Though Walt Disney Pictures has created many successful films throughout its existence, it’s impossible to talk about the company’s history without mentioning the movies it released during the 1950s. While Disney got its theatrical start by releasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, it wasn’t until a decade and a few years later that it really picked up speed by introducing some of its most popular films with legacies that still live on today.
We’re here to look back at the best movies released between 1950 and 1959. To do this, we’ll be getting some help from the voters at IMDb.
The entertainment website has given every ’50s Disney film a star rating, based on the votes of registered users, from a scale of 1 to 10. These are the scores we’ll be using to count down to the best Disney feature of the decade.
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that the Disney True-Life Adventures documentary films released between the late ’40s and early ’60s will not be included in this lineup.
With the business out of the way, it’s time to wind back the clock. Here are some of Disney’s best films from the ’50s.
Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier (1955) - 7.0
This 1995 adventure film pulled together the first three episodes from the Davy Crockett television miniseries. It follows Tennessee wilderness men, Davy Crockett and his friend George Russell, as they provide for their families, figure out politics with the Cherokees, and engage in battles.
The show (and the anthology movie) was a surprising hit among viewers. Though Davy Crockett, King Of The Wild Frontier had its inaccuracies, it remains an entertaining and interesting installment in Disney history.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954) - 7.2
This 1870 novel by French author Jules Verne was adapted for the big screen in 1954. Produced by Walt Disney himself, it contained a unique sort of magic.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea follows Professor Pierre M. Aronnax and his assistant, Conseil, as they search for a giant sea monster ravaging through the Pacific Ocean. They soon learn that this monster is actually a submarine manned by the mysterious Captain Nemo.
The performances, adventure, and production design impressed audiences that were much more familiar with Disney’s animated hits.
Darby O’Gill And The Little People (1959) - 7.2
Darby O’Gill and the Little People follows a man who, after losing his job, falls into a land full of leprechauns. Though he’s excited about using the three wishes he gets after bringing the leprechaun king back with him, he soon discovers the consequences of magic.
The cast was applauded by critics, who found that they communicated the story with power. Additionally, the camera shots, special effects, and lively soundtrack helped elevate the film’s appeal.
Third Man On The Mountain (1959) - 7.2
This 1959 adventure, based on the novel Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman, tells of a man who plans to scale Matterhorn like his father always dreamed of doing.
Though the accuracy of the film was a little shaky, the scenery was still visually pleasing and the story was exciting. While the film wasn’t complex, it was nonetheless immersive.
Sleeping Beauty (1959) - 7.2
At the end of the decade, Disney released a tale about a princess who gets cursed into a deep sleep by pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday: Sleeping Beauty.
The film was layered with rich colors, a warm soundtrack, and a sentimental story. Though not the most popular of the Disney Princess tales, its pretty yet dark themes have continued to mesmerize audiences.
Lady And The Tramp (1955) - 7.3
In 1955’s Lady and the Tramp, a cocker spaniel from a wealthy family ends up on the streets and attempts to journey home with help from a stray mutt. Though the two start out as companions, their friendship slowly blossoms into a romance.
While the film was disliked by viewers upon its release, contemporary critics have appreciated the charming animations and sweet story. This had it earning a live-action adaption in 2019.
Cinderella (1950) - 7.3
Disney animated the fairy tale of Cinderella at the turn of the decade. It tells of a young woman who acts as the maid to her wicked stepmother and bratty stepsisters after the passing of her father. Though her future looks bleak, she gets the chance to move onto a better life after meeting her Fairy Godmother and attending the Prince’s ball.
The tale was full of magical animations, a swoon-worthy story, and enduring enchantment. Though ’50s critics were captivated by the story, Cinderella has managed to stand the test of time and remains popular today. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!
Peter Pan (1953) - 7.3
Peter Pan flew onto the silver screen in 1953. This fantasy adventure, based on the play by J. M. Barrie, follows the boy who wouldn’t grow up as he brings three siblings from early 1900s England into the magical world of Neverland. Though the children are at first enchanted by the beautiful world, they soon discover the dark side of Neverland after being hunted by the cruel Captain Hook.
Though some critics found that Disney’s Peter Pan was too much of a departure from the original source material, the technical animation improvements were nonetheless praised. Additionally, the lovely world and thrilling characters have left modern viewers in love with this tale.
Old Yeller (1957) - 7.3
This live-action drama, adapted from the children’s book by Fred Gipson, follows the doomed friendship between a boy and his dog in Texas after the Civil War in the late 1860s. Thankfully, Old Yeller stayed true to its source material and impressed both adults and children.
Sentimental, sad, sweet, and everything in between, the narrative was full of genuine emotions and heartwarming charm that helped shape a generation.
Alice In Wonderland (1951) - 7.4
Topping the list as Disney’s best hit of the ’50s is Alice in Wonderland. Based on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, released by English author Lewis Carroll in 1865, this fantasy-adventure tells of a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a strange and magical land. Though she meets many interesting characters here from the eccentric Mad Hatter to the creepy Cheshire Cat, she must do her best to keep away from the evil Queen of Hearts.
The fantasy was filled with colorful visuals and creative scenes. Though the film didn’t become an instant classic at the time of its release, it has since gained traction and been cemented as a favorite of many.
