While many Donald Duck cartoons have been released, several are essential to the iconic duck’s legacy. Since his debut in 1934, Donald Duck has become one of the most popular Disney characters ever created. His volatile temper and iconic voice proved very popular with audiences, and he has appeared in multiple cartoons, comic strips, and merchandise.

While Mickey Mouse is the official mascot for the Walt Disney Company, Donald Duck holds the record for the most appearances across all franchises. Many of his cartoons see him trying to be the center of attention, often with disastrous results. Donald Duck has appeared in multiple cartoons, but there are a few that Disney fans should watch if they want to see the true legacy of the devious duck.

10

Don Donald (1937)

Donald’s First Headliner Cartoon

Don Donald sees Donald traveling around Mexico on a donkey and playing a guitar, on his way to a date with Donna Duck. Believing the donkey will blow his chances with his girlfriend, Donald trades the animal for a flashy car to impress his new date. This initially works, and the date goes well, until the car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, resulting in Donna leaving Donald wallowing in self-pity.

This was the first time Donald was billed as the headlining character for any Disney cartoon. It was a sign that Disney recognized Donald’s potential to be a successful character; Donald would go on to star in a cartoon series that ran until 1961. Don Donald is also remembered for the appearance of Donald’s short-term girlfriend, Donna; their relationship didn’t last after this cartoon, as Donald would go on to find love with a new girlfriend, Daisy Duck.

9

Donald’s Nephews (1938)

Saw The Debut of Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Donald’s Mischievous Nephews

Donald was given an extended family in this cartoon, Donald’s Nephews, which saw the debut of his three young nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. At first, Donald is thrilled that his nephews are coming to see him, and he does his best to welcome them. But it isn’t long before Huey, Dewey, and Louie start causing trouble for their uncle; with the help of a psychology book, Donald tries to reign them in, with disastrous results.

Donald’s Nephews was highly praised for its gags and for expanding Donald’s family by introducing his nephews. Donald’s problems with controlling his nephews humorously represent issues many parents face when looking after their children. The triplets and their antics against their Uncle Donald proved very popular with audiences, as Huey, Dewey, and Louie would go on to appear in comic strips and animated shows, most notably, in DuckTales (via D23).

8

Orphan’s Benefit (1934)

Donald’s First Cartoon With Mickey Mouse

Donald Duck has been established as a character who always wants the spotlight for himself and does not take kindly to being heckled. This is seen in the 1934 short Orphan’s Benefit, where he appears alongside Mickey Mouse, who is hosting a benefit concert for orphaned mice. Donald participates in the concert, reciting poems, but the orphans refuse to stop mocking him, causing the duck to lose his temper with hilarious consequences.

This was the first time Donald appeared alongside Mickey Mouse in a cartoon and audiences were able to see what happens when Donald loses his temper. While Mickey’s concert was meant to benefit the young orphan mice, Donald’s antics were what proved a hit with viewers, and Disney decided to establish a cartoon series centered around the short-tempered duck. Orphan’s Benefit received a color remake in 1941, further heightening Donald’s explosive temper and increasing his popularity.

7

Donald’s Ostrich (1937)

Branded As The First Official Donald Duck Cartoon

Donald worked various jobs throughout his time at Disney; in Donald’s Ostrich, he worked as a train station custodian, in charge of unloading luggage. One crate breaks open and an ostrich named Hortense comes out, proceeding to cause havoc at the station. The cartoon sees Donald struggling to get the ostrich under control and stop her from causing any more trouble.

While Donald’s Ostrich was billed as a Mickey Mouse cartoon, it was the first official entry in the Donald Duck short film series, which ran until 1961. This cartoon displayed the chaos and mayhem often faced by Donald throughout the majority of the series. It may not be as well-known as other cartoons, but Donald’s Ostrich is an enjoyable short film and serves as a predecessor for Donald’s future adventures.

6

Mr. Duck Steps Out (1940)

Marked The First Appearance of Daisy Duck

In Mr. Duck Steps Out, Donald reunites with his nephews as he prepares to go on a first date with his new girlfriend, Daisy. Donald is determined to impress his date, dressing in a fancy suit and gifting her chocolates. But Huey, Dewey, and Louie also take an interest in Daisy and soon, the uncle and nephews are battling for her attention in every matter possible, leading to complete chaos.

Mr. Duck Steps Out marks the debut of Donald’s longtime girlfriend, Daisy Duck, who has gone on to appear in multiple movies and cartoons alongside Donald and his friends. Donald is determined to win her heart, but his nephew’s pranks don’t make it easy for him; they launch maize into their uncle’s stomach, which causes him to launch into a crazy dance around Daisy’s living room. Despite the date ending in chaos, Daisy is impressed by Donald’s efforts and this animated short marked the beginning of their romantic relationship.

5

Donald Duck in MathMagic Land (1959)

A Fun Educational Film That Teaches Viewers About The Benefits Of Math

After World War II, Donald began starring in educational movies; one notable movie was Donald Duck in MathMagic Land, released in 1959. In this short film, Donald finds himself in a world called MathMagic Land, where rivers are filled with numbers, and trees are covered in square roots. Initially unsure about this world, Donald is taken on a journey by the Spirit of Adventure and, through several nonsensical adventures, learns how math can be useful in all aspects of life.

Donald Duck in MathMagic Land was released to high praise and was regarded as a clever and comprehensible way to make math more interesting to students (via Mathematical Association of America). The cartoon includes entertaining concepts of how math is incorporated into music, games, and nature, and helps Donald and viewers appreciate the concepts of math. It was viewed in various schools across America and is still considered one of the most successful educational films ever made.

4

Donald’s Crime (1945)

A Surprisingly Dark Cartoon That Offers A Rare View of Donald’s Conscience

Throughout his time at Disney, Donald has committed several notable bad acts. In Donald’s Crime, when he doesn’t have any money to take Daisy out on a date, Donald resorts to stealing money out of his nephews’ piggy bank. His date with Daisy goes well, but it doesn’t take long for Donald’s conscience to settle in, and he ultimately decides to make things right.

Donald Duck is a character who often resorts to devious ways to get what he wants; this cartoon gives viewers a rare chance to see him wrestling with his conscience, and realizing his wrongdoings. It also has a strong message about understanding the difference between right and wrong and not resorting to criminal activities such as theft. By the end of the cartoon, Donald does get caught out by his nephews, but it’s still good to see him recognize his mistakes for once.

3

Der Fuehrer’s Face (1943)

The Only Donald Duck Cartoon To Ever Win An Academy Award

During World War II, Donald appeared in many propaganda-inspired cartoons. One notable cartoon was the controversial short Der Fuehrer’s Face; Donald is living in a nightmare world, working in a factory in Nutziland, under the control of Hitler. Donald is forced to work a 48-hour shift making artillery shells and swearing loyalty to the Nazis. With the continuous ordering and constant stress, Donald suffers a nervous breakdown, while a brass band plays “Der Fuehrer’s Face” before he finally wakes up.

Der Fuehrer’s Face received heavy controversy upon release, due to its anti-Nazi propaganda message and its portrayal of Donald Duck as a reluctant Nazi; the cartoon was kept out of circulation after its original release until 2004. However, the theme song, later recorded by Spike Jones and His City Slickers, was praised for its catchy tune and humorous lyrics. Der Fuehrer’s Face is also the only Donald Duck cartoon to win an Academy Award, winning Best Animated Short Film in 1943.

2

The Three Caballeros (1944)

One Of The First Movies To Blend Animation and Live-Action

In 1944, Donald Duck was introduced to a new audience in South America, through his appearance in The Three Caballeros. An anthology film, Donald celebrates his birthday and receives several gifts from his friends, José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles. The three embark on a journey across Brazil and Mexico, participating in cultural celebrations and dances and forming a musical group called The Three Caballeros.

The Three Caballeros was one of the first films to blend animation and live-action and featured several notable Latin American performers, including Dora Luz, Aurora Miranda, and Carmen Molina. The movie was praised for its powerful musical performances and use of Spanish and Portuguese, which further appealed to audiences in South America. Donald’s musical performances with José and Panchito proved popular with audiences; while the movie has garnered controversy in the years since its release, Donald, José, and Panchito have reformed as The Three Caballeros several times, most notably in the 2018 animated series, Legend of The Three Caballeros.

1

The Wise Little Hen (1934)

Donald Duck’s First Appearance In A Disney Cartoon

This Silly Symphony cartoon was where it all began for Donald Duck. In The Wise Little Hen, Donald and his friend Peter Pig decline to help the hen plant her corn by pretending they have stomach aches. When they try to gain some of the food later, they are taught a valuable lesson by the wise hen and face the consequences of their laziness.

This is arguably the most iconic and recognized Donald Duck cartoon; it was his first-ever appearance in a Disney cartoon, and he was famously introduced to viewers dancing to “The Sailor’s Hornpipe”. It also carries a valuable lesson to viewers about the value of hard work and the consequences of being lazy in life. It was released to high praise and introduced Donald to the world, making The Wise Little Hen the most iconic Donald Duck cartoon that every viewer should watch.

Source: D23, Mathematical Association of America