Disney has provided incredible movies, magical moments, and captivating musical numbers ever since the mid-1900s with countless stories for all the family. However, from the year 2000 onwards, musical Disney movies appeared to slow down somewhat, with many opting for more visual story-telling as opposed to the characters actually singing.
Pixar began to pick up more traction and popularity, with new Disney releases constantly being compared to those of old. This isn't to say that there have been no musical movies since the turn of the century; however, there has been something of a resurgence especially since 2010, with Encanto (2021) being the latest to deliver an impressive and stacked soundtrack full of magical songs.
10 "For The First Time In Forever" Perfectly Reflects The Two Sisters & Their Conflicting Personalities (Frozen)
Idina Menzel's Elsa has had several powerful moments reflected perfectly by emotional songs over the course of Frozen and its sequel, but her sister Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, has also had her fair share of popular musical numbers. While "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" goes through the motions and emotions, with two sisters growing apart and then having their parents die mid song-montage, "For The First Time In Forever" is a more complex and interesting song.
It has Anna's hopeful nature, bursting with energy and adding excitement to the fact that they are opening the gates to the world, while also adding Elsa's parts with snippets of vocals from "Let It Go." Its blend, plus the opposite emotions emanating from both sisters, makes for an entertaining and catchy musical number, one of many in the Frozen franchise.
9 Phil Collins' "On My Way" Is The Perfect Journey-Montage Song (Brother Bear)
Not only did revered musician Phil Collins lend his voice to Tarzan's (1999) soundtrack, but he also contributed to the Brother Bear movies. One such song, "On My Way," became the most memorable from the first movie, becoming a traveling montage song similar to the likes of "Send Me On My Way" in Ice Age.
The song starts with Koda singing, before transitioning into Phil Collins' incredible voice, just like with Tarzan's "You'll Be In My Heart." Within the confines of Brother Bear, the song and montage are important as it shows the ever-growing brotherly bond between Kenai and Koda, both being much closer by the end of the song.
8 "Almost There" Is A Fun & Creative Reflection Of Tiana's Hopeful Personality (The Princess & The Frog)
The Princess and the Frog is often overlooked when compared to several of the other Disney movies over the years, but it still had its emotional moments, magical intrigue and a villain not afraid to take things too far.
Anika Noni Rose's character, Tiana, has a song called "Almost There" that is perfectly entertaining by itself, but the accompanying change in art style is reminiscent of the visuals used for "Zero To Hero" in Hercules. "Almost There" is one of the most hopeful Disney songs you will hear, and is a jolly way to look on the bright side of life in spite of reality.
7 Vanellope's Parody Of A Disney Song Becomes Its Own Classic (Ralph Breaks The Internet)
Wreck-It Ralph became in instant hit and a welcome addition into the halls of successful Disney movies upon its release in 2012, and its 2018 sequel, Ralph Breaks The Internet took the chaos from the arcades to the world wide web.
While it isn't a typical musical Disney movie by any means, the movie features Disney Princesses and even has Vanellope attempt to come up with her own Disney song. She sings "A Place Called Slaughter Race," with her references and eventual song initially being more of a parody. Beyond its clever lyrics drawing from previous Disney songs from other movies, it almost accidentally becomes a good song by itself, and is a perfect mix of traditional Disney with a modern and parodic twist.
6 "How Far I'll Go" Is The Perfect Start To Moana's Journey (Moana)
Moana's conflict with the wishes of her family, and wanting to see the wider world by first crossing the sea, are addressed and explored during the song "How Far I'll Go."
Auli'i Cravalho perfectly captures the confliction in her voice as Moana, with the song covering emotions from sadness and excitement, to longing and fear. "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome" were released very much in the shadow of Frozen's "Let It Go" in terms of post-2000 hits, but they both flourished amidst the general love that the people have shown for Moana since its release in 2016.
5 Shakira's "Try Everything" Is Lively Enough To Perfectly Capture The Wonder Of This Vibrant World (Zootopia)
Zootopia (2016) is by no means a classic musical Disney movie, but with casting famed singer Shakira as Gazelle, it gave them an excuse to release a hit that is not only accompanying an earlier scene in the movie, but is also presented as a concert by Gazelle during the credits at the end of the movie.
"Try Everything" became a massive hit, from the obvious draw that Shakira has by herself to the generally joyous tone of the song itself. The song accompanying Judy entering Zootopia towards the beginning of the movie adds a true sense of wonder that comes with arriving at a new place, with the exciting hustle and bustle of a different life.
4 "Into The Unknown" Is Arguably One Of The Best Of The Frozen Franchise (Frozen II)
While the original Frozen movie had the iconic "Let It Go" as its crowning song, Frozen II also tried to carry the mantel with some stellar numbers, and one in particular stood out, named "Into The Unknown."
Just like with "Let It Go," "Into The Unknown" is sung by Idina Menzel's Elsa, with powerful and expressive vocals that are once again matched with beautiful visuals with so much life swirling around on the screen, easily making it the standout moment from the movie. Aurora's angelic vocals are also featured as the mysterious voice calling out to Elsa.
3 "I See the Light" Captures Multiple Different Emotions Accompanying The Stunning Visuals Of The Sky Lanterns (Tangled)
Released in 2010, Tangled is the Disney animated tale of Rapunzel and her magical golden hair. While there are plenty of songs that perfectly capture the movie's relevant moods and emotions, there is one in particular that holds more emotion and feeling than the others: "I See The Light."
When Eugene, formerly known as Flynn Rider, takes Rapunzel to see the sky lanterns as they are released from the source, a visually beautiful scene is enhanced by the emotional lyrics, which even sees the song become a romantic duet. "I See The Light" has so much packed into it, from Rapunzel finally getting to see the lights up close but still not realizing their grand purpose, while at the same time, sharing a romantic moment with Eugene.
2 "You're Welcome" Is The Perfect Introduction To Maui (Moana)
"How Far I'll Go" is certainly the crowning jewel of Auli'i Cravalho's breakout performance as Moana, but it isn't the only catchy and popular song from the movie, with Maui, voiced by the famous Dwayne Johnson, having his own song: "You're Welcome."
The song is a perfect introduction to Maui and his inflated ego, but it is more of a surface introduction as he is yet to understand who Moana is, therefore while serving its purpose, it doesn't explore and spoil everything to do with Maui himself. The song and the character, in general, are suited to Johnson, down to the ground.
1 "Let It Go" Has Eclipsed Many Disney Classics To Be Considered One Of The Best Disney Songs Of All Time (Frozen)
When Frozen burst onto the scene in 2013, it was an obvious attempt from Disney to create a new musical classic, with it certainly being popular with children, but also many an adult. While there are plenty of good songs within the first movie, the song that was picked up and remembered by the most people was undoubtedly "Let It Go," sung by Idina Menzel's character, Elsa.
As popular as the song has become, its performance in the original movie is accompanied by impressive visuals that really help to express Elsa's feelings and emotions, which is ultimately a testament to both the animation and the song itself.