Disney is one of the most famous animation studios ever. The House of Mouse has produced many of the most beloved movies of all time, ranging from endearing fairytales to heart-pounding action flicks. Though Disney has plenty of memorable films, a few stand out as the most iconic.
To cement their icon status, these Disney movies are some of the most adored and celebrated. Whether they were groundbreaking in terms of story or design or had the best music, these Disney properties never failed to bring the magic.
10 Pirates Of The Caribbean Brought One Of The Most Iconic Characters
Pirates of the Caribbean is a 2000s film that's based on the Disney World log ride of the same name. Although many scoffed at such a film being made, it became a sensation that sparked a franchise.
The tale of Captain Jack Sparrow and his lost ship, the Black Pearl, is both adventurous and haunting. Many fans came to see Pirates of the Caribbean for the swashbuckling action but stayed for the creepy, horror aspects of the story. Pirates of the Caribbean was beloved for seamlessly blending fight scenes, romance, and the supernatural, but it became iconic for creating one of the most recognizable Disney characters of all time in Jack Sparrow.
9 Encanto Portrayed A Realistic Family
While relatively new to the Disney canon, Encanto is a heartwarming story of a family who is trying to be strong. Though they have faced many difficult losses, the Madrigals do whatever it takes to save face and show a united front to the town. However, as the pressure builds, most of the family begin to question themselves and whether they can keep up their perfect facade.
Encanto is iconic for many reasons: its realistic portrayal of family, its representation of Colombian culture, its discussion of generational trauma, and its beautiful and fun music. The songs only add to the family's dynamic and prove just how much they long to be loved for who they are. Encanto shows that everyone is important and deserves to be treated with respect and patience.
8 The Incredibles Showed Another Side Of Superheroes
The Incredibles was a breakout hit when it first arrived in theaters. Fans loved The Incredibles for its unique look at the daily lives of superheroes who live in the suburbs. The movie is full of cool action sequences and endlessly quotable dialogue for both kids and adults.
Additionally, The Incredibles proves that it was not necessary for filmmakers to only focus on one character as the protagonist. Instead, The Incredibles centers around all four of the Parrs as they grow into their powers, come to terms with their "new normal," and live like every other family. The central mystery is also enticing for fans who love solving puzzles.
7 The Lion King Was An Unexpected Hit
The Lion King became an unexpected smash hit when it was released. Many executives thought Pocahontas would outperform the animal-centric story, but they were wrong. The Lion King's powerful message of unconditional love and acceptance (not to mention the unbelievably powerful score) made for one of the most universally beloved movies.
The Lion King's tale of redemption and forgiveness rings true even today. Plus, the soundtrack is some of the most gorgeous and moving music from a Disney film. The Lion King is one of the most recognizable Disney films and has spawned several remakes, spin-offs, and adaptations.
6 Frozen Topped The Charts
Frozen is a unique tale of sisterly bonds that took the world by storm when it was first released. The movie was so popular that the songs were regularly featured on the radio. Frozen subverted the traditional genre-defining tropes by having the two sisters need each other, rather than a love interest.
Even now, Frozen remains one of the most popular Disney Princess movies. The endearing message of sisterly love conquering all is both fresh and poignant. The movie's songs topped the Billboard 100 charts and "Let it Go" even won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Frozen is fun and refreshing, as it brings the Disney Princess into the modern age.
5 The Little Mermaid Began The Disney Renaissance
The Little Mermaid is a beloved film that began the great Disney Renaissance of the 1990s. Although it came out in 1989, The Little Mermaid ushered in a new era of Disney films filled with dynamic characters and powerful music and made Disney films popular again.
While the story of The Little Mermaid does not hold up well in the eyes of modern viewers, it is still adored by many for having one of the most iconic Disney villains of all time: Ursula. The Little Mermaid is a staple Disney movie that has seen spin-offs, sequels, and remakes.
4 Beauty And The Beast Was Nominated For Best Picture
Beauty and the Beast is a more serious tale of finding love in unlikely places. Belle and the Beast are complete opposites, but they somehow find enough common ground to develop feelings for each other and learn to love each other for exactly who they are.
Beauty and the Beast is loved for its fun and eccentric characters and its amazing songs. Plus, the ballroom dance scene has become one of the most recognizable dance sequences in cinema history. Beauty and the Beast garnered such high praise when it was released that it was nominated for Best Picture - not just Best Animated Picture.
3 Toy Story Was Groundbreaking
Pixar's Toy Story was the very first film to be completely computer generated. Although it was made in the '90s, it still holds up relatively well to today's technological standards. This is a testament to how much effort went into making not just a quality film, but a film that would stand the test of time.
The story of a boy and his toys is both endearing and heart-wrenching. Watching Andy put Woody and other toys aside for Buzz reminds fans of times when they have felt left out. Toy Story told a relatable, touching story through four films. By the end of Toy Story 4, fans had grown up with Andy, who was leaving for college. Toy Story is so iconic that it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
2 Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Was The First Full-Length Disney Animated Feature Film
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the very first full-length Disney animated feature film. Although Disney had produced animated shorts for years, Snow White was the first time the company had done a full-length production. The results were a smashing success, as Snow White eventually won a specialized honorary Academy Award.
Snow White was the film that started it all. It was the first Disney Animated film, the first Disney Princess movie, and it began a new age of children's entertainment. The beautiful music and fun characters also helped to solidify Snow White as an iconic Disney film.
1 Cinderella Is Synonymous With Disney And Fairytales
The story of Cinderella is pretty much synonymous with Disney and fairytales. Everyone knows the tale of an orphaned girl who is worked to the bone by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Plus, Cinderella's dress has been used for decades as the blueprint for ball gowns.
Cinderella is such a big part of the collective consciousness that people often use the word "Cinderella" in the place of "Princess." Additionally, Cinderella's castle is the focal building of Disney World Park. With such memorable music, beautiful animation, and ubiquitous real-world presence, Cinderella has become the most iconic Disney property.