Disney 100! - Which animated films do the public love best?
Introduction
Disney is a name synonymous with magic, enchantment, and timeless storytelling. Founded on October 16th, 1923, it is celebrating its 100th Birthday this year! During the last 100 years Disney created animated masterpieces capturing the hearts of audiences around the world. It all began with their beloved character Mickey Mouse, in a classic called Steamboat Willie, released in 1928. It is one of the first cartoons to include synchronised sound and a post-production soundtrack. Their big turning point came in 1937 with the release of their first full-length animated film, ‘Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs’. However, which animated films do the public love best?
In the year 2000, Disney conducted a monumental Disneyvideos.com Millennium Survey, where the public cast their votes for their favourite animated Disney films from the 20th century. Today, we're taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to unveil the top ten beloved Disney classics from that survey. However, as we delve into these cherished films, it's important to note that Disney's legacy continues to thrive in the 21st century too. Indeed, with newer blockbusters like "Tangled," "Moana," and "Frozen," the top ten list of Disney’s animated movies varies considerably between websites! We shall look at these a little later. For now, let us explore Disney’s top 10 of the 20th century, as voted for by the fans!
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Our journey begins with the film that started it all, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." This timeless classic, released in 1937, was Disney's first full-length animated feature. The tale of the fairest of them all and her seven endearing dwarf companions enchanted audiences then and continues to do so today.
2. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Diving into the 1980s, "The Little Mermaid" emerges as one of Disney's most beloved films. Ariel's underwater adventures, her dream of exploring the human world, and the catchy tunes make this 1989 gem a cherished favourite. Indeed this year Disney released a new, live action version of this Classic, grossing $567.51 million in global box office revenue. This amount is significantly less than other live action remakes, perhaps indicating the public prefer the original animated classics to these new re-hashes?
3. 101 Dalmatians (1961)
"101 Dalmatians" introduces us to the lovable Pongo and Perdita, two brave Dalmatians who embark on a mission to rescue their adorable puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil. Released in 1961, this heart-warming tale of family and courage continues to win hearts. In addition to this, it created probably one of Disney's most notable villains!
4. Toy Story (1995)
In 1995, Disney, in collaboration with Pixar, brought us "Toy Story," a ground-breaking computer-animated masterpiece. The adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a host of toys captured our imaginations, giving life to a world where toys had feelings and stories to tell. They have gone on to make a further 3 Toy Story films with a fifth announced recently.
5. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
The ethereal beauty and captivating story of "Sleeping Beauty" made it a favourite since its release in 1959. The malevolent Maleficent, the spellbound princess Aurora, and the charming Prince Phillip all contribute to the film's enduring appeal. It is easy to see why this enchanting film made it into the top 10!
6. Bambi (1942)
"Bambi," released in 1942, is a poignant and heart-warming story that explores the circle of life in the enchanting forest. The innocence of young Bambi and his friends Thumper and Flower has left a lasting impact on audiences of all ages. For many young children, it is their first introduction to death, with Bambi losing his mother early on in the movie. Certainly many tears have been shed over this animated classic, but as with all good Disney films, the joy overcomes the adversity!
7. The Jungle Book (1967)
Set in the lush jungles of India, "The Jungle Book" features Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, and a memorable cast of characters. Released in 1967, the film's vibrant music and spirited storytelling have kept it close to our hearts. The characters are so well loved, the Scout movement in Britain nick-named their cub leaders after the characters!
8. Peter Pan (1953)
"Peter Pan" whisks us away to Neverland, where dreams come true and children never grow up. Released in 1953, the film's sense of adventure, fairy dust, and memorable characters continue to ignite the imaginations of viewers. So, take the second star to the right, and straight on until morning!
9. The Lion King (1994)
"The Lion King," released in 1994, tells the epic story of Simba, the lion cub who must reclaim his throne. This film's powerful message of responsibility and the circle of life, coupled with unforgettable songs, have solidified its status as a Disney classic. The film received two Academy awards for Best Music, Original Score (Hans Zimmer) and for Best Music, Original Song (Elton John and Tim Rice).
10.A Bug's Life (1998)
Closing out our top ten is "A Bug's Life," a delightful tale of Flik, an inventive ant, and his quest to protect his colony from a group of menacing grasshoppers. Released in 1998, the film's humour and heart-warming story continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. Who knew we could fall in love with a colony of ants?
So, is your favourite Disney animated film from the 20th Century featured above? Mine is, I took part in this very survey and voted for, 'The Lion King'! It is very difficult however, to truly answer the question 'which animated films do the public love best?' We all look for different aspects. Is it a Classic? Do the songs speak to us? Did we grow up with a particular film? Do we love the animation process?
Indeed, the process of animation over the last 100 years has certainly seen so many dramatic changes it often seems unfair to compare and contrast a film from the 40s ('Dumbo'), for example, to one from 2021 ('Encanto'). I believe this is why current lists on an array of websites including IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes vary so significantly. IMDB have 'Beauty and the Beast' at the number one slot, followed by The Lion King in second. However, Rotten Tomatoes place 'Pinocchio' at number one, with the 2016 film, 'Zootopia' in second.
Conclusion
The Disney Millennium Survey of 2000 provided us with a glimpse into the hearts of Disney fans, showcasing their enduring love for these ten timeless classics. While these films from the 20th century have a special place in our hearts, it's important to acknowledge that Disney's magic continues to thrive with the release of newer blockbusters. Films like "Tangled," "Moana," and "Frozen" have played a pivotal role in reviving Disney's box office success and will undoubtedly feature prominently in lists covering the entirety of Disney's illustrious 100-year history. Disney's storytelling legacy remains as vibrant and enchanting as ever, ensuring that generations to come will continue to be captivated by the magic of Disney.
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