Disney has built a massive collection of classic films. Who doesn’t remember their favorite Disney movie as a child? I bet you’ve re-watched certain films a hundred times!

It all started with the very first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Now, Disney is one of the biggest studios ever, and they continue to produce movies that will become classics. Whether you grew up with Disney or are discovering these wonders as an adult, you’re sure to find something to love in the vast library of Mickey and co.

I’ve put together a list of the five best Disney classics. Newer films like Frozen, Moana, and Raya and the Last Dragon will not be included. This list is also made on my personal preferences, but feel free to let me know which movie is your favorite!

5. Hercules

Hercules, as many know, is the son of Zeus and Hera. He is robbed of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero to reclaim it. This entire hero quest was so entertaining as a kid. Part of why I like Hercules is because it feels somehow like a superhero.

What also makes this Disney film so great are the side characters like James Woods as Hades and of course, Danny Devito as Phil. I wouldn’t be able to pick a better choice than Devito for this role. In addition, we get some memorable scenes where he has to fight different monsters to show why he is the hero of the story.

4. Beauty and The Beast

We all know the story where a prince who is cursed to spend his days as a hideous monster in his castle. He is tasked with regaining his humanity by earning the love of a young woman.

Beauty and the Beast could be really dark in certain scenes where I was still a little scared as a little guy. Still, Disney manages to give a nice message that it’s not always about the outer but also the inner. Belle discovers this, and through this, magical moments are created. It is not for nothing that this film was nominated for Best Picture.

I was always looking forward to the final confrontation between the Beast and Gaston. They were really dark scenes for children, but they were also so well made.

3. Toy Story

At first, I was thinking of leaving out the Pixar movies. However, that didn’t sound fair. They’re Disney films, so they should deserve a spot on this list if they’re good and one of them made it! Of course, I’m talking about Toy Story.

Woody, a cowboy doll, is Andy’s favorite toy, but one day something changes. When a new spaceman figure was purchased named Buzz Lightyear, he felt threatened and jealous. Yet throughout the film, a special bond is built. They begin to see each other more as friends and begin to work together. Toy Story is a beautiful movie about friendship.

2. Lion King

I know, right? What? Isn’t Lion King on my number one? Well, that spot is for another Disney film. Lion King was, in fact, the first movie I’ve ever seen on the big screen. However, I do not remember that moment as I was very young. Like every kid in the 90s, I had it on VHS and was replaying it over and over again.

Mufasa’s death when falling was one of the most shocking scenes kids could have been experiencing. Disney wasn’t afraid to show grief in Lion King. We all know who was responsible for this, and that was no other than Scar, who Jeremy Irons played.

Lion King has, without a doubt, the most memorable soundtrack, especially the Hakuna Matata song. Even today, people are still using these two words to chill out!

1. Tarzan

The number one spot goes to Tarzan, the man amongst the gorillas! I always had a preference for movies with a darker tone. That’s also why I’m a DC fanboy because usually, they’re darker than Marvel.

From the opening scene until the end, I enjoyed the heck of this film. And it opens very darkly with his parents dying to save their only child. On top of that, we see the backstory of a mother gorilla who loses her child and finds love again while she finds the human baby. I always found these moments to be so lovely while being dark at the same time.

However, it doesn’t stop there as there are many obstacles when Tarzan becomes an adult and other humans are discovering his territory. He starts to question where he truly belongs.

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