Remember those shelves and shelves of Disney classics you used to have on VHS – the spines of their spongy plastic cases promising adventures with foxes and cats, lions and bears, princesses and puppets? They’re all on Disney+. (Except for Song of the South, because well, that one’s never going to see the light of zip-a-dee-ay again.) To celebrate this access to all the best Disney movies, we went ahead and compiled a list of every Disney animated film and ranked them the best way we know how, by Certified Fresh first, then Fresh, and then the Rotten ones.
We’ve been strict with our rules; we’re talking Disney animated movies, and excluding Pixar, and movies also had to be theatrically released in order to qualify. Plus, the movies had to be fully animated, which means you won’t find live-action/animation hybrid movies like Bedknobs and Broomsticks nor Song of the South on the list. You will find the studio’s earliest animated offerings: the one that started it all – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – and the ones whose box office receipts might have made a weaker-willed studio impresario end it quickly (Pinocchio, Fantasia). You’ll also find rousing adventures (Jungle Book, Sword In the Stone), make a foray into the experimental years (Black Cauldron, Oliver and Company), resurface in the second golden age (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King), fall back into the second dark age (Treasure Planet, Home on the Range), and come back up again for some digital fun (Bolt, Big Hero 6) before coming full circle with the princesses (Tangled, Frozen, Moana). Except you won’t do it in that order, of course, because Disney’s Tomatometer highs and lows are spread across the decades.
So, Meter Meter on the wall, who’s the Freshest of them all? Find out in our guide to the Best Disney Animated Movies! —Alex Vo
#1
Adjusted Score: 108075%
Critics Consensus: Ambitious, adventurous, and sometimes frightening, Pinocchio arguably represents the pinnacle of Disney’s collected works — it’s beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant.
#2
Adjusted Score: 112306%
Critics Consensus: The brilliantly well-rounded Zootopia offers a thoughtful, inclusive message that’s as rich and timely as its sumptuously state-of-the-art animation — all while remaining fast and funny enough to keep younger viewers entertained.
#3
Adjusted Score: 103945%
Critics Consensus: With plenty of pooches and a memorable villain (Cruella De Vil), this is one of Disney’s most enduring, entertaining animated films.
#4
Adjusted Score: 103196%
Critics Consensus: The rich colors, sweet songs, adorable mice and endearing (if suffering) heroine make Cinderella a nostalgically lovely charmer.
#5
Adjusted Score: 122205%
Critics Consensus: With its involving story and characters, vibrant art, and memorable songs, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs set the animation standard for decades to come.
#6
Adjusted Score: 108668%
Critics Consensus: With a title character as three-dimensional as its lush animation and a story that adds fresh depth to Disney’s time-tested formula, Moana is truly a family-friendly adventure for the ages.
#7
Adjusted Score: 102073%
Critics Consensus: A highly entertaining entry in Disney’s renaissance era,” Aladdin is beautifully drawn, with near-classic songs and a cast of scene-stealing characters.
#8
Adjusted Score: 100963%
Critics Consensus: Dumbo packs plenty of story into its brief runtime, along with all the warm animation and wonderful music you’d expect from a Disney classic.
#9
Adjusted Score: 102777%
Critics Consensus: A landmark in animation (and a huge influence on the medium of music video), Disney’s Fantasia is a relentlessly inventive blend of the classics with phantasmagorical images.
#10
Adjusted Score: 103943%
Critics Consensus: Enchanting, sweepingly romantic, and featuring plenty of wonderful musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney’s most elegant animated offerings.
#11
Adjusted Score: 108134%
Critics Consensus: Another gorgeously animated, skillfully voiced entry in the Disney canon, Raya and the Last Dragon continues the studio’s increased representation while reaffirming that its classic formula is just as reliable as ever.
#12
Adjusted Score: 103847%
Critics Consensus: Emotionally stirring, richly drawn, and beautifully animated, The Lion King is a pride within Disney’s pantheon of classic family films.
#13
Adjusted Score: 97898%
Critics Consensus: A nostalgic charmer, Lady and the Tramp’s token sweetness is mighty but the songs and richly colored animation are technically superb and make for a memorable experience.
#14
Adjusted Score: 102358%
Critics Consensus: Encanto‘s setting and cultural perspective are new for Disney, but the end result is the same — enchanting, beautifully animated fun for the whole family.
#15
Adjusted Score: 97723%
Critics Consensus: The Little Mermaid ushered in a new golden era for Disney animation with warm and charming hand-drawn characters and catchy musical sequences.
#16
Adjusted Score: 98989%
Critics Consensus: Elegantly animated and deeply touching, Bambi is an enduring, endearing, and moving Disney classic.
#17
Adjusted Score: 101649%
Critics Consensus: Beautifully animated, smartly written, and stocked with singalong songs, Frozen adds another worthy entry to the Disney canon.
#18
Adjusted Score: 100759%
Critics Consensus: Agreeably entertaining and brilliantly animated, Big Hero 6 is briskly-paced, action-packed, and often touching.
#19
Adjusted Score: 94862%
Critics Consensus: Short, nostalgic, and gently whimsical, Winnie the Pooh offers young audiences — and their parents — a sweetly traditional family treat.
#20
Adjusted Score: 97474%
Critics Consensus: Bolt is a pleasant animated comedy that overcomes the story’s familiarity with strong visuals and likable characters.
#21
Adjusted Score: 98128%
Critics Consensus: While far from Disney’s greatest film, Tangled is a visually stunning, thoroughly entertaining addition to the studio’s classic animated canon.
#22
Adjusted Score: 93989%
Critics Consensus: Disney’s Tarzan takes the well-known story to a new level with spirited animation, a brisk pace, and some thrilling action set-pieces..
#23
Adjusted Score: 94008%
Critics Consensus: This Disney dreamscape contains moments of grandeur, with its lush colors, magical air, one of the most menacing villains in the Disney canon.
#24
Adjusted Score: 103090%
Critics Consensus: Ralph Breaks the Internet levels up on its predecessor with a funny, heartwarming sequel that expands its colorful universe while focusing on core characters and relationships.
#25
Adjusted Score: 92531%
Critics Consensus: With expressive animation, fun characters, and catchy songs, The Jungle Book endures as a crowd-pleasing Disney classic.
#26
Adjusted Score: 95781%
Critics Consensus: Equally entertaining for both kids and parents old enough to catch the references, Wreck-It Ralph is a clever, colorful adventure built on familiar themes and joyful nostalgia.
#27
Adjusted Score: 91820%
Critics Consensus: Edgier than traditional Disney fare, Lilo and Stitch explores issues of family while providing a fun and charming story.
#28
Adjusted Score: 91049%
Critics Consensus: The Emperor’s New Groove isn’t the most ambitious animated film, but its brisk pace, fresh characters, and big laughs make for a great time for the whole family.
#29
Adjusted Score: 90934%
Critics Consensus: Exploring themes of family duty and honor, Mulan breaks new ground as a Disney film, while still bringing vibrant animation and sprightly characters to the screen.
#30
Adjusted Score: 92875%
Critics Consensus: The warmth of traditional Disney animation makes this occasionally lightweight fairy-tale update a lively and captivating confection for the holidays.
#31
Adjusted Score: 85312%
Critics Consensus: Fast-paced and packed with dozens of pop culture references, Hercules might not measure up with the true classics of the Disney pantheon, but it’s still plenty of fun.
#32
Adjusted Score: 84802%
Critics Consensus: It provides an entertaining experience for adults and children alike.
#33
Adjusted Score: 82703%
Critics Consensus: A charming and delightful walk through the Hundred Acres Woods for young viewers.
#34
Adjusted Score: 94859%
Critics Consensus: Frozen II can’t quite recapture the showstopping feel of its predecessor, but it remains a dazzling adventure into the unknown.
#35
Adjusted Score: 77769%
Critics Consensus: Despite its short running time, Teacher’s Pet is a witty and irreverent family film.
#36
Adjusted Score: 72036%
Critics Consensus: Wholesome and charming entertainment for young children.
#37
Adjusted Score: 101198%
Critics Consensus: Perhaps the most faithful of Disney’s literary adaptations, this cute, charming collection of episodes captures the spirit of A.A. Milne’s classic stories.
#38
Adjusted Score: 75520%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#39
Adjusted Score: 90213%
Critics Consensus: This Disney two-fer may not be the most reverent literary adaptation, but it’s remarkably crafted and emotionally resonant.
#40
Adjusted Score: 89044%
Critics Consensus: A good introduction to Lewis Carroll’s classic, Alice in Wonderland boasts some of the Disney canon’s most surreal and twisted images.
#41
Adjusted Score: 81969%
Critics Consensus: Featuring superlative animation, off-kilter characters, and affectionate voice work by Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor, The Rescuers represents a bright spot in Disney’s post-golden age.
#42
Adjusted Score: 81684%
Critics Consensus: Though it doesn’t delve deeply into the darkness of J.M. Barrie’s tale, Peter Pan is a heartwarming, exuberant film with some great tunes.
#43
Adjusted Score: 77861%
Critics Consensus: The Great Mouse Detective may not rank with Disney’s classics, but it’s an amiable, entertaining picture with some stylishly dark visuals.
#44
Adjusted Score: 76046%
Critics Consensus: Melody Time is a charming musical anthology film that’s expertly crafted and filled with high-spirited numbers.
#45
Adjusted Score: 80584%
Critics Consensus: Strange World is a Disney milestone in terms of representation — but as a storytelling experience, this dazzlingly animated adventure offers little audiences haven’t already seen.
#46
Adjusted Score: 77006%
Critics Consensus: The Fox and the Hound is a likeable, charming, unassuming effort that manages to transcend its thin, predictable plot.
#47
Adjusted Score: 74665%
Critics Consensus: Disney’s take on the Victor Hugo classic is dramatically uneven, but its strong visuals, dark themes, and message of tolerance make for a more-sophisticated-than-average children’s film.
#48
Adjusted Score: 72643%
Critics Consensus: Though its story is second-rate, The Rescuers Down Under redeems itself with some remarkable production values — particularly its flight scenes.
#49
Adjusted Score: 73742%
Critics Consensus: Though its characterizations are weaker than usual, Treasure Planet offers a fast-paced, beautifully rendered vision of outer space.
#50
Adjusted Score: 72323%
Critics Consensus: Meet the Robinsons is a visually impressive children’s animated film marked by a story of considerable depth.
#51
Adjusted Score: 70973%
Critics Consensus: Though it doesn’t quite live up to its title, Fun and Fancy Free has its moments, and it’s a rare opportunity to see Mickey, Donald, and Goofy together.
#52
Adjusted Score: 71374%
Critics Consensus: A decent take on the legend of King Arthur, The Sword in the Stone suffers from relatively indifferent animation, but its characters are still memorable and appealing.
#53
Adjusted Score: 69614%
Critics Consensus: While Dinosaur’s plot is generic and dull, its stunning computer animation and detailed backgrounds are enough to make it worth a look.
#54
Adjusted Score: 68600%
Critics Consensus: Though The Aristocats is a mostly middling effort for Disney, it is redeemed by terrific work from its voice cast and some jazzy tunes.
#55
Adjusted Score: 64295%
Critics Consensus: Tigger Movie may lack the technological flash and underlying adult sophistication of other recent animated movies, but it’s fun and charming.
#56
Adjusted Score: 61878%
Critics Consensus: Though basically a TV cartoon stretched out to movie-length, Recess has enough successful jokes and smart writing to make it a worthwhile view.
#57
Adjusted Score: 60299%
Critics Consensus: A Goofy Movie offers enough of its titular ingredient to satisfy younger viewers, even if most parents will agree that this beloved character deserves better.
#58
Adjusted Score: 58988%
Critics Consensus: This collection of musical-themed shorts doesn’t reach the artistic heights of Fantasia, but it’s well animated and mostly good fun.
#59
Adjusted Score: 60567%
Critics Consensus: One of the weaker Disney adaptations, Robin Hood is cute and colorful but lacks the majesty and excitement of the studio’s earlier efforts.
#60
Adjusted Score: 59734%
Critics Consensus: Ambitious but flawed, The Black Cauldron is technically brilliant as usual, but lacks the compelling characters of other Disney animated classics.
#61
Adjusted Score: 57833%
Critics Consensus: Pocahontas means well, and has moments of startling beauty, but it’s largely a bland, uninspired effort, with uneven plotting and an unfortunate lack of fun.
#62
Adjusted Score: 58641%
Critics Consensus: Predictable and stodgy, Oliver & Company isn’t one of Disney’s best, though its colorful cast of characters may be enough to entertain young viewers looking for a little adventure.
#63
Adjusted Score: 55827%
Critics Consensus: Though Home on the Range is likeable and may keep young children diverted, it’s one of Disney’s more middling titles, with garish visuals and a dull plot.
#64
Adjusted Score: 55531%
Critics Consensus: Wish earns some tugs at the heartstrings with the way it warmly references many of the studio’s classics, but nostalgia’s no substitute for genuine storytelling magic — no matter how beautifully animated it might be.
#65
Adjusted Score: 53920%
Critics Consensus: Atlantis provides a fast-paced spectacle, but stints on such things as character development and a coherent plot.
#66
Adjusted Score: 47739%
Critics Consensus: With its forgettable songs and lackluster story, this new Pan will surely entertain kids, but will feel more like a retread to adults.
#67
Adjusted Score: 47857%
Critics Consensus: Although it’s too flat and formulaic to measure up against the best family-friendly fare, Planes: Fire and Rescue is a passable diversion for much younger viewers.
#68
Adjusted Score: 17955%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
#69
Adjusted Score: 41162%
Critics Consensus: Brother Bear is gentle and pleasant if unremarkable Disney fare, with so-so animation and generic plotting.
#70
Adjusted Score: 42823%
Critics Consensus: Disney expends more effort in the technical presentation than in crafting an original storyline.
#71
Adjusted Score: 29034%
Critics Consensus: Doug’s 1st Movie may entertain very young fans of its main character, but essentially amounts to a forgettable feature-length episode of his show.
#72
Adjusted Score: 30088%
Critics Consensus: Planes has enough bright colors, goofy voices, and slick animation to distract some young viewers for 92 minutes — and probably sell plenty of toys in the bargain — but on nearly every other level, it’s a Disney disappointment.
#73
Adjusted Score: 20627%
Critics Consensus: This inferior rehash of The Jungle Book should have gone straight to video.