20 Famous Disney Movies of All time

20 Famous Disney Movies of All time

Disney is one of the most iconic and beloved entertainment companies in the world. Founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and his brother Roy, the company has produced some of the most popular and enduring films, television shows, theme parks, and consumer products of all time. For nearly a century, Disney movies have captured the imaginations of audiences around the world. Disney has continued to push the boundaries of animation and storytelling.

Through its animated classics, Disney has brought to life some of the most beloved characters and timeless tales. From Snow White and Pinocchio to modern favorites like Frozen, Disney has created magical films for children and adults alike. This list chronicles Disney’s most iconic animations and blockbuster hits over the decades. Lets take a look at some of the most iconic Disney movies of all time:

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

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“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) is a classic American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. Based on the German fairy tale of the same name by the Brothers Grimm, it is the first full-length cel animated feature film and the earliest Disney animated feature film. This animated movie laid the groundwork for Disney’s future animated masterpieces and shaped the course of animation history.

The film tells the story of Snow White, a beautiful princess who is exiled by her wicked stepmother, an evil queen who wants to be the fairest in the land. Snow White flees into the forest, where she is rescued by seven dwarfs who make her part of their household. The queen discovers Snow White’s whereabouts and, disguising herself as an old hag, fatally poisons her stepdaughter with a tainted apple. The heartbroken dwarfs stand guard over the girl’s body until a handsome prince restores her to life with a kiss.

2. Cinderella (1950) 

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“Cinderella” (1950) is a classic American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. The film was directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, and produced by Walt Disney. The film tells the story of Cinderella, a young woman who is forced to live in servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. despite what she is passing through she still remains kind and optimistic, and also dreams of one day attending the royal ball.

With the help of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s dream comes true, and she falls in love with the Prince. However, her magic spell is broken at midnight, and she must flee the ball, leaving behind only one glass slipper. The Prince is determined to find the girl who fits the slipper, and he eventually discovers Cinderella, and they live happily ever after. “Cinderella” is a classic fairy tale that has been retold many times over the years, but the 1950 Disney film is arguably the most beloved version.

3. Robin Hood (1973)

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“Robin Hood” is an American animated musical adventure comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions that brings to life the classic tale of the legendary outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor. The story follows the adventures of Robin Hood, Little John, and the inhabitants of Nottingham as they fight against the excessive taxation of Prince John, and Robin Hood wins the hand of Maid Marian.

This classic legend succeeded thanks to the charm of the animal characters, strength of the voice cast, and lighthearted storytelling that played well for kids and adults alike. “Robin Hood” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has gone on to become one of the most beloved Disney films of all time.

4. Pinocchio (1940)

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Based on the 1883 Italian novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, “Pinochio” is the second full-length cel animated feature film produced by Disney, following “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937). The film tells the story of Pinocchio, a wooden marionette who is brought to life by the Blue Fairy.

However, Pinocchio is a mischievous and disobedient boy, and he often lies and gets into trouble. As a result, his nose grows longer with every lie he tells. Pinocchio must learn to be honest and responsible if he wants to become a real boy. Songs like “When You Wish Upon a Star” became enduring hits.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

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“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)” is an American swashbuckler fantasy film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski. It is the first installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, and stars Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley. The film is based on the Walt Disney Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attraction and tells the story of Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp), a pirate who is seeking to reclaim his ship, the Black Pearl, from his former mutinous first mate, Captain Hector Barbossa (Rush).

Barbossa and his crew have cursed themselves by stealing a treasure chest filled with Aztec gold coins. The curse has made them immortal, but also unable to enjoy the pleasures of life. To break the curse, they must return all of the coins and the chest. Sparrow teams up with Will Turner (Bloom), a blacksmith who is in love with Elizabeth Swann (Knightley), the governor’s daughter who has been kidnapped by Barbossa. Together, they set out on a journey to find the Black Pearl and break the curse.

6. Frozen (2013)

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Another great movie on our list today is “Frozen”. This is an American computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the 53rd Disney animated feature film, and is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen”. “Frozen” is a story about two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, who live in the kingdom of Arendelle.

Elsa has magical powers to create ice and snow, but she accidentally curses the kingdom with eternal winter. Anna sets out on a journey to find her sister and break the curse, with the help of a mountain man named Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a snowman named Olaf. Along the way, Anna and Kristoff learn the importance of love, family, and friendship. They also discover that the true power of Elsa’s magic comes from her love for her sister.

7. The Incredibles (2004)

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“The Incredibles” (2004) is a Disney Pixar superhero movie that follows the Parr family, a family of superheroes who have been forced to live in secret after the government outlawed superheroes. The father, Bob Parr, also known as Mr. Incredible, is a super-strong man. The mother, Helen Parr, also known as Elastigirl, can stretch her body to any length and shape. The eldest son, Violet, can turn invisible and create force fields.

The middle son, Dash, can run at super speed. And the youngest child, Jack-Jack, has a variety of superpowers that have yet to be fully revealed. When a new threat emerges, the Parrs must come out of retirement to save the world. They face off against the evil Syndrome, a former fan of Mr. Incredible who has turned against superheroes and created a powerful army of robots.

8. The Lion King (1994)

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“The Lion King” is one of Disney’s most beloved and successful animated films. Set in the African Pride Lands, it tells the coming-of-age story of a young lion cub named Simba. After Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his evil uncle Scar, Simba flees the Pride Lands before later returning as an adult to reclaim his throne. With its epic story inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, breathtaking African savanna setting, memorable musical numbers like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata”, and mix of comedy, drama, and adventure, it is considered one of the best movies by Disney.

It was acclaimed by critics for its mythic story, emotional depth, and technical achievements in computer-animated backgrounds and character animation. The highest-grossing hand-drawn animated film ever, “The Lion King” won Academy Awards for its song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and musical score. Its universal themes about growing up and facing responsibilities resonate with both kids and adults.

9. Toy Story 

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“Toy Story” is a groundbreaking film that established Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios as a major force in animation and film making. It was the first feature-length computer animated film ever made. The story focuses on a pull-string cowboy doll named Woody who becomes jealous when his owner Andy gets a new high-tech astronaut toy named Buzz Light-year. Buzz believes he’s a real space ranger, not a toy. Their rivalry eventually grows into an unlikely friendship as Woody and Buzz learn to work together when they get separated from Andy.

With its stellar voice cast including Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz, clever script, and eye-popping 3D computer animation, Toy Story kicked off Pixar’s track record of critical and commercial hits. It touched on universal themes about friendship, loyalty, growing up and embracing change. Toy Story’s enormous success paved the way for computer animation to become the norm in family films. It spawned two successful sequels and stands as one of the most innovative, funny and emotionally engaging animated movies ever made.

10. Zootopia (2016)

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“Zootopia” is Disney movie which  takes place in an  animal city where predators and the prey live together in harmony. The story follows Judy Hopps, an idealistic young rabbit who becomes the first bunny cop on the Zootopia police force. Determined to prove herself, Judy investigates a missing otter case which leads her to team up with a fast-talking fox con artist named Nick Wilde. The unlikely duo go on a conspiracy-filled adventure uncovering that some animals are reverting back to their primal savage ways.

With its timely themes of prejudice and profiling, brilliant world-building of distinct animal environments, and blend of humor, action and social commentary, “Zootopia” delighted both audiences and critics. The outstanding voice cast includes Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy and Jason Bateman as Nick. “Zootopia” provided a witty, thought-provoking take on issues of bias while also delivering an exciting, hilarious animal metropolis adventure story. Its success cemented Walt Disney Animation Studios’ creative revival in the 2010s following hits like “Frozen” and “Tangled”.

11.Moana (2016)

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Another great movie by Disney studios is “Moana”. is a Disney animated adventure set in the islands of Oceania. The story follows Moana, the strong-willed daughter of a Polynesian village chief. She is chosen by the ocean to return the heart of Te Fiti, which was stolen by the demigod Maui centuries ago, causing darkness to spread across the sea. Moana teams up with Maui on an epic journey to battle monsters and restore the heart.

Featuring stunning visuals bringing the South Pacific to magical life, delightful characters like the selfish Maui and Moana’s fun-loving pet chick Pua, and empowering themes about finding one’s identity, Moana is one of Disney’s most culturally authentic and captivating animated tales. The standout soundtrack incorporates Oceanic styles and earned songwriters Opetaia Foa’i and Lin-Manual Miranda Grammy and Oscar nominations. “Moana” combined Disney magic and heart with inspired storytelling celebrating Pacific Islander culture.

12. Coco (2017)

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“Coco” is a Disney’s Pixar animated film that takes audiences on an emotional journey to the Land of the Dead. It centers on Miguel, a 12-year old aspiring musician living in Mexico who gets transported to the colorful afterlife on Día de Los Muertos. There he meets his deceased ancestors and goes on a quest to lift his family curse banning music. “Coco” explores themes of family, tradition, music, and legacy through Miguel’s adventures in the Land of the Dead as he tries to return to the living world.

With its visually stunning animation bringing Mexican culture and spirituality to vibrant life, funny and touching characters like trickster Hector, and resonant story about pursing dreams and remembering loved ones, “Coco” won widespread recognition and box office success. The film incorporated extensive input from Mexican culture consultants. Its authenticity in portraying Día de Los Muertos traditions earned it praise for its cultural representation. With catchy music and emotional depth, “Coco” stands as one of Pixar’s most imaginative, heartfelt works.

13. Ratatouille (2007)

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“Ratatouille” is a Disney animated film which  tells the story of Remy, an extraordinary rat with a refined sense of taste and a passion for cooking. The story goes on to tell us that when Remy ends up in the sewers beneath one of Paris’ finest restaurants, he puts his culinary skills to work by commandeering the body of garbage boy Linguini and secretly guiding him to whip up delectable, mouthwatering dishes. Together, Remy the rat and Linguini the human form an unlikely partnership as they dazzle one of Paris’ toughest food critics with their innovative, culinary magic.

The film is brought to life through Pixar’s stunning Parisian backdrops and perspectives from Remy’s point of view as he scurries through kitchens and ducts. At its heart, Ratatouille is about following your dreams and creativity, no matter how impossible or unconventional they may seem. With hilarious characters including Remy’s brother Emile and a delightful cast of rats, plus vibrant Parisian settings, Ratatouille serves up breathtaking animation, smiles, excitement and fun for audiences of all ages.

14. Tangled (2010)

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“Tangled” is one of Disney’s best animated films which follows the adventures of Rapunzel, a spirited teen with magical glowing hair kept locked away in a tower by the evil Mother Gothel. Rapunzel yearns to see the outside world and gets her chance when charming thief Flynn Rider stumbles upon her tower. Together they escape on a journey across the kingdom that gives Rapunzel a taste of freedom and takes Flynn on a path to redemption.

With its witty banter between Rapunzel and Flynn, Alan Menken’s musical numbers, vivid animation bringing the fantasy world to life, and a fun twist on the classic long-haired maiden in the tower story, “Tangled” recaptured the Disney musical magic that had been missing for years. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi provide stellar voice work as Rapunzel and Flynn. “Tangled” was a critical and commercial hit that reignited Disney animation with fresh energy, humor, and heart.

15. Encanto (2021)

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“Encanto” (2021) is a Disney animated musical fantasy film about a Colombian family called the Madrigals, who live in a magical house called the Casita. Each member of the Madrigal family has a unique gift, except for Mirabel. When the magic surrounding the Encanto is threatened, Mirabel must embark on a journey to save her family and their home.

“Encanto” is a heartwarming story about family, love, and acceptance. It teaches us that we are all special in our own way, and that we don’t need to have magical powers to be valuable. The film also celebrates Colombian culture and music, with a vibrant soundtrack that features traditional Colombian rhythms and instruments.

16. Black Panther (2018) 

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Moving away from animation and comedy Disney has also been involved in some big project movies like the “Black Panther” which was a landmark superhero film from Disney and Marvel Studios featuring the first Black superhero in mainstream American comics. Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the king and protector of Wakanda who gains enhanced abilities from a heart-shaped herb. He faces a challenge to the throne from his cousin Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan.

Director Ryan Coogler brought together an almost entirely Black cast and creative team to tell the Afrofuturist story focused on themes of identity, ancestry, and empowerment. Black Panther broke box office records for Disney, earning over $1.3 billion globally. Its success proved mainstream audiences were hungry for diverse superhero stories. Both a thrilling superhero adventure and a meaningful cultural milestone, Black Panther illustrated Disney’s ability to expand representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while showcasing Black talent and celebrating Pan-African culture on a global blockbuster scale.

17. Avengers: Endgame (2019) 

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Avengers: Endgame is one of the best Marvel superhero films ever produced by Disney. Picking up after the events of Infinity War, it saw the surviving Avengers including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, team up in a time travel plot to undo the damage caused by supervillain Thanos. Endgame delivered thrilling action sequences as the heroes battled Thanos and his forces across time and space to bring back those who were decimated.

The emotional storylines and character arcs gave fitting closure for the original Avengers cast and their relationships. Critical and fan reception was overwhelmingly positive for Endgame’s payoff in successfully tying together the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe in a satisfying manner. It broke numerous box office records to become the highest-grossing film of all time, earning Disney over $2.7 billion worldwide. A landmark pop culture event, Avengers: Endgame demonstrated Disney and Marvel’s unprecedented ability to craft an interconnected superhero saga culminating in an epic, decade-spanning finale.

18. National Treasure (2004) 

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“National Treasure” (2004) is a Walt Disney Pictures American action-adventure film directed by Jon Turteltaub and stars Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, and Sean Bean. The film follows Benjamin Franklin Gates (Cage), a historian who believes that the Founding Fathers of the United States hid a treasure trove during the American Revolution. Gates races against time to find the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands.

The film begins with Gates following a clue inscribed on the back of the Declaration of Independence. The clue leads him to a hidden chamber behind the Liberty Bell, where he finds a cipher. Gates and his team of treasure hunters, Riley Poole (Bartha) and Abigail Chase (Kruger), use the cipher to decode a map that leads them to the treasure.  Along the way, Gates and his team are pursued by Ian Howe (Bean), a ruthless treasure hunter who is also after the treasure.

19. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was the first Star Wars film produced after Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. It marked the return of the beloved sci-fi saga to theaters for the first time in a decade. Under Disney, The Force Awakens successfully revived Star Wars by blending new characters like the scrappy scavenger Rey and ex-storm trooper Finn with classic characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca.

Disney brought back Lawrence Kasdan, co-writer on The Empire Strikes Back, to help craft the story that jumps into action 30 years after Return of the Jedi as a new threat called the First Order rises. Director J.J. Abrams added energetic visuals and thrilling action scenes while still keeping the spirit of the original trilogy. The Force Awakens broke numerous box office records on its way to over $2 billion worldwide for Disney.

20. Avatar (2009)

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Last but not the least in our list today is “Avatar”. Avatar (2009) is a science fiction film directed by James Cameron and produced by 20th Century Fox. It was released in December 2009 and became the highest-grossing film of all time, a record it held for nearly a decade. The film is set in the mid-22nd century, when humans are colonizing Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system. The planet is inhabited by the Na’vi, a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. The Na’vi are a peaceful people who live in harmony with nature.

The humans are on Pandora to mine for unobtanium, a valuable mineral that is essential to Earth’s economy. However, the unobtanium deposits are located in the Na’vi’s Hometree, a sacred tree that is central to their culture. Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, making Avatar a Disney film. Disney has since announced plans to produce several sequels to Avatar, the first of which is was “Avatar: The way of water” released in December 2022.

In conclusion Disney movies have been praised for their diversity and inclusion. In recent years, Disney has released films with protagonists from different backgrounds and cultures. This has helped to make Disney films more accessible and relatable to a wider audience.