10 Disney Movies That Are 10/10, No Notes

Disney movies have a way of feeling timeless, as if they were crafted not just for a single generation but for everyone who believes in the magic of storytelling. From hand-drawn classics to modern animated spectacles, these stories balance wonder, emotion, and imagination in a way few studios can replicate. They invite audiences into worlds where animals talk, dreams take shape, and courage is often found in the most unexpected places.

What makes certain Disney movies feel perfect is not simply their technical brilliance, but their emotional depth. They tell stories that are easy to understand yet rich with meaning. The Disney movies that have stood the test of time feature stories about love, loss, identity, and hope. Whether it’s a young hero learning responsibility or a misunderstood character finding acceptance, the best Disney movies reflect real human experiences through fantasy.

10

‘101 Dalmatians’ (1961)

Pongo and Perdita watching TV with their puppies in 101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians follows the story of Pongo (Rod Taylor) and Perdita (Cate Bauer and Lisa Daniels), a pair of Dalmatians living in London with their loving owners, Roger (Ben Wright) and Anita (Lisa Davis). When the villainous Cruella de Vil (Betty Lou Gerson) becomes obsessed with turning their puppies into a fur coat, she kidnaps the entire litter. Pongo and Perdita embark on a daring journey to rescue their puppies, encountering numerous obstacles along the way.

101 Dalmatians is such a perfect Disney movie because it hits almost every note that defines the Disney magic, both in story and style. Pongo and Perdita are lovable, clever, and brave, while Cruella de Vil is iconic in her sheer audacity and obsession, making the stakes personal and emotionally engaging. Its story, characters, and moral simplicity are instantly understandable but never feel dated, making it as enjoyable for viewers of all ages.

9

‘Tangled’ (2010)

Rapunzel holds Flynn captive with her hair, a lizard on her shoulder as backup, in Tangled

Tangled tells the story of Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young princess with magical long hair that has the power to heal and keep her youthful. She’s kidnapped as a baby by the selfish Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) and is raised in a hidden tower, unaware of her royal heritage. On the eve of her 18th birthday, Rapunzel longs to see the floating lanterns released every year on her birthday, and she seizes the chance when the charming thief Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) stumbles upon her tower.

Tangled stands out as a perfect Disney movie because it effectively adapts a classic fairytale for a new generation. The movie successfully combines adventure, emotion, humor, and stunning visuals with a heroine and story that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern, which is what Disney does best. Freedom, identity, courage, love, and self-empowerment are central, making the story meaningful for children and adults alike.

8

‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

Pinocchio introduces a wooden puppet created by the kindly woodcarver Geppetto (Christian Rub), who dreams of becoming a real boy. Pinocchio (Dickie Jones) is brought to life by the Blue Fairy (Evelyn Venable) and must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish to earn his humanity. As he does his best to become real, he’s guided by his conscience, Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards), while he faces temptation and danger at every turn.

Pinocchio is a perfect Disney movie because it blends moral depth, captivating animation, memorable characters, and universal themes into a story that is both entertaining and profoundly moving. Pinocchio is imperfect, curious, and easily tempted, making his growth and eventual redemption meaningful and emotionally satisfying. The dangers Pinocchio faces, from Pleasure Island to Monstro the whale, are genuinely horrifying and suspenseful, making the story unforgettable.

7

‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ (1937)

Snow White sings to a blue bird that is sitting on her finger in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs tells the story of Snow White (Adriana Caselotti), a kind and gentle princess whose beauty and goodness spark the jealousy of her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen (Lucille La Verne). Fleeing the Queen’s murderous schemes, Snow White finds refuge in the cottage of seven endearing dwarfs, who become her friends and protectors. After Snow White is tricked into eating a poisonous apple, she can only be awakened from her death-like sleep by the Prince (Harry Stockwell).

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a perfect Disney movie because it essentially invented the formula that would define Disney storytelling and animation for generations. Snow White is kind, optimistic, and pure-hearted, embodying traits that audiences can admire and root for while remaining empathetic to her struggles. The Evil Queen is equally iconic and is one of Disney’s most memorable villains of all time. Ultimately, this movie created a blueprint that Disney has refined but never outgrown.

6

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

Quasimodo during the song 'Topsy Turvy' from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' — Quasimodo during the song ‘Topsy Turvy’ from ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’

The Hunchback of Notre Dame introduces Quasimodo (Tom Hulce), the kind-hearted but deformed bell ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, who has lived his entire life in isolation under the control of the cruel Judge Claude Frollo (Tony Jay). He befriends the spirited and compassionate Esmeralda (Demi Moore), who treats him with kindness. As Frollo’s obsession with Esmeralda escalates, Quasimodo becomes entangled in a struggle between justice and tyranny.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is so perfect because it’s one of Disney’s boldest projects. The movie tackles complex issues like prejudice, injustice, love, and the struggle between good and evil, giving it both emotional and intellectual weight beyond typical fairy-tale simplicity. The Hunchback of Notre Dame ultimately stands out because it pushes the emotional and thematic boundaries of what Disney movies can be at their most innovative.

5

‘Fantasia’ (1940)

Fantasia is a groundbreaking animated movie that blends classical music with imaginative visual storytelling, presenting a series of eight segments in which animation interprets and enhances iconic musical compositions. From the playful chaos of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, starring Mickey Mouse, to the majestic depiction of nature in The Rite of Spring, the movie explores themes ranging from creation and evolution to good versus evil, all through visual and musical storytelling.

Fantasia is one of the most perfect Disney movies because it showcases the full potential of animation as a medium while retaining the magic and wonder that define Disney projects. Every segment pushes the limits of imagination, turning animation into a high art form. Even without dialogue, the movie communicates emotion, wonder, and narrative through music and imagery alone, making it universally understandable and endlessly rewatchable.

4

‘Aladdin’ (1992)

Aladdin and Jasmine wave while riding the magic carpet in 'Aladdin'. — Aladdin and Jasmine wave while riding the magic carpet in *Aladdin*.

Aladdin follows a street-smart young man named Aladdin (Scott Weinger) who dreams of a better life in the bustling city of Agrabah. When he discovers a magical lamp containing a powerful Genie (Robin Williams), Aladdin gains the ability to transform his life, using three wishes to win the heart of the spirited Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin) and prove his worth. However, the evil sorcerer Jafar (Jonathan Freeman) seeks the lamp for his own ambitions, threatening Aladdin, Jasmine, and the kingdom.

Aladdin is one of Disney’s perfect movies because it blends adventure, romance, humor, memorable music, and timeless themes. Aladdin is clever, resourceful, and good-hearted, embodying the underdog spirit that makes him easy to root for. Princess Jasmine is spirited, intelligent, and determined, challenging traditional damsel-in-distress tropes and giving the story modern appeal. The fact that they are allowed to develop individually and also fall in love makes their romance one of Disney’s best.

3

‘Mulan’ (1998)

Mulan and her horse meet Mushu in 'Mulan' — Mulan and her horse meet Mushu in ‘Mulan’

Mulan tells the story of a courageous young woman in ancient China who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the army when the country faces invasion. Despite initial struggles and the challenge of hiding her identity, Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) proves herself through intelligence, bravery, and determination, earning the respect of her fellow soldiers and leaders. Even after her secret is discovered, Mulan returns to protect the Emperor and the capital, earning honor for her family.

Mulan is another example of a perfect Disney movie that stands out because it never shies away from being unique. Unlike many Disney protagonists, Mulan’s core conflict isn’t falling in love. Instead, it’s discovering who she is and where she belongs. Her struggle between duty to family, loyalty to country, and personal authenticity gives the story depth. Mulan doesn’t win because she’s physically stronger than men. She wins because she’s observant, adaptable, and creative. This makes her heroism feel earned and believable.

2

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom in 'Beauty and the Beast.' — Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Beauty and the Beast follows Belle (Paige O’Hara), an intelligent and independent young woman who trades her freedom to save her father after he is imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a cursed prince transformed into a Beast (Robby Benson). As Belle lives among the castle’s magically animated servants, she gradually comes to see the Beast’s kindness beneath his fearsome exterior, while he learns to love selflessly rather than possessively.

At its heart, Beauty and the Beast stands out as one of Disney’s perfect movies since it asks if people can change. Belle and the Beast’s relationship grows gradually through shared experiences, conflict, and mutual change. Belle challenges the Beast’s temper and selfishness and the Beast learns empathy, patience, and vulnerability. Their love radiates authenticity because both characters must grow before it can exist. This makes the whole story one of Disney’s most mature projects.

1

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

The Lion King follows Simba (Matthew Broderick), a young lion prince who is manipulated into believing he caused his father Mufasa’s (James Earl Jones) death and flees his homeland in shame. He’s raised in exile by the carefree Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernest Sabella), and adopts a life of avoidance until he is confronted by his past and his responsibility as heir to the Pride Lands. Simba returns to challenge his uncle Scar (Jeremy Irons) in an effort to restore balance to his kingdom.

The Lion King is such a perfect Disney movie because it’s also a perfect adaptation of Shakespeare‘s Hamlet. Like the source material, the movie explores themes including the importance of responsibility, loss, identity, and the cycle of life. Simba’s journey from carefree cub to reluctant exile and finally to rightful king is both mythic and deeply personal, allowing audiences to see their own struggles reflected in his self-doubt and growth. The Lion King trusts viewers, including children, to engage with difficult emotions along with Simba.