Though Disney has dreamed up many of cinema’s most memorable animations, no era was quite as successful for the studio as the Disney Renaissance.
During this period, which took place from 1989 to 1999, Disney created some of its most well-known hand-drawn features including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. Though every film had its own characteristics, most of them featured a Broadway-style soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, and plots inspired by preexisting stories. We’re here to look at how all ten of the Disney Renaissance films stack up. But rather than selecting our personal favorites, we’re turning to IMDb for answers.
The popular movie website has assigned every Disney film a star rating based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. We’ll be using these scores to count down to the best.
With that said, it’s time to head to theaters and get ready to watch some of animation’s greatest. Here is every movie of the Disney Renaissance, ranked by the fans at IMDb.
Pocahontas (1995) – 6.7
Though Pocahontas is comprised of gorgeous colors and a soaring soundtrack, its existence is controversial. That being said, it exists now, and it’s impossible to ignore.
The 1995 romantic drama tells of a Native American woman who meets and falls in love with one of the visiting explorers from England, John Smith. Though the pair bonds despite their differences, the competing agendas of their people threaten to tear them apart.
Pocahontas might not be the top-rated Disney film, but it remains stylish and full of character.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) – 6.9
Though The Rescuers Down Under is perhaps the least known installment in the Disney Renaissance collection, it is nonetheless a charming animation.
The 1990 Rescuers sequel follows Bernard and Bianca as they journey to Australia in an attempt to save a boy who is kidnapped by an evil poacher. Though the story was forgettable, the action and animation were vibrant.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996) – 6.9
While The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of Disney’s darker movies, it is nonetheless an important entry into its animation history.
The 1996 drama tells of the lonely, deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, Quasimodo. Though he longs to be accepted among the townspeople, his master, Frollo, requires him to stay out of sight. However, Quasimodo’s world gets a little bigger after he enters the Festival of Fools and meets gypsy Esmerelda who hopes to find justice for her people.
Sure, Hunchback had a much more serious feel than other entries into the Disney library. Nonetheless, its heart and stunning visuals saved the day.
Tarzan (1999) – 7.3
This wild adventure swung onto the big screen in 1999.
It recounts the tale of a man who is raised among the apes after being abandoned in the African jungles as a child. Though he is used to feeling different from his animal friends, Tarzan soon discovers that he might not be so alone after meeting a group of English explorers who come to visit including the vibrant, charming Jane.
Tarzan was one of the Disney Renaissance’s more spirited features. The graphics were detailed and fluid, the soundtrack was adventurous, and the narrative was moving.
Hercules (1997) – 7.3
This fantasy, based on Greek mythology, tells of Zeus’ son, Hercules, who is stolen by the villainous Hades as a baby. Though Hercules grows up among men, he is eventually given the chance to prove himself and head back to Mount Olympus if he can defeat a series of evil creatures.
The 1997 film featured a brisk plot and witty writing. Its original characters and thrill left critics and fans impressed.
The Little Mermaid (1989) – 7.6
The Little Mermaid kicked off the Renaissance with a giant splash in 1989.
The musical romance follows Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid who hopes to discover what it’s like to be human and explore the world above. This has her making a deal with the sea witch Ursula — Ariel will be made into a person, and if she can get Prince Eric to kiss her within three days, she’ll stay human. If not, she will turn back into a mermaid and belong to Ursula forever.
The colorful animations, strong leading lady, vibrant tunes, and high-stakes story helped usher in a new era for Disney.
Mulan (1998) – 7.6
Let’s get down to business and look at one of the fiercest Disney films of all time!
Mulan follows a young woman who decides to disguise herself as a man and enter the Chinese army in her father’s place after he is summoned by the emperor. Though fighting for her place is difficult, keeping her identity a secret also proves to be a challenge.
In addition to featuring some of Disney’s most memorable songs, the 1998 adventure dove into fresh themes (like honor and family duty), and boasted a witty script.
Beauty And The Beast (1991) – 8.0
Beauty and the Beast waltzed into theaters in 1991. It tells of a young maiden, Belle, who exchanges herself for her father’s release after he is kidnapped by a cruel beast. Though Belle is at first terrified of a lifetime in captivity, she soon discovers that the castle she’s being held in is enchanted. She also finds that there is much more to someone than what lies on the surface.
The music, characters, voice work, colors, and more were applauded. The film captivated adults just as much as it entertained kids.
Aladdin (1992) – 8.0
Aladdin offered viewers a whole new world of entertainment upon its release in 1992.
It tells of an orphaned boy who lives on the streets of an Arabian city. Though he is forced to steal food to stay alive, he gets a chance to change his fate after happening upon a magic lamp. Aladdin must use his three wishes carefully to get everything he desires, including the affection of Princess Jasmine.
The film was enchanting, adventurous, funny, and musically impressive. The warmth of the story combined with Robin William’s impressive portrayal of the Genie has cemented this one as a classic.
The Lion King (1993) – 8.5
Landing at the very top of the list as the Disney Renaissance’s highest-rated movie is The Lion King.
This 1994 adventure tells of Simba, who runs away from Pride Rock after believing that he caused his father’s death. However, after his villainous uncle Scar tries to rise to power, it’s up to Simba to go back to his home and take his rightful place as ruler.
The dazzling drawings, stirring emotions, and boppin’ soundtrack has The Lion King continuing to reign over the animation game.
