If someone was asked to start listing songs from Disney movies off the top of their head, the majority of them will likely be from Disney Princess movies. While those songs are great, they certainly overshadow fantastic songs from Disney Animation and other animated Disney films.
If a movie aimed at children is going to have the impact their hoping for, it's important that their songs are inspiring and sing-a-long friendly. Without the draw of a princess, the music must be excellent, and the films must be memorable. Part of what makes their movies great, some songs stand above the rest.
11 Encanto: We Don't Talk About Bruno
Like Moana, the music in Encanto is all written by Lin Manuel-Miranda, the genius behind Hamilton. Because his talent is so extraordinary, it's hard to narrow down the best song from the movie. "We Don't Talk About Bruno" has become a strong fan favorite, a Tik-Tok song, and is an overall bop. It's an ensemble-driven song that cements each character's personality, and it truly has something for everyone. Honorable mentions go out to "Surface Pressure" — a great solo packed with emotion and musical dynamics — and "Dos Oruguitas," which has been nominated for an Oscar.
10 The Lion King: Circle of Life
The Lion King is a fan favorite for Disney and animation fans. Released in 1994, its immense popularity is arguably due to the songs and their contributions to the narrative. For example, "The Circle Of Life" marks one of the most famous scenes in animated film history. Paired with beautiful scenes, the song sets up The Lion King's plot, and adds to the richness of the character's environment. Honorable mention goes out to Scar's villainous song, "Be Prepared" — packed with eerie visuals and fun rhythms.
9 Hercules: Go The Distance
Hercules is one of those Disney movies that gets overlooked far too often. It's gotten more credit in recent years, but it's still not appreciated as much as it should be. "Go The Distance" is played in the beginning of the movie when Hercules realizes his incredible is abnormal in his community.
Made fun of and seen as a menace to his society, Hercules decides to embark on a journey to find out where he really comes from. Sung by a young Hercules, "Go The Distance" is about self-discovery and the confidence to be an individual. Honorable mentions go out to "I Won't Say I'm in Love" and "Zero to Hero."
8 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame: Hellfire
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame wasn't the most popular film when it was released due to the story's unsettling nature. Frollo, possibly the evilest villain in Disney history, kept Quasimodo locked away in the clock tower. Quasi escaped and was immediately shunned by everyone who saw him, except the kind and beautiful Esmeralda.
Frollo wants Esmeralda to marry him, but she turns him down. "Hellfire" is full of rage as Frollo laments about how he wants Esmeralda to burn in hell for dismissing his romantic advances. Backed up by a haunting gospel choir, the song is disturbing and incredibly well-written.
7 The Jungle Book: I Wan'na Be Like You
Mowgli goes to many places with Baloo the bear, and they meet new characters along the way. One of the more memorable characters is King Louie, an orangutan who has his own empire in some old ruins. Because Louie wants to be like humans in society, Mowgli is of huge interest to him. "I Wan'na Be Like You" is a great song because it starts out fun, but quickly becomes an intimidating threat when Mowgli reveals he doesn't know how to make fire. King Louie becomes enraged by this because he thought they had a deal, and now the kid is bailing. It's a super fun listen to and very easy to dance to.
6 Pinocchio: When You Wish Upon A Star
"When You Wish Upon a Star" first appears in Pinocchio, but has become synonymous with The Walt Disney Company. It plays every night at Disney World and is just as iconic as Mickey Mouse. Sung by Jiminy Cricket in the movie, it's a beautiful number that really feels like he's singing right to the audience. Pinocchio, of course, wishes to become a real boy, and it comes true, just like the song says. "When You Wish Upon a Star" is hopeful, uplifting, and the perfect anthem for Disney as a whole.
5 Tarzan: Strangers Like Me
Phil Collins really went hard on this soundtrack, and the world thanked him for it. Tarzan wouldn't be nearly as heartfelt as it is without its iconic songs — a large reason fans continue rewatching the film. Among them, "Strangers Like Me" went straight to fans hearts.
"Strangers Like Me" is a montage song used when Tarzan is showing Jane around. It also adds a beautiful depth to the scenes when Tarzan is being introduced to technology and learns how to engage in human interactions. Honorable mention goes to "You'll Be in My Heart," the touching mother-son relationship between Kala and Tarzan.
4 Lady And The Tramp: He's A Tramp
"He's a Tramp" from Lady and the Tramp isn't very long, and it's sung by Peg — a dog at the pound who only appears in the one scene. Peg isn't really a sidekick, but she is a scene-stealer. She also offers great support to Lady when she gets taken by the dogcatcher. Peg's been in the clink for a minute, and she's very familiar with Tramp. She's savvy and motherly, but she really just acts like the cool aunt.
Catchy and sultry, "He's a Tramp" is the perfect musical addition to a movie with only two or three songs.
3 Coco: Remember Me
Winning awards for Best Animated Film and Best Original Song, the music from Coco won is incredible. "Remember Me" contains a message that resonates with so many people’s lives, and it gives the audience a happy feeling.
Disney's Coco deals with loss, particularly of grandparents, and doing it through a song is an excellent choice. Honorable mention goes out to a song many might not remember, "La Llorona" — a fun duet between the main female character and the recently discovered villain.
2 101 Dalmatians: Cruella De Vil
"Cruella De Vil" was written in 1961 for the film 101 Dalmatians, and was also featured in the live-action remake starring Glenn Close. The song was a surprise addition to the movie when Roger Radcliffe wrote a melody inspired by the name "Cruella."
With lyrics are similar to "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," it's been re-imagined a number of times. Cruella is an iconic Disney villain, well-known for her unique wardrobe and the fact that she's truly an evil person. "Cruella De Vil" perfectly describes her.
1 A Goofy Movie: I2I
"I2I," pronounced "eye to eye," is a song sung by the character Powerline in A Goofy Movie. Powerline is a pop star in the movie's universe, and the song is featured when Max and Goofy find themselves on stage in LA — a turning point and the most exciting moment in the movie. Throughout A Goofy Movie, Goofy and his son Max experience several disagreements, but during this climactic scene, they begin to get along. Choosing to come together, the two of them truly begin seeing eye to eye.