to a sea witch for the chance to live among humans.

The Little Mermaid is a timeless story with stunning animation and a lasting impact. Its music is particularly beloved – the soundtrack was the first Howard Ashman fully wrote for Disney. This film essentially created the blueprint for all the Disney fairy tale movies that came after it, demonstrating just how well the story and music work together.

6) Lilo & Stitch

Released in 2002, Lilo & Stitch remains a beloved Disney classic, demonstrating its timeless appeal. The film, co-directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, tells the story of a young girl in Hawaii who wishes upon a star and gets a surprising gift: a blue alien she mistakes for a dog.

Lilo & Stitch is a standout Disney film because it beautifully combines a compelling story with meaningful themes. While it’s an enjoyable sci-fi adventure for kids, it also offers deeper insights into concepts like family and the impact of colonialism. The movie’s animation is distinct from other Disney classics, and it features memorable music even though it isn’t a traditional musical.

5) Sleeping Beauty

Disney’s first animated films all had a similar look, but Sleeping Beauty was one of the first to truly try something new with its visuals. The movie has a unique, stained-glass appearance, with characters designed using sharper lines and brighter colors than in previous films. This distinctive style makes the villain, Maleficent, especially memorable and helped establish her as a classic Disney bad guy.

Beyond its beautiful animation, Sleeping Beauty is a wonderful film. It features memorable songs, and the climactic battle with the dragon was more spectacular than anything Disney had done before, giving the movie a truly epic feel.

4) Pinocchio

Although Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first animated feature, Pinocchio—their second—is widely considered a true masterpiece. Released in 1940, the film took the various episodes of the original story and created the most well-known version of the tale. Pinocchio is much more ambitious in scope than Snow White, and remains one of Disney’s most visually stunning animated films.

3) Beauty & The Beast

I still remember when Beauty and the Beast came out in 1991 – it was a huge deal! Being the first animated movie nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars really set it apart, and it’s definitely one of Disney’s best, in my opinion. What always struck me was how beautiful it looked; the animation was incredible, and they went to so much effort to make the camera movements feel smooth and realistic. And the characters! The way they brought those enchanted objects to life – Lumière, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts – was just magical.

Songs such as “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast” showcase Howard Ashman’s incredible talent, and the overall musical score is equally impressive. The film is also notable as one of Disney’s earliest self-aware stories, cleverly subverting traditional Disney hero tropes through the character of Gaston.

2) Fantasia

Disney’s Fantasia, released in the 1940s, was a groundbreaking and experimental film that stretched the boundaries of animation. Rather than a traditional narrative, it’s a series of animated shorts, each set to a piece of classical music. The stories visually interpret the music in a stunning way. Segments like The Sorcerer’s Apprentice are among Disney’s finest achievements, and many consider Fantasia to be a flawless film.

1) The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King, released in 1994, is widely considered their greatest film—and that’s high praise given their incredible history. The movie’s soundtrack, a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and Lebo M., is unforgettable, with each song immediately familiar to audiences. It begins strong with the iconic “Circle of Life” and remarkably keeps that energy going until the very end.

This version of The Lion King is truly epic, much larger in scope than most Disney films. The story unfolds over many years, following the reigns of three different kings. It expertly mixes humor with deeply emotional scenes, and boasts one of Disney’s most memorable villains. All of these elements combine to make it a truly perfect movie.

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2025-12-19 18:13