Ron Clements and John Musker started the classic Disney Renaissance with their directing of The Little Mermaid, the film that ended an artistic downturn for Disney Animation Studios that set in during the 1970s. And this Friday, the director duo are tasked with continuing the current Disney renaissance with Moana, a 16-year old’s journey in search of a demigod to save her island people. In this week’s gallery, we rank every official Disney Animation Studios release (barring Pixar and the oeuvre of Circle 7 Animation and such) since 1986, the year of Clements/Musker’s first movie, The Great Mouse Detective.
Critics Consensus: “Offers a thoughtful, inclusive message that’s as rich and timely as its sumptuously state-of-the-art animation — all while remaining fast and funny enough to keep younger viewers entertained.”
Moana (2016, 98%)
Critics Consensus: With a title character as three-dimensional as its lush animation and a story that adds fresh depth to Disney’s time-tested formula, Moana is truly a family-friendly adventure for the ages.
Aladdin (1992, 94%)
Critics Consensus: “A highly entertaining entry in Disney’s renaissance era, Aladdin is beautifully drawn, with near-classic songs and a cast of scene-stealing characters.”
Beauty and the Beast (1991, 93%)
Critics Consensus: “Enchanting, sweepingly romantic, and featuring plenty of wonderful musical numbers, Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney’s most elegant animated offerings.”
The Little Mermaid (1989, 92%)
Critics Consensus: “The Little Mermaid ushered in a new golden era for Disney animation with warm and charming hand-drawn characters and catchy musical sequences.”
The Lion King (1994, 92%)
Critics Consensus: “Emotionally stirring, richly drawn, and beautifully animated, The Lion King stands tall within Disney’s pantheon of classic family films.”
Winnie the Pooh (2011, 90%)
Critics Consensus: “Short, nostalgic, and gently whimsical, Winnie the Pooh offers young audiences — and their parents — a sweetly traditional family treat.”
Frozen (2013, 89%)
Critics Consensus: “Beautifully animated, smartly written, and stocked with singalong songs, Frozen adds another worthy entry to the Disney canon.”
Big Hero 6 (2014, 89%)
Critics Consensus: “Agreeably entertaining and brilliantly animated, Big Hero 6 is briskly-paced, action-packed, and often touching.”
Tangled (2010, 89%)
Critics Consensus: “A visually stunning, thoroughly entertaining addition to the studio’s classic animated canon.”
Bolt (2008, 89%)
Critics Consensus: “A pleasant animated comedy that overcomes the story’s familiarity with strong visuals and likable characters.”
Tarzan (1999, 88%)
Critics Consensus: “Takes the well-known story to a new level with spirited animation, a brisk pace, and some thrilling action set-pieces.”
Mulan (1998, 86%)
Critics Consensus: “Exploring themes of family duty and honor, Mulan breaks new ground as a Disney film, while still bringing vibrant animation and sprightly characters to the screen.”
Wreck-It Ralph (2012, 86%)
Critics Consensus: “Equally entertaining for both kids and parents old enough to catch the references, Wreck-It Ralph is a clever, colorful adventure built on familiar themes and joyful nostalgia.”
Lilo and Stitch (2002, 86%)
Critics Consensus: “Edgier than traditional Disney fare, Lilo and Stitch explores issues of family while providing a fun and charming story.”
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000, 85%)
Critics Consensus: “Not the most ambitious animated film, but its brisk pace, fresh characters, and big laughs make for a great time for the whole family.”
The Princess and the Frog (2009, 84%)
Critics Consensus: “The warmth of traditional Disney animation makes this occasionally lightweight fairy-tale update a lively and captivating confection for the holidays.”
Hercules (1997, 83%)
Critics Consensus: “Fast-paced and packed with dozens of pop culture references, Hercules might not measure up with the true classics of the Disney pantheon, but it’s still plenty of fun.”
Fantasia 2000 (2000, 82%)
Critics Consensus: “An entertaining experience for adults and children alike.”
The Great Mouse Detective (1986, 81%)
Critics Consensus: “May not rank with Disney’s classics, but it’s an amiable, entertaining picture with some stylishly dark visuals.”
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996, 73%)
Critics Consensus: “Disney’s take on the Victor Hugo classic is dramatically uneven, but its strong visuals, dark themes, and message of tolerance make for a more-sophisticated-than-average children’s film.”
Treasure Planet (2002, 69%)
Critics Consensus: “Though its characterizations are weaker than usual, Treasure Planet offers a fast-paced, beautifully rendered vision of outer space.”
The Rescuers Down Under (1990, 68%)
Critics Consensus: “Though its story is second-rate, The Rescuers Down Under redeems itself with some remarkable production values — particularly its flight scenes.”
Meet the Robinsons (2007, 66%)
Critics Consensus: “A visually impressive children’s animated film marked by a story of considerable depth.”
Dinosaur (2000, 65%)
Critics Consensus: “While Dinosaur‘s plot is generic and dull, its stunning computer animation and detailed backgrounds are enough to make it worth a look.”
Pocahontas (1995, 56%)
Critics Consensus: “Pocahontas means well, and has moments of startling beauty, but it’s largely a bland, uninspired effort, with uneven plotting and an unfortunate lack of fun.”
Home on the Range (2004, 54%)
Critics Consensus: “Though Home on the Range is likeable and may keep young children diverted, it’s one of Disney’s more middling titles, with garish visuals and a dull plot.”
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001, 49%)
Critics Consensus: “Atlantis provides a fast-paced spectacle, but stints on such things as character development and a coherent plot.”
Oliver & Company (1988, 44%)
Critics Consensus: “A decidedly lesser effort in the Disney canon, with lackluster songs, stiff animation, and a thoroughly predictable plot.”
Brother Bear (2003, 38%)
Critics Consensus: “Gentle and pleasant if unremarkable Disney fare, with so-so animation and generic plotting.”
Chicken Little (2005, 36%)
Critics Consensus: “In its first non-Pixar CGI venture, Disney expends more effort in the technical presentation than in crafting an original storyline.”
