Disney films have been around for decades, and have probably nursed more children into adulthood than anything else. There have been a category of different films that showcase the genius of Walt Disney, and that genius can be appreciated by both children and adults alike. This is a list of my top ten favorites.
#10 The Jungle Book (1967) (7/10)
We begin this list with the story of a young boy named Mowgli, who when abandoned by his parents has to embark on an adventure to find the 'man-village' in order to escape from an evil tiger. In that time he makes about every single friend he possibly can including one very entertaining bear, who for some reason can't kill the tiger himself despite outweighing him considerably. But this is 'Disney', and not a science lesson, and so we get a tale that pays homage to the classic Rudyard Kipling novel of the same name. It might not be very faithful to the original story, but then that book had some mature themes that had to be replaced with a good old dose of 'Disney' magic. In doing so this film became a true product of its time, and when that time happens to be filled with hippies and LSD you know you're onto a winner. Okay some of the views expressed are a little backwards by today's standards, but don't let that distract you from having a good time.
The other bonus of this film is that it hasn't been ruined by the music. Many 'Disney' musical productions fall into the trap of having mind-numbing and unnecessary vocal performances, but this one actually has songs that are even bordering on good. I'm still not convinced they add anything, but if anything it does make the characters more lovable; something that the sinister world of Kipling would never allow. 'Disney' always manages to find the positives out of a boy being hunted by a man eating tiger, and somehow manages to create a bright and aesthetically pleasing film that completely contradicts the mood of the actual plot. I think that works just fine, and as a result this film became a personal favorite of mine when growing up. At that time I didn't care about the racist attitudes and sinister depictions of life. All I saw was an entertaining and charming film that signaled the final animated feature ever produced by Walt Disney himself.
#9 Finding Nemo (2003) (8/10)
A modern classic if ever there was one. This must have been one of the first films I ever saw at the cinema, and I distinctly remember loving every fucking minute of it. This film has to be one of the most enjoyable kidnapping storylines of all time, primarily because it has bucket loads of charm. This has to be down to the wide host of characters that litter every corner of ocean this film decides to center on. Even minor roles such as sharks and whales are made into their own individual roles, and watching them all interact with the narrative is just fascinating. Sure, there may be the odd cliche lying around, but when you have such a lovable cast voiced to perfection it really doesn't matter. The result is some personalities that I feel more emotionally attached to than any human characters in epic dramas.
I'm still not sure if there was any underlying message to this. I'm not saying the plot is a bit pointless, and if anything it's a great adventure to be part of, but I never got a sense of purpose out of the film. Don't get me wrong, I still had a great time watching it, but now I'm slightly older that nostalgic feeling just doesn't cut the mustard anymore. I love how 'Disney' have created mesmerising world's out of otherwise boring landscapes in a dentist's fish tank, and I love the sense of care and passion that has gone into the film's creation, but I can't help but feel a bit underwhelmed by the film that I loved as a child. Maybe that's just me, and certainly this film is still very much loved, but I can't see through this fun packed adventure from a higher level. I'm sure other people can, and I'm sure that's why this film has had such an impact that the universal term for a clownfish is now a 'Nemo'. It's actually quite ironic that a film about saving fish has had the reverse effect, and so now clownfish have become the most imported fish in the world. You see what I mean about the lack of a message.
#8 Pinocchio (1940) (8/10)
This has to be the greatest coming of age film I could possibly imagine. It may even be up there with the best animated films of all time, and that's for a host of good reasons. This film is the story of a puppet who desperately tries to become a boy with the help of one classy and well dressed cricket. This pursuit ends the pair into quite a lot of trouble just about everywhere in the world. That plot point is actually a great foundation for an epic storyline, and the universe it happens in is one of awe and wonder. The narrative will hapilly go from some light hearted fun to moments of genuine fear and terror in a heartbeat, which emphasises the sense of scale in Pinocchio's voyage. The whale scene is by far the best example of this peril, and has to go down as one of my favorite animated sequences in history. The rest is just classic 'Disney' moments one after another with an overall uplifting message and optimistic tone. The effort that went into the film is clearly on display as the animation is revolutionary, and the characters are all constructed well to complete a very well rounded film.
This utilitarian charm is rather overshadowed in various scenes by a dark tone that is very uncharacteristic of 'Disney' films. There are some genuinely quite harrowing scenes, and couple this with frequent themes of slavery and you get a film with a powerful message. Don't think that this will put off the target audience, in fact I loved this as a kid, and would recommend it to anyone of any age. To get a sense of what 'Disney' is all about, this would be the first film i would go to as everything is created to such a high level of detail, just like the puppet in question. This film is full of passion, and even though it's a classic you can still appreciate the groundbreaking animation and epic storytelling. It may well have been a box office disaster, but that hasn't stopped the film from becoming an integral part of 'Disney' history, even if it's majorly forgotten by modern audiences.
#7 The Incredibles (2004) (8/10)
It's when I watch this film that I'm reminded as to why I hate serious superhero movies. I much prefer light hearted parodies like this one that don't take themselves too seriously, yet tell excellent stories in the process. Unlike the genuine product this makes a mockery of the concept, and actually subverts common conventions by portraying a family of superheroes trying to lead a normal life. That great concept alone was enough for the film to be successful, but I didn't expect the film to also be incredibly funny and tell a surprisingly crisp and engaging story. This film pushed the boat out for me, and that's not something that 'Disney' had done in a long time, and so I would like to personally thank them for that. Director Brad Bird shows his talents for filming with yet another brilliant storyline that like his previous work 'The Iron Giant' is full of interesting and unique characters. These are the sorts of characters that are instantly lovable, yet still maintain their various roles for the narrative to succeed.
The real reason this is such a hit is because it depicts superheroes as normal guys. I like that concept so much more than blonde men with huge hammers blowing shit up for no reason. This more innocent approach becomes part of the charm in this film, and thankfully that charm was backed up with a well executed plot. That plot also happened to be a really well paced one, and the narrative flows incredibly well with a fast pace, ensuring an experience that never gets boring. That's a trick that the majority of superhero movies can't accomplish, and so for this one to nail it is a testament to how good this film really is. I've heard many people complain that this is far too violent for a 'Disney' film, but that's just overlooking the light hearted fun that rampages through everything this film ever does. It's actually a great piece of satire, and in terms of something new 'Pixar' should be lauded for a terrific film.
#6 Bambi (1942) (8/10)
If you're a despicable parent then you might like to let your children watch this classic animated film. If you are that sort of person then you will be succeeding in scarring your child for the rest of their lives. You will be submitting your child to one of the most heartwarming and traumatic films in existence. The scene where Bambi's mother gets shot is quite possibly the most disturbing thing about my childhood, and the fact that it's animated so well makes the whole experience psychologically traumatising for a five year old child. Oh yes there may be some adorable animals to fall in love with on the way, but sooner or later they're almost certainly going to be killed, as death overshadows everything in this film. It might not be as depressing as 'Watership Down', but I can assure anyone of any age that this is not a film you're going to enjoy. Instead you'll end up feeling like a fucking terrible person when you see every animal in the forest being mercilessly slaughtered by human interference. This is a tactic you would expect from PETA and not bloody 'Disney'.
The depressing story is not the only thing to separate this from your typical 'Disney' film. You'll struggle to find any of that stereotypical magic that you would commonly find in any other animated feature, and instead that's replaced by a hard dose of the truth that usually evades classic 'Disney' films. Sacrificing a charming fantasy world for a brutal tale of nature didn't go down too well at the time, but since then people have got over the original trauma and actually began to see the film as a great piece of cinema, which is a reputation that it truly deserves. This was arguably Walt Disney's last film of his 'Golden Era', and although some might argue otherwise, I still think this was his greatest achievement in that time. Sure it may have lost a lot of money at the box office, but future generations will end up knowing that this is the one that has such a strong message. Walt Disney himself claimed that this was his best film. I would personally disagree with that, but there's no denying that this is an excellent film.
#5 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) (9/10)
The film that proves when 'Disney' do want to make a mature fantasy adventure they can really pull it off, even if they still can't quite loose the gimmicks that go with it. This film ushered 'Disney' into a new era of more mature programming, and although this entry doesn't try anything revolutionary, it is still a great example of how to use a blockbuster budget to good effect. The plot is a standard kidnapping of the governor's daughter with the odd curse thrown in, but that actually turns out to be quite a foundation for an epic adventure that makes just about anyone wish they were a pirate like Captain Jack Sparrow. Unlike the previous worlds from 'Disney' films of old, this one felt realistic and diverse to go with the more mature themes. Admittedly some of the action sequences are poorly executed, and I think the film tries a bit too hard to look pretty, but otherwise you have a very well paced adventure on the high seas.
Some of the acting is also questionable, most notably the expressionless Orlando Bloom, and the simply woeful Keira Knightly, both of whom somehow managed to land themselves starring roles despite being totally shit actors. When you contrast their performances to Johnny Depp it really becomes apparent, as for once Depp actually plays his eccentric role of Captain Jack Sparrow down to a tee, and becomes an instant hit with audiences worldwide. I think this film became so successful because of his charisma alone, as I doubt many people would be drawn in by the great narrative. The result of course was a huge hit that even some shortsighted decisions weren't going to effect, and that unfortunately led to some underwhelming sequels that kept the negatives of this film and lost all the positives. Still, this is a great gritty drama that creates an unbelievable atmosphere, blowing the cash grabbing sequels out of the water.
#4 Up (2009) (9/10)
Like 'Bambi', this is another great example of how 'Disney' can just torture our emotions with a powerful piece of cinema. This time it was the turn of 'Pixar' to produce what has to be one of the most uplifting and heartwarming tales I could possibly imagine. It didn't seem like that was going to be the case in the first thirty minutes. In fact that first thirty minutes will pull every string in your heart at once, and that's not even part of the main narrative. Once you do wipe the tears away from the quite brilliant opening sequences, you can expect another treat with the well written and emotional plot that sees a man trying to reach South America in memory of his late wife. It's an endeavour that sets up everything needed for a touching story, but that potential only increases when you meet the cast of eccentric, yet relatable characters. The setting is an intriguing world with a sense of unrivaled beauty that I have yet to find in any other animated film, and I just love how this intertwines with the well executed plot that allows the film to conclude with a lovely climax.
I would call this a film for everyone. I think the plot has the utilitarian value of being entertaining enough for children, yet also deeply engaging for the adult audience. The children who watch this might not appreciate the well written storyline, but if I was a kid I would love the amazing fantasy world that was unfurling before my very eyes. Okay, it might play out a bit like a yoghurt commercial, but hasn't the spirit of 'Disney' always been about living in an ideal world? As a piece of art I really do believe that this is Walt Disney's greatest accomplishment, and I implore anyone with any personality to give it a watch and see just how the incredible narrative manages to move you.
#3 Peter Pan (1953) (9/10)
Contrary to popular beleif I think that this is the best 'Disney' animated classic. That's not a view shared by many people, but I simply beleive that as a film this is far superior in almost every respect. For starters the primary reason you should fall in love with this film is because of the setting. I don't think 'Disney' have ever created such an amazing place as 'Neverland', which when you're a child is just mindblowing in scale. In this setting we also get a host of brilliant characters that interact to produce an interesting storyline. Okay, I'll admit that Pan's gang are a bit dull, especially Tinkerbell who really gets on my fucking nerves, but everyone else just seems so perfect. Captain Hook is the standout character. He's a villain so good that he rivals those in more seroious films. His charismatic and charming personality are just orgasmic to watch, yet he's a good enough villain for you to root for Peter Pan every single time. Pan may actually be a bit of an asshole, but at least he's able to fly, so we'll let him off.
I just love this film as it's the first time I got the sense of magic that can only be experienced in a 'Disney' film. I have read the J.M Barrie novel that the film is based on, and I can quite comfortably say that this is what reading the novel felt like, and exactly what I pictured everything to be. It might not stay too faithful to the original novel, and in terms of a swashbuckling adventure it might leave some underwhelmed, but I can't help but love every single minute of action. This film sums up why I respect animated films. With animation you can achieve amazing feats that cannot be done in conventional themes, and as amazing as reality is, it will never be as amazing as watching a boy fly into another world entirely. Face it, this film had it all. It even had some good old casual racism, which actually looks quite serious nowadays. Still, I'd like to think modern society can just laugh it off, unless you decide to visit one of those horrific forums filled with ignorant morons. I'm not the only person to love this film, in fact it was actually Michale Jackson's favorite movie. Although the more we find out about Jackson's private life, the more disturbing it becomes that his favorite film is essentially the story of kidnapping small children. Anyway, me and Jackson both love it; that's all the proof I need as to why this is the best 'Disney' classic.
#2 The Lion King (1994) (9/10)
In terms of surprises this is the best that 'Disney' has to offer, and thankfully that risk paid off big time. No really, this film has become the highest grossing animated film of all time, which is an amazing achievement since 'Disney' were reluctant to make the thing in the first place. The story is centered around a young lion who returns to avenge his murdered father, which he was falsely accused of. That brief synopsis doesn't really do the epic plot justice, as really you have here one of the best written films in a long time. It's amazing that this film was actually demoted in priority behind 'Pocahontas', which is an insult considering how mediocre that tuned out to be. Still, for sloppy seconds this film hasn't done too badly. I think it has to be an acheivment in cinema to make me care so much about anthropomorphic lions, when before I thought they just ate everything and then slept a lot. But 'Disney' managed to take that rather dull lifestyle and makes some very interesting characters out of that. Lions such as Mufasa, who is voice by fucking Darth Vader, and the iconic villain Scar, who brings a new meaning to the term 'villanous'. Okay, some of the cast are a bit forgettable, but when you have characters that are univerally loved and hated in every corner you can't really complain.
I just think this film is an epic achievement that both kids and adults can appreciate despite the plot being dumbed down for the target audience. I just love the standout scenes like Mufasa's death, which has to be one of the saddest moments anyone can experience, no matter what their age. Even the deaths of more minor characters are dealt with in such a way that their loss becomes almost a thing of beauty. This is only heightened by the simply stunning musical score which 'Disney' absolutely fucking nailed. Not only did they get legendary composer Hans Zimmer to write the score, but they also employed Elton John to write some songs. How can you possibly go wrong when you have two legendary musicians coming together with a really strong narrative? This film really is proof that trying a different approach can work wonders, especially when you have the brilliant resources that 'Disney' are fortunate to own. I can't say I'm surprised that this has become such a worldwide hit, just don't bother with the sequels.
#1 Toy Story 3 (2010) (9/10)
Oh this is a controversial pick. I'm sure many of you would have never put the much loved original on this list, yet alone the third installment. I'm sorry, I just think this brilliant film was better in every way than its predecessors. That might be for a rather personal reason, as I think it was during the climax of this film that I realised my whole childhood might not have been pointless. This film gave my younger years a purpose, and that purpose was to be sat in the cinema at that moment, with children who were at least ten years younger than me, watching a conclusion that will never be beaten in my whole life. That epic conclusion to such an amazing trilogy was hands down the greatest thing to ever come out of Walt Disney's company, and quite frankly it's just fucking brilliant. It's such a sad, yet heartwarming moment that you can't help but burst into tears. This story of Andy and his toys has taken viewers on an extraordinary journey, but the final climax is what seperates this from the rest of the series.
The rest of the film is also pretty good, and does everything you would expect out of a quality film. It still has the humor of the original films, the animation is exquisite, and the range of characters are as good as they always were, this time with the addition of a proper villain. And I mean a proper villain. His heel turn was one of the best moments in the film, and honest to god I didn't see it coming. That's just proof that the script and narrative are good enough to make me care about inanimate toys that really have no right to be so engaging. This film builds on previous entries, and pays homage by simply being better. I truly believe that although this is aimed at children, it symbolises everything great about cinema, and proves why 'Disney' should always be at the forefront of film. This is not just an animated film, it's a memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life. They may be making a fourth film, but I just don't understand how that can top a great film like this one. It would have to beat the greatest film that Walt Disney have ever produced.
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