Top 10 Animated Disney Movies

Over the years Disney has become a formidable force in animation and created so many masterpieces it's unreal. Based on impact, content and characters this list of the top ten Disney animated films has been compiled.

10. 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves'

The movie that started it all. Without the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves we wouldn't have all of these fantastic animated classics to watch. At the time this film was the pinnacle of technology, making Walt Disney a pioneer. Catchy tunes, a familiar story and lovable characters Snow White and the Seven Dwarves still holds up over 80 years after release! Its impact on animation history makes it worthy of the tenth spot on this list.

9. 'Big Hero 6'

Big Hero 6 tackles many major issues that are present in our world including grief, depression and the clear difference between generations. However it's the acknowledgement of Hiro's mental status as a medical condition by medical bot Baymax that I find so compelling. Hiro has lost so much and it has so obviously taken a toll on him and Baymax acknowledges that this is a problem and presents socialising with friends and physical contact as solutions. The character of Professor Robert Callaghan is complex and gives children an insight into how powerful grief can be and what it can turn a person into. As a superhero film, it is rather anti-violence, instead coming up with creative solutions using science. Whether this is a choice due to it being a kids film or an active protest against violence I'm not sure, but either way I support the decision. This film is raw and clever and definitely one you should watch.

8. 'The Incredibles and The Incredibles 2'

I think we are all thankful to have Edna Mode in our lives, but once again this is a children's film that is so much more than what it seems which is why I have grouped both films together. There is a clear exploration of family traditions and how they should function especially with the second film. Elastigirl is pushed forward as the superhero, the breadwinner for the family and Mr. Incredible stays home to watch the kids. It's a complete role reversal and it sends a message that women can be career driven and men can be caretakers. But the main message I get from these films is that the family unit works so much better when the workload is shared between both parents. Kids also see themselves represented on screen in the form of Violet and Dash who are both strong in their own right and have an excellent judgement of right and wrong but are still living their lives as kids.

7. 'Wreck-It Ralph'

This film holds a special place in my heart and I'll tell you why. I'm not a crier. Marley and Me, nothing. Titanic, nada. But Wreck-It Ralph gets me every time. Ralph is a very relatable character especially for people my age who are transitioning from teenager to adult and are unsure of how to navigate this new part of our lives. We have so many people telling us how to act, what to do, what's expected of us and Ralph is no different. He's the villain, the bad guy, who just wants to prove he's capable of more despite this role that is forced on him. And he is capable of so much more. I'm gonna stop before I cry. Again.

6. 'Moana'

Forget the music for a second even though it's top notch. Moana is a young woman of colour who has no love interest forced on her. That is revolutionary for a Disney princess film (apart from Brave but we won't get into that) and it shouldn't be. This is one of the first times little girls watch a young woman be her own hero with very little help from men. She doesn't even defeat evil, she recognises that there is good in everyone and that good was stolen. Also a shoutout to Tala, Moana's grandmother, who encourages her to be adventurous, but also acknowledges that the mission set out for her is a lot to ask of a young woman and there is no shame in admitting that fact.

5. 'The Lion King'

What I love about the The Lion King is that it was never meant to be as successful as it's become. It was released as a way to tide Disney fans over until the release of Pocahontas which was supposed to be the big blockbuster success. But with the music of Elton John and a storyline straight out of Shakespeare (seriously its Hamlet with Lions) of course it was going to be huge. A fan favourite until the end—it takes such a high spot on this list due to it being such a cultural phenomenon and it's sheer endurance as a Disney animated classic.

4. 'The Toy Story' Franchise'

We've all truly wondered if our toys come to life when we're not looking. Well in this world they do. Toy Story was Disney's first venture into 3D animation and was so successful that it led to the company making all their films using 3D animation. Films that explore friendship and envy, Toy Story is certainly Disney's most successful franchise—100 percent iconic. They're also such quotable films and much like The Lion King they have endured 20 years and are still watched widely today. That's incredible. Also Spanish buzz in the later films.

3. 'Lilo and Stitch'

Before transferring all their films to 3D animation Disney gave us some weird 2D animated films including Lilo and Stitch. Way before Frozen showed us the power of the relationship between sisters, Lilo and Stitch did the same thing, better. When their parents die unexpectedly nineteen year old Nani is left to raise younger sister Lilo, and she's a bit of a disaster but hey I would be too in that situation. There is so much to admire about this film. Nani is one of few Disney women with realistic body measurements. The use of Elvis Presley songs is inspired and the relationship between the two sisters is highly relatable. The growth of Stitch from monster to fully functioning family member is adorable. However, I don't think the character of David gets enough credit. Even after Nani turns him down, prioritising her sister, David accepts that she's not in the right place to be dating him and instead of being like most men I've met and having a fit about it, he chooses to help her whenever he can. Prince Charming can stuff it, I want a David.

2. 'Inside Out'

What a fantastic way to explain emotions and more specifically mental health issues to young children. The story of a young girl, Riley, who is having issues with depression and anxiety, we get a glimpse into her head. This film teaches children that in order to fix a problem like this you have to allow your emotions to take over and learn to ask for help. Riley is initially helmed by Joy who is supported by the other emotions. We see Riley's mother is helmed by sadness and her father by anger which could suggest that both have had issues with depression and anger in the past. This film is so much more than just a kids film, it's an in depth look at how emotions in children work and how fragile they can be.

1. 'Zootopia'

A controversial top pick, but nonetheless I have chosen it. I'm gonna say it. Here it is. Zootopia is about racism. A society where all animals seem to live in harmony, but predators (AKA people of colour) aren't completely trusted or welcome. Zootopia is an excellent way of explaining this imbalance to young children because it's a topic that has to be addressed regardless of age. It also places the prey (white people) as the main villain which no doubt alludes to the fact that many terrorists are white and yet people of colour get the media attention for such acts. The film also addresses sexism in the workplace, the importance of female friendships and that your size shouldn't limit you. The thing I think that is handled beautifully is the character development of Gideon who is Judy's tormentor from school. When she meets him years later, he apologises for his actions, admitting his past insecurities and due to his language we can only assume he got some sort of help. Zootopia is beautifully crafted film that should be watched by all.