Skip to Content

The 30 Best Disney Movies For Some Throwback Comfort

Disney doesn't just mean Prince Charming

By
princess and the frog tiana
Disney

Never has a time been so acceptable than now - when we're social distancing and continuing not to leave the house- to watch all your favourite Disney movies from childhood.

Or if, as you and the world around us have evolved so your favourite damsel-in-distress movie from the past might not be your film of choice anymore, over the years Disney have a released a string of remakes as well as introducing brand new Disney characters who bring some much-needed update to the traditional themes.

It's also easy to forget that Disney isn't just cartoon princesses, the production company is behind many beloved films included in our list below.

In February 2020, Disney Plus launched in the UK bringing an even easier way to watch all the Disney films you want to your heart's content.

With more than 500 movies available on the platform, here are ELLE UK's recommendations of the very best Disney films and why:

1

Cruella

Arriving on May 28, 2021, Emma Stone takes on the iconic role of Cruella De Vil in a prequel of the beloved 101 Dalmatians movie. In the trailer, released on February 17, Stone delivers an English accent, wigs aplenty and the ultimate demeanour of the villain we hate to love.

2

Soul

This Pixar gem arrived on Disney + shortly after Christmas and soon enough it was all anyone was talking about, regardless of age. The film follows Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) an ambitious jazz artist and teacher, disappointed with his career trajectory.

After encountering a very intense life lesson - and little creature called 22 (voiced by Tina Fey) - his priorities and understanding of himself soon start to shift. We'd go as far to say that watching Soul is actually very good for the soul.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

The Parent Trap

Double Lindsay Lohan star in this iconic film about two twins, Halle and Annie who are separated as children and live with one of their divorced parents, experiencing very different upbringings - one on a California vineyard and one in a London townhouse, until they see their reflection when they bump into each other at camp.

4

Alice In Wonderland

The Tim Burton treatment of the Lewis Carroll novel gave us Helena Bonham Carter as a terrifying Queen of Hearts, Anne Hathaway as the white Queen, Matt Lucas as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, Alan Rickman as the blue caterpillar and Stephen Fry as the Cheshire cat. What more could you ask for?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Brave

An unlikely Disney princess is found in Merida - the curly red-haired Scottish warrior - who in one film undoes the antiquated, fairytale belief that marriage is the end, finite goal.

Plus, the 2012 film features a super strong cast of legendary British talent, including Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane and Billy Connolly.

6

Mary Poppins

A 1964 classic starring Julie Andrews as the Nanny we all wished we had. A timeless classic with unforgettable songs ('Feed The Birds', 'A Spoonful Of Sugar'), a family feel and historical references that we love to see, like the Suffragette mother of the Banks households.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Frozen

As well as the songs that never leave your head, Frozen brings an all-star cast (Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel) as well as a powerful story of sisterhood that trumps any romantic relationship.

8

The Princess and the Frog

Disney's first black princess was introduced as Princess Tiana in this 2009 film based on the classic novel. Paying homage to New Orleans' rich cultural history, the film has a great musical feel and is a much-needed update of a classic princess fairytale.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Beauty and the Beast

This 2017 live-action remake of the classic tale sees Emma Watson take on the famed character. While the Stockholm Syndrome debate was reignited (watch the film yourself to see what you think) the story feels more up to date and Belle's independence shines through. As ever, the songs are brilliant.

10

Mulan

While the live-action remake's release was put on hold at the last minute, the original 1998 cartoon will be available on Disney Plus telling the story of the young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a boy to go to war instead of her elderly father.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Moana

As well as the incredible 'How Far I'll Go' song, which anyone who has a child in their life under the age of 10, will have heard, Moana is a revolution. A 16-year-old daughter of a chief in a Polynesian village, Moana is a fearless adventurer and a natural leader. It also has no romantic storyline, whatsoever.

12

The Princess Diairies

The film which introduced Anne Hathaway as Princess Mia, a San Francisco high school student who discovers she is actually related to royalty in the fictional country of Genovia, plus by related we mean that she is a princess.

Mia soon has to learn the ropes of what being a princess entails from her grandmother, the Queen (Julie Andrews) leading to much hilarity. 'Get off the grass!'

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Up

An emotional film that viewers of all ages hold close to their hearts.

14

The Lion King

It really depends what kind of mood you're in as to whether you want to watch the 1992 cartoon The Lion King or the Beyoncé and Donald Glover-starring 2019 CGI update. We won't judge either way and truly believe that the story is one of Disney's best either in cartoon or CGI format.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

101 Dalmatians

What to do when you're feeling like you need a hug? Watch a film about 101 adorable spotted puppies of course. Also, even though Cruella de Vil still scares us, Glen Close is phenomenal in the role.

16

Hercules

It's easy to forget about Hercules, which was released in 1997, but now is the time to revisit the classic.

The soundtrack is unrivalled with songs like 'Go The Distance' and Jocelyn Brown's 'A Star Is Born' and 'The Gospel Truth'. The muses can improve your mood at any time and and Meg is there for ponytail/trickery inspiration.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Tangled

Honestly, this film is funny. The joy of watching Disney films as an adult means you are quicker to understand some of the jokes and references a lot more.

18

The Fox and the Hound

On days when you're feeling nostalgic, this 1981 cartoon of the classic tale is one to revisit.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

The Emperor's New Groove

A loveable classic about a cocky emperor who gets turned into a llama by accident (instead of killed) by his evil, plotting associate. He soon makes friends with llama herder, Pacha (voiced by the instantly recognisable John Goodman) and they make a plan to win back his throne.

20

Coco

Inspired by the Mexican 'Day of the Dead' celebrations, the storyline is all about the importance of family while providing great music, colourful scenes and paying tribute to Mexican culture.

Headshot of Olivia Blair
Olivia Blair
Entertainment Editor (Luxury)

Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.

Watch Next 
disney movies
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Page was generated in 6.6744680404663