Summary

• Walt Disney Studios has a rich legacy in animation, producing timeless films that have resonated for generations.
• The best films chosen on this list were co-produced directly by The Walt Disney Studios, showcasing their storytelling excellence.
• From classics like Pinocchio to modern hits like Tangled, Disney continues to innovate and captivate audiences with their varied storytelling techniques.

Since their first film in 1937, The Walt Disney Studios has been a leading force in animation and storytelling, producing some of the finest films in the entertainment industry. The best films selected are ones co-produced by The Walt Disney Studios. Therefore, though Disney is known for its acquisitions of Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, and for founding Touchstone Pictures, those films are not included.

For generations, Walt Disney Studios has played an important role in the lives of many and the company recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. As time moves forward, the studios' influence shows no signs of stopping. From live-action films to animation, Walt Disney Studios has got it all covered.

20 The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

A Christmas Carol Retold With The Jim Henson Characters

Brought to life by the titular characters, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a heartwarming adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Alongside a brilliant performance from Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and the Muppet Gonzo narrating as Dickens, the other Muppets take audiences on a musical journey of the classic Christmas tale, exploring themes of generosity and second chances.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is an ambitious film within the franchise.

However, the music began to feel repetitive at times and the differences from Dickens' story were too much for some critics. The Muppet Christmas Carol is an ambitious film within the franchise, but not Disney as a whole.

19 Pinocchio (1940)

Pinocchio Is Recognized As Some Of Disney's Best Animation

Loosely inspired by Carlo Collodi's children's novel, Pinocchio is just as magical as its central story, which follows a wooden puppet who wishes to be made into a real boy. Pinocchio is one of Walt Disney's darker movies and sometimes acts as a horror film for younger audiences, turning some audiences away. Still, it includes emotional, provoking storytelling and innovative animation that would become hallmarks of the studio. Jiminy Cricket's song, "When You Wish Upon A Star," has also become Walt Disney's official theme.

18 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)

The Children's Film Featured More Adult Themes

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a surprisingly serious film that showcased the risks the animation studio was willing to take in their storytelling. Much of the dark tone and themes present in the movie are driven by Claude Frollo, one of Disney's most sinister villains. The story is derived from Victor Hugo's novel, but added characters, such as the gargoyles, and musical numbers lighten up the story, making it fitting for young audiences. Despite this, controversies and protests sprouted as a response from upset parents who disapproved of the film being marketed towards kids.

17 Tangled (2010)

Higher Levels Of Comedy Are Included In The Classic Tale

Retelling the classic folktale of Rapunzel, Tangled is led by the lively voice of Mandy Moore, who perfectly embodies the trapped princess' curiosity and genuine excitement about the outside world. While adventure is a central theme in Tangled, this isn't always translated by the animation in the film. It may not be the most groundbreaking project from Disney, but Tangled, especially during the time of its release, was a peak in the promising future of the company as classic and more modern modes of storytelling were implemented in the princess film.

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16 Ratatouille (2007)

A Peaceful Portrait Of An Aspiring Rodent Chef

Following the endeavors of Remy, a rat, who aspires to be a chef, Ratatouille is one of Walt Disney and Pixar Studios' quieter films. Mouth-watering visuals of Gusteau's finest offerings are paired with a Parisian landscape and an endearing bond between Remy and a wannabe chef at the restaurant, Alfredo Linguini. Audiences are given plenty of moments of laughter as the two come up with discreet ways to help one another reach their dreams. As artful and technically skilled as Ratatouille is, this gets overshadowed by the thrilling adventures in other films.

15 Frozen (2013)

Sisters Attempt To Rekindle Their Bond After Years Apart

The legacy of Frozen is undeniable as the film was a massive box office and critical success. From the animation to the earworm hits, especially Elsa's power ballad sung by Idina Menzel, "Let It Go," earned widespread acclaim. Frozen dominated as one of the biggest movies of the year and one of the biggest Disney movies in a while. However, not all the awarded praise went towards Frozen's story and characters. A few critics felt as though the characters were standard for a Disney film and were not explored further than that until the film's final act and biggest plot twist.

14 The Jungle Book (1967)

A Young Boy Is Raised By Animals In The Jungle

Compared to other films produced by Walt Disney Studios, The Jungle Book doesn't get discussed as extensively. Though the film is not wholly flawed, there isn't much in the story to rave about either. Loosely based on stories in Rudyard Kipling's 1894 book, The Jungle Book is a fairly simple story with catchy songs. That being said, the animation of the various animals in The Jungle Book is among the strongest takeaways from the film. The style of animation acted as inspiration for other animals in films like The Lion King and Aladdin.

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13 Pocahontas (1995)

A Romanticized Depiction Of Pocahontas And John Smith

Hoping to replicate the romance from Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas was made to be a romantic film about the titular figure and English settler, John Smith. Pocahontas is full of breathtaking imagery of the outdoors, as sung about in the Academy Award-winning song, "Colors of the Wind." The ballad is a tribute to the Powhatan tribe's relationship to their land, but such respect was not given to the accuracy of the film's central relationship. In addition to a tonally confused story, the historical inaccuracies about their relationship are one of the biggest harsh realities about Disney princesses.

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12 Inside Out (2015)

Exploring Inner Emotions By Tugging On The Heartstrings

Inside Out understands the importance of each personified emotion in Riley's mind. The colorful group of emotions, from Joy to Fear, helps guide Riley as she experiences the hardships of growing up. Pixar Animation Studios are accomplished at bringing audiences to tears and Inside Out is no different. Ensuring to depict the impact Joy and Sadness' absence has on Riley, Inside Out is constantly going back and forth between the emotions' journey back to Headquarters and Riley's emotional state without them, causing the film to feel hectic at times.

11 The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Vast Ocean Feels Restricting For The Titular Mermaid

Kicking off the renowned Disney Renaissance, The Little Mermaid is a captivating watch. From skilled underwater animation to the memorable songs penned by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, The Little Mermaid was a much-needed refresh for the company, and it has a quality that manages to hold up beyond the context surrounding its release. There are a few questionable choices made by Ariel and, as a female protagonist, her journey doesn't reshape the Disney princess mold, but The Little Mermaid hits the mark in every other regard.