I Ranked All 194 Disney Songs And "Let It Go" Isn't Even In The Top 20
Hello! I'm Hannah, and I have a confession to make...I'm a Disney adult. Well, sort of. It's not like I have a Disneyland season pass or anything. But...I'm 26 and I still watch Disney movies, so make of that what you will.
As someone who actively still listens to Disney songs from time to time, recently I began to ask myself a very serious question... What is the best Disney song ever? And where do all the other songs rank? It wasn't long before I was making a spreadsheet of every single Disney song and giving each a score, because that's what I do in my spare time. And now, I've decided to share my rankings with you all!
In order to make this as ~scientific~ as possible, I am going to use number rankings. I will be averaging scores from four categories: lyrics, music, performance, and plot. Plot refers to how much the song fits within the plot, if it advances it, etc. — low scores will go towards songs that feel like they could fit in any movie. High scores will go towards songs that move the plot forward or directly refer to events happening in the film. All scores will be out of 10.
Now, to keep this list below 200 songs, I didn't rank EVERY Disney song, technically. Here's what I'm excluding:
-Songs from anthology films and shorts, like Make Mine Music, Saludos Amigos, Melody Time, The Three Caballeros, Fun and Fancy Free, etc.
-Songs from anything that contains live-action.
-Songs from any direct-to-video Disney sequels (I'm SO sorry, Lion King 2. Your songs belong in the top spots in the list, but it was already getting too long).
-Songs that play during the title or end credits (for example, "Alice in Wonderland").
-Background songs that don't include any part by characters we see singing (like "An Innocent Warrior" from Moana) with a few notable exceptions (mostly from Tarzan and Brave).
-Songs under one minute (or within a few seconds after a minute), UNLESS that song is significant. So, "Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People (reprise)" isn't going to count as basically a short interlude to "Lost in the Woods," but "Prince Ali (reprise)" counts since it's Jafar's only song in Aladdin.
-Songs from stop-motion films like James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
-Songs from the Winnie the Pooh films. That just feels like a separate thing and there's an excessive number of films and songs.
-Songs from Teacher's Pet and Home on the Range because I've never heard of them, and I don't think you have either.
-Songs from non-musicals. Any film with three or less songs would not be considered a musical for this list. Exceptions will be made for really significant songs from non-musicals, like "Cruella De Vil" or "You've Got a Friend In Me."
-Songs without words.
-Songs that were not made specifically for the film.
Let's get started!! First up: the bad.
194."The Siamese Cat Song" from Lady & The Tramp: 0
Lyrics: 0, Music: 0, Performance: 0, Plot: 0
This song is racist. Next!
193."What Makes The Red Man Red" from Peter Pan: 0
Lyrics: 0, Music: 0, Performance: 0, Plot: 0
Also racist.
192."Trashing the Camp" from Tarzan: 0.75
Lyrics: 0, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This song is mostly just a bunch of noise, and in a film with such a beautiful soundtrack, I feel like it really stands out as worse. Obviously, it's not meant to be amazing, but still.
191."Painting The Roses Red" from Alice in Wonderland: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
Alice in Wonderland has a lot of short songs that really accomplish nothing, and this is probably the worst. Bonus points for having a villain reprise...but even that isn't memorable, and it's like 30 seconds.
190."Look Out For Mr. Stork" from Dumbo: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I did not realize this song was even from this movie until today. It's so random.
189."The Sailor's Hornpipe/The Caucus Race" from Alice in Wonderland: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is completely nonsensical and barely a song. I'm not sure I should've even included it, but it's longer than a minute, so...
188."One Gift" from Sleeping Beauty: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
Disney films back then LOVED to have weird church choral music in the background of scenes, and it wasn't cute.
187."Song of the Roustabouts" from Dumbo: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This feels like the bleaker version of "Heigh-Ho," and I'm kind of not here for it. Dumbo is honestly just such a depressing movie.
186."Pink Elephants on Parade" from Dumbo: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
Who the heck decided to get Dumbo drunk and create this super trippy scene? Also — it was just champagne, right? I'm telling you now, as someone who enjoys a drink now and then, I have NEVER seen anything like this while drunk. Was this some sort of drinking champagne? Was the person who wrote it on LSD? I have so many questions about this weird-ass song and scene I feel like I can't even give it an accurate rating. The animation's kind of cool...but again I say, WTF?
185."Sing, Sweet Nightingale" from Cinderella: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is a sort of useless non-song that's sole point is to be like, look, the ugly stepsisters can't sign and Cinderella can. The movie has better songs.
184."Let's Sing a Gay Little Spring Song" from Bambi: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
The plot of this song is "yay, it's spring." That's it. It's very boring.
183."Looking for Romance (I Bring You a Song)" from Bambi: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I guess this is the best Bambi song, and it's still a 1 for me. I just really don't know why they have this weird chorus of voices in any of the scenes of this movie. Not one of them feel necessary or add anything.
182."The Dwarfs' Washing Song" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
There's just...nothing to this song? It's almost not a song? But it was listed on the soundtrack, so here we are.
181."The Walrus and the Carpenter" from Alice in Wonderland: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is wayyyy too long of a song, and there's no reason for it to even be a song in the first place. Feels like it all could've just...occurred without song.
180."All in the Golden Afternoon" from Alice in Wonderland: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
After Cinderella, I thought we'd moved away from these weird orchestral Christmas carol-like songs, but they really regressed for Alice in Wonderland, and this is one of the worst examples. Move on, Disney.
179."The Dwarfs' Yodel Song (The Silly Song)": from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 1
Score: Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
The yodel barely has any words, plus it has yodeling. It's not even the only song with yodeling on this list. I really have nothing else to say here.
178."A Most Befuddling Thing" from The Sword in the Stone: 1
Score: Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
What is even the point of this song or scene to the plot of the film? It's bizarre. Feels like a weird excuse for the film to make fun of women/attraction/relationships? It just feels so out of place and random.
177."Little Wooden Head" from Pinocchio: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This song is silly and forgettable. Next!
176."Mad Madam Mim" from The Sword in the Stone: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is the worst Disney villain song IMO. It's forgettable and boring and not even creepy or campy.
175."Following the Leader" from Peter Pan: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I wish the Lost Boys had gotten a more fun song than this (which they do in "So to Be One of Us" in Return to Neverland). This one just feels pointless.
174."Lester's Possum Park" from A Goofy Movie: 1
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I can't believe I have TWO songs with yodeling on this list. Max's reaction is basically mine.
173."Scales and Arpeggios" from The Aristocats: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 2, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is basically just a vocal/piano exercise, and it's pretty boring, although it is a little bit cute.
172."The World's Greatest Criminal Mind" from The Great Mouse Detective: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
This song is pretty forgettable as villain songs go, and there's too many talking interludes. Bonus points for featuring a brutal murder by the villain. That's honestly the best part.
171."When I See an Elephant Fly" from Dumbo: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 2, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
At least this song's a little fun, unlike the other songs in Dumbo. Then again, that means it really just doesn't fit with the film.
170."Little April Shower" from Bambi: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 2, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I don't know why this feels like it's from a caroling group, but it does. I like how it gets creepy as the storm starts, but it just feels weird to do that with voices rather than just background music.
169."That's What Makes the World Go Round" from The Sword & The Stone: 1.25
Score: Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
This song is boring and the lyrics are uninspired. Next!
168."A Guy Like You" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
This song is just...sad. Like, it's really, really bleak considering we know Quasimodo isn't going to be with Esmeralda, and it — along with the sidekicks — don't feel like they fit in what is a very serious and messed-up film (which is what I love about this movie!).
167."Colonel Hathi's March (The Elephant Song)" from The Jungle Book: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
Why do so many Disney movies have "marching" songs? This one isn't particularly memorable.
166."Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor's Life For Me)" from Pinocchio: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
As Disney villain songs go (this was the first one), it's not great. And what's your problem with actors, Disney? Also, Disney basically copied this with "A Pirate's Life" from Peter Pan, and that was better, IMO.
165."Give A Little Whistle" from Pinocchio: 1.25
Lyrics: 1, Music: 2, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
As whistling Disney songs go, this is the more forgettable of the two. Whistling just feels very outdated and old-timey.
164."Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People" from Frozen: 1.5
Lyrics: 2, Music: 2, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
I'm only counting this song because it's Kristoff's only song in the musical, which is a shame. (Check out "Kristoff Lullaby" and "What Do You Know About Love" from the Broadway musical for more from Kristoff!) Jonathan Groff is an incredible singer, but they really give him nothing to do in Frozen. This song is sort of funny, but nothing about it is special, and it doesn't advance the plot.
163."Rescue Aid Society" from The Rescuers: 1.5
Lyrics: 1, Music: 3, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
It's catchy, but there's not much to it. I mean, it's barely over a minute. Next!
162."With a Smile and a Song" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 1.5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 1
This is almost opera. It's boring and irrelevant, and I literally forgot it existed until I made this list.
161."Very Good Advice" from Alice in Wonderland: 1.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
Props to Disney for trying to turn a single line from the story into a full song, but I just feel like they fell short. Also, why do they have so few songs with actual verses and choruses in early Disney films? There's probably some music history answer here, but I am just a silly BuzzFeed writer and this list has almost 200 entries, so please lower your expectations for me and/or let me know in the comments.
160."Perfect World" from the Emperor's New Groove: 1.75
Lyrics: 2, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 3
I feel a little bad not including a Sting song from this movie since he worked on the soundtrack, but this is the only song, to my memory, that actually plays during the film. It introduces Kuzco well, but it feels pretty random considering it's the only one.
159."I'm Wishing/One Song" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 1.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
I'm counting these songs together because they come right after each other and feel connected. As far as Disney heroine songs go, "I'm Wishing" is pretty inactive and it's not a great singalong song. Kudos to the film for actually giving the love interest a song, but "One Song" is, like, the most boring song ever for the blandest prince ever.
158."Someday My Prince Will Come" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 1.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 1, Performance: 2, Plot: 1
This *should* be the breakout song of Snow White, but I'll be honest, I couldn't even remember the tune until I listened to this one again, then immediately forgot it after. It's the least active of any Disney princess song (except perhaps "I'm Wishing," lol — this one doesn't add much else that's new), and it's SO short. Yawn.
(I'm cheating and not including the reprise of this song because it's literally the same thing but shorter.)
157."When I Am Older" from Frozen 2: 1.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 1, Performance: 2, Plot: 1
I like how ironic and almost meta this song is, but it feels a little forced and only directed towards older audience members. It also doesn't stand great alone, and it really doesn't affect the plot for any of the characters except Olaf's weird age crisis plot.
156."Les Poissons" from The Little Mermaid: 2
Lyrics: 2, Music: 2, Performance: 2, Plot: 2
This song TERRIFIED me as a kid, so maybe I'm biased, but I just listened back and it's nothing special. It almost feels too dark, even after "Under the Sea" made plenty of mention about eating fish. Like...Eric has 10,000% eaten fish before, right? Has he eaten some of Ariel's other friends?
155."Higitus Figitus" from The Sword in the Stone: 2
Lyrics: 1, Music: 2, Performance: 3, Plot: 2
This is barely a song, but it's kind of jaunty and fun, and I love the whole whimiscal mad wizard trope, and I love Karl Swenson as Merlin here.
154."The Work Song" from Cinderella: 2
Lyrics: 1, Music: 3, Performance: 1, Plot: 3
I always loved this song and watching them make the dress as a kid, and while I still think it's catchy now, it's very forgettable.
153."I Wonder" from Sleeping Beauty: 2
Lyrics: 2, Music: 2, Performance: 2, Plot: 2
60% of this song is Aurora doing vocal exercises. The rest is okay — definitely slightly better than most of Snow White's songs, but not very different.
152."The Virginia Company" from Pocahontas: 2
Lyrics: 1, Music: 1, Performance: 1, Plot: 5
While it definitely establishes the plot well, as opening songs go, it's pretty boring and doesn't give us great insight into any particular characters (which is why it loses plot points) besides a tiny bit about John Smith.
151."On the Open Road" from A Goofy Movie: 2.25
Lyrics: 2, Music: 2, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
I love a good duet, especially when people aren't getting along, so this one's fun. I also like when their voices layer briefly. But...it's not like this is a song you remember from the film.
150."If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc.: 2.25
Lyrics: 3, Music: 3, Performance: 3, Plot: 0
I know, it's a credits song, but it did win an Oscar, so I'm including it. This feels slightly like they were trying to recreate the magic of "You've Got a Friend In Me" from Toy Story but with a bit more humor, and it doesn't quite work for me. Also, it feels like it should've been performed by Mike and Sulley since it's clearly about them?
149."Whistle While You Work" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 2.25
Lyrics: 2, Music: 4, Performance: 1, Plot: 2
At least this one is catchy and has a tiny bit of cultural impact. But you won't catch me listening to it on Spotify.
148."Your Mother and Mine" from Peter Pan: 2.5
Lyrics: 2, Music: 3, Performance: 4, Plot: 1
Whoever wrote this song really loved their mom, so that's sweet. Honestly, though, this song makes me sad because these kids are literally orphans (or dead or whatever theory you believe — they're parentless). The lyrics are pretty simple, but the tune is nice, and I'm just glad to have a solo song instead of a bunch of 40-year-olds singing in a church choir like *cough cough* other songs from this film/Disney films pre-'60s.
147."Tomorrow Is Another Day" from The Rescuers: 2.5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 1
This song is sweet but very forgettable, and basically just serves to pass the time. It's very eh.
146."Lost in the Woods" from Frozen 2: 2.5
Lyrics: 2, Music: 3, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
This song and this scene are both funny, and I didn't hate it in theaters. But I NEVER listen to it on its own. Like, EVER. Jonathan Groff is an incredible singer and the Frozen films underutilized him.
145."The Phony King of England" from Robin Hood: 2.5
Lyrics: 2, Music: 3, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
This song establishes the disrespect the people have for Prince John well, and I always love a good roast song...but other than that, this song just doesn't have much going for it.
144."Heigh-Ho" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 2.5
Lyrics: 1, Music 5, Performance: 1, Plot: 3
The fact that the best song from Snow White is a tiny simple ditty about the dwarfs working just speaks to how un-memorable the music is. Still, this one's a bit more memorable. I also have a soft spot for this scene because I loved looking at the jewels when I was younger.
143."Another Believer" from Meet the Robinsons: 2.5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 3, Performance: 3, Plot: 1
2000s Disney really loved just throwing in kind of random background songs that only vaguely connect to the plot, and this is no exception. It's just an okay song.
142."I've Got No Strings" from Pinocchio: 2.5
Lyrics: 1, Music: 4, Performance: 3, Plot: 2
To me, this song is the most fun and memorable from Pinocchio. Still, it's very old-timey, and there aren't a whole lot of lyrics.
141."All I Know" from Chicken Little: 2.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 3, Performance: 4, Plot: 1
TBH, this movie depresses me, and this song is no different. It's an okay song, but having a Five for Fighting song in Chicken Little is a little odd.
140."Good Company" from Oliver & Company: 2.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 2
"Good Company" is very cute, but very forgettable. That's really all I have to say.
139."Song of Mor'du" from Brave: 3
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
Bonus plot points for actually being sung by the characters — but it just makes me annoyed again that they didn't just make Brave a musical! It's a fun, very Irish song with some exposition, but it's not very memorable, and it plays for all of two seconds in the film, so I debated even counting it.
138."Perfect Isn't Easy" from Oliver and Company: 3.25
Lyrics: 3, Music: 2, Performance: 6, Plot: 2
This song feels very old school Broadway (I mean, it is Bette Midler), which I guess fits for a movie that feels very '80s — but it still doesn't totally feel like a fit for the film/Disney in general.
137."Everyone Knows Juanita" from Coco: 3.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 4, Plot: 1
Of course Coco somehow managed to make a little ditty emotional. Still, this song is pretty forgettable. The scene advances the plot, but not the song itself. Brownie points for the cute little twist in the song's lyrics.
136."Not in Nottingham" from Robin Hood: 3.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 4, Plot: 1
This song weirdly feels similar to the last one. It's a bit longer and also bleaker/more serious. Overall it's just fine.
135."Thomas O'Malley Cat" from The Aristocats: 3.25
Lyrics: 3, Music: 5, Performance: 3, Plot: 2
This song is kind of fun and a little jazzy, but mostly forgettable. It's a decent character intro, though!
134."Nobody Else But You" from A Goofy Movie: 3.5
Lyrics: 2, Music: 3, Performance: 3, Plot: 6
Out of Goofy and Max's two duets, I guess this is better. It's sweet, but nothing about it is super special. High plot points for Goofy and Max making up.
133."Love" from Robin Hood: 3.5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 3, Plot: 4
This song is really just fine. It's romantic and sweet, but not in a memorable way. I always prefer a romantic duet to someone singing over two people in love.
132."When You Wish Upon A Star" from Pinnocchio: 3.5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
Don't hate me for putting this low. Does anyone actually legitimately love this song? Yes, it's famous, but like...why?
131."Immortals" from Big Hero 6: 3.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 0
This song feels completely unrelated to the film, which means it gets a zero for plot. It's a good song, though — but I didn't even know it was from this film.
130."Barking at the Moon" from Bolt: 3.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 0
Honestly....ditto to the above.
129."In A World Of My Own" from Alice in Wonderland: 3.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 4, Performance: 1, Plot: 4
This song is really effective at establishing Alice's personality — and I also love that she's the first female Disney character to have much of a personality at all. But points off on performance because it feels so obvious this little girl is voiced by a 30-year-old.
128."A Pirate's Life/The Elegant Captain Hook" from Peter Pan: 3.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 6
Another villain song...yay! A song with very few solos...boo! Still, it's kind of catchy at the start.
127."Gonna Take You There" from The Princess and the Frog: 3.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 7, Performance: 3, Plot: 2
Okay, I LOVE the fiddle in this song, which is why the music has such a high score. But there aren't really a lot of lyrics to this song — it's pretty repetitive and short. I guess it advances the plot in Ray leading them farther down the bayou, but it feels like him just showing up does that and the song itself doesn't really do anything.
126."Let Me Be Good to You" from The Great Mouse Detective: 3.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 3, Plot: 2
This song is actually kind of sexy, in an old-school, vaudeville way, and I'm here for it. I mean, I know that's the point, but...it was achieved.
125."Best of Friends" from The Fox and the Hound: 3.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 3
I feel like this song has some very powerful allegories that also end up coming up in Tarzan about people from different backgrounds connecting and really loving each other and others not understanding. However, it's not quite as beautiful as something like "You'll Be In My Heart."
124."Streets of Gold" from Oliver & Company: 3.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
Oliver & Company is the only Disney movie that really feels like an '80s movie/the only Disney animated feature that feels VERY much of the decade it was from, except maybe Snow White. It's fun, but dated — and that includes this song.
Okay, we're moving on up to the "meh" songs! This is everything with scores from four to six.
123."Bella Notte" from Lady and the Tramp: 4
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 4, Plot: 4
It's not the catchiest song, but it's really sweet and pretty and Italian. Plus, it has the iconic spaghetti kiss scene.
122."Frozen Heart" from Frozen: 4
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 4, Plot: 2
I like the tribal and ominous feel to this song, but in a musical full of great songs, this one doesn't really stand out. Besides a quick introduction to baby Sven and Kristoff, it doesn't really advance the plot beyond telling us there's ice mining.
121."I've Got a Dream" from Tangled: 4
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 3, Plot: 6
I want to love the music of Tangled, I really do. It's my favorite Disney movie. But there's really just not much to this one. I'm ranking it a bit higher on plot since it effectively establishes sidekicks that are very important later on in the film in a single song.
120."You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!" from Peter Pan: 4
Lyrics: 3, Music: 3, Performance: 3, Plot: 7
Every kid has wished to fly, so this song has a lot of wish fulfillment for sure. I think it would be a lot better, though, if they abandoned the backing vocals in the second half of the song and just stuck with the characters and gave Peter a real, full song.
119."Appreciate the Lady" from The Fox and the Hound: 4
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 3, Plot: 3
This song should've been called "Natural Attraction,." because that's the catchy part. It's a fun jazzy little song that I feel like could've been drawn out more.
118."I 2 I" from A Goofy Movie: 4
Lyrics: 3, Music: 6, Performance: 6, Plot: 1
It's a fun poppy song, but definitely not the most notable, memorable, or catchy song from the film. And it's just a song they perform — the actual song isn't really connected to the plot.
117."Mine, Mine, Mine" from Pocahontas: 4
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 2, Plot: 6
It's not very sinister for a villain song, which lowers its points — however, it establishes Ratcliffe well, and it gains points for a verse from John, whose desire for adventure is contrasted well with Ratcliffe's desire for money and fame.
116."Touch the Sky" from Brave: 4
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 4, Plot: 3
This song is fine; I just wish Merida herself had sung it, and it had been even more personal. It feels like with some changes, it has the potential to be a great Disney heroine song.
115."Try Everything" from Zootopia: 4
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 1
This song sort of fits what's happening onscreen, but also it could be in any other movie. It's a good song, but it feels like they added it just so they could be nominated for a Best Song Written For Visual Media Grammy.
114."Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" from Cinderella: 4
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 2, Plot: 6
I feel like this is the first true Disney sidekick song, and I don't even know if I'd count the Fairy Godmother as a sidekick. Still, it was a fun song when I was little, and it's still fun now. But definitely not anything ground-breaking.
113."Why Should I Worry" from Oliver & Company: 4.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
I wish this song were a bit more Disney-ified. I think it'd be better. Instead, there are too many backing vocals — but it's still a lot of fun. I mean, it's Billy Joel. Overall, not a super noteworthy Disney song, though.
112."Baby Mine" from Dumbo: 4.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 4, Plot: 3
This is one sad, sad song, but it's also sweet, and it's definitely one of the more famous old Disney songs. It's obviously a classic, but listening to it again, it wasn't as good as I remembered.
111."When Will My Life Begin" from Tangled: 4.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 5, Plot: 4
This song set up Rapunzel's life well, but overall it's just sort of...fine. A little bit catchy, but that's it.
110."Little Wonders" from Meet the Robinsons: 4.5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
This is definitely the better of the two songs from the film. It's an emotional song and ending, so it matches the moment well.
109."Someone's Waiting for You" from The Rescuers: 4.5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 7, Performance: 3, Plot: 3
This song is actually very sweet and very sad, and kind of breaks my heart a little bit. Still, it's hard for a song not sung by the characters to rank high on this list, and this one is a bit forgettable in Disney's discography.
108."I'm Still Here" from Treasure Planet: 4.5
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 1
Having the Goo Goo Dolls do the soundtrack for Treasure Planet was an odd choice, and I still can't decide if it worked or not. Still, this is a decent song. I just don't know if it belongs in *this* movie.
107."Great Spirits" from Brother Bear: 4.5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 3
I feel like this song feels the most connected to the plot/message than the other two Brother Bear songs, but I kind of like the other ones better. Overall, the Brother Bear songs blend together a bit and become sort of forgettable.
106."On My Way" from Brother Bear: 4.5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
This is personally my favorite song from Brother Bear, but it doesn't feel connected enough to what's happening, and it does feel like it could be in another film. However, it's a nice song!
105."Welcome" from Brother Bear: 4.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 1
I like the chorus of this song, and the bridge is really good, so I'll rate it the highest out of Brother Bear. But it doesn't feel necessary enough for the plot.
104."That's What Friends Are For (The Vulture Song)" from The Jungle Book: 4.75
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 4, Story: 6
I kind of like that this is a capella for the first half, but I feel like I need to take points off for music there. It's very barbershop quartet-y, which is a bit odd for this movie. Still, it kind of weirdly works? It's not necessarily catchy, though.
103."Mother Knows Best" from Tangled: 4.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 2, Performance: 5, Plot: 6
I love the Broadway vibes of this, but as villain songs go, it's not a lot of fun musically. However, the lyrics establish Gothel's character and manipulation super well, so bonus points for that.
102."In Summer" from Frozen: 4.75
Lyrics: 9, Music: 3, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
The lyrics of this song are very clever and funny to me, but the music is kind of meh. It doesn't really contribute to the plot, the performance is kind of in the middle, as it's not a strong vocal song but the performance is humorous.
101."My Own Home" from The Jungle Book: 4.75
Lyrics: 1, Music: 8, Performance: 6, Plot: 4
The ideas in this song are obviously old-fashioned, but this song's actual music is very pretty and almost haunting to me. Still, I feel a little weird that they almost portray this kid as like...seductive.
100."A Star Is Born" from Hercules: 4.75
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 7, Plot: 2
This one kind of sounds the same as "Zero to Hero" for me, so I always forget about it. It's less important to the plot (it's really more of just an ending song), so I'm ranking it lower because of that, too.
99."Ma Belle Evangeline" from The Princess and the Frog: 4.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 6
As far as Ray's songs go, this is definitely the superior one. It's sweet and pretty and almost Parisian. It also feels important to the plot because it shows us Ray's relationship to Evangeline and it advances the Tiana/Naveen romance.
98."Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" from Lilo & Stitch: 4.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
I hate to say this because it's Lilo & Stitch's only real song (not counting "Aloha 'Oe" because of how short it is), but this song just feels forgetful and average to me in a lot of ways, and it doesn't advance the plot. Still, it's a fun, cute song.
97."A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" from Cinderella: 4.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 7, Performance: 5, Plot: 1
I feel like Disney was finally starting to figure out their music a bit more with this film, and this is the first Disney heroine song that actually feels like one. Still, it's a little vague and abstract, and they definitely perfected the first-act heroine solo later on.
96."An Unusual Prince/Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty: 5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 5
I could be wrong, but I think this is the first real Disney duet between love interests? It's certainly no "Love Is An Open Door," but it's good, and it's a classic.
95."Into The Open Air" from Brave: 5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 2
I'm not a huge fan of Disney movies that just use a few random background songs, but at least the Brave music feels cohesive, and I do like this song on its own. It's a nice transitional song to help build the relationship between Merida and Elinor.
94."We Know The Way" from Moana: 5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 5
This is a decent "travel" song — though none of the main characters are actually traveling during it — but in the context of the film, it's a little forgettable.
93."The Court of Miracles" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 5
Lyrics: 7, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 3
This is a fun, jaunty little song, but I had to look it up and listen to it to even remember what it sounds like. The lyrics are clever, and the music is fun, but overall it's just meh.
92."All Is Found" from Frozen 2: 5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 6, Performance: 6, Plot: 5
The song's kind of important to the plot and themes — but also, the plot and themes of this movie are pretty muddled. It's a pretty song, but it doesn't end up being as emotionally impactful or resonant as it should.
91."The Gospel Truth" from Hercules: 5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 7, Plot: 6
I kind of LOVE that they gave Hercules a Greek chorus (the Muses). The music is so fun and cohesive, and this is a great song to introduce the chorus. They also help explain the plot at times, so all their songs have high plot scores (this one least of all because it's more of a preview than narration). Still, this is not their best song.
90."I See The Light" from Tangled: 5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 4, Performance: 6, Plot: 6
I like this song. I don't LOVE it. The lyrics and tune are sweet, and I'm glad Eugene and Rapunzel get a duet, but it's really just not my favorite.
89."A Girl Worth Fighting For" from Mulan: 5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 5
As far as Mulan songs go, this one is just sort of...fine. It's a bit funny (seeing as they're unknowingly with a woman), but the lyrics and music are very basic.
88."One Last Hope" from Hercules: 5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 5, Performance: 4, Plot: 6
This is a really fun little sidekick song that sets up Phil really well, but it's not like it's this vocal intense song or anything. It's just fun, which puts it right in the middle of this list.
87."What Else Can I Do?" from Encanto: 5
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 3
It's hard to empathize with Isabela throughout the film due to Mirabel's feelings toward her, and I really wanted this moment to be an emotionally resonant look into her psyche, like "Surface Pressure" was for Luisa. It falls short of being that, especially because the song itself is just sort of...pretty. I wanted Isabela, in her permission to make "ugly" things, to have a song where she didn't have to be so pleasant and perfect-sounding. The song's melody itself feels at odds with its themes. Though I do give props to the little reprise of "he told me..." from "We Don't Talk About Bruno."
86."Topsy Turvy" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 5.25
Lyrics: 2, Music: 6, Performance: 4, Plot: 9
I like the frantic energy of this song (especially rewatching the film and knowing what's about to happen next), but it's not really a fun listen on its own. High plot score for moving the plot forward, though.
85."When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2: 5.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 4, Plot: 8
This song is so sad that it's almost a meme, especially because it's sung by Sarah McLachlan. Still, it is really emotional, if a little on the nose, and it gives a ton of backstory to Jessie.
84."I Wan'na Be Like You" from The Jungle Book: 5.25
Lyrics: 2, Music: 5, Performance: 9, Plot: 5
I really like Louis Prima's voice in this song, and the sound is really jazzy. It's not my favorite song from the film, but it's a solid one for sure.
83."Un Poco Loco" from Coco: 5.25
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 6, Plot: 3
It's a cute little song, and more than that, it's a sweet bonding moment for Héctor and Miguel. But the lyrics are a little silly, and overall it's just not a very important song.
82."Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid: 5.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 6
I feel like I might get some hate for this, but this is the least memorable song from The Little Mermaid to me. It's cute, but there's not much to it. And I can't totally believe in this romance since Ariel hasn't talked to him.
81."He's a Tramp" from Lady and the Tramp: 5.25
Lyrics: 2, Music: 8, Performance: 8, Plot: 3
Low-key?? This song is a banger. But it's so short and almost out of place in this movie, and it's a bit forgettable, so I feel wrong ranking it higher.
80."Son of Man" from Tarzan: 5.5
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 2
This is a perfectly good song, but it just feels more in the background than the others and not quite as emotionally impactful as the others in Tarzan.
79."Stand Out" from A Goofy Movie: 5.5
Lyrics: 3, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 6
The lyrics are pretty standard for pop/light hip-hop, but this song is just so catchy, and it also literally jump-starts the events of the film. This one mostly has a special place in my heart, though, because of nostalgia. It was such a fun movie from my childhood unlike other Disney films, and this is the "stand-out" song (lol).
78."Honor to Us All" from Mulan: 5.5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 7
It's a perfectly respectable song that sets the plot up nicely. While of course, it's super sexist, it feels like it's purposefully that way to set up the expectations of women in that society — which is necessary to set up to contrast with how Mulan behaves.
77."The Bells of Notre Dame" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 5.5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 8
Jeez, is this a bleak song. However, it sets up the film really well. It establishes the plot and tone well.
76."Trust In Me (The Python Song) from The Jungle Book: 5.75
Lyrics: 4, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 5
This is SUCH a creepy villain song and created a lifelong fear of snakes, so thanks, Disney. The lyrics are pretty simple, and the song itself is short, but it's very effective in scaring the crap out of you.
75."Le Festin" from Ratatouille: 5.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 10, Plot: 1
This song is actually very good. I really love the voice of the singer. It's a little haunting and sad, but also very pretty and unique. The song builds so well, and the lyrics are pretty (especially in French). The song itself doesn't do much for the plot, though.
74."Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat" from The Aristocats: 5.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 8, Performance: 6, Plot: 4
This is by far the best song from The Aristocats. I love how jazzy it is, and it's pretty darn catchy. Still, compared to so many other songs on this list, it's nothing super special, so it goes about in the middle. I mean, who knows any lyrics to this song that aren't, "Everybody wants to be a cat / because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at?"
73."Cruella de Vil" from 101 Dalmations: 5.75
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 5, Plot: 2
I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that Roger just makes up a mean song on the spot about how much he hates his wife's friend. This one's really just a classic, but it doesn't feel entirely necessary for the film, hence the low "plot" score. Still, the tune is REALLY catchy and the lyrics are fun.
72."Know Who You Are" from Moana: 5.75
Lyrics: 3, Music: 4, Performance: 6, Plot: 10
This song is really impactful, and I adore the animation of it, but animation isn't a category for these rankings. It's a really important plot moment, so it gets a 10 there, but the melody is kind of slow and there aren't a ton of lyrics.
Next up, everything from six to eight!
71."Pince Ali" from Aladdin: 6
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 6, Plot: 6
This song is just very much fine. In a movie with some great songs, that's just not gonna cut it.
70."Proud Corazón" from Coco: 6
Lyrics: 4, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 7
The lyrics aren't particularly clever or interesting, but they're very sweet, and it's a great song to close out the film.
69."Some Things Never Change" from Frozen 2: 6
Lyrics: 4, Music: 5, Performance: 5, Plot: 10
Opening songs have a rough time in this list. They usually get a 9/10 for plot, but there's just too much to cover story-wise in the song that often things like performance, music, and lyrics get overlooked. This song is decent, and it's a great update on where our characters are — plus it's catchy — but it's not super special.
68."After Today" from A Goofy Movie: 6
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 8
Am I the only one who thinks this song was ahead of its time? It reminds me SO much of teen pop musicals from the last decade. For the '90s, that's pretty good. It's a great intro to high school and teen life in a modern way (super different from other Disney films) that hits all the right tropes.
67."Two Worlds" from Tarzan: 6.25
Lyrics: 7, Music: 8, Performance: 8, Plot: 2
This is probably my second least fave of the Phil Collins songs in Tarzan, but it's still so good. The only category it gets significant points marked off on is the plot, because while lots of plot happens onscreen, the song itself doesn't accomplish much.
66."Vanessa's Song" from The Little Mermaid: 6.25
Lyrics: 4, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 7
I probably shouldn't have included this one, because it's so short and not on the soundtrack, but I have a soft spot for it (and all villain reprises/short second songs, tbh). It's a great villain reveal, and I love seeing the gleeful manipulation we know Ursula is so good at from "Poor Unfortunate Souls" come out again. It's just really catchy to me.
65."Fixer Upper" from Frozen: 6.25
Lyrics: 6, Music: 6, Performance: 5, Plot: 8
This is a cute, kind of classic Disney sidekick song. The lyrics are cute and funny, and it feels needed for the relationship development between Anna and Kristoff, but the music and lyrics aren't particularly inspired, and it almost feels too late for its point in the film.
64."Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas: 6.25
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 4
I wish this song had built a little more and started slower. I do really love this as an introduction to Pocahontas' wishes and desires, and I think it's catchy, but in comparison to "Colors of the Wind," it just doesn't compare.
63."Shiny" from Moana: 6.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 6, Plot: 1
This may be polarizing to some people, but I LOVE this song. It's so fun and gives David Bowie vibes, and the lyrics are clever. However, it really has nothing to do with the plot, and it kinda seems thrown in just so a movie without a real villain could have a villain song.
62."Zero to Hero" from Hercules: 6.5
Lyrics: 4, Music: 6, Performance: 8, Plot: 8
This is a really solid song by the Muses. It's a lot of fun, and it's one of the catchier songs from the film.
61."Where You Are" from Moana: 6.5
Lyrics: 5, Music: 7, Performance: 5, Plot: 9
"Where You Are" fares slightly better than a lot of opening songs because honestly, it's just more catchy to me and the music is slightly better.
60."The Family Madrigal" from Encanto: 6.75
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 6, Plot: 10
It's a great opening plot-wise, and Lin's musical genius really comes through here. It definitely wasn't my favorite to listen to on its own, though.
59."You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story: 7
Lyrics: 8, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 6
Yes, it's an opening credits song and it's not sung by the characters in the film, but I'm counting it because it's such an iconic song, and it really does feel connected and forever associated with Toy Story. It's a great song to establish the closeness between Andy and Woody, which feels necessary for us to even be sympathetic towards Woody and his jealousy in this film.
58."God Help the Outcasts" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 7
Lyrics: 6, Music: 9, Performance: 7, Plot: 6
I don't love that this is so religious, but we are talking about an adaptation of a Victor Hugo book here, after all. I do think it provides a nice contrast to the way Frollo abuses religion. Esmeralda's voice is pretty here, and it's a solid song, but I don't feel like it's as active and strong as some other Disney heroine songs. Still, maybe that's the point.
57."Human Again" from Beauty and the Beast: 7
Lyrics: 7, Music: 8, Performance: 7, Plot: 6
Okay, so this song wasn't technically in the film originally, but for someone born in late 1995 (and grew up on the stage version, too), it's pretty much always been in the film in my memory. The only other song the sidekicks get is about impressing Belle, so it's nice that they get a song where they talk about their own wishes and difficulties.
56."Belle" from Beauty and the Beast: 7
Lyrics: 6, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 9
It's a decent intro to the film, the village, and the characters — plus, it's catchy! Honestly, so many of the Beauty and the Beast songs are just like gold standards of what Disney songs should be — it's got the best group number, the best intro, the best score, etc. But I may be biased because it's one of my top three Disney films, so I'm trying not to inflate the ratings too much.
55."All Of You" from Encanto: 7
Lyrics: 8, Music: 5, Performance: 6, Story: 9
Ending songs are similar to opening songs in that they sometimes cover too much to be a great song lyrics-wise. This one gets brownie points for the small "We Don't Talk About Bruno" reprise and the really sweet lyrics, but there are so many different segments to this song that it's not always cohesive.
54."Reflection" from Mulan: 7
Lyrics: 7, Music: 8, Performance: 9, Plot: 4
The lyrics are kind of basic, but still good. This song is a classic and a great character solo, but ultimately it's just not my favorite compared to other Disney heroine solos! Sorry. :(
53."A Whole New World" from Aladdin: 7.25
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 8, Plot: 7
This is basically the gold standard for duets, but honestly, I was never a massive fan. It's sweet and pretty, and I love how it's a moment for these two characters who feel trapped to find some freedom, though.
52."One Jump Ahead" from Aladdin: 7.25
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 8
This song is fun and it's a good intro to Aladdin's character, reputation, and just his general worldview and personality. I feel like it often gets forgotten on Disney playlists, and that's a shame.
51."When We're Human" from The Princess and the Frog: 7.25
Lyrics: 5, Music: 10, Performance: 7, Plot: 7
The Princess and the Frog is a bit oversaturated with sidekicks, and the songs mix a bit together. Also, this song feels a little too similar to "Human Again" from Beauty and the Beast — almost like it's just The Princess and the Frog's version of it. HOWEVER, the music is really excellent in this song. The jazzy tone is SO jaunty and fun — I also love a good enemies-to-lovers plot, and Tiana and Naveen arguing in this song is a lot of fun.
50."The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book: 7.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 6, Story: 7
This is a Disney classic, and for good reason. I do feel like "Hakuna Matata" did a very similar thing, but better, so a few points off for that.
49."Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" from Frozen: 7.25
Lyrics: 5, Music: 6, Performance: 8, Plot: 10
This song is great for plot, but the reason I love it is the performance. You see Anna's emotions SO clearly in this song, and she really goes through all of them.
48."Mother Knows Best (reprise)" from Tangled: 7.25
Lyrics: 6, Music: 7, Performance: 8, Plot: 8
I have to admit, I just love the drama of this one. Mother Gothel shows up to manipulate Rapunzel yet again, and for the first time in her life, Rapunzel actually stands up to her....sort of. It's a necessary moment to make her final stand later in the movie believable, and it's funny to see Mother Gothel turn more blatantly wicked in the face of losing Rapunzel's hair.
47."Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast: 7.25
Lyrics: 6, Music: 8, Performance: 7, Plot: 8
This is a funny villain song because it's mostly not even sung by Gaston — it's sung about Gaston. Still, it's very effective, especially because Gaston isn't the only villain — the town and their worship of Gaston are just as much at fault. It's catchy and fun, and very much necessary for building Gaston's character.
46."Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid: 7.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 8
This is a classic, and out of Sebastian's two songs, I definitely prefer this one. It feels important to the plot without being necessary, but I think the best part comes in the ensemble aspect of this song and how it's a celebration of the sea. It's also just super catchy.
45."When Will My Life Begin (reprise)" from Tangled: 7.5
Lyrics: 6, Music: 7, Performance: 9, Plot: 8
This song is really so much better than "When Will My Life Begin," probably because it's filled with so much more joy — however, it doesn't really work without "When Will My Life Begin," so I don't feel right ranking it super high as it doesn't stand that well on its own. Still, the performance is stellar, and it actually ends up being one of my favorite songs from the film.
44."Dig a Little Deeper" from The Princess and the Frog: 7.5
Lyrics: 8, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 8
It doesn't advance the plot as much as the themes/character arcs, but that feels like part of that plot, so I'm giving this a really high score in plot. As fun sidekick songs go, this is impactful as well as being really, really fun. The background vocals are also really incredible.
43."For the First Time in Forever" from Frozen: 7.5
Lyrics: 6, Music: 8, Performance: 9, Plot: 7
This song is really elevated by Elsa's part and the way it contrasts with Anna's. Honestly, I wish there were more of it. Still, the song has so much great contrasting emotion. The lyrics aren't super memorable, but the music builds really nicely.
42."The Mob Song" from Beauty and the Beast: 7.5
Lyrics: 8, Music: 7, Performance: 6, Plot: 9
I love that the villagers almost get a villain song here (TBH, I want to see what happened to the villagers after. Like...were there zero consequences for doing this?). It's got some great lyrics and messages ("we don't like what we don't understand") that feel relevant beyond just the film, and the music is nice and intense.
41."Surface Pressure" from Encanto: 7.75
Lyrics: 10, Music: 6, Performance: 7, Plot: 8
Where "Surface Pressure" gets points deducted for me is unfortunately in the music department. Now, this is pretty nit-picky, because the music is great. HOWEVER, it doesn't feel super ~Disney~, and it doesn't feel cohesive with the rest of the film to me. It's still a really fun song though, and the lyrics are really powerful and relatable.
40."Something There" from Beauty and the Beast: 7.75
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 10
Ah, the falling in love montage! Even though it's problematic with the whole Stockholm syndrome thing, I feel like Beauty and the Beast ironically has one of the only love stories that actually feels realistic, because it takes place over a decent amount of time and we actually get to see each step in the process. I also love a good enemies-to-lovers story. This song is sweet, and it's great to see them softening towards each other.
39."Savages" from Pocahontas: 7.75
Lyrics: 7, Music: 9, Performance: 6, Plot: 9
I always used to conflate this song with "The Mob Song" from Beauty and the Beast, which really isn't fair, because I actually think this song is better. Besides being a banger, it's pretty damning of British settlers and their racism and greed, as well as their inability to understand those different from them. However, it loses points in casting the natives as the same – those who are angry at what they don't understand — which I found to be a gross oversimplification of "both sides are bad!" when one side is clearly the aggressor. However, political messages aside, this is a good song.
38."Prince Ali (reprise)" from Aladdin: 7.75
Lyrics: 6, Music: 7, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
I feel really similarly about this one as I do about "Belle (reprise)." It's a really, really good song — so good that it shouldn't be a reprise, or at least, it should be extended! Jafar is really one of the creepiest Disney villains, and it's a crime he doesn't get a full villain song. Still, it's a great gleefully creepy song, and we get the ~drama~ of the Aladdin reveal.
37."For the First Time In Forever (reprise)" from Frozen: 7.75
Lyrics: 7, Music: 7, Performance: 7, Plot: 10
I love the drama here. Romantic duets are all fine and good, but we rarely get a good adversarial duet like this one. Emotions and stakes are high, and it's a great reprise of the original.
36."Waiting on a Miracle" from Encanto: 7.75
Lyrics: 10, Music: 8, Performance: 7, Plot: 6
This is a perfectly good Disney heroine solo, but unfortunately, the modern standard has become "Let It Go." I do really love the lyrics, though — it's a nice cathartic moment for Mirabel where she lets out all that we assume she's been feeling, but haven't yet heard her say.
35."Part of Your World (reprise)" from The Little Mermaid: 7.75
Lyrics: 7, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 6
I mean, I feel like this needs to be highly rated based on the fact that it contains the above shot alone, but that wouldn't really be fair. Still, I actually like this better than the original. It just feels stronger and more belt-able. But I don't like to rate a reprise above the original unless it's super different, so this one goes a bit before "Part of Your World."
Now onto the GREAT – everything above an eight that's not quite a perfect score of 10/10.
34."I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King: 8
Lyrics: 7, Music: 8, Performance: 8, Plot: 9
This is a great Disney solo marred only by the fact that, like...does Simba not know he's only gonna be king when his dad dies? Still, it's a great song that contrasts Simba's personality heavily with who he becomes after trauma.
33."Love is an Open Door" from Frozen: 8
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 7, Plot: 9
To me, this is the catchiest song from Frozen. It's made all the more memorable by the fact that it's really all a lie, which makes it even more important in terms of plot. It's a super fun duet that pokes fun at past Disney duets and relationships in a meta way; plus it's just a great song.
32."Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King: 8
Lyrics: 7, Music: 9, Performance: 6, Plot: 10
A Disney classic!!! Bonus plot points for the age transition here. When adult Simba jumps in with a "It MEANS no worries!!!"...unparalleled.
31."La Llorona" from Coco: 8
Lyrics: 9, Music: 10, Performance: 8, Plot: 5
This is SUCH a bop, and it never got the love it deserved. The tension and undercurrent of fear in the song are so great. The place it loses points is in lack of relevance to the plot.
30."Strangers Like Me" from Tarzan: 8.25
Lyrics: 9, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 6
A falling-in-love song is always a good time, and even if this isn't quite that, it's close. I also just love the chorus, and while it's not as emotional as "You'll Be In My Heart," it feels like the second most memorable Tarzan song to me — and it's nice to have one that makes me want to cry a little less.
29."One Jump Ahead (reprise)" from Aladdin: 8.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 9, Plot: 8
I LOVE this reprise. In "One Jump Ahead," Aladdin presents himself as someone who doesn't care about what anyone says about him. Here, we see how vulnerable and human he really is, and how he yearns for more than this life he leads.
28."Belle (reprise)" from Beauty and the Beast: 8.25
Lyrics: 6, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
It's a bit sad that Belle barely gets a solo (especially since Paige O'Hara's voice is so beautiful), but it's surprising how much it accomplishes in about a minute. It shows us a lot of Belle's personality — like the fact that she can be sassy and sarcastic, which is a MAJOR change from basically every Disney heroine before her — and also effectively conveys the whole "I want to have freedom and autonomy!" thing that almost every Disney heroine conveys in their songs.
27."Go the Distance" from Hercules: 8.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 10, Performance: 8, Plot: 7
I feel like this song doesn't get enough love on Disney playlists. It's a great solo, and I don't totally know why, but the music just makes me so emotional and nostalgic.
26."I Am Moana" from Moana: 8.25
Lyrics: 9, Music: 6, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
I LOVE this song, and if it was just Moana's part, it'd be ranked real close to the top. But with the grandma's part, while it makes it more emotional, it isn't quite as cohesive of a song and it's not quite as much of a "singalong" song. Still, an amazing song to belt out the second half of, though, and it's such a great turning point for Moana and the film.
25."Circle of Life" from The Lion King: 8.25
Lyrics: 7, Music: 10, Performance: 10, Plot: 6
Right away, "Circle of Life" tells us that this Disney film isn't like the others. Its score is incredible, and this is the perfect introduction.
24."Dos Oruguitas" from Encanto: 8.5
Lyrics: 9, Music: 8, Performance: 9, Plot: 8
This is a really emotionally impactful song, and even though it isn't directly referring to characters/advancing the plot, it has so much to do with the story of the film that I gave it a high plot score. The performance is really beautiful and mournful, and I love the lyrics of the story. At the end of the day, this one isn't rated higher because it isn't as catchy as the ones above it.
23."Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast: 8.5
Lyrics: 7, Music: 10, Performance: 9, Plot: 8
This is really the gold standard for group numbers — although I will admit that much of that is the animation. Still, it's a wonderful number that does a lot in making the film much less bleak than it should be. You know from other entries on this list that I love when a song is really active, and this song is super active while also giving a lot more color to our characters and the castle.
22."Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid: 8.5
Lyrics: 9, Music: 8, Performance: 9, Plot: 8
This is a top-tier, classic Disney song, and it's one of the best and most memorable solos. Jodi Benson is great, and I think they most nail the "I want to go see the world!" trope that Disney loves so much in this song.
21."Let It Go" from Frozen: 8.75
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 10, Plot: 9
Idina is always amazing, and this is an incredible moment for Elsa's character. However, I think I've heard it too many times to still feel like the music is inventive and new enough to be above an eight. Maybe that's unfair, but this is my list.
20."Can You Feel The Love Tonight?" from The Lion King: 8.75
Lyrics: 8, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
This is a great love song, and it does a ton for the plot. I do slightly wish we got more from Nala and Simba in this song (especially because adult Nala and Simba don't sing much in the movie), but it's still really good.
19."Poor Unfortunate Souls" from The Little Mermaid: 8.75
Lyrics: 9, Music: 9, Performance: 8, Plot: 9
This is a great Disney villain song. It's sinister, catchy, and advances the plot and characters in a great way. I also love how manipulative Ursula is, and how well we see it in this song – it's something Disney nails much better in "Mother Knows Best" from Tangled, but the bones are there here. I would say the main reason it's not higher is the amount of talking in the middle and how long it goes on, so that it doesn't feel as sing-able at say, a karaoke night.
18."Show Yourself" from Frozen 2: 8.75
Lyrics: 7, Music: 9, Performance: 10, Plot: 9
Okay, this gets a high plot rating because it "resolves" the plot, though I'm still pretty confused. Idina is always incredible, and I love this song, but I think I still prefer the urgency of "Into the Unknown."
17."The Next Right Thing" from Frozen 2: 9
Lyrics: 10, Music: 8, Performance: 10, Plot: 8
I LOVE the lyrics of this song, and I think they're so impactful for kids who have to deal with things like grief. Kristen Bell's performance is also really spectacular in this song, both vocally and emotion-wise. It's truly one of my favorite Disney songs, and I think it explores real issues in such a relatable yet nuanced way. Honestly, for this one, I'd say it isn't rated above nine because...this is a Disney film, and this song doesn't feel as classically "Disney" as some of the higher songs on this list.
16."Into the Unknown" from Frozen 2: 9
Lyrics: 8, Music: 9, Performance: 10, Plot: 9
This establishes Elsa's yearning much better than the opening song, and it's also just a banger. I feel like it was different enough from "Let It Go" to stand on its own and also loved that it was paired with "Show Yourself" as another solo for Elsa so that no one Elsa solo got super overplayed as "Let It Go" did.
15."Be Prepared" from The Lion King: 9
Lyrics: 8, Music: 8, Performance: 10, Plot: 10
I mean, Jeremy Irons literally blew out his voice performing this song. That's how legendary his performance was and how much he gave to it. This is a top-tier Disney villain song — so much so that I was literally afraid of it as a kid and would skip it on the soundtrack.
14."Heaven's Light/Hellfire" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 9
Lyrics: 9, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
YES. TALK ABOUT A VILLAIN SONG. They just don't make them like this anymore (partly because most Disney "villains" nowadays are more just misunderstood). This song is so metal – it's literally Frollo blaming the devil for his attraction to Esmeralda and promising to burn her alive if she won't be with him. It's creepy, obsessive, and intense, and it honestly feels like it comes from an acclaimed Broadway musical rather than a Disney film.
13."Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog: 9
Lyrics: 9, Music: 8, Performance: 10, Plot: 9
We all love Idina Menzel and Lea Salonga, but to me, the two best Disney princess voices are Anika Noni Rose and Auli'i Cravalho. Anika's voice is SO good and fits Tiana so well, and I kind of wish she had another solo and just overall more singing in this film (I love her part in "When We're Human"). I also love the lyrics of this song, not because they're particularly clever, but because they're so active for a Disney princess. A lot of the other solos are pretty vague, like, "I want to get out of this town/explore," whereas Tiana feels a lot more driven and ambitious, and we really see that in this song.
12."Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast: 9
Lyrics: 9, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
This is a beautiful, incredible song that will go down in Disney history as one of the best. Still, at the end of the day there are better, more active songs — this is sort of mood music from Mrs. Potts rather than being sung by Belle and the Beast. But it's probably the best sort of "theme" song from any Disney movie.
11."How Far I'll Go (reprise)" from Moana: 9
Lyrics: 9, Music: 9, Performance: 9, Plot: 9
I almost like this better than the first version, just because it's more compact and more hopeful in tone/decisive — however, the original has more layers to it, and it just feels wrong giving a reprise of a song a higher score than the original.
10."I'll Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan: 9.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 10, Performance: 9, Plot: 10
This song is a banger, and definitely the best song from Mulan — or at least, the one with the most staying power. It's catchy as hell, and is truly one of the most memorable Disney songs — so it's gonna start off the top 10.
9."I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" from Hercules: 9.25
Lyrics: 8, Music: 10, Performance: 9, Plot: 10
I LOVE this song and I always have. Looking back, it's just as catchy, and I love the combo of the Muses/Greek chorus with Meg singing. Everything just comes together so well here.
8."Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas: 9.5
Lyrics: 10, Music: 10, Performance: 10, Plot: 8
There's a reason this song is so popular (besides the beautiful animation of the scene). The message is great for what is definitely not the most progressive Disney film, and Judy Kuhn's voice is incredible here.
7."You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan: 9.75
Lyrics: 10, Music: 10, Performance: 10, Plot: 9
This song is literally perfect in every way. I love that it can exist so easily outside of Tarzan and also fit so well in it — but for that, I do need to dock a single "plot" point for the integrity of this list. I'm sorry!!!!
6."Friends on the Other Side" from The Princess and the Frog: 9.75
Lyrics: 10, Music: 9, Performance: 10, Plot: 10
This is my favorite Disney villain song by FAR, and the ONLY reason it is not rated under "the best"/with a score of 10 is because the song drags a tiny bit in the middle when Dr. Facilier is singing about the cards.
The remaining songs received 10s across the board, and so I have ranked them based on my personal preference!
5."Friend Like Me" from Aladdin: 10
Lyrics: 10, Music: 10, Performance: 10, Plot: 10
This is the BEST Disney sidekick song, and a lot of that is thanks to Robin Williams. It's just got so much amazing energy, and it's SO much fun while also moving the plot forward and introducing a huge character. It's a crime this isn't on Spotify.
4."Remember Me" from Coco
This one kind of gets an unfair advantage, as there are so many versions of it in the film, and altogether they hit a 10 in every category. But oh well — the song really is THAT good. It's one of the most emotional Disney/Pixar songs; I cannot think of a song with the same emotional impact.
3."Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
This song really does not get enough love. There are a LOT of "I wish I could escape/see the world!" Disney songs, and this is by far the best of them. Vocals, lyrics, performance...everything is perfect. It just has such a pure sense of longing.
2."How Far I'll Go" from Moana
This is my favorite solo from any Disney movie, and a lot of that has to do with Auli'i Cravalho's performance. I love that they cast an actual teenager, and her voice is just incredible in this song — and that's not even mentioning the emotion!! This song also just feels so active — it's not just about escaping something, or some vague dream.
1."We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto
Are you really surprised? There's a reason this song has become so popular. Not only is it an amazing introduction to Bruno as a character — or at least, the way others see him — but it is a certified bop that I sing to myself at least once a day. Kudos to you, Encanto.
