Disney has a rich and long history of making amazing animated movies, so I want to bring you my top 50 animated movies available on Disney+.  This list includes movies from Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Fox.

Here is the “What’s On Disney Plus” Top 50 animated movies on Disney+:


50) A Bug’s Life

On behalf of “oppressed bugs everywhere,” an inventive ant named Flik hires a troupe of warrior bugs to defend his bustling colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers led by the evil-minded Hopper.  An often overlooked Pixar movie, but well worth checking out.


49) Pocahontas

Pocahontas, daughter of a Native American tribe chief, falls in love with an English soldier as colonists invade 17th century Virginia.  It features some fantastic songs and lovable characters.


48) The Simpsons Movie

With 30 seasons of The Simpsons on Disney+, this big budget version of the Simpsons is worth checking out. After Homer accidentally pollutes the town’s water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.


47) Sleeping Beauty

A beautiful princess born in a faraway kingdom is destined by a terrible curse to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep that can only be awakened by true love’s first kiss. Determined to protect her, her parents ask three fairies to raise her in hiding. But the evil Maleficent is just as determined to seal the princess’s fate.


46) The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack’s rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.  This one has a unique animation style that most Disney movies never use and it’s also a fantastic story.


45) The Aristocats

When Madame Adelaide Bonfamille leaves her fortune to Duchess and her children—Bonfamille’s beloved family of cats—the butler plots to steal the money and kidnaps the legatees, leaving them out on a country road. All seems lost until the wily Thomas O’Malley Cat and his jazz-playing alley cats come to the aristocats’ rescue.


44) Treasure Planet

When space galleon cabin boy Jim Hawkins discovers a map to an intergalactic “loot of a thousand worlds,” a cyborg cook named John Silver teaches him to battle supernovas and space storms. But, soon, Jim realizes Silver is a pirate intent on mutiny!   This is another underrated gem!


43) Ratatouille

A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely – and certainly unwanted – visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.


42) The Emperor’s New Groove

Kuzco is a self-centered emperor who summons Pacha from a village and to tell him that his home will be destroyed to make room for Kuzco’s new summer home. Kuzco’s advisor, Yzma, tries to poison Kuzco and accidentally turns him into a llama, who accidentally ends up in Pacha’s village. Pacha offers to help Kuzco if he doesn’t destroy his house, and so they form an unlikely partnership.


41) Lilo & Stitch

As Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet, wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischievous adopted alien “puppy” of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and ‘ohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family.   This is one of my personal favorite movies from this era of Disney animated movies, plus I just love how they used Elvis songs!


40) Lady and the Tramp

Lady, a golden cocker spaniel, meets up with a mongrel dog who calls himself the Tramp. He is obviously from the wrong side of town, but happenings at Lady’s home make her decide to travel with him for a while.  If you’ve watched the new Disney+ Original, why not take a trip back in time and watch the original one!


39) Bambi

Bambi’s tale unfolds from season to season as the young prince of the forest learns about life, love, and friends.  A true Disney classic!


38) The Black Cauldron

Taran is an assistant pigkeeper with boyish dreams of becoming a great warrior. However, he has to put the daydreaming aside when his charge, an oracular pig named Hen Wen, is kidnapped by an evil lord known as the Horned King. The villain hopes Hen will show him the way to The Black Cauldron, which has the power to create a giant army of unstoppable soldiers.  A hidden gem among the Disney animated movies.


37) Fox and the Hound

When a feisty little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family, he quickly becomes friends with a fun and adorable hound puppy named Copper. Life is full of hilarious adventures until Copper is expected to take on his role as a hunting dog — and the object of his search is his best friend!


36) Beauty and the Beast

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who’s been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle’s enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all — that true beauty comes from within.   A classic!


35) Monsters University

A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren’t necessarily the best of friends.  While not as good as the original, its still a fun adventure with these two cool monsters!


34) Peter Pan

Leaving the safety of their nursery behind, Wendy, Michael and John follow Peter Pan to a magical world where childhood lasts forever. But while in Neverland, the kids must face Captain Hook and foil his attempts to get rid of Peter for good.  A proper Disney classic!


33) Robin Hood

With King Richard off to the Crusades, Prince John and his slithering minion, Sir Hiss, set about taxing Nottingham’s citizens with support from the corrupt sheriff – and staunch opposition by the wily Robin Hood and his band of merry men.  One of my all time favorite animated movies as a child, I must have watched this 100 times!


32) Pinocchio

Lonely toymaker Geppetto has his wishes answered when the Blue Fairy arrives to bring his wooden puppet Pinocchio to life. Before becoming a real boy, however, Pinocchio must prove he’s worthy as he sets off on an adventure with his whistling sidekick and conscience, Jiminy Cricket.


31) Alice In Wonderland

On a golden afternoon, young Alice follows a White Rabbit, who disappears down a nearby rabbit hole. Quickly following him, she tumbles into the burrow – and enters the merry, topsy-turvy world of Wonderland! Memorable songs and whimsical escapades highlight Alice’s journey, which culminates in a madcap encounter with the Queen of Hearts – and her army of playing cards!


30) Dumbo

Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy Timothy the Mouse, the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.


29) Big Hero 6

Disney take an obscure Marvel comic book and give it a make over to deliver a superhero movie that not only kids will enjoy. The story focuses on the special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.


28) Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Set between Episode II and III the Clone Wars is the first computer animated Star Wars film. Anakin and Obi Wan must find out who kidnapped Jabba the Hutts son and return him safely. The Seperatists will try anything to stop them and ruin any chance of a diplomatic agreement between the Hutt’s and the Republic.   The perfect place to start before starting the series.


27) Hunchback Of Notre Dame

When Quasimodo defies the evil Frollo and ventures out to the Festival of Fools, the cruel crowd jeers him. Rescued by fellow outcast the gypsy Esmeralda, Quasi soon finds himself battling to save the people and the city he loves.


26) Cinderella

Cinderella has faith her dreams of a better life will come true. With help from her loyal mice friends and a wave of her Fairy Godmother’s wand, Cinderella’s rags are magically turned into a glorious gown and off she goes to the Royal Ball. But when the clock strikes midnight, the spell is broken, leaving a single glass slipper… the only key to the ultimate fairy-tale ending!


25) Finding Dory

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?


24) Mulan

A classic animated movie from the 90’s, that delivers a unique story that stands out as she tries to save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines in the process. It features some stunning animation, catchy songs and interesting characters.


23) The Little Mermaid

This is one of the most popular animated movies that kicked off the Disney Renaissance of great movies and it includes some fantastic iconic songs that you can sing along with. This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters — including the villainous sea witch Ursula.


22) The Jungle Book

One of my all time favourite animated movies, with its catchy iconic tunes and with a timeless story of a boy called Mowgli, who makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli “The Bare Necessities” of life and the true meaning of friendship.


21) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

With this being the first full length movie made by Walt Disney, it’s a classic, that is perfect for Disney+ viewing. While the movie being made back in the 1930’s, the story hasn’t aged at all and the artwork is still stunning. This is where it all began and should certainly be on anyone’s watch list.


20)  Wreck It Ralph

As a huge video game fan, this movie is right up my street, with lots of small references to classic video games, that take this to a different level! The story sees Wreck It Ralph travel to other video games because he is fed up with being the villain, which leads him to Vanellope von Schweetz in the kart racing game, Sugar Rush. But the whole game is put at risk from their actions. This is one of the most unique classic animated movies available and certainly one to watch.


19) Cars

Cars is one of the biggest franchises for Pixar, with multiple sequels and spin-offs, so Disney+ offers the ideal opportunity to see how Lightning McQueen discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters.


18) Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

A classic movie from the 80’s that took the idea of live action and animated characters to a different level, as Roger Rabbit is worried that his wife Jessica is playing pattycake with someone else, so the studio hires detective Eddie Valiant to snoop on her. But the stakes are quickly raised when Marvin Acme is found dead and Roger is the prime suspect. This movie broke the rules (& the rules of this list!), as it still stands up today as one of the best comedy movies from Disney.


17) Inside Out

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Riley’s guiding emotions— Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness—live in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life and tries to keep things positive, but the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Easily one of my favourite Pixar movies of all time, Inside Out delivers on a completely different level than other animated movies, the interactions between the 5 emotions is charming and hilarious.


16) The Incredibles

Some might argue this is the perfect Fantastic Four movie, this animated great from Pixar delivers a simple superhero story that is perfect for all ages. Bob Parr has given up his superhero days to log in time as an insurance adjuster and raise his three children with his formerly heroic wife in suburbia. But when he receives a mysterious assignment, it’s time to get back into costume.


15) Fantasia

Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound, as it brings music to life, you can hear the pictures burst into song and experience the excitement that is Fantasia over and over again. This is a classic Disney movie from the early days and I’d recommend jumping in and skipping straight to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice section of the movie if you’ve don’t fancy the whole thing, since its must see cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse.

 


14) Princess and the Frog

A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.  This is one of the rare modern movies that uses the traditional 2D art style that many in this list have used.


13) Monsters Inc

With a brand new spin-off series coming soon to Disney+, take a step back to when we got introduced to James Sullivan and Mike Wazowski, who are monsters, that earn their living scaring children and are the best in the business… even though they’re more afraid of the children than they are of them. When a child accidentally enters their world, James and Mike suddenly find that kids are not to be afraid of and they uncover a conspiracy that could threaten all children across the world.


12) Brave

Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, “Brave” features Merida, an aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of royalty. Merida makes a reckless choice that unleashes unintended peril and forces her to spring into action to set things right. Brave is often overlooked, but its easily one of my favourite Pixar movies, with the music especially standing out as a highlight.


11) Moana

Easily one of my favourite modern animated movies and sees Moana answer the oceans call, taking to the seas to save her people from a terrible curse. The movie features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Demigod Maui and his character really adds some great comedy moments. Moana delivers a awesome soundtrack including “Your Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go”.


10) Tangled

Disney managed to retell the story of Rapunzel in a unique way that sees her strike a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an overprotective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. Personally this is my favourite Disney Princess movie because of the humour that the sidekicks and Flynn Rider bring to the story.


9) Finding Nemo

When a young clownfish called Nemo, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home — meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. It’s a classic Pixar movie that is always enjoyable to watch.


8) Aladdin

One of the most popular animated movies from the 1990’s, it tells the story of Princess Jasmine, who grows tired of being forced to remain in the palace, so she sneaks out into the marketplace, in disguise, where she meets street-urchin Aladdin. The couple falls in love, although Jasmine may only marry a prince. After being thrown in jail, Aladdin becomes embroiled in a plot to find a mysterious lamp, with which the evil Jafar hopes to rule the land. With an iconic soundtrack, that has been turned into a show on Broadway and into a live action sequel, this one is a must see.


7) Zootopia

This is another fantastic modern Disney animated classic, it tells the story of Officer Judy Hopps, who is the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, who jumps at the chance to crack her first case – even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. The underlying story of how racism is represented by different animals and the relationship between predators and prey is really interesting.


6) Frozen

When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna (Kristen Bell) joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel), and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman (Josh Gad), harsh conditions, and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter’s cold grip.  This movie was a juggernaut for Disney in the past decade, from the box office, merchandise, music and even on Broadway.


5) Up

For adults, Up features one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a Disney movie and one that left me in tears. The film tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, who has spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. A must watch.


4) Toy Story 3

Easily my favourite Toy Story movie from Pixar as its about growing up since Andy’s toys haven’t been played with in years and when Andy goes to college, the gang find themselves accidentally left at a nefarious day care center. The toys must band together to escape and return home to Andy. With one scene that will no doubt bring a tear to your eye, this is a must watch.

And an honorable mention has to go to the original Toy Story that kicked off not just Pixar but the whole computer animated movie business and will no doubt be one of the most watched movies on Disney+.


3) Wall-E

Possibly one of my favourite Pixar movies of all time, this charming story of WALL·E, the last robot left on an Earth, whose job it is to clear all the garbage left by humans before they fled the earth. For 700 years he has continued to try and clean up the mess, but has developed some rather interesting human-like qualities. When a ship arrives with a sleek new type of robot, WALL·E thinks he’s finally found a friend and stows away on the ship when it leaves, leading to a beautiful love story between two robots. It’s got a very powerful recycling message that is more important now then when it was released in 2008.


2) Coco

One of favourite movies from recent years, Coco tells the story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, but his family have a ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. With some beautiful songs and a unique story, this one is well worth checking out.


1) The Lion King

The original animated classic is still my favourite Disney movie of all time, the music is amazing and iconic. It’s one of Disney’s most unique animated classics, that tells the story of a young lion cub named Simba, who just can’t wait to be king. But his uncle Scar, craves the title for himself and will stop at nothing to get it, leading to Simba being banished from his home, only to return years later when his pride need him. This one will no doubt be one of the most popular movies on the new streaming service.

 


 

What movie are you planning on watching on Disney+?

 

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Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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2 Comments

  1. darthcorey January 15, 2020

    Oh my goodness, I cannot tell you how much I disagree with where some of the moves are placed on this list! :) On the other hand, what a great list of movies...I loved reading your reasoning, even if I disagree. haha

  2. paulfejiro@gmail.com November 13, 2020

    i will like to create a new cartoon movie in Disney world