A Definitive Ranking of Our Most Favorite Disney Soundtracks
With so many Disney soundtracks in existence, everyone has to have at least one they feel passionately about. Maybe you resonate with the lead's courage to follow their dreams or enjoy listening to the music's instrumental.
We definitely have our opinions on the soundtracks. Below, find a definitive ranking of some of our favorite and the most iconic Disney albums.
8. The Lion King
Everything Elton John touches turns to gold, so there's no debate that the music from The Lion King is really good. However, we don't feel like the songs are that catchy—aside from the opening of "Circle of Life." We'll hum to it when it comes on shuffle, but otherwise, it won't cross our minds.
Also read about: 17 Memorable Quotes From Disney's Elemental to Use as Instagram Captions
7. Aladdin
In general, Aladdin isn't a Disney story that we love. We're not sure what it is, but there wasn't anything about Jasmine and Aladdin that connected us to the story. Because of that, we don't find ourselves moved by the music either. We'll give it extra points because "A Whole New World" is an addicting song.
6. Moana
Moana is where things start to get spicy for us. Lin Manuel Miranda might be one of the best things to happen to Disney's current period of films because he knows how to craft timeless songs. This movie has one of the only soundtracks where the only word we can use to describe it is "fun." We would've liked to see more emotionally driven tracks on the album, though.
5. Mulan
Mulan feels like one of the few Disney films whose music doesn't drive its story. That said, we still appreciate the music on its own. Come on—you can't tell us "Reflection" isn't one of the best songs Disney has ever released?
4. Tangled
The only problem with Tangled is that it didn't have more music. What do you mean there are only four musical numbers (excluding reprises)? Thankfully, those four songs did the film justice.
Tangled might have one of the best villain-driven songs in Disney history. "Mother Knows Best" definitely tricked us—we could believe Mother Gothel had Rapunzel's best interest in mind.
Also read about: Disney's Illusion Island Has One-of-a-Kind Charm and Family-Friendly Fun
3. Beauty and the Beast
Belle might be one of our most relatable Disney princesses. Growing up in a small town and looking for a little more adventure from her "provincial" life? We can definitely relate to that. It's one of the reasons we love this soundtrack so much.
Aside from Belle's yearning for more, the romantic songs from Beauty and the Beast are some of the best. You can't tell us the title track isn't one of the most moving love songs from the Disney discography.
2. The Little Mermaid
If it wasn't for The Little Mermaid's live-action reboot, this soundtrack probably would rank lower on the list. However, the two songs that Lin Manuel added to the film, "For the First Time" and "Wild Uncharted Waters," bring so much character to Ariel and Eric's story. The cast did a phenomenal job with their musical performance.
For a treat, we recommend you look into the music theory of "Wild Uncharted Waters." It exemplifies how well-thought-out every aspect of this movie was.
1. Frozen
The Frozen films might have an advantage over the others because it has two high-performing soundtracks.
The first film gave us all the silliness we wanted from a Disney film, like "Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People" and "In Summer." But even on the (deceivingly) lighthearted tracks, you still feel the negative emotions radiating from characters—"Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" The second film brought a sound we hadn't typically heard from Disney's stockpile. "Into the Woods" is the only rock-driven track we'll receive from the studio.
Can't get enough of Disney music? Read HERE for 51 uplifting lyrics from the soundtracks to inspire your next Instagram caption.