Disney films are a great way to immerse yourself in worlds filled with magic carpets, dancing silverware, and floating broomsticks.
Once Disney produced the first film and first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the studio was on a roll with classic after classic.
While the Walt Disney production companies continue to evolve by including diverse characters, unique storytelling, and catchy songs, there are still a number of Disney movies from the 90s that have remained classics for every Disney fan!
In fact, some of the best Disney movies of all time were created in the 90s.
It's nothing like sitting down on a Saturday night and going through a list of the best Disney movies that helped shape the animated film industry.
In recent years, many Disney favorites have turned into live-action adaptations in hopes of bringing the magic even more to life with famous actors like Danny Devito and John Goodman.
Here's the scoop on the best 90s Disney movies featuring both animated and live-action!
Best 90s Disney Movies
1. The Lion King
The Lion King is an instant classic from Disney’s Renaissance Period with a live-action remake that follows the adventures of Simba as he learns to navigate the life of being one of Africa's top predators, a lion.
Once Simba learns that he is the heir to Mufasa, his uncle, Scar, plots to steal Mufasa's legendary throne even if it may tear their family apart.
With the help of his friends, Simba plans to take back the land that was once his father's land.
While several songs from the original Lion King soundtrack like "Hakuna Matata" have gone down in Disney history, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is an Academy Award-winning song by Elton John that reaches the heart of every Disney fan.
2. Toy Story
Can't make a Disney movie list from the 90s without including Toy Story (1995) and the iconic characters that come to life in theme parks, movies, and video games.
This family-friendly animation follows toy figurines, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and more.
After Andy's family moves to another house, the neighbor finds his toys. Coming together to escape, the toy figurines create a plan to reunite with Andy.
3. The Rescuers Down Under
The Rescuers Down Under is quite an underrated gem that was made when The Little Mermaid was in the production phase which might have been the wrong time to release the film. The movie follows a 9-year-old boy who befriends an eagle.
The stunning flying sequences in this film make it memorable for every Disney fan. With the first movie coming out 13 years earlier, The Rescuers Down Under doesn't have the best storyline but has wonderful animation techniques.
4. Aladdin
When Aladdin first came out, no one knew that this whole new world would feature gorgeous animation and characters filled with lasting impressions, especially the Genie. We have to mention the iconic soundtrack with scores written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.
While Robin Williams plays the Genie and a Merchant, this movie would continue to heighten his career in the film industry and become a live-action adaptation.
This Disney movie and classic tale follows a young, street kid who finds himself involved with a young woman and daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. As Jasmine and Aladdin start to become close, a looming threat by the name of Jafar plans to overthrow the kingdom.
5. Mulan
The 36th animated feature film, Mulan takes viewers on a journey based on an ancient Chinese legend. Mulan is a young girl who becomes a warrior and takes her father's place in the army. She comes across a red dragon by the name of Mushu (Eddie Murphy).
Just like a number of Disney films, Mulan was greatly praised for its beautiful animation, characters, and musical score.
Back in 2020, a live adaptation of the classic movie with Ming-na Wen playing Mulan helped reach new audiences as Niki Caro sheds light on Chinese folklore once again.
6. Newsies
Newsies is one of few musicals produced by Walt Disney Pictures that garners so much love from Disney fans. The film is loosely based on the New York City Newsboys Strike in 1899.
The family drama follows 17-year-old Jack "Cowboy" who sells newspapers in New York City. David Jacob and Les become a part of the newsies after Jack notices their skilled attributes.
When Jack sees David's sister, he begins to romanticize the life that he wants in the future. But the cost of newspapers begins to rise and Jack and the other newsies go on strike.
7. A Goofy Movie
This animated adventure features Goofy as the main role as he brings his son on a road trip cross country. The cartoony antics of A Goofy Movie stand out just as much as the emotional feelings of the characters.
Even with the comedy, viewers are able to relate to the dynamics between father-son relationships and teenage life.
Based on Goof Troop, this film was originally going to be an extension of the show but Disney decided to give Goofy his own film.
8. Tarzan
Written by Tab Murphy, the same author behind The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this man versus nature film became his next project that was soon released by Walt Disney Pictures during the Disney Renaissance era. Many fans of the movie have applauded Phil Collins for the song, "You'll Be In My Heart."
Tarzan is an animated film that follows a human who was adopted by gorillas. Once Tarzan learns how to befriend other animals and survive in the jungle, his life is soon interrupted by a team of explorers who find interest in Tarzan and the other animals.
The wild man becomes close to Jane and only wishes for her to stay with him in the lush, green environment.
9. Beauty and the Beast
One of the best Disney moves from the 90s, Beauty and the Beast combines romance and a mysterious curse for a flawless journey of heartbreak and happiness. The story of Belle, a book lover, has a desire for adventure in her life without the likes of Gaston.
But she soon learns that her father is imprisoned in the Beast's castle and goes on a strenuous journey to rescue him despite the dangers.
Belle is at first intimidated by the Beast but finds herself falling in love with him and hopes to break the Prince's curse. With stunning animation and music, Beauty and the Beast have become a long-time favorite, winning best picture and eventually turning into a live-action film.
10. Hercules
Based on a famous hero from Greek mythology, this animated movie, Hercules, the son of Zeus, becomes a threat to Hades (voiced by James Woods) that could stop him from taking over Olympus.
Hercules notices in his teenage years that he is unable to control his strength and becomes an outcast. Curious about his origins, he visits the Temple of Zeus and discovers that he is capable of becoming a true hero that saves Olympus.
Although Hercules received mixed reviews due to the animation style, the rotten tomatoes had an approval rating of 84%.
11. Toy Story 2
In Toy Story 2, Woody and the rest of Andy's toys come across a new obstacle that makes them think about their value as toys. Andy initially wanted to bring Woody along for cowboy summer camp but accidentally breaks his arm and decides to leave him behind.
Woody starts to worry that Andy might throw him away, so he gathers Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the toys together.
Woody is soon separated from the rest of Andy's toys and tries to convince himself that staying in a museum will be better than him being abandoned by Andy.
Even though this cult classic included the saddest score in Disney and Pixar film history, the theatrical release gave viewers the nostalgia that they needed.
12. Hocus Pocus
Taking place in Salem, Massachusetts, Hocus Pocus is a live-action fantasy film about three comedic and villainous witches who were resurrected by a young boy.
Despite the mixed views, every October since the film's release, Hocus Pocus continues to have a spike in viewership.
With the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, the three Sanderson sisters are once again resurrected with their black cauldron of magic spells. However, viewers argue that the second movie fails to give them the same nostalgic feeling as the first one.
13. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
After Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame explores similar New World elements but soon becomes one of the best Disney movies ever produced.
The movie follows Quasimodo wanting to be recognized for what's inside than his outside appearance. This unique Disney movie explores different themes not often addressed in other animated films like religion and desire.
Even though the concepts and storyline of the film fall a little short, The Hunchback of Notre Dame holds a special place in people's hearts.
14. The Parent Trap (Remake)
Featuring a blend of comedy, romance, and family, The Parent Trap is a live-action film based on the book, Lisa and Lottie.
After its release in June of 1961, the film was nominated for two academy awards. The film received a remake in 1998 with Lindsay Lohan. The plot follows two twin girls that switch places in hopes of rekindling their parent's relationship.
15. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a great way to transition into the next Golden age of Disney. An adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's tale, this movie explores young love and a desire to live life differently.
Ariel loves treasure hunting and coming across unique trinkets from land. She becomes curious about life on land and makes a deal with Ursula to meet her true love.
This beautiful film offers a breathtaking and lively soundtrack mirroring the movie's elements of family and love. Howard Ashman is a well-known playwright that wrote lyrics for this magical movie.
16. DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
This magical adventure follows Scrooge McDuck, his pilot, and his nephews as they come across the treasure with a magic lamp included. But they don't realize that they are being watched by a sorcerer who is hungry for power.
Disney fans were generally surprised to find a good amount of comedy and cleverness within the characters. DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp also released a comic book at the time of the film's release with a theatrical poster.
17. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (101 Dalmatians)
One of the best Disney movies from the 90s, 101 Dalmatians live-action is based on the book by Dodie Smith.
The main plot follows a litter of Dalmatian puppies who end up kidnapped by Cruella de Vil to make fur for her coats. The parents of the puppies set out to save them as well as some from pet shops.
101 Dalmatians sparked a new line of creativity after releasing mediocre films that didn't quite capture the essence of classic Disney films.
In 2021, a live-action film about Cruella de Vil's life was released, sending all Disney fans back in time to once again experience one of Disney's most iconic villains.
18. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Written by Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a cult classic and movie that is revisited year after year on Halloween and Christmas for its visually-stunning effects.
The main character, Jack Skellington, King of Halloweentown schemes to take over Christmas town. While the film wasn't released directly under Walt Disney Pictures, they still decided to release it under Touchstone Pictures.
19. Cinderella (Live-action)
Cinderella is a stunning fantasy-romance film about a young girl who becomes a servant to a woman that marries her father.
It's bad enough that her father's new wife is ordering her around, but the wife's two daughters find joy in ordering her around as well. When Cinderella learns about the upcoming ball, she finds her mom's dress.
She goes through many struggles and comes across the Fairy Godmother who brings magic into her life.
The Prince announces that he will marry the girl that fits the glass slipper. Another story fused with romance and love, Cinderella is a Disney classic with a number of adaptations including this film featuring Brandy as Cinderella.
Which Cinderella live-action version is your favorite? Did you know that Cinderella was the first Disney film after Snow White?
20. Pocahontas
Based on the life of the Powhatan woman, Pocahontas, this animated film follows the woman as she encounters John Smith and saves his life. Their romance sparks problems within the tribe, but they make an effort to find common ground between the Powhatan and the English settlers.
Even though Pocahontas received mixed reviews due to the film being a "lack of fun," the classic film was a thoughtful portrayal of a historic figure.
The soundtrack of the movie helped to develop meaning for Pocahontas, especially with the song, "The Colors of the Wind winning best original song at the Academy Awards.
Final Thoughts
Walt Disney Studios has created gorgeous animation that has managed to capture the hearts of Disney fans around the world.
While Disney movies can be a hit or miss at the box office, we can't help but feel inspired by the thoughtful characters and stunning worlds within the Disney canon.
The Disney Plus streaming service allows every Disney fan to revisit some of the greatest Disney movies of all time featuring Disney princesses and cute animals without having to pull out VHS tapes for a great deal.
You can also access Disney Channel original movies, Star Wars, and Marvel content for neverending streaming.
While this list only has a few classics from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Alice in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass (Lewis Carroll), Princess Diaries, Robin Hood, Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Peter Pan are also some of the best movies that have made a dent in pop culture as timeless classics. Many of them also have classical music to go with the story.
That's the scoop on the best Disney movies from the 90s!
For more scoop, visit these:
- 20 Disney VHS Tapes Worth the Most
- Top 20 Quotes From Disney’s “Cruella”
- Disney Branded Television Reveals Upcoming Films and Series at D23 Expo 2022
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