100. Trip a little light fantastic - Mary Poppins Returns
Yes it’s step-in-time again but with lamp lighters. But does that make it any less of a showstopper? Mary Poppins Returns has in my opinion songs as good, if not sometimes better than the original and Lin Manuel Miranda’s 8 minute epic is no exception.It fits perfectly in the film with seriously impressive choreography.
99. This is Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas
A goth anthem and a king of admittedly quite a small pool of Halloween songs. A perfect intro into the weird and spooky world of Nightmare Before Christmas that sets the tone of what to expect over the next 80 minutes. It builds and builds leading to the iconic introduction of Jack Skellington perfectly. The Marilyn Manson cover has never left my main Spotify playlist.
98. I won’t say I’m in love - Hercules
A massively underrated ‘princess’ song and one I know is a favourite among many Disney fans. Strong vocals and smart inclusion of the much-loved Greek chorus makes it a great inclusion to any Disney playlist. It builds on Meg’s character in a great way and let’s the listener know she isn’t just there to be the damsel in distress love interest. An anti-love song that ends in a confession of love.
97. Gonna Take you there- The Princess and the Frog
A song impossible not to bop along to and an all out good fun Disney song without really adding too much to the films narrative. It’s bright and bouncy and from the first fiddle puts a great big smile on your face. Short and sweet and a joyous way of getting the characters from A to B.
96. We’re All in this Together - High School Musical
Say what you want about HSM- it has some fantastic feel good songs. Cheese and cliche aplenty but in the best possible way. A lighthearted finale to a lighthearted film. When you think of the American high school aesthetic in cinema there’s a good chance your mind goes right here. An anthem for 00s Disney Channel era and an example of it done well.
95. Step in Time- Mary Poppins
Just 5 entries on from its spiritual sequel comes the OG. Absolutely frantic from the start and comes with the iconic images of the chimney sweeps over London. Some of cinemas best choreography and buzzing with energy. A 5 star musical number from one of cinema’s most memorable scenes.
94. A Girl Worth Fighting For - Mulan
A very fun song that perfectly sets up the tonal shift of Mulan’s more somber next act. The song provides a space to give the comedy-asides a bit of character and suits the era and location of the film well with it’s imperial Chinese music blended in with the rhythm. A song that shows the sometimes absurd views men have of women in the lightest and least preachy way.
93. When will I see you again - Wreck-It-Ralph
Owl City’s pop banger was written especially for Wreck-It-Ralph and immediately brings to mind the films colourful video game world when played. That or Disneyland’s Paint The Night Parade that opens with it to great effect. The musical equivalent of a sugar rush.
92. I 2 I - The Goofy Movie
A cult favourite among millennial Disney fans. A blast of 90s non-rock that wouldn’t be out of place in any boy band compilation. Very easy listening and sing-alongable. Quite possibly the very best part of a Goofy Movie and a snapshot of the Radio Disney era.
91. Something There - Beauty and the Beast
In a film as packed with classic songs as Beauty and the Beast it can be easy to forget this gem. The turning point where Belle starts to fall for the Beast is very sweet and while not the most bombastic showstopper still provides some of the strongest vocal talent in the film. Even from Emma Watson…
90. Evangeline - The Princess and the Frog
You don’t expect such a poignant love song from one of Disney’s goofiest characters. But then comes Evangeline which is an emotional highlight of the Princess and the Frog that gives it another heart-felt layer. You’ll never look at stars the same way.
89. You Can Fly - Peter Pan
For being such a well-loved classic Peter Pan actually doesn’t have too many songs that match it’s status. You Can Fly (times 3) though really captures the wonder and magic felt by all viewers but especially those who are a bit younger. I can genuinely remember this being the soundtrack of my absolute awe as I soared over London on the ride at Disney Paris.
88. So this Is Love- Cinderella
Perhaps the chillest song on this list and definitely up there with the romantic greats. A truly beautiful song from Cinderella that casts your mind back to the uncomplicated everlasting love stories of Disney’s silver era.
87. Thankful Heart - A Muppets’ Christmas Carol
Played every 20 minutes at the Disney Store over the festive period this song is now more associated with Christmas than most classic carols. A song about what many would agree is the best thing about Christmas- the people you spend it with. The trumpets and horns make it feel so joyful and festive and top off an all time great Christmas movie.
86. Jolly Holiday - Mary Poppins
Another mega smile-inducer from Mary Poppins and one packed with character from Dick Van Dyke’s Bert. Whimsical and as said in the title- very jolly, it’s a perfect accompaniment to the technicolour cartoon world both the viewer and characters are transported to. Penguins aren’t mentioned once in the song but your mind is almost guaranteed to think of them when hearing this song.
85. Le Festin- Ratatouille
A song that really captures the elegance, romance and beauty of Ratatouille’s Parisian setting. A brave but very effective move by Pixar was to keep Le Festin in it’s native French language and it’s even more clever when you learn the lyrics aren’t just a French love song but about as you might have translated from the title, a feast.
84. Strangers Like Me - Tarzan
The first of ,what you might predict, a selection of incredible songs by Phil Collins in Tarzan. It speaks a lot about the strength of Tarzan’s score that so many people know it as the Disney movie (well the best known anyway) that Phil Collins does the music for. A powerful montage song that requires zero context to also just listen to outwith the film and enjoy.
83. Almost There - Princess and the Frog
While not the absolute showstopperit maybe aimed to be, Almost There is a nice song about how hard work pays off and battling through life despite times being tough. It compliments it’s jazzy New Orleans setting well and has the strongest vocals in the entire film, allowing Anika Noni Rose to really give it her all on that last line as Tiana.
82. Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride- Lilo and Stitch
Continuing the theme of cultural/setting accurate songs, the jaunty hula chants and ukuleles of Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride makes the listener ask no question on where Lilo and Stitch might be set. A fun montage song it’s less of a rollercoaster ride and more of a fun little log flume. A tamer yet still joyful experience.
81. Bibbidi bobbidi boo - Cinderella
Disney’s second most loved nonsense song (there’s another super entry down the list), bibbidi bobbidi boo accompanies the most iconic scene in Cinderella and it’s impossible to imagine it without it. Incredibly fun to say and another example of a magical little song that really whips up a child’s imagination.
80. Cruella DeVille - 101 Dalmatians
The first villain song on this list and it’s oddly not even sang by the villain herself. If someone can continue to sing a song after you hum the first 3 bars to them over 60 years after it was made that’s definitely the sign of very catchy song. The plinky cowboy saloon style piano helps strengthen Cruella’s villainous notoriety by framing her as a character in a ghost story. A ghost story the whole world will always have stuck in their head.
79. The Family Madrigal- Encanto
Quite possibly the biggest exposition dump in Disney’s catalogue, The Family Madrigal is like when you’re rapidly introduced to everyone at someone’s wedding. Frantic from start to finish the energy and enthusiasm of Mirabel is infectious. The song doesn't just do a good job of giving the listener an idea of what her family is all about but warms us to Mirabel herself too.
78. One More Sleep Til Christmas- A Muppet Christmas Carol
The sweetest of all Christmas songs and one that captures the excitement we all felt in the run up to Christmas. One of the best things about A Muppet Christmas Carol is it’s balance between Muppet silliness and songs that go for heart rather rather laughs. Hearing Kermit and Tiny Tim sing about their shared excitement I’m sure resonates with most families at that time of year.
77. Try Everything -Zootopia
Another pop song that works well on its own as well as on a soundtrack. Inserting Shakira into the movie as superstar Gazelle was a genius move as it keeps the song in the universe as well. A song that captures the wide eyed optimism of moving to the next stage of your life and provides the backdrop for Zootopia’s beautiful and creative city districts.
76. Dig a Little Deeper - Princess and the Frog
Dig a Little Deeper gives Princess and the frog a template to throw a load of bright colours at the screen and up the animal-antics to the next level. It does feel a bit like a song for the sake of a song but it’s another smile-inducer and in my opinion the best in the movie.
75. Stick to the Status Quo - High School Musical
HSM’s mid-movie showstopper is the ultimate celebration of every tween-aimed high school comedy drama of the 90s and early 00s. And it’s a lot of fun. The song and dance number in the canteen is immediately what comes to mind when I think about High School Musical. It gets the vibe spot on.
74. Mother Know’s Best- Tangled
What’s clever about Mother Knows Best is you’re not entirely sure it’s a villain song until the very end where Mother Gothel very much establishes herself as just a little dark. The sweet sounding gaslighting then leads to one of the most powerful reprises in Disney. The mask slips off and the loss of control and temper can very much be felt.
73. Life’s a Happy Song- The Muppets
From darkness to very much one of the lightest fluffiest songs on this list. Disney recently has struggled on what to do with Muppets but I think they had it spot on with this movie and in particular this song. Joyful, life affirming and a big bombastic way to end 2012’s cheerful, silly Muppet movie.
72. We know the way- Moana
From the initial drums to the stunning visuals watching the boats crest the beautiful CG waves, We Know the Way fits the Polynesian feel and vibe of Moana perfectly. When played loudly it’s an absolute goose-bump inducer. It also brings with it another top tier reprise which puts the cherry on top a modern classic.
71. Chim Chim Cheree - Mary Poppins
Another Marry Poppins nonsense-song but one that’s oddly mystical in nature and can slow to become an entirely different entity. It’s the best of Dick Van Dyke’s Bert and achieves the balance of the movie’s slightly chaotic nature and more sombre magic.
70. Best of Both Worlds- Hannah Montana
Best of Both Worlds is 2000s Disney. Before Miley Cyrus and other Disney Channel stars went and ‘reinvented’ themselves they made some genuinely good inoffensive pop at a time the music industry was becoming increasingly more X-rated. Even if you thought the shows were cringe it’s impossible to to have a little dance and sing along to this.
69. He Lives in You- The Lion King (stage)
It’s a tricky ask having to squeeze out extra songs to fill the extended runtime of a stage musical based on an animated film but He Lives In You wouldn’t be out of place among the heavyweights of the 1994 film. It’s got an interesting history of starting as a song on a CD ‘based on’ music from the Lion King, making it to the stage show then eventually even ending up on the straight to video sequel.
68. Immortals - Big Hero 6
I love that I can include Fall out Boy on a best of Disney list. Even without my personal bias, Immortals is an energetic montage song that is in itself just a fantastic pop-punk hit. Very much my highlight of Big Hero 6. To be honest it could be in any movie and it’d be the best bit.
67. Arabian Nights- Aladdin
A world building opener that’s less sweet and whimsical and more brooding and brutal (especially the original before it got changed). Both Robin Williams and Will Smith give it their all on a song that’s pretty hard to sing well. What I especially like about the live action version is that it is technically the genie that sings it rather than some random peddler.
66. Friends on the Other Side- Princess and the Frog
Dr Facillier is a hell of a villain and his big number in Princess and the Frog paired with the stunning voodoo visuals is a showstopper. It introduces the concept of his powers in a visually and musically stunning way- the dancing shadows, the extreme mask close ups with swirling and unpleasant smoke- every frame is a dark treat.
65. Whistle While you Work- Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
And from some Disney darkness to one of the cheeriest merriest songs in the Disney catalogue. When you think of Disney joyfulness from the Golden era you think of the birds and woodland creatures helping with the housework- and this sickly sweet tune. A genre defining moment at the very start of the Disney journey.
64. Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow- The Carousel of Progress
Let’s be honest- The Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom only works because of this song. From the masterminds of the Sherman Brothers it’s a song that reminds me of Walt himself- always striving for a bigger better tomorrow. Also the first song I sang to my daughter when she was minutes old- its just a song that synonymous with optimism and good times.
63. Touch the Sky - Brave
Pixar’s opening gambit to showcase the beauty of Scotland in animated form pays off with this song in a big way. It captures the Scottish countryside essence perfectly without hamming up any stereotypes or showing it through an American lens. Brave’s opening musical scene probably did more for the country’s tourism board than anything in the past 50 years.
62. You’re Welcome- Moana
Who’d have ever thought The Rock would have his name on one of Disneys most popular modern bangers? And he knocks it out the park- upbeat, silly and incredibly catchy. After Moana’s initial big ambitions and emotional drive, Maui gives the film some much needed lightheartedness to balance the film nicely.
61. One Jump - Aladdin
Aladdin joins the very small list of Disney classics without a single dud. While not as big as other songs on the soundtrack it’s a frantic, kinetic intro to the title character and one that really warms us to him. Never a dull moment and it’s versatility leads to a nice heartfelt reprise.
60. Can You Imagine That- Mary Poppins Returns
If there was any worry the sequel to Mary Poppins couldn’t recreate the fantastical imaginative worlds created by the original, Can You Imagine That is our first big number to show it absolutely can. It’s a full colourful insight to a child’s dream, turning bath time into a big adventure. It manages to capture the magic of the original while reminding me heavily of Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
59. Gaston- Beauty and the Beast
Not every villain song needs to be insipidly dark and evil. Gaston’s for example is the main comedy beat of Beauty and the Beast- the exaggeration, boastfulness and self-love is hilarious. It feels like a proper bar singalong that gets rowdier and rowdier as it goes on. Impossible to sing with a drink in your hand without swinging it back and forth.
58. Kiss the Girl - The Little Mermaid
A perfect love song only slightly ruined by an interrupting seagull. It’s on the goofier end of the romantic Disney songs collection but matches it with the iconic colourful visuals of the boat scene. One of Alan Menken’s best.
57. The Bear Necessities- The Jungle Book
A feel-good classic and an absolute banger at any kids birthday party. There’s something so soothing about Phil Harris’s Baloo’s deep soulful voice and when the trumpet kicks in at the end just try not to do just a little dance. Bill Murray’s version is also pretty good, going for a more chilled vibe.
56. Where You Are- Moana
A lot of people’s first blast of Lin Manuel Miranda if they’d not seen Hamilton and what an introduction it is- to both his style of music and to Moana. It absolute tears along from the start. World building, character building and manages to work on that deeper level with themes of how Moana finds herself stuck not just on the island but in life.
55. Heigh Ho Heigh Ho - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Still universally the ‘going to work song’ over 80 years later although of course MANDELA EFFECT! It’s actually ‘from home from work we go’ so now you know. It survives because it’s catchy and the visuals of the seven dwarfs heading back from the mines, their shadows up the walls and then across all beautifully hand drawn backgrounds, stick in your head forever.
54. You’ve Got a Friend In Me- Toy Story
Personally I find Randy Newman just a bit annoying but there’s no denying he very much became the ‘sound of Pixar’ especially in the early days. You’ve Got a Friend in me is just harmless fun that just stirs up a childhood vibe deep within you. Toy Story at the end of the day is all about friendship so to have this as it’s iconic ‘theme song’ is very fitting.
53. Two Worlds- Tarzan
The Phil Collins Tarzan soundtrack might be a bit of a copy paste job from other entries but Two Worlds really is another masterpiece from that film. It’s one that doesn’t necessarily need the context of the film to make it great but it does have that theme of Tarzan’s world colliding with Jane’s modern(ish) day one.
52. Zipadeedooda- Splash Mountain
Let’s not yeh? For almost everyone that’s been to a Disney Park, Zipadeedooda is the song of Splash Mountain. Most importantly Splash Mountain’s grand finale which is still pretty unmatched in terms of spectacle as a musical finale to a ride. Splash Mountsin was (sad to even write was there) the perfect marriage between theme park ride and broadway style show and zipadeedooda was by far the outstanding number.
51. I’ll Make a Man out of You - Mulan
A rousing military number that once again pokes fun at absurd masculine stereotypes in a subtle way that doesn't take away from the songs punchiness. The background baritone ‘be a maaan’ chorus gives it an added oomph and is the perfect song to psych yourself up for a tough task.
50. Some Things Never Change- Frozen 2
I’ve heard this song be called a song about nothing which is partly true. But looking a little deeper it’s actually a perfect welcome back to the world of Frozen and Arendale and groundwork laid for all the characters’ progression. It also builds and builds til they have the whole town singing and just absolutely shines with joyfulness. Genuinely underrated.
49. Surface Pressure- Encanto
As soon as the first few bars are sung you know this isn’t your traditional Disney song. Surface Pressure is the shining example of modern Disney done right. It’s something I personally hadn’t seen before- what starts as a almost a rap leading to a big powerful traditionally sung chorus with epic vocals. You can see why Luisa became so popular after Encanto’s release.
48. Grim Grinning Ghosts- The Haunted Mansion
Not so much a song you’d blast on Spotify (although many would), Grim Grinning Ghosts really needs to be experienced within The Haunted Mansion to appreciate its genius. From the initial concept of the attraction being something spooky turning to something fun, this songs versatility does both perfectly solely depending on the speed it’s played. ‘When crypt doors creak and tombstones quake’ for example is sung at the start for example- spooky af. During the graveyard scene- party time.
47. Just Can’t Wait to Be King - The Lion King
There is no explosion of colours on screen quite the same as Just Can’t Wait to Be King. Any other Disney film it’d be the end of Act 1 feel good showstopper but here it shows up about 20 minutes in. Kid vocals that manage not to be annoying, humour and just an all round good time before LK’s more serious moments.
46. Nothing Can Stop Us Now- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
They should have just immediately played this at the announcement of The Great Movie Ride’s closure and everyone would have just got it. An absolutely joyous ear worm that will stay in your head the rest of your Disney holiday and indeed entire life. Catchy and cartoony while remarkably turning almost emotionally grand at the finale of the ride when sung by the choir. Mickey and Minnie’s is a masterpiece ride owed heavily in part to this tune.
45. Life Is A Highway - Cars
A song that’s grown arms and legs since it’s release definitely in due in part to a scene in the office. The ultimate road trip song pretty undisputed so only fitting that it comes from Cars. Upon doing some research I’ve realised this is actually just a cover but The Rascal Flatts version was made for this film so it gets a pass. To me it’ll always be ‘the song from Cars (that was also in the office)’.
44. Just Around the River Bend - Pocahontas
The lesser of the two Pocahontas mega-epics but one that’s beautiful in both it’s score and iconic visuals. It’s on the cleverer end of Disney songs, packed with metaphors and very orchestral while the scene itself is quite simple- a canoe ride through a beautiful setting with plenty Meeko based humour.
43. Prince Ali - Aladdin
A bombastic set piece of a song that somehow manages to be the genie’s second show stopping performances in just a couple scenes of each other. Fun, frantic and over the top would be how I’d describe Prince Ali with that genius moment near the end where it slows down and Aladdin and elephant Abu come thumping down the street overflowing with grandeur.
42. Breaking Free - High School Musical
It may seem sacrilegious to put a HSM song above so many iconic Disney songs but Breaking Free is genuinely great both in terms of how it works in the film and an uplifting song for kids and teens. Everyone had that feeling growing up of being trapped in childhood or cliques and Breaking Free provides an inoffensive outlet in the most least edgy 00s Disney Channel way possible.
41. We Don’t Talk About Bruno - Encanto
Encantro’s real breakout song and an introduction of madrigals both in terms of the family and the type of song. Clever. A madrigal as I learned after the film is a song where many different voices come together to create the music, more new territory for Disney but a task they smashed. The story snippets are good fun and ‘SEVEN FOOT FRAME’ will never not be fun to blast out. Well deserving of the hype a few years ago.
40. Under the Sea- The Little Mermaid
A shot of pure Disney happiness after the more emotional pining of Part of Your World is most appreciated. It’s calypso style is absolutely perfect for Sebastian the crab’s Jamaican (after researching actually Trinidadian) accent and is once again a renaissance end of act 1 showstopper. So much going on and to see- a kids party classic.
39. Do You Want To Build a Snowman- Frozen
The last section of Do You Want to Build a Snowman is the first sign that Frozen is something more than just a throw away kids cartoon and that you will in-fact be getting a story and song collection full of genuine emotion. The song is storytelling through song over many years done right. I remember when Anna is at Elsa’s door thinking ‘if she ends this song with the question again it’ll ruin me’. And she did.
38.The Cover is Not the Book- Mary Poppins Returns
And from very story-driven songs to ‘they could literally put any song here’ songs- The Cover is Not The Book blasts in, related only very slightly to what’s happened in Mary Poppins Returns but works as a big bombastic stage-show number. Mary Poppins has a cockney accent now? Sure! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s character singing at like 200 words a minute? Why not. It just works though and is the most fun part of the film.
37. Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious - Mary Poppins
The undisputed king of nonsense songs. A word like that has to have a bloody good song for audiences to remember it decades later syllable for syllable. Fun to say and the song absolutely barrels along like a runaway train. It’s peak Mary Poppins silliness that stops well before becoming irritating or ridiculous.
36. Reflection - Mulan
A belter of a princess song and the highlight of Mulan. Reflection lives in the same vein as Part of Your World, quite an angsty teenagery song about not being taken seriously or being seen in a certain way but done in a way where they don’t sound whiney. Reflection does the very well- it’s a classy Disney song free from any comedy or talking down- it’s a poignant moment and the filmmakers allow it it’s time to resonate.
35.When She Loved Me- Toy Story 2
A full on heart-break gut-punch of a song that I think catches any first time viewers of Toy Story 2 off guard. I mean seriously who expected one of hardest break-up songs in music history to be in a bloody Toy Story film? It apparently made Tim Allen cry when he first heard it while recording his lines for the movie. A truly beautiful tear-jerker.
34. Poor Unfortunate Souls- The Little Mermaid
We’re entering the very best of villain songs now and I’d crown Poor Unfortunate Souls as the queen. It starts slow and just a little sinister and then just gets more unhinged as it goes. It’s a perfect song for Ursula’s super-bitch character and tells part of the story while never stopping for long enough to slow the momentum of the song. A song impossible to sing without your hands and a raised voice.
33. Hakuna Matata - The Lion King
You really need something properly upbeat to follow one of the most traumatic on-screen deaths in cinema history right? Timon and Pumba are just great- I could do without the toilet humour but it’s very crowd pleasing. Fun and colourful with the best message of ‘you feeling down? Hey try just not giving a shit about it!’.
32. Be Prepared- The Lion King
And here it is- the (lion) king of villain songs. Following the same tradition of start slow and sinister - end evil and mad. Scar up to this point seems a bit petty and lethargic But this gives his character a giant dose of ‘oh no he’s pretty bad’. It’s the perfect mix of campy and dark matched with murky reds and greens on screen. You feel like a real villain singing along to it which is the perfect sign of a job well done.
31. The Tiki Room - The Tiki Room
My history with The Tiki Room is I heard it lots on Disney CDs and tapes growing up but hadn’t a clue what it was, only realising as a young adult it was from a Disney parks attraction. But I loved it before without any of the context which shows it must just be a great little song in its own right. Paired with the attraction it’s just absolutely charming. Its once again the Sherman brothers on their A-game turning a song sung by animatronic birds into an ever-lasting Disney anthem.
30. A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes- Cinderella
Sickly sweet but classic age hand-drawn Disney at its very best. A classy waltzy number about self-belief and to keep on going ‘although your heart is breaking’. It resonates with Walt Disney’s ethos of dreaming big and chasing what makes you happy. And when played by a big orchestra like during Disney Paris’s Illuminations it’s perfection.
29. When Will My Life Begin- Tangled
A song so good it comes back for not just one but two reprises. The opening to Tangled sets up the story and tone of the Rapunzel story well. It’s fast and incredibly satisfying if you can keep up with the lyrics. It’s the second reprise that really knocks your socks off though in one of the absolute greatest joyous moments in modern Disney. That spinning camera. ‘That’s when my life begiiiins’ goosebumps. Tears.
28. Never Had a Friend Like Me- Aladdin
Peak Genie, both Williams and Smith- as well as one of very best parts of Aladdin. It’s electrifying, energetic and funny. It’s the films end of act showstopper and what a showstopper it is. It’s big, theatrical and full of references both in the music and onscreen. A perfect introduction to Genie and to both actors who made him. When I think of Robin Williams lasting genius legacy I will usually always think of this performance first.
27. Belle- Beauty and The Beast
A reminder you’re at the very best era of Disney, the introductory song to Beauty and the Beast is fantastic. It’s story-driven but masterfully crafted so it’s not just an exposition dump and even gives the character Belle some impressive vocal moments and swells in music. Not ideal for Emma Watson in the remake but in the original it’s a perfect gateway into the world. And catchy as all hell. ‘There goes the baker with his…’ is my go to boredom hum.
26. I wanna Be Like You- The Jungle Book
What I’d say is the more iconic of the two Jungle Book bit hitters- it’s a crowd pleaser thanks to its jazzy trumpets and skit-skatty rhythms. It even fits in well with the film being actually almost entirely story based. A great time for all-ages with plenty primate based animation. Also Baloos face at the *ahem* climax of the trumpet is the funniest frame of any Disney film.
25. Spoonful of Sugar- Mary Poppins
In my opinion the best song of either Mary Poppins movie isn’t even the biggest or theatrical. It does however have charm by the spoonful (I’m so sorry). Coming earlier in the film it captures the fun and magic of Mary Poppins not just from the two kids but the audience as well. It sums up Mary as a character and makes her all the more endearing and likeable to the films many viewers over the past 6 decades.
24. Lava - Lava
The sweetest of sweet songs from the Pixar short whose entire story and runtime centres round it. A story of two volcanos who fall in love. If anyone’s going to do that story justice it’ll be Pixar. Surprising that the company hasn’t done more all-out musicals and never one feature length (Coco kind of?) More heart and charm in a few minutes than most films could manage over 2 hours. Very well sung too.
23. How Far I’ll Go -Moana
In a post Frozen world this is the moment Disney stepped back up and said ‘yeah you’re getting our all again’. Empowering and insightful to Moana’s lust for adventure, How Far I’ll Go acts as Moana’s central theme and gives us another modern Disney spectacle. If Moana 2 can serve up a song with even half as much heart and gusto we’re in for a treat.
22. You’ll Be In My Heart- Tarzan
What some might call maybe one of the best love-songs ever written, You’ll Be In My Heart ends the Disney renaissance on a high giving Tarzan not just one but 3 truly great Phil Collins songs. It might not feel like it fits in as well to the world of Tarzan than other Disney love songs at the time but it is truly beautiful listened to in film or not. A perfect first dance song that’s not too on the Disney nose.
21. Love Is an Open Door- Frozen
Such a shame one of the best Disney love songs of all time features a twist villain (is this actually the best villain song?). Experiencing it in-moment though is fully elating. A joyous showpiece of the best feeling of the early days of thinking you’ve found ‘the one’. The perfect level of schmaltziness and cheese without veering into cringe, a happy song that celebrates the best of being in love.
20. Be Our Guest- Beauty and the Beast
I’ve spoken about end of act showstoppers a lot this list but Be Our Guest has them all beat. It’s the biggest of all the big broadway style numbers and is overflowing with colour and kinetic energy. It takes a lot of work to give inanimate objects such character but they’re given it by the boatload and it all just works. Parodied a hundred times and sung an infinite amount of times at dinner parties Be Our Guest is the definition of an iconic classic.
19. I See The Light - Tangled
There’s something about the Rapunzel and Flynn relationship that is so pure and innocent. It makes their love song in the iconically beautiful lantern scene truly special. The slow build, the single violin turning to full orchestra as the lanterns go up as they realise they might love each other. Perfection.
18. Evermore- Beauty and the Beast
Here it is. The most underrated song in all of Disney. Hidden away in the live action remake, Evermore is powerful male emotion and longing- operetta almost in style and belted out so smoothly. Evermore alone is reason for the live action version and shows they can really add something to the stories. Where it may seem too rousing in the animation it fits in impeccably to this more grounded theatrical live-action fantasy world.
17. What’s This? - The Nightmare Before Christmas
The highlight of NBC and the best Disney Christmas song. Danny Elfman just manages to capture the joy of Christmas through the eyes of someone experiencing it for the first time. It’s jaunty, fun and moves fast through the cute and colourful Christmas-Town. The massive tone change is made all the more effective as it’s juxtaposed (cheers higher English) with the much darker start of the film- the mixing of those two tones of course the entire premise of the film.
16. Colours of the Wind- Pocahontas
I swithered about putting this much higher as I believe it’s instrumental reprise ‘Farewell’ is the best ending score to any film and by itself the most moving piece of Disney music. Colours of the Wind in-film is still brilliant though, rousing, passionate and a reminder of how beautiful nature can be. But wow when the choir get going and it crescendos - it’s moments like that that set Disney apart.
15. Out There- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
A bit of a black sheep among the renaissance big hitters, Out There elevates Hunchback so it fits well among the perhaps more well known classics. Sung with heart and soul, it’s a song of longing and wanting something more. It’s this song alone that encapsulates the theme of inner beauty and how looks can be deceiving. It shows Quasimodo’s heart and soul, endearing us to his character in a sweeping picturesque set-piece of a musical number.
14. Once Upon a Dream- Sleeping Beauty
Once Upon a Dream is classic silver-era Disney in a nutshell. Waltzy, classy and just twee enough to be endearing rather than a bit cringey. It’s daydreamy and fairytale-esque fits into the hand drawn regal world like a foot in a glass slipper (soz wrong one). It’s not the most emotive or impassioned but it doesn’t need to be- what it is is maybe the most ‘pleasent’ of Disney songs and for that it earns a top listing.
13. Go The Distance - Hercules
And on the other end of the scale- we have one of the most emotive, rousing songs in the Disney catalogue. To call Go the Distance empowering doesn’t do it justice- it is the motivational song to end motivational songs. All 90s Disney songs seem to have a ‘longing for something more’ song and the thing they have in common is they’re all good. The best iteration in my opinion is during the Happily Ever After fireworks where it gets the big choir treatment. Terrific stuff.
12. Everybody Wants to Be a Cat - The Aristocats
Yes it’s a hot take, the hottest on this list. I don’t care though, this song just makes me so happy and puts me in a good mood. It’s jazz, cats and colours in a chaotic as all hell musical masterpiece. And then it’s got that cute bit in the middle with O’Malley wooing Duchess, it’s just got everything. What it lacks in deep life metaphors it makes up for in concentrated fun. And to be fair I absolutely agree with the songs title.
11. When You Wish Upon a Star- Pinocchio
If the Disney company in general were to be summed up in one specific song it’d be this one. It’s simply Walt’s entire ethos of wishing for your dreams to come true and what resulted in the movies, music and locations we have today. It’s expanded beautifully in the Wishes firework shows from the 2000s-2010s and is rightfully the song used to end the Disney 100 short. It’s grown so much from its Pinocchio origin where it sounds perfect too.
10. Into The Unknown- Frozen 2
With the announcement of Frozen 2 came the question ‘what will be the film’s Let it Go?’. The answer was Into the Unknown and To say it delivers is an understatement. If anything it’s bigger than Frozen’s original showstopper, perfectly written for Idina Menzel’s powerful as all hell voice. It just feels dramatic and powerful, the multiple crescendos just make the whole song feel epic. If there was any question as to whether Frozen should have had a sequel at all Into the Unknown is the answer.
9. Remember Me - Coco
Nothing could have prepared me emotionally for Coco and it’s due in part to Remember Me. The best song from Pixar- it’s incredibly clever in the way it can be played in entirely different ways to evoke different tone and emotion. It’s initially presented as an over the top cheesy romance number sung by Ernesto De La Cruz but by the end it’s a tender loving song of remembrance. It’s both a lot of fun but hugely deeply emotional which is exactly what all the best Pixar films are.
8. Can You Feel the Love Tonight? - The Lion King
The fact that this was originally meant to be sung fully by Timon and Pumbaa is hilarious. What was likely supposed to be a lighthearted song ended up turning into something far more beautiful. Maybe the biggest love song of the 90s, it’s some of if not the very best of Elton John, both the original and more story-based film version. It takes quite the song to convince us of the true romance between two cartoon lions but this is it.
7. Beauty and the Beast- Beauty and the Beast
And you want an even more tender love song? The 90s renaissance properly delivered. It’s another case of swapping something big and bombastic with something a little quieter and sweet. The ballroom scene is just love in its purest form. If you’d said halfway through the song the teapot sings the movie’s most emotional number you wouldn’t believe it but the song just suits Angela Lansbury’s voice perfectly.
6. For the First Time in Forever- Frozen
When asked personally what my favourite Disney song is my go-to is For The First Time in Forever. Disney magic is hard to define but I think this song has more of it than perhaps any other. It’s big, beautiful, fun and theatrical full of Anna’s overflowing optimism contrasted with Elsa’s worry and anxiety. And then it opens up the gates (soz) to THE best reprise of them all. It just turns so epic and emotional, we’ve all felt an ‘I caaan’t’ moment in our life. It just really hits. A true masterpiece and the backbone of what makes Frozen so great.
5. A Whole New World - Aladdin
The third 90s love song in the top 10 and arguably the best. The magic carpet ride is just one of those magical Disney scenes that will go down as one of the most iconic. It’s a love song that doesn’t gush but just captures the shared feeling of romance and the ‘whole new world’ they’ve entered now they’ve found each other. It’s uplifting and beautiful, making you feel not just the love between Aladdin and Jasmine but also the love you feel between those you’ve shared this whole new world with.
4. Happily Ever After- Happily Ever After
The song I proposed to and quoted in my wedding speech. One of the most emotive songs ever made written for a 20 minute firework show- and it’s perfect. What’s especially brave is the slow firework-less build up, the lights go down and and you’re met with a slow build. But from ‘ready to begin..’ you’re hooked- the anticipation grows. And when ‘the world comes alive’ so does the music and so do the skies. The pop version of the song is great- the instrumental fireworks version is phenomenal. The choir finale truly is one of the highlights of my life. It’s spectacular, goosebump inducing and something very very special.
3. The Circle of Life- The Lion King
A stronger opener to a film does not exist. Its identifiable in milliseconds, the slow build with the stunning animation of Africa leading to a powerful oddly moving chorus is more than iconic. The Circle of Life sequence itself is its own little story, it introduces us into the Lion King’s world, a world that feels different to any Disney have explored before. And when it comes back for the films end its emotional awe-inspiring. The Lion King is just great isn’t it?
2. Part of Your World - The Little Mermaid
The Disney renaissance starts here. It’s Walt’s wishing ethos brought back to life in a truly beautiful song and sequence. It’s longing, dreaming and yearning for something more while staying in the films realm and story. Like the best Disney songs, it has that build up that leads to some of the most iconic visuals in Disney’s history. It’s empowering in every meaning of the word and the very best of Alan Menken.
1. Let it Go- Frozen
There’s a feeling Disney knew how big Let it Go would be before Frozen was even released. It was written in the early production phase of the film where Elsa was a full villain and the song shaped the rest of the film, evolving her as a character and the film as a whole. Everything about Let It Go works. Another fully empowering song, it’s again perfect for Idina Menzel’s powerhouse of a voice fresh off of Wicked. It’s powerful but not in a way that feels forced. It works as a song we can all relate to in life whether that be mental health struggles or the general stresses of life. We all just want to Let it go sometimes. And Disney just nailed that feeling.
