Walt Disney has created a wealth of accomplished musicals, many of which have won multiple awards. Even today, numerous Disney songs remain iconic and impactful.
This post will explore ten of the best songs from Disney classics. However, it's important to note that this list is far from exhaustive; Disney's musical catalog is so rich that it's nearly impossible to include all of its great songs.
1. Aladdin
Scott Weinger
Robin Williams
Linda Larkin
Jonathan Freeman
Gilbert Gottfried
Douglas Seale
Frank Welker
Brad Kane
Lea Salonga
Bruce Adler
Charlie Adler
Jack Angel
"A Whole New World," the iconic song from Disney's "Aladdin," is the best because it embodies the spirit of romance, adventure, and discovery in a single tune. Written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, the song conveys the magic of Aladdin and Jasmine's carpet voyage over the night sky with its soaring melody and evocative lyrics that take listeners to a world of dreams and possibilities. The song is a timeless anthem of love and adventure for people of all ages because of its captivating duet structure and upbeat message of wonder and hope.
Check out the full Aladdin soundtrack here.
2. The Lion King
Matthew Broderick
Moira Kelly
Nathan Lane
Ernie Sabella
Robert Guillaume
Rowan Atkinson
James Earl Jones
Jeremy Irons
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Niketa Calame-Harris
Whoopi Goldberg
Cheech Marin
This anthem from Timon and Pumbaa, written by Tim Rice and set to Elton John's upbeat melody, is one of the catchiest melodies that instantly captivates everyone, making it incredibly memorable and enjoyable. The upbeat tempo and lively rhythm create a sense of joy and carefree spirit, perfectly reflecting the song's message of living life without worries. The lyrics are simple to follow and convey a powerful message about embracing optimism and perseverance in the face of difficulty. Audiences respond strongly to this universal concept, which provides a reassuring reminder to live life in the moment and not worry about circumstances beyond our control. The song's placement within the storyline of The Lion King adds depth and significance, marking a pivotal moment of growth and realization for Simba as he learns to let go of his past and embrace his future with newfound optimism.
Check out the full The Lion King soundtrack here.
3. The Little Mermaid
91%
88
7.6
Jodi Benson
Samuel E. Wright
Pat Carroll
Christopher Daniel Barnes
Kenneth Mars
Buddy Hackett
Jason Marin
René Auberjonois
Paddi Edwards
Ben Wright
Edie McClurg
Will Ryan
One of Disney's most famous songs is "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid, which combines a charming melody with poignant lyrics that express Ariel's desire for a different life. The song nicely conveys the character's sense of astonishment and curiosity. Alan Menken and Howard Ashman wrote the catchy melody, which became instantly identifiable and has stuck around for decades. The song becomes a powerful proclamation of ambition and desire for the listener due to Ariel's intense performance and the song's complex orchestration. A strong vocal performance combined with extravagant, sweeping strings provides an emotional experience that defines the movie. Its early appearance in the film also establishes the framework for Ariel's character growth and the narrative's examination of self-discovery. The song's impact goes beyond the film and represents Disney's capacity to produce ageless music that appeals to many listeners. Its enduring appeal and cultural influence highlight its significance as a fundamental component of Disney's musical history.
Another iconic song from The Little Mermaid is “Under the Sea,” which stands out as a vibrant and exuberant musical number in sharp contrast to the more introspective "Part of Your World." Sung by Sebastian, the song introduces a lively Caribbean-inspired rhythm that immediately captures the audience’s attention with its infectious energy. Its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics offer a persuasive argument against Ariel's desire to leave the ocean, celebrating the joys and wonders of the underwater world. The catchy and enjoyable experience generated by Alan Menken's music and Howard Ashman’s witty lyrics contrasts with the film's more tragic scenes. The intricate animation sequence accompanying the song is a stunning display of color and movement, showcasing Disney's ability to seamlessly blend music and visual storytelling. Additionally, the song demonstrates Disney's skill in using music to advance the plot and reveal character motivations.
Check out the full The Little Mermaid soundtrack here.
4. Mary Poppins
Julie Andrews
Dick Van Dyke
David Tomlinson
Glynis Johns
Hermione Baddeley
Karen Dotrice
Matthew Garber
Elsa Lanchester
Arthur Treacher
Reginald Owen
Ed Wynn
Reta Shaw
“Stay Awake,” performed by Julie Andrews in Disney's Mary Poppins (1964), is a memorable and charming song that exemplifies Disney’s mastery of musical storytelling. Its lullaby-like sound and peaceful tune create a serene atmosphere ideal for the movie's theme of dreams and bedtime. With Andrews's characteristic grace, the song’s charming lyrics reflect Mary Poppins' nurturing attitude as she sings to the children. This sweet moment of intimacy, with its soft, reassuring tone, contrasts with the film's more dynamic and joyful tunes. The lullaby’s subject is enhanced by the gentle orchestration of the musical arrangement, which amplifies its calming effect. “Stay Awake” showcases Disney's skill in integrating music with character and storyline, emphasizing Mary Poppins' nurturing qualities and the importance of nighttime routines. While it may not be as popular as some other Disney songs, it remains a charming and essential number from the Mary Poppins soundtrack. Its timeless quality continues to captivate audiences, making it a treasured part of Disney's musical history.
Check out the full Mary Poppins soundtrack here.
5. Toy Story
Tom Hanks
Tim Allen
Don Rickles
Jim Varney
Wallace Shawn
John Ratzenberger
Annie Potts
John Morris
Erik von Detten
Laurie Metcalf
R. Lee Ermey
Sarah Freeman
If you’ve watched Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story (1995), you likely know that “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is an iconic song with a heartfelt and enduring message of friendship and loyalty. Composed by Randy Newman, the song’s endearing lyrics and catchy, lively melody perfectly convey the bond between Buzz Lightyear and Woody, the central theme of the movie. With its breezy, jazzy vibe and Newman’s unique vocals, the song has a timeless, upbeat appeal that resonates with listeners of all ages. It effectively sets the emotional tone for the film by emphasizing the importance of standing by friends no matter what. The song’s memorable and approachable nature is enhanced by its straightforward, familiar language, which deepens its emotional impact. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” has become a cultural touchstone for friendship and a defining element of the Toy Story film series.
Check out the full Toy Story soundtrack here.
6. Dumbo
Edward Brophy
Margaret Wright
Verna Felton
Sarah Selby
Noreen Gammill
Dorothy Scott
Herman Bing
Cliff Edwards
Nick Stewart
Hall Johnson
James Baskett
A lovely and memorable song that portrays a mother’s love for her child. The heartbreaking lullaby written by Frank Churchill and with lyrics by Ned Washington wonderfully encapsulates the film's themes of maternal devotion and the relationship between Dumbo and his mother, Mrs. Jumbo. Its tender tune and poignant lyrics produce a calming and depressing ambiance that heightens the scenario where Mrs. Jumbo consoles Dumbo's emotional impact. The song's cozy and comforting tone is complemented by the orchestration's gentle piano and sweet, lilting strings. "Baby Mine" is a great example of Disney's ability to elicit strong emotions from listeners through music because of its simplicity and sincerity.
Check out the full Dumbo soundtrack here.
7. Pinocchio
Dickie Jones
Cliff Edwards
Christian Rub
Evelyn Venable
Walter Catlett
Mel Blanc
Charles Judels
Frankie Darro
Don Brodie
Marion Darlington
John McLeish
Patricia Page
Walt Disney's Pinocchio (1940) boasts the immortal song "When You Wish Upon a Star," which embodies the company's magical and aspirational values. This timeless song, written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington, has a mellow melody and motivational lyrics that capture the strength of hopes and dreams. Its beginning highlights the transformational power of hope, evoking strong emotions in viewers and serving as a metaphor for the main ideas of the movie. It has evolved into one of Disney's defining anthems throughout the years, appearing frequently in the company's cinematic pictures, amusement parks, and advertising. The song's ongoing significance and popularity can be attributed to its universal message of possibility and enchantment.
Check out the full Pinocchio soundtrack here.
8. Oliver & Company
Joey Lawrence
Billy Joel
Cheech Marin
Richard Mulligan
Roscoe Lee Browne
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Dom DeLuise
Taurean Blacque
Carl Weintraub
Robert Loggia
Natalie Gregory
William Glover
This track from Oliver & Company is a memorable piece that captures the essence of the film's charismatic street dog. Written by Howard Ashman and composed by Dan Hartman, it features a bright, jazzy tune that perfectly complements Dodger's carefree and self-assured image. Performed by Billy Joel for the movie and soundtrack, it is one of the earliest instances of Disney incorporating popular musical talent into their movies. The song is filled with infectious energy, reflected in Dodger's relaxed approach to life's obstacles, thanks to its lively tempo and appealing melody. The lyrics highlight Dodger's easygoing attitude and his ability to navigate the busy streets of New York City with ease. “Why Should I Worry?” effectively uses music to enhance Dodger’s character and establish the film’s vibrant urban setting. Its upbeat and playful nature has made it a fan favorite and a standout number in Disney’s musical repertoire.
Check out the full Oliver & Company soundtrack here.
9. Bambi
Donnie Dunagan
Peter Behn
Stan Alexander
Cammie King
Will Wright
Hardie Albright
Ann Gillis
Tim Davis
Sam Edwards
Sterling Holloway
Otis Harlan
Thelma Boardman
Disney's 1942 Bambi features a song called "Little April Shower," which is praised for its enchanted portrayal of a springtime downpour and its effects on the environment. The song was written by Larry Morey and composed by Frank Churchill with a soft melody that reflects the cool, comforting effect of rain. A calm and mesmerizing atmosphere is created by the orchestration, which features gentle strings and swaying rhythms. The song's lyrics relate to the movie's themes of development and transition and describe the beauty and rejuvenation that the rain brings. Raindrops dance whimsically in the following animation, dazzling the forest with brilliant colors and beautiful movements.
Check out the full Bambi soundtrack here.