Disney operates a vast media empire, but for most, its feature animation remains its most recognizable product. After delivering several classics during the Golden Age of Hollywood, the studio fell into a slump. Finally, the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989 kicked off an incredible decade known as the Disney Renaissance, which ended with 1999's Tarzan. The films produced in this period remain some of the most popular in Disney's library. Let's take a look at how critics ranked them, drawing from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, with ties sorted by the amount of Academy Awards the movies were nominated for.
10) Pocahontas - Average Score: 56.5
During its development, Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg famously pitched Pocahontas as having a greater chance of success than the also in-development The Lion King, causing numerous animators to apply for transfers. Ironically, the resulting film became a low-point for the Renaissance era, with both critics and several notable Powhatan leaders disapproving of the interpretation.
Reviewers noted the impressive visuals but lamented the lack of a dynamic story, an inability to make bold decisions and the absence of the studio's trademark humor. Likewise, representatives of the Powhatan Renape Nation blasted the film as a "self-serving" distortion of history.
9) Rescuers Down Under - Average Score: 70
The second movie of the era was unlike the others due to being a sequel to a pre-Renaissance film. Nevertheless, it earned a relatively warm reaction. This time around, the Rescue Aid Society embarked on a trip to Australia to save a boy from a vicious poacher, which critics praised as a more exciting premise than the original.
The film improved across the board in comparison to its predecessor, with George C. Scott's villain earning praise in particular. Coming almost directly after less well-received films like Oliver and Company, it was a welcomed return to form.
8) Hunchback of Notre Dame - Average Score: 72.5
Another of Disney's more mature features, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was equal parts a Roman Catholic meditation on divine punishment and a family-friendly story about being accepted for the content of one's character. While these elements may seem to be too jarring to work together, critics generally agreed the film did a serviceable job.
It was additionally cited for having some of the most audacious animation in the Disney canon and for correctly hitting all the right emotional beats. The debate over whether the film is appropriate for younger kids may continue for a long time, but there's no denying the production was ambitious.
7) Mulan - Average Score: 78.5
While this ranking may seem low based on the film's enduring popularity, it's important to remember the movie is being pitted against some of Disney's best, and several major critics looked to be wildly split at the time of release. While Roger Ebert called Mulan, "an impressive achievement," the Los Angeles Times deemed it, "more manufactured than magical."
Most pointed to the film's strict adherence to the Disney formula as a negative, but they also commended the film for crafting memorable characters and catchy songs. Ultimately, the movie proved to be successful and relevant enough to still be beloved over twenty years later.
6) Hercules - Average Score: 79
After several years of releasing more "serious" films to nab awards season attention, Disney returned to its roots with Hercules. The Greek myth was reinterpreted as a pastiche of mythology, Californication and Motown music, all packaged into a story about finding one's place.
Looking at the critical opinion, it's clear many found the film to be exceedingly fun but not as memorable as some of the other films. James Woods received overwhelming praise for his portrayal of the hot-headed Hades, who's ability to be both stylish and lighthearted belie the movie itself.
5) Tarzan - Average Score: 84
The last hurrah of the Renaissance era went back to a staple of old Hollywood, re-telling the legend of a man raised among gorillas in classic Disney fashion. Its style heralded a new era of animation, as it made extensive use of emerging computer graphics to bring the jungle to life.
Stephen Hunter of The Washington Post noted how welcome it was to see Tarzan as a sensitive individual rather than the ferocious warrior he typically represents. Opening up the environment for movement through CGI also gave the movie a sense of freedom hitherto unseen on the big screen.
4) Little Mermaid - Average Score: 90.5 (Tie)
When The Little Mermaid was released, Disney was struggling to restore its once-great reputation, and animation was fighting to be taken seriously. Despite such a heavy burden, the film was able to address both concerns, launching the Renaissance era and providing fuel to the fire that would eventually lead to the creation of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Among a bevy of other achievements, the movie is arguably the origin of Disney's Broadway-style story structure. A relatable and charming story, gorgeous animation and a wonderfully realized villain even led to comparisons to the golden age of American animation.
3) The Lion King - Average Score: 90.5 (Tie)
The most financially successful of the Disney Renaissance films, The Lion King, earned over $700 million world wide. The unorthodox combination of Shakespearean drama, a coming-of-age story and talking animals was deemed experimental and liable to fail by executives, but it was exactly why the movie worked.
Its story was hailed for conveying a range of powerful emotions while working in humor to keep the mood light. It also successfully humanized the animals in a way that made them accessible to younger audiences. Complete with dazzling art, a colorful cast of characters and catchy tunes, the film is certain to keep viewers roaring with delight.
2. Aladdin - Average Score: 90.5 (Tie)
No film in Disney's animation history was as defined by the performance of a single man as Aladdin was by the late Robin Williams as Genie. His limitless energy, improvised humor and raucous impersonations are the best parts of the film, which is saying something given the other elements of the movie.
The supporting cast, from the villainous Jafar, to his parrot Iago, to the portly Sultan, to the Magic Carpet, remain top tier characters. Meanwhile, several memorable songs from the legendary Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, such as "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali," round out the magical experience.
1) Beauty and the Beast - Average Score: 94.5
The decision to pair the limitless world of animation with the showmanship of Broadway propelled The Little Mermaid to great heights, but its full potential was realized in Beauty and the Beast. It was so magnetic and above the rest that it became the first animated film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Both central characters were written with depth and care, their relationship carrying the emotional weight of the story, which perfectly balanced warmth, thrills and a dash of comedy. More than just a great Disney feature, its brilliance deserves a spot among some of the greatest movies of all-time.