Top 25+ Legendary Disney Animated Movies You Should Watch

Walt Disney is a renowned film studio with a plethora of legendary Disney animated movies spanning decades and even new releases in 2022-2023. From theatrical releases to series, especially Disney princess animated movies, they all captivate a large audience with their compelling stories, visuals, and excellent character development. In this article, let's take a look at the 25 most notable Disney animated movies!

The Lion King - The Greatest Disney Animated Movie of All Time

The Lion King is one of the legendary Disney animated movies. Despite being released almost 30 years ago, the film still garners significant attention from audiences. With the wild African setting and emotionally rich music, the movie paints a societal picture of animals. It portrays conflicts and disputes but also brims with love and affection.

• Director: Darrell Rooney and Rob La Duca
• Screenplay: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
• Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, James Earl Jones, and more.
• Release Year: 1994
• Movie Length: 81 minutes

Disney's Lion King animation depicts Simba, who enjoys a blissful life with his parents and close friend Nala. However, his uncle Scar harbors intentions to seize the throne. To protect his son, Simba's father sacrifices himself. This loss plunges Simba into despair. From then on, he embarks on a journey, befriending the meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa.

As time passes, Simba matures, realizing his responsibility and urging himself to return home to avenge his father. With determination and strength, will Simba fulfill his goal of avenging his father and reclaiming the throne?

Lightyear - Disney Animated Film 2022

• Film Director: Angus MacLane
• Duration: 110 minutes
• Release Year: 2022

Premiering in 2022, the animated film Lightyear draws inspiration from a well-known character in a previous movie. The film is comedic, delving into the early days before becoming the skilled astronaut Buzz Lightyear. This character later becomes the inspiration for the toy of the same name, appearing prominently throughout Pixar's renowned 'Toy Story' series.

The Princess and the Frog

• Film Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
• Screenplay: Ron Clements, Greg Erb, Rob Edwards
• Cast: Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Lewis, Jim Cummings, Bruno Campos, Anika Noni Rose
• Release Year: 2009
• Duration: 97 minutes

Though not a new Disney animation in 2022 - 2023, The Princess and the Frog has always been favored by a wide audience. This Disney princess animation marks the 49th film in the Disney lineup. At the time of its release, the film created a frenzy at the global box office.

The Princess and the Frog captivates viewers with its tale of a prince cursed to be a frog and the need for redemption. Remarkably, this film solidifies Walt Disney's reputation as the studio of princesses.

Meaningful Disney animation Finding Nemo - Finding Nemo

• Film Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
• Screenplay: Andrew Stanton
• Cast: Albert Brooks, Alexander Gould, Ellen DeGeneres
• Release Year: 2003
• Duration: 100 minutes

Disney's Finding Nemo animated film premiered in theaters for the first time in 2003. At that time, it was the highest-grossing film, with revenue reaching $940 million.

The movie follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish, as he searches for his son, Nemo. Along the way, Marlin meets Dory, and they embark on the quest together. Throughout their search, Marlin and Dory encounter numerous challenges. Stay tuned to witness this meaningful journey!

Up - Award-winning Disney animation

• Film Directors: Bob Peterson, Pete Docter
• Screenplay: Thomas McCarthy, Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
• Cast: Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer
• Release Year: 2009
• Duration: 96 minutes

Up is one of Disney's legendary animated films to win the prestigious Oscar award. The movie impresses with its unique script and profound humanistic themes.

Up follows the story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed old man who cherishes memories of his beloved wife every day. He dreams of making his house 'fly' to Paradise Falls and living there. During the adventurous journey, he meets Russell, a young explorer. With the help of the lovable dog Dug, they overcome obstacles together. Exciting situations await you in this legendary Disney animated film.

Frozen - Disney Princess Animated Film

• Film Directors: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
• Screenplay: Jennifer Lee
• Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, and Jonathan Groff
• Release Year: 2013
• Duration: 102 minutes

Frozen is also one of Disney's legendary princess animated films, the best of all time. With its well-developed characters and storyline, the movie impresses viewers.

The film tells the story of Princess Elsa, who possesses the power to create ice and snow. After some mishaps, she retreats to the mountains and constructs an ice castle, plunging the kingdom into eternal winter. How will the story unfold? Stay tuned to find out!

Monsters, Inc. - The Monster Corporation

• Film Director: Pete Docter
• Starring: Billy Crystal
• Release Year: 2001
• Duration: 92 minutes

Monsters, Inc. - Disney animated film set in a monster city. It's where energy is generated through the screams of children provided by Monsters, Inc. In an accidental incident, the diligent employee Sulley brings a little girl to the city, leading to various troubles. The film imparts valuable and profound humanistic lessons.

Monsters University - Monster School

• Film Director: Dan Scanlon
• Release Year: 2013
• Duration: 104 minutes
•  Main Cast: John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, and Billy Crystal

Disney animated film Monsters University - Monster School tells the story of Mike and Sulley. Initially, they are not friendly, often having many conflicts. However, through various events, they gradually become closer. What happened between Mike and Sulley?

Toy Story 3 - The Toy Story 3

• Film Director: Lee Unkrich
• Main Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Ned Beatty
• Release Year: 2010
•  Film Duration: 103 minutes

Toy Story 3 is a Disney animated film focusing on the relationship of toys. In this installment, Andy has grown up and is self-reliant, particularly a daring escape has taken place. Therefore, the old friends are also drawn into this mysterious adventure.

Zootopia - A Great Disney Animated Film

• Film Director: Byron Howard
• Main Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons
• Release Year: 2016
• Film Duration: 108 minutes

Zootopia - A Wild Disney Animated Film is about a peculiar city, entirely different from any other city. It's a lively urban area inhabited by various animal species: elephants, mice, rhinos, and more. The arrival of police bunny Judy Hopps has brought many changes to the city. Red fox Nick Wilde and bunny Judy Hopps are determined to change and restore order to the city.

Inside Out - The Emotional Puzzle

• Film Director: Pete Docter
• Film Screenplay: Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, Pete Docter
• Main Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader,...
• Release Year: 2015
• Film Duration: 102 minutes

Inside Out - The Emotional Puzzle is also one of Disney's legendary animated films. The film revolves around the main character, 11-year-old Riley. She moves with her parents to San Francisco and begins to experience a new life. Riley's emotions are gradually expressed, but they make her more fearful, timid, and withdrawn. To improve the situation, Joy and Sadness embark on a journey to rediscover joy for Riley.

Coco - The Miraculous Reunion

• Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
• Main Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, and Alanna Ubach
• Release Year: 2017
  Film Duration: 127 minutes

Not a newly released film in 2022 - 2023, but Coco - The Miraculous Reunion is always the first name that comes to mind when talking about Disney animated films. The film tells the story of Miguel, a boy with a strong passion for music. However, his passion is always forbidden by his family. Casting aside harsh reality, Miguel finds himself in the beautiful and colorful Land of the Dead.

It is from there that a series of mysterious events unfold in the new land. Here, the boy meets Hector, a crafty expert, and they embark on a mysterious adventure together. From there, they uncover undisclosed secrets about Miguel's family history.

Big Hero 6 - Disney's Superhero Animated Film

•  Director: Don Hall
• Main Cast: Ryan Potter, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans, Jr., and Scott Adsit
• Release Year: 2014
• Film Duration: 108 minutes

This is one of the best Disney animated movies to date. Big Hero 6 tells the story of a 14-year-old tech genius named Hiro living in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. He has a friend named Baymax who resembles a white snowman. Baymax is created to serve human healthcare purposes.

With his intelligence, Hiro invents combat tools for the superhero team to investigate the mysterious Kabuki villain. This helps prevent disasters in the city where he lives.

Tangled - Disney Princess Animated Film

• Director: Nathan Greno
• Main Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy
• Release Year: 2011
• Film Duration: 100 minutes

When it comes to legendary Disney princess animated films, Tangled - Rapunzel Princess cannot be overlooked. The film tells the story of a princess with magical long hair. She was imprisoned by a witch for 18 years in a high tower. The climax is when she meets the most charming and elusive thief in the kingdom - Flynn Rider. From there, the princess embarks on an adventure to escape the dark tower in search of her true life.

Disney Animated Film in Theaters - WALL-E

• Director: Andrew Stanton
• Main Cast: Ben Burtt, Jeff Garlin, Elissa Knight
• Release Year: 2008
• Film Duration: 98 minutes

WALL-E – a Disney animated film sent as a warning bell to humans about environmental issues. The film is inspired by the Earth's garbage-filled context that forces them to evacuate into space. WALL-E is a lonely robot with the task of cleaning up garbage on Earth. Until one day, WALL-E accidentally meets Eve, who is tasked with searching for life on Earth. And from this moment, the romantic robot WALL-E begins his adventure full of memories

The Incredibles - Superhero Family

• Director: Brad Bird
• Main Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
• Release Year: 2004
• Film Duration: 115 minutes

The Disney animated film The Incredibles portrays the life and activities after retirement of a 5-member superhero family. However, the return of the father in the film unintentionally puts the family in danger. At this point, it requires the unity and determination of the entire family to defeat the villain. Thus, to protect the peaceful life that people have here.

Disney Animated Comedy - Ratatouille

• Director: Brad Bird.
• Main Cast: Brad Garrett, Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano
• Release Year: 2007
• Film Duration: 111 minutes

The Disney animated film tells the story of Ratatouille - the rat Remy. He always carries the dream of becoming a world-class chef. One day, Remy accidentally meets the kitchen helper Linguini at the famous Gusteau's restaurant. From there, the collaboration between the two begins, and the story officially begins.

Aladdin And The Magic Lamp - Disney Animated Adaptation

• Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
• Main Cast: Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Robin Williams
• Release Year: 1992
• Film Duration: 90 minutes

In the realm of legendary Disney animated films, Aladdin And The Magic Lamp undoubtedly stands out. The movie carries the nostalgic imprint of the 90s generation. Despite passing the year 2022 - the 30th anniversary since its release, the memorable scenes of this Disney animated film still resonate deeply with the audience.

The film tells the story of a young man named Aladdin - who inadvertently becomes the owner of a magical genie lamp. Thanks to the genie lamp, Aladdin, who was once an orphan wandering aimlessly, suddenly has everything he dreams of. Everything, not just wealth, but also the love of a beautiful princess.

Soul - The Colorful Life

• Director: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
• Main Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, and Graham Norton
• Release Date: 2020
• Film Duration: 107 minutes

One of the impressive Disney animated films released between 2020 - 2022 is Soul - The Colorful Life. The film revolves around Joe Gardner, a middle school teacher with an eternal love and passion for jazz music. However, an unexpected accident occurs, and his soul finds itself in the You Seminar, the world of souls.

In this world, he encounters his companion, soul number 22. While Joe Gardner always seeks ways to return to Earth, soul number 22 never finds a reason to exist. Let's see the next developments of this movie to feel it yourself!

Disney's Cars 3 - Kingdom of Cars

• Director: John Lasseter and Joe Ranft
• Main Cast: Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, and Bonnie Hunt
• Release Year: 2006
• Film Duration: 117 minutes

Disney's Cars 3 animated film follows a young racer named Lightning McQueen. One day, while he's on his way to a major race, he gets lost in the town of Radiator Springs. It's here that he comes to understand the true meaning of friendship and family. This realization prompts him to change his most stubborn and lazy habits.

Tinker Bell - Disney Princess Animation

• Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
• Screenplay: Hans Christian Andersen, Howard Ashman, John Musker, Chris Hubbell, Gerrit Graham, Ron Clements
• Cast: Kenneth Mars, Pat Carroll, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Rene Auberjonois, Jodi Benson
• Release Year: 1989
• Duration: 82 minutes

Tinker Bell, a legendary Disney princess animation beloved by many, is crafted like a grand musical with stunning oceanic visuals. Alongside, audiences are treated to emotionally stirring famous melodies. All of these create a wonderful emotional experience and are closely aligned with Andersen's original fairy tale.

Ralph Breaks the Internet - Wreck-It Ralph 2

• Director: Rich Moore
• Voice Cast: John C. Reilly, Rich Moore, Sarah Silverman, and others
• Release Year: 2012
• Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” is an adventure-comedy animated film. 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the release of this Disney animated film. The movie revolves around the antagonist character named Ralph. He dreams of becoming a hero, but the tasks in the game force him to wreck everything. So how can Ralph fulfill his dream? Stay tuned to find out the next developments of the film!

Moana - Disney 3D Animated Film

• Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 1 hour 43 minutes

“Moana's Journey” is the beloved 3D animated Disney film in 2016. The movie narrates the sea voyage of the young teacher Moana to return the heart to the goddess Te Fiti to save the villagers on the Polynesian island.

To accomplish this noble mission, Moana must face many dangers. These include the Pygmy pirates and mysterious giant ocean creatures, especially the Pygmy volcano monster. Accompanying Moana on her journey are the demigod Maui and the rooster Heihei. Will Moana's journey to return the heart to the goddess Te Fiti be successful?

Onward - Quest for Magic

• Director: Dan Scanlon.
• Voice Cast: Chris Pratt (Barley Lightfoot), Tom Holland (Ian Lightfoot), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Laurel Lightfoot),...
• Release Year: 2020
• Duration: 102 minutes.

Also a Disney animated film released between 2020 - 2022, Onward - Quest for Magic revolves around a world that once had magic. However, due to the advancement of science, magic becomes obsolete and forgotten. The movie follows the journey of the Lightfoot brothers to rediscover magic to bring back their late father. Their search leads them to clues left by their mother, including: a magical staff and a book capable of resurrecting the dead within 24 hours.

Disney's Animated Film Mulan

• Director: Tony Bancroft
• Lead Actor: Ming-Na Wen
• Release Year: 1998
• Duration: 88 minutes

This is a familiar Disney animated film for many audiences. Out of filial duty, Mulan disguises herself as a man to replace her father in the army. With martial arts skills and intelligence, Mulan fulfills her duty to protect the country. Particularly, her efforts and contributions are acknowledged and appreciated by everyone.

Above are the compilations of the best Disney animated movies from various decades past as well as newly released in 2022. With these suggestions, hopefully, you'll find the perfect Disney animated movie, especially the famous princess animated movies, to entertain yourself.

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