GUEST COLUMN: Top 5 Classic Disney Movies
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Top 5 Classic Disney Movies
by Kevin Gardner
Disney has made so many wonderful movies that people enjoy all over the world. When it comes to classic Disney movies there are definitely a few that stand out. This list of the top five classic Disney films is purely subjective, but you might find you agree with many of them. In order for it to be considered classic, the list has been limited to films released before the year 2000. See how many you agree with from the next five, which are listed in no particular order.
1. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Cinderella has to be on the best Disney classics list. Even though she wasn't the first Disney princess, Cinderella certainly is the most iconic of all of them. Her castle is the crowning glory of the opening of every Disney movie. Hopefully, you have been lucky enough to snag a Disney World Tickets discount and have experienced seeing the magical Cinderella's castle in person. Not only is the animation memorable, but so are the songs. Everyone around the world knows the phrase, "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo" and imagines the magical things to come after it is repeated. Cinderella is a Disney movie that has shaped everyone's understanding of a true fairy tale. It absolutely deserves a top spot in the list of Disney classic movies.
2. Once Upon a Dream
Sleeping Beauty isn't always on everyone's top Disney lists, but it is getting a spot on this one. It wasn't a well-received film at the time of its release, but it was definitely ahead of its time. The animation style was new when it was released, but now the beauty of its art form is fully appreciated. It also had memorable songs and characters, with the three fairy godmothers bringing lots of humor and comic relief.
3. Under The Sea
The Little Mermaid is special because it marked a new era of Disney animated movies. It was the first film created after a long hiatus and it was absolutely worth the wait. Not only are the characters extremely easy to fall in love with, but the soundtrack is killer as well. Though the story doesn't follow the original tale from Hans Christian Andersen, it's always nice to have the happy ending that someone might crave after reading the original story. There's something very endearing about a teenage girl who really knows what she wants and risks her life to get it. It is impossible not to love Ariel and her rag-tag group of sea friends that help her marry her prince and defeat the sea witch.
4. Be Our Guest
Beauty and The Beast is next on the list and it is a very memorable and enjoyable film. The movie has beautiful animation and another amazing soundtrack. It also has the distinguished honor of being the first-ever animated film to receive an Academy Award nomination for best film. The honor is further proof that the overall story was handled beautifully.
5. The Circle of Life
The Lion King delighted children and adults alike. It is a film that caters to the taste of little kids well while also making parents chuckle and enjoy the show just as much. It's another Disney blockbuster that also smashed it out of the park with its songs. Top star Elton John managed to get a few nominations for the songs he wrote and ultimately won the Academy Award for best song for "The Circle of Life." Another way to really know if a Disney movie was a huge hit is to look at Broadway. The Lion King was adapted into a musical and it took New York by storm. The story and music translated beautifully to the stage. The story's success in multiple formats seals its place on the top Disney classics list.
Have you seen all of these Disney classics? If you haven't had the chance to watch all of them, then it is time to schedule your next movie night. Give them all a watch and see if you also would list them on your favorites of Disney classics.
