With the launch of streaming service Disney+, the House of Mouse has found yet another way to assert its entertainment empire. And yet, for many, it’s a welcome expansion, since it is surprisingly easy to enjoy Disney after childhood. Disney has defined countless generations, and with their new opportunity to indulge nostalgia at will, here’s a list for millennials. There were countless live-action Disney films, but those rarely hold up. The cornerstone of the company is charming, lush animation with witty and wholesome stories. The artistry is distinct and innovative, with perpetually iconic talent behind the voices. Here’s how users rated the classic age of ’90s Disney.
A Bug’s Life (1998) - 7.2
Here, Walt Disney presents a fun spin on Seven Samurai, wherein ants are routinely accosted by villainous grasshoppers. Aside from a bravely stark confrontation with the antagonist in the big finale, it’s a consistently adorable film. When firing on all cylinders, worldbuilding is the signature component in Disney’s history. The insect world is made a fascinating place to explore, with amusing in-jokes. The humor is even conceptually robust in its simplicity, such as the male ladybug. Flik is an indelible hero and a clumsy inventor. He reassures that the strangest of dreams can be achieved and have their place.
Tarzan (1999) - 7.3
This is probably one of the main reasons that millennials are familiar with Phil Collins. He provides an undeniably infectious soundtrack, akin to the collaboration Randy Newman would take on. Now, there have been countless films about Tarzan, even as recently as the David Yates adaptation a couple years back. But none have been so effective and genuinely heartwarming. Disney’s innately sugar-sweet brand wholly fits the mold of such an outlandish tale. The screen is absolutely vibrant and the voice talent is both convincing and engaging, as usual. The story is rather straightforward, and the tone occasionally uneven, but it certainly defied the burgeoning age of total CGI.
Hercules (1997) - 7.3
Disney is known for those winking references to itself, and Scar does show up as a pelt. But there are few entries in Disney’s filmography with so much meta-humor. It’s a refreshing little trait and definitely a mark of the ’90s. Hades might possibly be the funniest villain in Disney canon. For those who love Greek mythology, this musical is an invaluable addition to cinema, long inundated with simple creature features. Much like the nearly invulnerable Superman, it’s difficult to make such a powerful being so sympathetic. But they absolutely do, and Hercules’ love interest Meg is yet another sign of the ’90s. Most of all, she’s cynical, with enough sass and independence to transcend a simple romantic role.
Mulan (1998) - 7.6
It’s quite forgivable if millennials see Shrek’s Donkey every time Mushu speaks. The upcoming remake has certainly made some interesting headlines, but the original Mulan endures. The period piece angle is fascinating, brimming with culture and important social constructs to address, specifically those regarding gender. It was the ’90s that finally got Disney to begin revising their longtime vision of female characters. Like many Disney protagonists, Mulan is a fish out of water in her own world. She’s a powerful, selfless character who acts on behalf of family. She’s clever, but isn’t flawless, and legitimately earns every bit of her victories.
Toy Story 2 (1999) - 7.9
Pixar became an invaluable limb of Disney, incorporating revolutionary CGI that would change the entire cinematic landscape. That began with Toy Story, but make no mistake, this is hardly on par with those infamous direct-to-video sequels. While the original film was predominantly about friendship, this sequel doubles down on the meaning of toy existence. Agelessness contributes to the film’s primary themes of abandonment, which could strike home for many children. Every new character is absolute gold. Jessie is a crucial addition to the cast, with a heartbreaking history and radiant personality. While Pixar always distinctly got away without musical interludes, her backstory boasts one of the most crushing songs of all time.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - 8.0
Tim Burton makes just one particular kind of story, but when it works, it’s always extraordinary. He conjured up some incredible characters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas may be dark, but it does love Christmas. The universe of shared holidays is very intriguing, and the story plays out like a classic fairy tale. That is, including equal parts of legitimate danger, sincere romance and captivating fantasy. The music is truly memorable, an oddity in and of itself, which perfectly complements the stunning stop-motion. The film was made with great love and meticulous care, which radiates from every shot.
Aladdin (1992) - 8.0
Robin Williams. That is all.
Well, it very well could be, given his magnetic performance of iconic spontaneity and thrilling humor. But there’s no denying the superb artistry at hand, and the rest of the cast certainly delivers, too. Gilbert Gottfried will forever be a parrot for most. With themes about class and being true to oneself, Aladdin also features a particularly frenetic pace. While many Disney films carry a shorter runtime, this story really moves. The catchy music is surprisingly jazzy, which fits the improvisational, vigorous humor. The stakes are unusually high, with multiple near-death experiences. Also, Jasmine is yet another important twist on the ideals of a Disney princess.
Beauty And The Beast (1991) - 8.0
Belle gets a lot of accusations regarding Stockholm syndrome, but truthfully, she simply found the good in someone callous. The prince’s arc reinforces that some people can change and find redemption. The prince changes for Belle, who significantly defies many expectations. A voracious reader, she denies social pressure to keep local women unintelligent. She also rejects the advances of a narcissist who believes her primary concern is birthing his children. Belle’s ability to see beyond image is crucial, and her interest in literature is a large piece of that. She is selfless in rescuing her father, and more proactive than most realize. The music and animation were groundbreaking, and although the remake fixes a few things, this classic endures.
Toy Story (1995) - 8.3
Pixar’s debut film ushered in a new era of CGI which irrevocably altered animation as we know it. Toy Story proved such an experiment could be enormously successful. The story mainly concerns Woody’s jealousy of Buzz regarding Andy’s attention. It fulfills the promise of every child’s imagination — that playing with their toys creates a tangible world. In that way, it’s quite a remarkable time capsule, since such material things have essentially been replaced by digital counterparts. But it’s still a heartwarming story that emphasizes friendship, as blatantly reinforced by the lasting Randy Newman soundtrack. The relationships among the iconic characters are genuinely touching. And the comedy — particularly involving Buzz’s delusions of grandeur — is thoroughly witty, even with slapstick.
The Lion King (1994) - 8.5
Often regarded as Disney’s crowning achievement, this pinnacle of animation also best defines their potential and goals. The Shakespearean epic effortlessly became an unstoppable franchise, thanks to its brilliant encapsulation of animation’s potency. It succeeds on all fronts, with mesmerizing visuals, thrilling music, and great humor delivered by enormously talented actors. It boasts sophisticated themes regarding grief, responsibility, and even destiny.
But The Lion King’s poignancy and daring edginess is well-balanced with sly comedy and touching romance. The chase with the hyenas is legitimately frightening, but Timon and Pumbaa’s carefree attitude offers up unforgettable hilarity. This story opens up a whole new world for young audiences, boldly introducing nearly every facet of cinema and life with candor that is rarely seen today.
