The Best Disney Animated Films of All Time

If you’re an animated movie junkie like us, you know there’s no greater high than when Walt Disney Pictures graces our screens with new entrancing tales. From the timeless delights of Snow White to the modern marvels of Toy Story, the Disney magic seemingly knows no bounds. As we roll into the third decade of the 21st century, it’s clear that Disney’s recipe for animated success isn’t about to fizzle out. The House of Mouse has whipped up impressive servings of drama, hilarity, and heart tugs, dishing out visual feasts for all ages.

Disney Animations: From Unheard Heroes to Sequel Sensations

Now, let’s talk about Strange World, a film that, despite missing out on fanfare, is no runt of the litter. Through the heart-pumping exploits of Searcher, his wife Meridian, and their son Ethan in the perplexing land of Avalonia, audiences get a wholesome ride on family, adventure, and a striking nod to environmental balance. Plus, a forward push for LGBTQ+ cinematic representation is the cherry on top. True, it’s not your typical “Disney Princess falls in love” trope, but hey, even Disney likes a plot twist now and then.

Don’t think Disney has forgotten about its sequels, as exemplified by Inside Out 2. The audience reunites with Riley, this time navigating the turmoil of teenagehood. Armed with a brilliant storyline that echoes our very own struggles and a tapestry of humor, the flick schools us about embracing emotions – the good, the bad, and the embarrassing.

Revisiting Classics and Embracing the New

With Wish, Disney decided to blow out a whopping 100 candles in style, whipping up a celebration of the very essence that has kept audiences coming back for more – yup, the magic of wishes. Asha’s journey to expose King Magnifico’s wish-gatekeeping antics may not have bagged the best accolades, but this riot-of-a-ride that nods to Disney classics is an enchanting trip down memory lane.

Summering in the Italian Riviera with sea monster boys Luca and Alberto and their quirky human friend, Giulia, was Disney’s picturesque offering in Luca. A glowing testament to Disney’s knack for stories that warm the heart and tickle the funny bone, this tale teaches us valuable lessons on friendship, accepting differences, and embracing the unknown.

Emotional Rollercoasters and Nostalgic Echoes

Then there’s Onward, as soul-stirring as they come. This venture into the world of two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, grappling with magic and tech, is tinged with comedy and pathos, adding an adrenaline surge of familial love that gets you right in the feels.

Meanwhile, Turning Red unspools the tumultuous rollercoaster known as adolescence via Meilin Lee, a 13-year-old caught in a hereditary curse of transforming into a red panda. With its hilarity and cultural backdrop, the flick serves a delectable slice of way-too-relatable growing pains in the guise of an otherworldly quirk.

Celebrating Power, Magic, and Life

Elemental’s sleeper status did not hamper its evolution into a word-of-mouth sensation. With Emba’s struggle over family expectations and forbidden love at the center, Elemental spins a captivating fable about intergenerational immigrant hardships wrapped in a tale of romantic upheaval.

Raya and The Last Dragon embodies the epitome of unity through adversity with its iridescent tapestry of love, loss, and loyalty. Raya’s quest to bring together her world, torn apart due to misuse of a dragon gem, spotlights the readiness to risk everything and the power of unity.

Culture, Nostalgia and Purpose

Encanto may have been a slow starter, but it soon found its footing, holding audiences in its magical grasp. The story of Mirabel Madrigal, fitting in without a gift in a gifted family, is sprinkled with toe-tapping tunes, making this magical realism tale a worthy addition to Disney’s filmography.

Finally, we have Soul, where comatose jazz pianist Joe Gardner embarks on a profound journey to rediscover his purpose. Alongside him is 22, a reluctant soul unwilling to face life on Earth. This heartwarming, metaphysical exploration of life finds appeal among soul-searching adults more than bug-eyed youngsters. But hey, it’s a Disney film, so nobody’s complaining.

Drawing a line on the animated ramblings, let’s just say – in true Disney style – these films spark wonder, laughter, tears, and adventure, proving once again that since 1937, Disney continues to create stories where the only rule is to believe that magic happens.