Top 10 Best Disney Songs
Published on October 17, 2008 - 166 Comments
Everyone has a favorite Disney movie. Disney was there for most of us growing up and it filled our imagination, and probably gave us unrealistic expectations of life and love. It also gave us some of the most adored and memorable songs in history! This is a list of the Ten Best Disney Songs. The list includes only one song from each movie.
Written by Phil Collins, This won an Academy Award (like most on this list) for Best Original Song. This song relaunched Phil Collins’ career after being virtually unknown to younger generations.
Written by Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, this is a song most people know because it has become such a part of our culture. It also was the opening theme music for most Disney movies and TV shows for years.
Written by the Sherman Brothers, this song will probobly be the most argued on the list. This scene has a begger women giving bread crumbs to the locals for a tuppence and to the birds of course. The song is a very different and serious in contrast to the rest of the movie. Therefore I gave it the nod, and because I find the scene to be one of the best in any film.
Written by Alan Menkin and Stephen Schwartz, it won the 1995 Academy Award for best song. It was the highest ranked song when it comes to the American pop charts - reaching number four. It is the most cherished song in the movie by far and it very fairly shows you how the Native Americans view the world around them.
Written by Larry Morey and Frank Churchill, this song appears 17th on AFI’s best songs in film history! This song is known for being an influence not only on Disney movies, but Jazz, and an entire generation of women looking for a prince.
Also written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this song was also nominated but it lost to the other “Little Mermaid” song “Under the Sea”. This song is on the list however because I find it rather gorgeous and beautifully sung.
Written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it is sung by one of my favorites: Angela Lansbury. It brought more people to tears then almost any other song in disney history. It won best song at the Academy Awards, the Grammy’s, and the Canadian Film awards (a Juno award).
An Alan Menkin and Tim Rice work, it is arguably the most cherished duet in Disney history. It went on to win Numerous awards at the Oscars and Grammy awards where it took home the Song of the Year award.
Written by Ned Washington and Leigh Harline, it won the Academy Award for best original song in 1940. It is seventh, and the highest ranking disney song on AFI’s 100 greatest songs in film history.
Written by Elton John and Tim Rice this song is no doubt one of the best written songs in any movie. I could have really picked one of about 4 songs from this amazing movie and not gotten much opposition. Though it did not win the award for best song (’Can you Feel the Love Tonight?’ did) It has become more of an overall fan favorite especially after the Broadway musical really made this song the Best Disney song of all time.
Notable Omissions: Bells of Notre Damn, Once Upon a Dream, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, Bare Necessities.
Contributor: Schiesl
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1. nothing - October 18th, 2008 at 2:12 am
Hey, I can play a few of these on the piano! I actually enjoyed this list. Good job.
2. Bubina - October 18th, 2008 at 2:15 am
My favourite Disney song is ‘Who Will Rescue Me’ from The Rescuers. That era of Disney is so often overlooked/disliked, but it’s my favourite Disney era. Oh well!
3. nothing - October 18th, 2008 at 2:18 am
Whole message didn’t post. It continued: “As far as #9, I had no idea that was a Disney song, I’ve heard it before, just didn’t know. Fantastic.”
4. jajdude - October 18th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Clockwise guns on the list, g. Disney will outlive anime FOREVER.
5. Choosil1cious - October 18th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Nice list, actually.
6. LemonKiwi - October 18th, 2008 at 2:46 am
When You Wish Upon a Star is one of my favorites. I also liked Bear Necessities from Jungle Book.
7. Choosil1cious - October 18th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I like “A dream is a Wish you make with your heart” in Cinderella.
8. LubLub - October 18th, 2008 at 2:56 am
ahhh…Beauty and the Beast was the best…should be joint first with The Lion King lol
9. ChuChu - October 18th, 2008 at 2:58 am
“You’ll Be In My Heart” is the song that beat out “Blame Canada” for the 1999 Best Song Academy Award, an accomplishment that apparently didn’t sit well with Trey Parker and Matt Stone. In the fourth season South Park episode “Timmy 2000″ Parker and Stone exact their revenge by depicting Phil Collins crowd surfing with his Oscar shoved up his er, posterior
10. LemonKiwi - October 18th, 2008 at 3:02 am
I also like I Wan’na Be Like You.
11. thelxiopeee - October 18th, 2008 at 3:07 am
nice list, made me smile:)
i agree with most of it, circle of life really is the best in my opinion, and you mentioned almost all my other favs
i know that doesn’t actually matter but hey, i’ve started the day well
12. disco.x - October 18th, 2008 at 3:20 am
this list is really an opinion list but very well done.
I really agree with you and…
I CAN SHOW YOU THE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRLD
13. Redcaboose - October 18th, 2008 at 3:24 am
My favorite Disney song has always been “That lady is a tramp”, from Lady and the Tramp. Sang by the great Peggy Lee.
14. Spinner - October 18th, 2008 at 3:28 am
There are some great songs in there. I would have added Hakuna Matata because I think it’s the coolest song ever from a Disney film. I’m sure that has many readers tapping their heads.
Nice list.
15. TDavis - October 18th, 2008 at 3:52 am
Actually, I’d have to go with the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565, by J. S. Bach from “Fantasia”. That baby’s shown some real staying power!
16. Miel - October 18th, 2008 at 3:52 am
Wow, I can hardly remember a time when Disney movies made it to the Academy Awards. It’s so sad to see the company that got so many children to believe in magic, love, and curiosity turn into a greedy media conglomerate, and what was once there has shriveled up, died, and turned into the sellout phenomenon known as Hannah Montana. At least I got to experience, during my childhood, what Disney used to be.
17. mandysparky - October 18th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Great list! but i don’t completely agree with the order
18. Gauntlet3D - October 18th, 2008 at 4:40 am
TDavis: I don’t think you can classify that as a Disney song. I think all these songs on the list were written for the movie. I could be wrong as I am a lot of the time.
Schiesl: Great list. Many memories attached to these for many people. (Tapping my foot all day long with this one)
19. Spore - October 18th, 2008 at 4:50 am
You could’ve easily and should have made this a top 20 list. Good list still though.
20. kakazed - October 18th, 2008 at 5:42 am
the most catchy tune though is “Its a small world”
damn now its stuck in my head!
21. DiscHuker - October 18th, 2008 at 5:58 am
i figured at least something from the jungle book would be here. bare necesseties, i wanna be like you, that’s what friends are for. i remember singing along to all of those as a child. i probably haven’t seen that movie in 15 years and i bet i could still remember some lyrics.
22. FATSEXY - October 18th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Aladdin song is easily #1.
23. warrrreagl - October 18th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Although it didn’t make the list, “Under the Sea” contains the immortal lyrics, “Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter…”
Ah, those crazy kids at Disney…
24. Mac - October 18th, 2008 at 6:51 am
I would have gone for “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book - Louis Prima doing a Louis Armstrong impression - wow. Or else “Baby Mine” from Dumbo, which is very beautiful.
Interesting and diverse list though. But I’m not sure about the Phil Collins number!
25. Kreachure - October 18th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Very nice selections, got no complaints from me!
But since someone else mentioned it already, I, too, vote for “Who will rescue me” from The Rescuers. Obviously the most underrated Disney song ever.
26. Renegade - October 18th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Hmm..I definitely agree that Hakuna Matata should have been on this list. You could be just about anywhere and start singing along and everyone will start singing, and possibly, dancing around with you. Easily a classic. I don’t think Circle of Life should have been number one though…Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World were much more beautiful, at least I believe. Though yeah, this probably should have been a top 15 or top 20, just because there are so many good songs in those movies.
27. NiMur90 - October 18th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Great List, I like the original Circle of Life better than this one though!
28. warningdontreadthis - October 18th, 2008 at 7:33 am
I love these songs so much. Why wont Disney go back to this and leave the boywhore Zac Efron and slut Miley Cyrus behind?
29. segue - October 18th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Good list, but you totally skipped what I consider to be the best Disney song of all time, “When I See An Elephant Fly”.
It’s chock-a-block full of the most absurd puns, and word play ever to grace a Disney movie song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcVkofa1AU
30. chershey - October 18th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I would have swapped Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World and kicked out you’ll be in my heart (I do hate Phil Collins anyhoo) for Baby Mine, but that’s just me. Kudos on Circle of Life being number one.
31. Ghidoran - October 18th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Not bad.
32. Neil - October 18th, 2008 at 8:30 am
OK sorry not really for this thread but its the only page I can stay on for more than 2 seconds. I thought the pop-up/pop-under ads, whatever they are, only afflict you once per visit. I cant see the home page long enough to choose a list.
33. segue - October 18th, 2008 at 8:37 am
32. Neil: change your browser to Firefox and the pop-up/pop-under problem will be history immediately.
34. cass - October 18th, 2008 at 8:56 am
“Everybody wants to be a cat” from the Aristocats. Great tune, great sentiment.
35. jake ryder - October 18th, 2008 at 9:07 am
This list could of gone on forever. Personally I love the Jungle Book. i do however think Circle of Life is a great choice of #1.
36. JwJwBean - October 18th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I LOVE Disney songs. We have a CD of Disney songs sung by Pop artists called Stay Awake. My favorite on there is Baby Mine sung by Bonnie Riatt. The only version on the web I found is a video on youtube. The person added sounds that take away from the song a little. I will not link it here, but you can go on youtube and put in Baby Mine Bonnie Raitt and it will show up. I also love Aaron Neville doing the Mickey Mouse March. And Suzanne Vega’s Stay Awake from Mary Poppins. I just love that cd.
Great list. I love all the songs.
37. Melissa - October 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Thanks so much for putting “Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag)” on there. That’s probably my favorite Disney song, it’s not only beautiful and haunting, but gives me this chill of nostalgia from all the times I heard it as a child.
38. bigski - October 18th, 2008 at 9:32 am
When I saw the title for this list I thought,another lame list. Boy was I wrong. This is the best one in a while. You should not worry about people disagreeing about #8 Tuppence it`s a beautiful song and deserves a spot.These songs (the old ones) remind me of younger days and they just brightened up the morning.Good job Schiesl!
39. ozz - October 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Yeah the circle of life is the ****, both versions
40. Aadilz - October 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Great list
Love them all, I love ‘can you feel the love tonight’ so I have to disagree with it not being here, but that’s it.
41. skipps - October 18th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Lovely list! I also like “When You Believe” from The Prince Of Egypt, but it’s from DreamWorks.
42. Cheeshygirl - October 18th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Loved this list! I have watched all these movies so many times and they never get old like some of my kids’ other movies. My son (5) loves Pinocchio! It’s so exciting seeing him get into the older Disney movies as much as the newer ones. He also loves Fox and the Hound, which has some great songs too. I might have ordered some of these songs differently but overall a great list.
43. Cheeshygirl - October 18th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Oh, and I have to agree with Tuppence for Mary Poppins. Although that movie has so many great songs, that one is hauntingly beautiful. I have a soft spot for that movie though. I grew up with the soundtrack on LP and also played Mary in my 3rd grade play.
44. ericdraven26 - October 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am
suprised nobody noticed
“Bells of Notre Damn”
isnt it notre dame?
45. smurff - October 18th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Good list - I wish I could turn back the clock, and savior more of Disneys songs and movies - the road runner ( peep peep ). Speedy —— I forgot his last name - he would put Lewis Hamilton to shame in a grand prix.
46. Cat Skyfire - October 18th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Wonderful list. Zip a Dee is a great choice, since the song has been released on various albums, but right now there’s zero chance the original movie will ever be put out. (A pity to me…The animation of Brer Rabbit and his friends were good… But the live action part was very much a product of a different era…)
Of course, now there’s room for another list of Disney songs!
47. Sled - October 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Song of the South is available through various web sites. I own a copy and highly recommend finding one. Also would have made the list longer. I would have included Spoon full of sugar and Let’s go fly a kite from Mary Poppins, Prince Ali from Alladin, Baby Mine, and I wanna be like you from Jungle Book.
48. Alok - October 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
The Circle of Poo
49. chemical_echo - October 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Great list, but there’s some songs that definitely should have been listed, if not mentioned at the end.
I Wanna be Like You from the Jungle Book
and
You’ve got a Friend in me from Toy Story
At least one song from the Jungle Book got a mention, but I’m really surprised not to see a Toy Story song with how popular that movie is.
50. almightypt88 - October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am
What? No Mulan, “I’ll make a man out of you”?
51. Rosa - October 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Awesome list!
)
(Although some notable exceptions include Baby Mine from Dumbo.. such a beautiful song.. and that song… I think it’s from Mulan.. Something about “When will my reflection show who I am Inside..” or something like that, It’s a wonderful song. Great list either way..
52. nicole - October 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
There is no “Be a Man” or that one awesome Gaston song. This list is pitiful!
53. goof_ball - October 18th, 2008 at 11:40 am
i love disney movies
the old ones
54. anthony p - October 18th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Im off to disneylan in a week or two, im looking forward to the 13 hours flight to L.A from Auckland and the “Its a small world” plus that song they play in splash mountain.
55. BrotherMan - October 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I agree goof_ball. I am into the old ones myself though some of the newer ones are pretty good. I wish Disney would still draw them by hand like they used to.
My favorite, by far, is Sleeping Beauty. I even purchased this huge kick ass statue of Maleficent during my last trip at Disney World about 5 years ago. It set me back $125 and had to be sent via Fed-Ex to my house, but it is awesome and well worth it. It is about two feet tall. She is holding her staff up in the air smiling a wicked smile and has green flames circling and rising around her. I am looking at it right now and I think I need to dust her off.
Great list, by the way, Schiesl. It is a good way to start the day. I listened to Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah and my personal favorite When You Wish Upon a Star. Thanks for the list. I think this day is going to be a good one.
56. lu - October 18th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Where’s I Wanna Be Like You? Louis Prima, guys!
This list is also severely lacking in Heffalumps and Woozles.
Okay, so those aren’t necessarily the best Disney songs, but they’re definitely my favorites.
57. Black-Yami-Cat - October 18th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Lovely list, took me right back to my childhood. My personal favourite is undoubtedly The Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia (if it counts?)
One timy thing. In the notable ommisions bit, you spelled “Dame” as “Damn”. Just me being picky.
58. HexenBexen - October 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Assuming there are actually GOOD Disney songs.
Good effort, though.
59. chrisvita - October 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I have heard from several sources through many years that “feed the birds” was Walt Disney’s favorite song. Of course, he died before several of the other songs on the list were written.
60. Samsara-gx - October 18th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Yeah, good times….goood times lol! Anyways my favourite is the Tarzan one, I love it! I like the Spanish version better though
lol…and yeah the lion king one is sooo great! I love it too!, but as a child (and even now) I never got to understand why wwas everyone so happy to see the king if they were going to get eaten later lol…
61. Cedestra - October 18th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
41. skipps: I like “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia, but it is also not a Disney movie.
I think that Disney holds a certain place in many people’s hearts, greedy corporate bastards or not. They have a huge conglomarate of many different media; movies, songs, Tv shows, a Tv network, publications, several theme parks, etc. They’re everywhere and they hold a high standard to their employees.
I hate to be nitpicky on a list like this, especially since I dislike when others do it and because it was a well written list, but I have to contest something from #7: “…and it very fairly shows you how the Native Americans view the world around them.” I think if you want to get a more accurate view of how Native Americans view the world around them, you should read some of Sherman Alexei’s works. I suggest “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”. Pocahontas had a very antiquated and stereotypical view on Native Americans and their place in the world. Actually, if you want to save time, I would check out Graham Greene’s character in Maverick, too.
62. craigscomputer - October 18th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Nothing from The Jungle Book?? Are you kidding me? The best music overall from any Disney movie and not one song makes this list?
I call shenanigans
63. ringtailroxy - October 18th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Schiesl~ thank you thank you thank you thank you!
this list is EXACTLY the feel-good-pick-me-up I needed today!
I would have had a complete conniption is a LK song wasn’t #1… although “Circle of Life” if phenomenal, so is 2 wonderful songs from TLK II, “He Lives In You”
(even though it has VERY STRONG Christian themes…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFk4xjJwXUg)
and
“We Are One” (a great song for parents to use as a lullaby…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYNsRdPditE)
An amazing thing happened to me when I was 18… I saw TLK at the movie theatres. Never had I been so enthralled by an animated film… After the original TLK, well, Disney began to suck.
I do enjoy Pixars works… Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Toy Story… but Cars? meh.
rtr
64. Cambrex101 - October 18th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
….I don’t even like half these songs.
But the rest is good.
=]
Although you did manage to pick the one song from Tarzan I don’t like,
I Want to Know
and
Strangers Like Me
are both so much better.
65. Somebody - October 18th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Glad to see Once Upon A Dream on the Notable Omissions. That’s probably my favorite Disney song. Along with “God Help The Outcasts” and “I Won’t Say I’m In Love”.
66. orenj21 - October 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
this took me back =]
67. T Cups - October 18th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Seriously, “The bells of notre damn”???
Not only a typo, but given what you’re talking about…a pretty funny one too
68. Alex T. - October 18th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Why did Disney trade this in for High School Musical?!
69. ouryLN - October 18th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) was Disney’s favorite song in Mary Poppins. The Shermans had virtually written a song for every scene and knew that not all would/could be used. It was at Disney’s insistence that this one was kept. Other casts off ended up in Bed Knobs and Broomsticks and at least a couple Disney shorts.
70. ouryLN - October 18th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
If you include the PIXAR/Disney movies, I would have included the song from Toy Story 2: When She Loved Me(Jessie’s Story). I personally think this should have won the Oscar over that Dylan song no one remembers.
71. ChaoticPython - October 18th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I probably would have included something from Hercules, and definitely “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” from Mulan, but they’re all so good that it’s hard to pick…
Top Ten? A top fifty would still be hard to choose.
72. Stormie - October 18th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
My favorite disney song is Part Of Your World from the little mermaid.
73. me! - October 18th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’m a huge fan of the cruella devil song from 101…but i love love love all disney songs. i had all of the disney sing a long videos and cassette tapes when i was litte
74. Carol - October 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
For me, the best songs are from the Lion King! I have only heard the portuguese version of Circle of Life, and it is called “O Ciclo Sem Fim” (The Endless Cicle) and the lyrics are so so amazing! I liked the original version too, but nothing compares to it in portuguese, in my opinion of course.
75. YO-YO - October 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I knew lion king will be #1
the best Disney movie ever
76. Stardust - October 18th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I’m surprised there are not any songs from Aristocats on here.
77. kfclins812 - October 18th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
BEST LIST EVER! Soooo many great memories
78. imAdork - October 18th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
My favorite Disney song by far is “Proud of Your Boy”. It’s a deleted song from Aladdin. Really, really great song.
79. Scar - October 18th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
I hate disney with a passion..
But I won’t lie..
I love Colors of the wind..
80. Melissa - October 18th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
One of my favourite Disney songs is “Why Should I Worry” (I think thats the title). From Oliver and Company, a very underrated Disney film IMO.
81. McSquida - October 18th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Not a Disney fan, but can’t disagree with the list, especially #1. I’m not ashamed to say that I love the Lion King soundtrack.
82. diogenes is dead - October 18th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Lets not forget DICK SPARKS, organist extrodinaire from the 1950’s & 60’s.
What?
This isn’t the “real people funny/silly names” list?
say what?
It was more than twenty five days ago? really?
my gawd! am I that behind the times?.. that behind caring? ..that far out of it?.. must be. Such is the way, so it seems.
(note to administrative LU office: move present incriminating comment to proper place within the order of past-proper place incriminating pool.)
To Disney songs Shiesl and good natured adult-childrens ect: so sorry all around with my foul presence.
Anybody ever see that great Saturday Night Live spoof commercial on “zip pah dee do dah”esque with Tracy Morgan. “Uncle Jemima’s Pure Mash Liquor”.. worth its weight in gold.
FO SHO!
83. yuri - October 18th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I love the old Disney films and the music of course. The recently made movies don’t have the magic of the classics.
84. Lori - October 18th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I always loved “Robin Hood and Little John” from Disney’s Robin Hood. Coincidentally, my boyfriend was the only other person I’ve met to not only know the song, but the lyrics. We sing it together from time to time.
85. Princess_Betty - October 18th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Aww, I was going to submit this list at some point, but I was beaten to it! Lori I fully agree that that Robin Hood songs should be on this list somewhere… Robin Hood and Little John walking through the forest… something about listenin’ to what the other has to saaaay… oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally golly what a daaay… that film is epic. Also, the Little Mermaid is actually the best soundtrack ever, and I don’t just mean the songs. To be fair, anything by Alan Menken is pretty awesome…
86. suzi - October 18th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Another Tuppence lover. That song just haunted me as a little girl.
87. Vera Lynn - October 18th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
What did Snow White say when she was at the Photomat?
Some day my prints will come…
88. emmawii - October 18th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
It is kinnda odd that “Kiss the Girl” was the song for The Little Mermaid instead of “Part of Your World”.. love both songs none the less.
89. Adman - October 18th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
what about You’ve Got A Friend In Me? Randy Newman. come on guys, thats a must.
90. Holdmetight9 - October 18th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Most of these songs bring back so many memories from my childhood…Is it sad that out of my four sisters I’m the only one who knows any of these Disney songs by heart. They should stop making crappy stuff like “Whore-na montanna” and High School Musical” and go back to making beautiful pieces of art like these films.
On a Side Note I think “A friend like me” from Aladin should have been included
Deuces
91. Vera Lynn - October 18th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Cass (34) Every body wants to be a cat. That is the best. I have the album. I love it!
92. DK - October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I am thrilled by this list! I am a huge Disney fan, and love all of these songs (though I probably would have chosen something else in place of the Tarzan song…). The timing on this list is extremely awesome for me as well.
Adman: Pixar movies, while connected to Disney, I think would have a separate category. I wouldn’t put them in the same list together. I’m a bit of a freak for Pixar though, I sure wish I could just hang out with John Lasseter for a day…
93. Stacey - October 18th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I knew #1 was going o be #1, that song makes me cry every time I hear it. Such a sad movie, still surprises me it’s a kids movie.
94. DK - October 18th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
@ Anthony: (54) I was just in Disneyland last weekend, and I do have some bad news. Small World is currently closed for renovation! I was bummed, but my fiance was very happy not to have me drag him on there!
By the way, I may have switched out the “Someday My Prince Will Come” with “I’m Wishing” from Snow White:)
95. juleigh - October 18th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I too remember being saddened by Tuppence when I was a kid. It seems like we sang that song in music class when I was in grade school, that and Chim Chim Cheree.
I am also a big fan of The Jungle Book’s I Wanna Be Like You and also Bare Necessities. And that one song in Dumbo where Dumbo gets drunk, Pink Elephants on Parade, is one of my absolute favorites. You really have to see the scene to fully appreciate it, though.
96. Nikki - October 19th, 2008 at 4:02 am
I would have included hakuna matata myself, love that song:D
97. Jackie - October 19th, 2008 at 4:09 am
The one song that gets me every time is from Dumbo “Baby of mine”
98. Ellen - October 19th, 2008 at 4:56 am
very nice list! Most of my favourite songs were there, like circle of life and colours of the wind. My personal favourite though, even if not many other people like it, is Everybody Wants to be a Cat from Aristocats!
99. segue - October 19th, 2008 at 9:15 am
To everyone who loved the Lion King movie: SEE THE PLAY!
It’s phenomenal! I truly thought I was going to hate it, but it took about 90 seconds to dismiss this absurd notion.
I’m not kidding. Even if you only sort of liked the movie, or never saw the movie but liked one of the songs, SEE THE PLAY!
It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
100. Zippy - October 19th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Hellfire from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
101. Algodon - October 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
i actually like the songs sung by a choir (eg “savages” or “pink elephant on parade”) more than solo-pieces.
although this is a great list
P.S: other possible songs for this list could be be our guest, everybody wants to be a cat, i wanna to be like you…
102. Algodon - October 19th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
P.P.S: i actually like the german version of savages even more than the english one^^
103. Pyrratus - October 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Favourite Disney song ever: “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You”. I was at least expecting it to be in Notable Omissions.
104. Louise - October 19th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
What about that song that Genie sings in Aladdin? Can’t remember the name:)
Also “a spoonfull of sugar” from Mary Poppins. But otherwise great list!!!
105. chunkylover - October 19th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I have been reading this site since it started, and have never posted a negative comment. This list is the worst I have ever read. I know, I know, it’s just someone’s opinion…but why is his/her taste so horrible? Eh, not my cup of tea.
106. DK - October 19th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
well chunkylover, let’s see your list on this subject? All of these songs are incredible! No need to be so rude.
107. nepratini - October 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
This list is fantastic, although I would have loved to see a song from Petes Dragon my fav from that movie is Candle on the water but who can forget Brazzle Dazzle Day and Its not easy.
108. Ash - October 19th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
OMG this is the best list idea ever!
I LOVE Disney movies
I don’t know how you decided on only ten
But big kudos for having the Lion King as number 1
Love it
109. Ash - October 19th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
PS - Out There or Hellfire from Hunchback of Notre Dame deserved to be here
110. Panic! - October 19th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Okay, are you serious?
NO Nightmare Before Christmas songs? What the hell? Those songs were BRILLIANT. “This Is Halloween” and “What’s This?” were incredible, and at least one of them should’ve made this list. Honestly, that film has got to be the best thing Disney has ever associated itself with…
What is WRONG with you people?
111. Panic! - October 19th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Also, I’m glad to see that there are some people out there who dislike High School Musical and Hannah Montana as much as I do.
It warms my soul, we should start an old school Disney movement…
112. juleigh - October 19th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Panic!
I have to agree with you. This is Halloween and What’s This are brilliant and would definitely make my list. I had a brain fart and didn’t realize that Nightmare Before Christmas was Disney.
113. diogenes is dead - October 19th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
well you see juleigh, the creator of N.B.C. (also know in the un-abreiviated format of ” Nightmare Before Christmas”) known as Burton Tim, was long ago a deed signed within Disney blood , his first movie reaction of “Frankenweiner”(sp?). This was like the fork in the road. the faustian bargain.ect,ect.
114. astraya - October 20th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I seem to have largely escaped the Disney Corporation’s clutches. I have only seen Mary Poppins, Pinocchio and maybe Snow White in full (Pinocchio only once when I was very young; Snow White, if I saw it in full, only once when I was very young, but portions of it one Christmas when one of my nieces was given the dvd (not by me!)).
115. xKaylax - October 20th, 2008 at 12:30 am
I was wondering if anyone would say anything about The Nightmare Before Christmas. My all-time favorite movie. I have a huge movie poster taped to my wall, and I’m getting the re-released version this week. I love every song in that movie..
Anyway.
I knew the Lion King would be number one, but I honestly thought it would be Can You Feel the Love Tonight? But I’m not complaining. I love the Circle of Life!
Awesome list, makes me feel like a kid again.
116. enxchanted - October 20th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Disney songs are the greatest!
i really liked “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid too.
117. zieniee - October 20th, 2008 at 4:19 am
i love Disney..
i grew up watching Disney shows.
great List!.
118. FifthSonata - October 20th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Bell of Notre Damn, eh? Did I learn the wrong title?
I scanned through over 40 comments before I saw someone else notice the typo.
Freudian slip, possibly?
119. Iain - October 20th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I vote for the ‘Mickey Mouse Club March’ as sung by advancing Marines at the end of ‘Full Metal Jacket’.
“M-I-C - K-E-Y - M-O-U-S-E”
120. Sedulous - October 20th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Interesting story, I actually heard that “When You Wish Upon a Star” was written by a lady who lived here in Oregon and was submitted to Disney as part of a song writing contest. They were looking for a song to make sort of a “theme song” out of. Anyway the winner of the contest got like 50 bucks and a toaster I think. What is interesting is I had a speech class with this ladies granddaughter and she did a whole speech on it and showed us pictures of the letter that Disney sent her acknowledging her as the winner. Since then Disney has refused to recognize her as the writer. I don’t think she wrote the music, just the lyrics. It was a few years ago that I took the speech class. Don’t know how legit the claim is but I can’t imagine why she would lie about it.
121. Jayme - October 20th, 2008 at 7:50 am
What about Battie’s rap song he sung in Ferngully? That song kicked ass!
122. kris - October 20th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Oh! I love every song mentioned in the list…
123. Gray - October 20th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Correction - The Juno’s are MUSIC awards - not movie awards.
124. onwisconsn - October 20th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Two suggestions: “Friend Like Me” - Aladdin; “How Do You Do?” - Song of the South
125. DK - October 20th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Was Fern Gully Disney? I didn’t think it was, but it’s been so long…I could be mistaken.
126. Sedulous - October 20th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Fern Gully was 20th Century Fox
127. Kat - October 20th, 2008 at 9:44 am
“Feed the Birds” was Walt Disney’s favorite song. Whenever he was working with the Sherman brothers on something, he would ask them to play it for him.
128. Pita Bread - October 20th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Ferngully was GREAT. That’s what it was!
129. thanerosse - October 20th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Not a single song from Hunchback of Notre Dame?
My personal favourite Disney film and the best Menken/Schwartz collaboration! Every song in that film is a classic, and the instrumental “Sanctuary!” could compete with some of the best film music in my opinion.
130. Ellycat - October 20th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I think you have to split this list by years. Say anything pre-1980s and then forward. What about the oldies like Bella Notte (Lady & the Tramp), Spoon full of Sugar (Mary Poppins), Everybody wans to be a Cat (The Aristocats), Cruella de Vil (101 Dalamations), Yo ho ho, a Pirates Life for Me, Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly…I’m Late (Alice in Wonderland)…oh so many!!!
131. gezzanater - October 20th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I don’t think you can have only 10 of the best Disney songs ever, even 20 is pushing it uphill.
The Bare Neccassities, Someday My Prince Will Come, most of Beauty & The Beast songs, the list just goes on and on.
132. Lammy - October 20th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I really don’t have a problem with this list, except 1 and 2 should be switched. “When You Wish Upon a Star” is by far the greatest and most iconic achievement on this list.
133. Charlie - October 20th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
It stinks that there are like no more native americans their culture was so deep … rich.
134. segue - October 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Charlie, you do realize we’re talking about cartoons here, right?
135. mongo - October 20th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
This list sucks, because now I got all these friggin songs stuck in my head.
136. DK - October 20th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Mongo-That’s the reason I LOVED this list!
137. DK - October 20th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
PS
That and the fact that I got engaged in Disneyland a week ago, so the timing of the list is very exciting to me!
138. segue - October 20th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
My worst nightmare is getting stuck inside the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland, and hearing that song over and over and over and over ad nauseum
139. JwJwBean - October 20th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
“My worst nightmare is getting stuck inside the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland, and hearing that song over and over and over and over ad nauseum”
That happened to me. I was at Disneyland with my parents when I was in 4th grade. We got stuck on that stinking ride for an HOUR! I hate that song to this day. So does my mom.
140. SlickWilly - October 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
My worst nightmare is waking up without my penis.
/obscure National Lampoon reference.
(Bonus points if anyone can tell me what movie that’s from!)
141. Joss - October 21st, 2008 at 10:13 am
Somehow you managed to include all of my least favorite Disney songs.
To each his own and all that.
142. Charlie - October 21st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
134. segue: I know it just reminded me of it; sorry if i got off topic.
143. Anon - October 21st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Some long-lingering childhood memories stirred here,
Good to see the list so broadly and fondly appreciated, and everyone with their own favourites.
Mine? Original here I think: “An Actor’s Life for Me” - Pinocchio. So wonderfully knowing, jaunty, cynical and sophisticated in contrast to the puppet-boy’s wide-eyed, innate naívety. Like most of the best cartoons of all time, as well as some of the lyrics, the film has the ability to appeal to kids and adults alike on different le3vels.
144. ravi - October 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 am
gr8 list…each song competing with the other…there is something abt disney…
145. segue - October 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
142. Charlie: No, don’t apologize. Disney *was* a racist. That is well-known. My point, badly stated because I’m dealing with a creep on another list and so somewhat disconcerted, is that we ought not personalize something as “other” as a cartoon.
One of my favorite, actually probably my favorite, Disney song, is “When I see an Elephant Fly” from Dumbo.
If you analyze the whole thing, the way the crows talk and act, it’s a pure vaudeville black-face routine, yet the entire thing, act + song = the best piece of film Disney may ever have produced. It’s full of crazy puns and plays on words and gives pleasure on several different levels at once…plus it’s first time Dumbo actually flies. BONUS!
146. lrtrosebud - October 22nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
OMG the “Its a small world” ride scared the crap outta my bro when we were little. ok i say little, he was actually 13, i think. To this day, some 15 years later, he still won’t tell me why it scared him.
Anyway, to the list, love this list. However, my daughter(4) would disagree with the fact that there aren’t any Cinderella songs on it. “Bippity Bobbity Boo” is her favorite song.
147. clarsax - October 22nd, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Melissa: I completely agree. Oliver and Company was my favorite movie growing up, and Why Should I Worry? was one of my favorite songs. Of course, I’m more of a rocker, so I prefer that kind of sound. But I remember how disappointed I was when Oliver and Company was never released after it was in theaters. I dragged my poor parents to see that movie 8 times, and then had to wait about 19 years before it was released on VHS/DVD. Very much an underrated film.
148. Miss Destiny - October 22nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
“Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase!” The song from Aladdin was one of my favorites so I was glad to see it there. I’d have added “The Bare Necessities,” gotta love the Baloo scratch against a tree!
Maybe I’d throw in “Cinderelly, Cinderelly” sung by the mice in Cinderella, I loved that part of the movie!
I have always liked the song “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” from Hercules.
I agree with the inclusion of the Tarzan song simply because I love Phil Collins and he is one of my heroes. XD
149. ^_^ - October 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 pm
oooh, i love Disney songs! i agree with ChaoticPython, the songs from Mulan are great, too. they should have been included here. i heart I’ll Make a Man Out of You. and that Michael Bolton song, too. Go the Distance is the title, i think. i suggested that song to my brother for their high school graduation song. ^_^
150. ^_^ - October 22nd, 2008 at 11:20 pm
and oh yeah. i never liked that big-mouthed hannah montana kid.
151. Brickhouse - October 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
I would’ve picked Supercalafragalisticexpialidocious over the Tuppins Song.
I *love* Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid. Wow - there are sooo many to choose from. I say some encore lists should be created!
152. Brickhouse - October 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 am
Aside from Zip-a-Dee-do-Dah, all the songs are soft and lovey-dovey. How about the fun songs? “Friend Like Me” from Aladdin always gets me going or “Be Like You” from Jungle Book or “Hakuna Matata” from Lion King.
These songs are beautiful, but it was the toe-tapping songs from the Disney movies that I loved.
153. chibodee - October 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” should be #1
154. Egg - October 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I didn’t like any of the slow songs.
Prince Ali, Be Prepared, Bells of Notre Dame and Hellfire, Gaston, Poor Unfortunate Souls — even as a child these were always my favourites. Loved the bad guys
155. juleigh - October 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Poor Unfortunate Souls was the best song in The Little Mermaid! Possibly the best part of the whole movie…
156. bloomfever2002 - October 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I am a huge Disney fan. I am about to have my first child and I am so glad that the Disney movies will be ther for her to enjoy as much as I do. I just bought the Sleeping Beauty 50th anniversary DVD. What a classic.
I love this list but i have to say Baby Mine from Dumbo puts me into tears every time. As does the song sung to Todd in Fox and The Hound. There are just so many classic songs from these great movies I am sure you had a hard time making this list.
Kudos!!
157. Lilith Hel - October 25th, 2008 at 2:13 am
thank god ‘Hakuna Matata’ didn’t make the list. that song makes me want to wretch. ‘Circle of Life’ was good, but ‘can you feel the love tonight’ drives me crazy. i have to hear the elton john version everyday at work on that damn muzak station. i thought the lion king was overrated. the best songs came from aladdin, beauty and the beast, and the little mermaid imo.
158. kellyg - October 25th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
A top ten list is just too hard to manage considering how many memorable and beautiful songs that are out there. Especially from the unpopular movies such as Hercules and Hunchback of Notre Dame. I’m glad Beauty and the Beast made it. I’m kinda biased because it is my favorite movie since I was four. Now I’m 21 and I still love it.
159. Denzell - October 26th, 2008 at 2:27 am
“#4. jajdude - October 18th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Clockwise guns on the list, g. Disney will outlive anime FOREVER.”
~I agree.
160. Josh - October 30th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
arabian night-alladin
161. natz - November 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I agree with some songs in your list. But am afraid to say aladin obv should have bn number 2. also the number 1 choice of the lion king didnt sound anything like the film at ALL. it was pish…..
162. natz - November 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I think can you feel the love tonight in the actual film should have made numba 1, none eh the elton john pish. fantasia was a brilliant disney classic.
163. Tonio - December 1st, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Great list! i grew up with most of these and i really miss these days. Now its all about hannah montana and HSM
164. BrerRabbit12 - December 19th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I am glad to see that you put “Feed the Birds” on the list. However, I have to say you sold it a bit short. That song is easily one of the best Disney songs of all time (especially when sung by Julie Andrews), and it most definitely outranks both “Colors of the Wind” and “Someday My Prince Will Come.” I would even go so far as to say that it deserves the number 3 spot on this list!
165. Cate - January 6th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I love Disney, this is a great list! I could probably give you my top 30 or so of favorite Disney songs from back when Disney had truly great music. Some of my favorites not on the list are “Reflections” (Mulan); “Won’t Say I’m in Love” (Hercules); “Once Upon a Dream” (Sleeping Beauty); “Strangers Like Me” (Tarzan); and “Trashin’ the Camp” (Tarzan, the “NSYNC/Phil Collins version).
Basically…I just love Disney movies and music XD