After almost a century of making musicals,Disneyhas a lot to offer when it comes to great songs. It’s easy to say that the music of Disney is one of the secrets to its success. Many of the movies, shows, and animated shorts from The House of Mouse are just as beloved for their soundtracks as for their exciting storylines or memorable characters.
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The greatest songs don’t always appear in movies with characters singing them, although that is fairly common, the best Disney music is also found in theme songs, as exposition, or even intended to make the audience laugh or cringe. Sifting through Uncle Walt’s vast library looking for the best songs might take some time, but it’s worth it.
10Le Poissons - The Little Mermaid
One thing that the Sea Witch Ursula didn’t tell Ariel about might have beenthe most dangerous place onthe land of all - the kitchen. Chef Louis sings a joyous song of murder, prepping all manner of seafood for the next meal, as Sebastian the Crab looks on in horror.
The song is also sung with maniacal perfection by Rene Auberjonois, which makes it even more fun. In a movie where the whole soundtrack is stellar, this song is one of the best.
9This Is Love - Cinderella
Such an amazing improvement over that high-pitched opera falsetto that we heard from Snow White more than a decade previously. This sultry duet might just be a bit much for a Disney movie, but crooning was new at the time so this gorgeous number became Cinderella’s love theme.
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Ilene Woods sings the song along with Mike Douglas, and her voice is also behind the equally banging tunes “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” and “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”
8The Circle Of Life - The Lion King
Gospel and inspirational music can give a scene spiritual and emotional weight, and that’s why everyone remembers the songthat opened The Lion King. Combined with some of the most advanced mixes of CGI and hand-drawn animation attempted at the time, the effect marked the peak of the Disney Renaissance.
Elton John joined lyricist Tim Rice and composer Alan Menken for the making of this soundtrack and contributed to this song, along with several others that are also iconic favorites, like “Be Prepared” and “Hakuna Matata.”
A fantastic little waltz from the Sherman Brothers, this song fits in nicely with the sequence that follows Eglantine Price, Professor Brown, and their three precocious charges on a search for the other half of an old magic book in a bustling open market.
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There’s a version on the official soundtrack that includes more dialogue and less dancing. The song’s lyrics include some subtle but biting quips from Professor Brown about the authenticity of the various wares for sale.
6Herbie’s Theme - The Love Bug
It’s a song that a happy little car would sing if it was a sentient racecar in 1960s California. This purely instrumental track is likely intended to be just that, as Herbie has no words, so he must sing.
This cheerful song was written by composer George Bruns. It’s been used in almost all the movies in what became an extensive franchise.
5When You Wish Upon A Star - Pinocchio
The song that became the Disney anthem is still one of the most enchanting songs ever to appear in any movie. It’s been reprised and covered numerous times since it was composed by Leigh Harline and lyricist Ned Washington, and you’ll hear it randomly playing in most Disney theme parks for the atmosphere.
RELATED:Disney Movie Fan Theories (That Actually Got Confirmed)In the movie, the song is sung by Cliff Edwards as the character of Jiminy Cricket during the opening credit sequence.
4Higitus Figitus - The Sword In The Stone
Disney’s take on Arthurian legend doesn’t get enough attention, one example being this catchy tune in which Merlin prepares to pack his things for a trip to Wart’s humble castle. This incarnation of Merlin is rather clumsy, and although the song is chaotic it gets the job done.
The Sherman brothers are also responsible for this tune, which is sung by Karl Swenson as the voice of Merlin.
3Baby Mine - Dumbo
As heartbreaking as it is beautiful, Dumbo’s mother rocks him outside of the jailhouse window using her trunk. This lullaby resonates so deeply with anyone who hears that it was one of the few musical numbers from the original movie to make it into the modern live-action remake.
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Three artists came together to make Baby Mine. It was composed by Frank Churchill, the lyrics are by Ned Washington, and the song was originally sung by Betty Noyes.
2I’ll Make A Man Out Of You - Mulan
A fan favorite for so many reasons, only a few of which include the clever lyrics and clever exposition, the lesson to be learned here comes full circle when it’s played again at the climax of the plot when the “manly” men disguise themselves as female concubines.
The lesson on discipline and strength was composed by Matthew Wilder and lyricist David Zippel, and sung by Donnie Osmond, who played Li Shang’s singing voice.
1Brazzle Dazzle Day - Pete’s Dragon
Disney was on the cutting edge of mixing live-action and animation, and given the scope of these effects when they were new, nobody was able to handle it better at the time. It wasn’t the biggest Disney movie and fell into obscurity for a long time, and this song was one of the reasons for its return to popularity.
Who knew that cleaning and painting a lighthouse could be so much fun and inspire such a cheerful ditty? The lyrics were written by Irwin Kostal and composed by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn, and the song is sung by the three main characters.
