For nearly a century, Disney has shaped the world of animation with unforgettable characters, groundbreaking visuals, and emotionally resonant storytelling. From hand-drawn fairy tales to modern 3D spectacles, Disney has repeatedly redefined what animated films can achieve. But which films stand above the rest? Which movies have truly earned the title of “greatest of all time”?
This list celebrates Disney’s finest animated achievements—films that pushed the medium forward, shaped pop culture, and left a lasting emotional impact on generations of viewers.
🦁 1. The Lion King (1994)
Why It’s Great: A Shakespearean saga set in the African savanna, The Lion King blends majestic visuals, a soaring Hans Zimmer score, and unforgettable songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. It’s Disney’s most epic tale of loss, responsibility, and redemption.
Legacy Highlights:
- One of the highest-grossing traditional animated films ever
- Spawned a Tony-winning Broadway musical
- Iconic scenes like the “Circle of Life” opening remain instantly recognizable
🧜♀️ 2. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Why It’s Great: The film that revived Disney animation after a slump in the ’80s, The Little Mermaid brought Broadway-style musical storytelling to animation. Ariel’s yearning and Howard Ashman’s lyrical genius set the stage for the Disney Renaissance.
Legacy Highlights:
- Kickstarted a decade of Disney hits
- Features award-winning songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World”
🕯️ 3. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Why It’s Great: The first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, this romantic tale mixed elegant animation with a fully orchestrated score and complex character dynamics. Belle and Beast remain one of Disney’s most compelling duos.
Legacy Highlights:
- Groundbreaking use of early CGI in the ballroom scene
- Award-winning soundtrack and script
❄️ 4. Frozen (2013)
Why It’s Great: A modern juggernaut, Frozen flipped traditional princess tropes on their head. With the anthem “Let It Go” and a focus on sisterhood, Elsa and Anna became pop culture icons for a new generation.
Legacy Highlights:
- Over $1.2 billion in box office revenue
- Won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Oscars
🐘 5. Dumbo (1941)
Why It’s Great: Simple, short, and deeply emotional, Dumbo is one of Disney’s most enduring early classics. Despite limited animation, it tells a touching underdog story that resonates to this day.
Legacy Highlights:
- Released during wartime budget cuts but became a huge success
- The “Baby Mine” sequence is one of Disney’s most emotional moments
🐲 6. Mulan (1998)
Why It’s Great: Blending action, heart, and one of Disney’s strongest heroines, Mulan stood out for its bold visuals, memorable music, and themes of honor and identity. It’s both a war film and a coming-of-age journey.
Legacy Highlights:
- Empowered a generation of young viewers
- “Reflection” remains one of the most iconic Disney ballads
🐭 7. Fantasia (1940)
Why It’s Great: A bold experiment in pairing animation with classical music, Fantasia pushed boundaries like no other Disney film. It was ahead of its time and remains one of the most artistically ambitious projects in animation history.
Legacy Highlights:
- Introduced stereophonic sound
- Influenced generations of animators and musicians
🐻 8. Zootopia (2016)
Why It’s Great: A witty, modern take on prejudice and social dynamics, Zootopia proved Disney could handle heavy themes without losing its charm. It’s packed with visual gags, clever world-building, and timely messages.
Legacy Highlights:
- Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature
- Continues to be a fan-favorite among younger and older audiences alike
🧞 9. Aladdin (1992)
Why It’s Great: Bursting with personality, color, and the unmatched energy of Robin Williams as Genie, Aladdin defined the ’90s for Disney. Its blend of action, humor, and music made it a true blockbuster.
Legacy Highlights:
- Genie revolutionized voice acting in animation
- Features timeless songs like “A Whole New World”
🐸 10. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Why It’s Great: Disney’s return to 2D animation brought New Orleans to life with vibrant music, a hardworking heroine, and a villain that rivals the best of them. It paved the way for more diverse representation in animation.
Legacy Highlights:
- First Black Disney princess
- Jazz-inspired soundtrack and hand-drawn artistry
🩰 11. Cinderella (1950)
Unexpectedly profound and inspiring, Cinderella isn’t just about magic slippers—it’s about resilience and quiet strength. A masterclass in classic animation with one of Disney’s most magical transformation sequences.
🌹 12. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Visually stunning and meticulously designed, Sleeping Beauty remains a high watermark in animation art direction thanks to Eyvind Earle’s influence and the unforgettable villainy of Maleficent.
🐒 13. The Jungle Book (1967)
A swinging good time filled with catchy tunes, iconic characters, and a rebellious 60s energy. Baloo and Bagheera’s odd couple dynamic gives this film timeless charm.
🏹 14. Robin Hood (1973)
A cult favorite with nostalgic heart and some of the most quotable side characters in Disney history. Its playful tone and visual style continue to win over new generations.
🐶 15. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
A surprise hit for many on rewatch—this stylish caper features striking Xerox animation, unforgettable villain Cruella De Vil, and a thrilling escape plot that never drags.
🏝️ 16. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
A bold, genre-shifting sci-fi adventure packed with lovable archetypes. It’s rougher and grittier than typical Disney fare—and beloved precisely because of that.
🌸 17. Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel’s story modernized with dazzling animation, sharp humor, and emotional depth. “I See the Light” remains one of Disney’s most moving musical numbers.
🤪 18. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
A wild comedic detour for Disney, New Groove thrives on fast-paced absurdity, Kronk’s antics, and Eartha Kitt’s deliciously eccentric Yzma.
🧊 19. Frozen II (2019)
Visually spectacular and more introspective than its predecessor, Frozen II expands on the world with mature themes and one of the best Disney ballads in “Lost in the Woods.”
💻 20. Big Hero 6 (2014)
A heartfelt superhero origin story grounded in grief and brotherhood. Baymax is an instant icon, and the film delivers both emotion and action in spades.
🎮 21. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Creative, clever, and surprisingly poignant, Wreck-It Ralph is a love letter to gaming and underdogs alike. Ralph and Vanellope’s friendship is unforgettable.
🐚 22. Moana (2016)
Sweeping vistas, powerful vocals, and a story rooted in culture and self-discovery make Moana one of the most visually and musically resonant modern Disney tales.
🎩 23. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
A thrilling Sherlock Holmes-inspired adventure. Vincent Price as Ratigan alone makes this a standout, delivering one of Disney’s most overlooked villain performances.
🎠 24. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The one that started it all. Despite its slow pacing by today’s standards, the film’s technical innovations and impact on cinema can’t be overstated.
🐾 25. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Equal parts chaos and heart, this story of found family is deeply human beneath its extraterrestrial surface. Stitch’s arc is one of Disney’s best.
🐾 26. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
A poignant, bittersweet tale about friendship and growing apart. The emotional weight still lands hard decades later.
🔔 27. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
One of Disney’s darkest and most ambitious films. Hunchback tackles morality and prejudice with haunting music and standout animation—especially the “Hellfire” sequence.
🚀 28. Treasure Planet (2002)
A visually inventive sci-fi adaptation of Treasure Island. John Silver’s complex bond with Jim Hawkins elevates this underappreciated gem.
🌌 29. Strange World (2022)
A modern oddball that breaks the formula with mixed results, but its bold design and environmental themes deserve some credit.
🐕 30. Bolt (2008)
A heartfelt, action-packed journey of a dog learning who he really is—layered with Hollywood satire and a surprisingly touching core.
🌊 31. Moana 2 (2025)
Building on the legacy of its predecessor, Moana 2 brings stronger songs and deeper emotional stakes to a sequel that’s already making waves.
☠️ 32. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Infamous for nearly sinking Disney, but cherished by fans of darker fantasy. It’s flawed, sure, but also eerie, ambitious, and unforgettable.
🐾 33. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Romantic and nostalgic, this film oozes charm. The spaghetti scene is iconic for a reason—and it’s more than just a cute moment.
🧚 34. Peter Pan (1953)
A whimsical fantasy filled with flying pirates, mischievous fairies, and the bittersweet refusal to grow up. It hasn’t aged perfectly, but its imaginative heart still flies.
🛍️ 35. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Not as tightly written as its predecessor, but rich with fun ideas, modern satire, and the unforgettable Disney Princess meta scene.
🦌 36. Bambi (1942)
A meditative journey through nature and life’s cycles. Its emotional impact—especially the iconic forest scene—still resonates.
🦃 37. Pocahontas (1995)
Visually stunning and musically rich, even if its historical liberties are glaring. “Colors of the Wind” is a career-defining Disney anthem.
🕵️ 38. The Rescuers (1977)
Simple but warmhearted, this animal rescue adventure is packed with charm and an underdog spirit.
🦅 39. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
A rare Disney sequel that outshines the original with stunning aerial animation and a grander scope.
🧬 40. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Underappreciated in its time, this fast-paced, futuristic tale about family, failure, and perseverance has grown into a cult favorite.
🐉 41. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Lush worldbuilding and powerful themes of trust and unity make Raya a modern Disney standout.
🌴 42. Tarzan (1999)
Phil Collins delivers one of the most distinct and emotionally driven Disney soundtracks, even if the story itself divides fans.
🦕 43. Dinosaur (2000)
Technically ambitious but emotionally shallow. Still notable for its groundbreaking integration of CGI and live-action backgrounds.
🐱 44. Oliver & Company (1988)
Streetwise and soaked in 80s vibes, this modern-day Oliver Twist retelling features toe-tapping tunes and urban flair.
⚔️ 45. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Light on plot, but heavy on charm. Merlin and Archimedes carry this magical coming-of-age tale with humor and heart.
🐈 46. The Aristocats (1970)
Cozy, jazzy, and full of feline fun—even if it leans more on vibes than plot. “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” remains a banger.
🎼 47. Make Mine Music (1946)
One of Disney’s “package films,” this musical anthology is uneven but has some memorable moments, especially “Peter and the Wolf.”
🎷 48. Melody Time (1948)
Another post-war compilation with varied animation-musical segments. Worth watching for “Pecos Bill” and “Johnny Appleseed.”
🐄 49. Home on the Range (2004)
A tonal misfire with country flair, this one is mostly remembered for being one of the final hand-drawn films before Disney went digital.
🐸 50. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Half sleepy folklore, half chaotic mayhem. The Headless Horseman sequence still thrills.
🎇 51. Fantasia 2000 (1999)
A modern remix of the original’s concept. Some segments soar (hello, “Rhapsody in Blue”), while others don’t quite stick the landing.
🐣 52. Chicken Little (2005)
Disney’s awkward transition to 3D. Occasionally funny, but messy in tone and animation.
🌟 53. Wish (2023)
Marketed as a centennial celebration of Disney’s legacy, Wish fails to live up to the emotional and artistic bar set by its predecessors.
🐻 54. Brother Bear (2003)
A deeply spiritual tale with powerful themes about grief and transformation. While divisive, it’s quietly beloved by many.
🍯 55. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Soft, slow, and sweet—like a storybook come to life. Perfect for little ones, though not for everyone.
🎩 56. Fun and Fancy Free (1947)
More musical vignettes, with Mickey and the Beanstalk being the most memorable entry.
🧸 57. Winnie the Pooh (2011)
A gentle, throwback return to the Hundred Acre Wood. Low on stakes, high on charm—but not everyone’s cup of tea.
🇦🇷 58. Saludos Amigos (1942)
A product of its time, this travelogue-style film introduced Latin American culture to U.S. audiences, but lacks narrative cohesion.
🎺 59. The Three Caballeros (1944)
Chaotic, colorful, and surreal. Often baffling, sometimes brilliant, always weird.
Disney’s Iconic Christmas and Holiday Films
The holiday season is approaching, and Disney+ is preparing to roll out exciting Christmas content for viewers of all ages. With classics like “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street” already in their lineup, many families turn to Disney+ for their festive entertainment needs. Disney+ is adding new Christmas movies in 2025, including “Dunk the Halls” which is scheduled to stream on December 25, 2024, and “An Almost Christmas Story,” premiering November 15.
For those looking forward to original content, Disney+ has a Christmas release starring Ben Stiller in the works, though U.S. viewers may find this particular title on Hulu instead. The streaming service continues to expand its holiday collection with both nostalgic favorites and fresh stories that capture the magic of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Disney+ is expanding its Christmas movie collection with new releases like “Dunk the Halls” and “An Almost Christmas Story” for the 2024-2025 holiday season.
- Classic Christmas films such as “Home Alone,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” remain available in the Disney+ holiday lineup.
- Some Disney Christmas productions may be released on Hulu in the U.S. while appearing on Disney+ internationally, as with an upcoming Ben Stiller holiday film.
Iconic Disney Plus Christmas Classics
Disney Plus offers a treasure trove of beloved Christmas films that have become holiday traditions for many families. These timeless classics combine heartwarming stories with memorable characters that capture the magic of the season.
The Enduring Legacy of ‘The Santa Clause’ Series
Tim Allen’s portrayal of Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus, created one of Disney’s most successful holiday franchises. The original 1994 film introduced viewers to the magical concept that someone could inherit the role of Santa through a legal clause.
The sequels expanded the North Pole mythology while maintaining the heartwarming family dynamics that made the first film special. Allen’s transformation from skeptical businessman to the embodiment of Christmas spirit resonated with audiences of all ages.
The franchise’s success stems from its blend of humor, fantasy, and emotional depth. It tackles themes of belief, family bonds, and the importance of preserving childhood wonder.
The series continues to be a holiday viewing staple, with its recent revival as a Disney+ series introducing the magic to a new generation.
Magical Moments in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
This classic holiday tale about a department store Santa who claims to be the real Kris Kringle has enchanted audiences for generations. The 1994 version available on Disney+ stars Richard Attenborough as the charismatic Kris Kringle.
The film explores themes of faith, imagination, and the true meaning of Christmas through the story of a young girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Her journey to belief parallels her mother’s own rediscovery of wonder and hope.
What makes this film special is its heartfelt message about the importance of belief in things that can’t be seen or proven. The courtroom scenes where Santa’s identity is legally debated become a metaphor for the larger battle between cynicism and wonder.
The film’s warm cinematography and gentle pace create a cozy viewing experience perfect for family holiday gatherings.
Exploring the Popularity of ‘Home Alone’ on Disney Plus
Macaulay Culkin’s star-making performance as Kevin McCallister continues to delight new generations through Disney+. The 1990 film’s premise of a forgotten child defending his home from bumbling burglars created comedy gold.
Beyond the slapstick humor and ingenious booby traps, the film resonates because of its emotional core. Kevin’s journey from wishing his family would disappear to desperately missing them captures universal feelings about family relationships.
Director Chris Columbus balanced the physical comedy with touching moments, like Kevin’s conversation with his elderly neighbor and the joyful family reunion.
The film’s sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” also available on Disney+, successfully expanded the franchise while maintaining the original’s charm. Both films feature stunning Christmas imagery that enhances their holiday appeal.
These movies have become such cultural touchstones that watching them is now a holiday tradition for many families.
Animated Favorites: ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ and Beyond
Disney’s animated holiday offerings bring Christmas magic to life through beautiful animation and storytelling. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” stands as perhaps the most beloved, with Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge McDuck perfectly cast as Ebenezer Scrooge.
This 1983 adaptation condenses Dickens’ classic tale into a charming short film that introduces younger viewers to the story while delighting long-time Disney fans with familiar characters in new roles.
Disney+ also features other animated holiday gems like “Prep & Landing,” which reimagines Santa’s operation as a high-tech military-style mission. These modern classics bring fresh perspectives to holiday storytelling.
The platform’s collection includes holiday episodes from popular Disney animated series, offering shorter options for festive viewing. These shorter formats maintain the Christmas spirit while fitting into busy holiday schedules.
The detailed animation and musical scores in these productions create immersive holiday worlds that capture the imagination.
The Unique Charm of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s stop-motion masterpiece occupies a special place in Disney’s holiday lineup as it bridges Halloween and Christmas. Jack Skellington’s discovery of Christmas Town and his misguided attempt to take over the holiday creates a visually stunning and emotionally rich story.
The film’s unique aesthetic—gothic yet whimsical—has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that celebrates the film during both holiday seasons. Danny Elfman’s memorable score and songs, including “What’s This?” and “This Is Halloween,” have become classics in their own right.
The movie explores themes of identity and purpose through Jack’s journey. His well-intentioned but disastrous attempt to be something he’s not ultimately leads to self-acceptance.
The meticulous stop-motion animation continues to impress viewers nearly three decades after its release. Each character and set piece demonstrates extraordinary craftsmanship that gives the film its distinctive look and feel.
New Additions to the Disney Plus Holiday Collection
Disney+ is expanding its holiday lineup with several exciting new Christmas movies for the 2025 season. These fresh titles bring heartwarming stories, famous faces, and festive cheer to subscribers.
Spotlight on ‘An Almost Christmas Story’
‘An Almost Christmas Story’ arrives on Disney+ on November 15, 2025. This heartwarming film draws inspiration from a true event that captured hearts nationwide – the rescue of a tiny owl found in New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
The movie transforms this touching incident into a family-friendly holiday adventure. Viewers will follow the journey of the displaced owl and the people who come together to help it during the Christmas season.
The film balances humor with genuine emotion, making it appropriate for all ages. Early previews suggest beautiful winter scenery and charming animated sequences that bring the owl’s perspective to life. Disney+ is promoting this as one of their standout original offerings for the 2025 holiday collection.
Family Fun with ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’
‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ joins the Disney+ holiday lineup as a fresh family comedy. The film features a talented ensemble cast navigating holiday chaos when two very different families unexpectedly spend Christmas together.
The story centers on the misadventures that unfold when a massive snowstorm forces holiday travelers to shelter in a small-town inn. Cultural differences and holiday traditions clash, creating both comedy and heartwarming moments.
Key scenes include an impromptu talent show, a disastrous attempt at cooking an international Christmas feast, and a touching finale that celebrates finding common ground. The film embraces Disney’s trademark blend of humor and heart.
The movie will be available for streaming beginning December 10, 2025, giving families plenty of time to enjoy it before Christmas Day.
Introducing ‘Jack in Time for Christmas’
‘Jack in Time for Christmas’ brings a clever twist to holiday time-travel stories. This Disney+ original follows Jack, a teenager who discovers a mysterious pocket watch on Christmas Eve that allows him to jump through time to different Christmas celebrations throughout history.
The adventure takes Jack from Victorian England to 1950s America and even to a futuristic Christmas celebration. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of the holiday and learns valuable lessons about family traditions.
Special effects bring each time period to vivid life with attention to historical details and holiday customs from different eras. The film includes several original Christmas songs that viewers will likely be humming long after watching.
‘Jack in Time for Christmas’ premieres exclusively on Disney+ on December 18, 2025, adding a fresh fantasy adventure to the platform’s growing collection of holiday content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney+ continues to expand its Christmas movie collection with both new originals and beloved classics. Here are answers to common questions about what’s currently available and coming soon to the streaming platform.
What are the latest Disney Plus Christmas movies available this season?
Disney+ has brought back its Happy Holidays collection for the current season with several new additions. Season two of “The Santa” series is among the exclusive new Originals premiering on the platform.
Several holiday-themed shows and movies have been added to Disney’s dedicated Christmas section. These include both brand-new content and refreshed classics to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Which Disney Christmas classics have been added to Disney Plus recently?
Disney+ continues to maintain a robust library of Christmas classics. The platform regularly updates its collection with beloved holiday films from across Disney’s extensive catalog.
Traditional favorites like various versions of “A Christmas Carol” and heartwarming animated classics remain popular choices. Disney+ also features nostalgic holiday specials from Disney Channel and other Disney properties.
Can you list the new animated Christmas films on Disney Plus?
While specific new animated Christmas films aren’t detailed in the search results, Disney+ typically releases holiday-themed animated content each season. The platform offers a mix of short animations and full-length features.
Disney’s animation studios often contribute special holiday content to the streaming service. These range from classic Mickey Mouse Christmas adventures to newer animated specials featuring current Disney characters.
Are there exclusive Disney Plus holiday specials released this year?
Yes, Disney+ has exclusive holiday content planned for release. Season two of “The Santa” series is specifically mentioned as an exclusive Original premiering this holiday season.
The platform’s Happy Holidays collection has returned “more joyful than ever” with exclusive new content. Disney+ typically develops original holiday programming to complement its existing library of Christmas content.
What are the top-rated Disney Christmas movies now streaming on Disney Plus?
While the search results don’t specify ratings, Disney+ offers many highly regarded Christmas films. The platform features a wide selection of classic holiday movies that have remained popular with viewers over the years.
According to one source, there’s a “top ten” list of recommended Disney+ Christmas movies worth exploring. The platform organizes these in their dedicated Christmas section for easy discovery.
How does the Disney Plus Christmas movie selection compare to previous years?
The Disney+ Christmas selection continues to grow with new additions each year. According to the search results, there are “plenty of new original shows and films to enjoy this year,” including titles like “Skeleton Crew” and “Dream Productions.”
The platform maintains its traditional favorites while adding fresh content. One search result mentions a major Christmas release starring Ben Stiller, though it will be on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally.
