Nothing quite compares to the charm and ambiance of Walt Disney Productions back in the day. A golden era for Disney films and entertainment, this pilot period spun a spectacular web of classic movies that audiences have been stuck in ever since, changing the course of cinema with its many spin-offs, sequels, and innovations. From talking dragons and dancing candles to magic genies and scheming witches, the ’90s are revered as some of the best Disney movies ever made.


Updated September 18, 2022: If you love Disney classics from the ’90s, you’ll be happy to know we’ve updated this article with additional content and entries.

Audiences across the world fell in love with some of Disney’s most recognizable and beloved characters, with familiar faces like Buzz Lightyear, Mushu, Lumiere, and conspiring twins Annie and Hallie making their debuts during the nostalgic decade. Fondly known as the Disney Renaissance, the ’90s was a time of a popular resurgence for the animation studio after a couple of less beloved decades; here are 13 of the best films released.

12 The Parent Trap (1998)

After Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released, Arnold Schwarzenegger made it pretty clear that no one could ever look cooler while strutting to the tune of “Bad to the Bone” on the big screen. That is, until young Lindsay Lohan came along with Disney’s splendid remake of The Parent Trap. The classic song by George Thorogood & the Destroyers played during the twins’ epic poker scene in the 1998 hit film, which also starred Dennis Quaid and a standout Natasha Richardson.

The Parent Trap follows two formerly estranged twins who reunite at summer camp and conjure a plan to get their divorced parents back together. At just 11 years old, Lohan already displayed a great deal of range, especially by nailing two different accents. (There are lots of grownup actors in Hollywood who still can’t pull this off!) The roles rightfully earned Lohan a number of accolades and made her an overnight sensation.

11 Hocus Pocus (1993)

A perfect flick to curl up around the fire with when trick-or-treaters are out to play, Hocus Pocus is a household Halloween movie. Centered around a coven of three Salem witches, played by actresses Sarah Jessica-Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy, this costume drama makes light of the tragic history between magic and women.

While the title might signal a hint of horror, the movie is more a comedy than anything. For decades, women were chastised for being “witches.” Now they have transcended into quite the trend-setters, with numerous movies and shows about witches. Giving children the opportunity to laugh along with this trio of sister witches breaks the barrier between fear and understanding. Today, being a witch is actually a cool thing, although the intimidation factor for men may still hold true. There is no doubt that this fantastical film had a little something to do with it, considering the people who seem to be practicing pagan beliefs are the ones who likely grew up watching and loving these ladies.

10 Tarzan (1999)

Tarzan, an immaculate conception of the close yet diluted bond between people and simian primates, is a permanent reminder showcasing we are not so different. Tarzan, voiced by Tony Goldwyn, is a coming-of-age lad who lives a nomadic lifestyle in the jungle with a close-knit family of wild gorillas. As the story unfolds, Tarzan develops a romantic relationship with Minnie Driver’s dearly beloved female protagonist Jane Porter, who comes to Africa with her father and another guide in pursuit of studying gorillas.

Related: Best Animated Disney Movies From Each Decade

Creator Edgar Rice Burroughs uses their epic love story to juxtapose how Earth’s resources are being exploited without even someone like Jane being aware of the extent of the damage, despite her being a self-proclaimed expert in the field who desires nothing more than to help, learn and understand more about these delicate creatures. Therein lies the reason this is considered among the best of the best

’90s movies, not to mention soundtracks, from Disney.

9 Hercules (1997)

Greek mythology met the magic of vintage animation in the 1997 blockbuster Hercules, but Zeus and Hades were not the only Godly concepts introduced in this film. Hercules is the ultimate underdog and one of the greatest superheroes to ever exist, yet this dynamic shift did not happen overnight.

In the film’s messaging, this holds a lot of weight because it shows that even if you are the son of a god, there will still be a struggle, there is always strife, others might even look down on you, so it takes a lot of work to reach your divine destination. However, if you do put in that work, in the name of the greater good, the reward will be fruitful. Not only does this act as a staple for the age-old “root for the underdog” folklore, but it also teaches kids that power comes from within and is drawn out only through you.

8 Cool Runnings (1993)

Relevant to the times both then and now, Cool Runnings artfully dips into the pool of racial and cultural differences with this Disney marvel centered around a Jamaican athlete who’s forced to change his course of direction after failing to make the Olympic track team. Broadly based on true historical events, the story follows Derice Bannock, played by Leon Robinson, on his journey as he forms a team to compete for gold in a sport he, and apparently anyone, least expected to be playing: bobsledding. Not only is this timeless tale cheeky and absolutely hilarious, but it also depicts some extremely important and intricate themes, and has a delightful John Candy performance.

7 A Goofy Movie

A criminally underrated Disney classic in its own right, 1995’s A Goofy Movie follows the lovable titular character as he embarks on a cross-country father/son fishing trip with his moody teenage son Max in hopes of mending their troubled relationship. The animated musical comedy features a spectacular soundtrack including songs by the film’s famous pop star Powerline (performed by R&B singer Tevin Campbell), with the toe-tapping numbers “Stand Out” and “I 2 I” becoming instant hits for nostalgic ’90s kids. Despite an initial mixed response at the box office, A Goofy Movie went on to find new life via home media release and has since been regarded as a heart-warming cult film with a passionate fan-following.

6 Newsies (1992)

Disney’s mega-hit musical did so well that they had to make it again. Since its debut back in 1992, Newsies has amassed a vast following of sing-along fanatics. So many, in fact, that they decided to make a modern adaptation of it again in 2017. Set in New York nearly a century before the film’s release, the narrative is based on a Newsboy Strike that actually happened back then, and it revolves around a rebellious young lad named Jack Kelly.

Jack is one of the first roles played by world-famous Batman star, Christian Bale, but that’s not all that this theatrical dramedy has going for it. Newsies is informative of a crucial turning point in history, but it is also a classic that captures the near-universal period of brooding boyishness that is both beguiling and baffling to behold.

5 Toy Story 2 (1999)

Whoever says sequels can never stack up to the original has never seen Toy Story 2. Ratings might be slightly skewed but as far as novelistic nostalgia and cinematic masterpieces go, these epic sagas are at an even tie. While Toy Story will always be in the front of the line for many fans, the subsequent film is tremendously close behind.

Related: Toy Story: All the Movies, Ranked

Having introduced beloved new faces to the series including cowgirl Jessie and Woody’s trusted steed Bullseye, the acclaimed follow-up currently holds a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score (just like its predecessor) and has been touted by some critics as one of a select few sequels superior to the original. Over 25 years and through four or five fantastic movies later (give or take a Lightyear), the franchise is still flourishing.

4 Aladdin (1992)

Another legacy left by Disney in the ’90s, Aladdin was made in 1992 as a tribute to Middle Eastern heritage. Set on the desert sands of an Arabian Pangea, the film takes viewers through a whole new world of cultural creation, customary practices, and traditional values. Along with featuring some of the most famous and catchy film music ever made to date, it also stars one of the best, most well-known actors of all time: the adored Robin Williams. A real-life legend in his time, Williams played the role of a genie almost too well. Genie left the same heartwarming, endlessly endearing impression on fans that the Jumanji icon who played him left on the world before he died. Rest in peace, king.

3 Mulan (1998)

Mulan might be one of the best movies ever made, period. It speaks to gender norms that are still very much alive and well in society today, but with a twang of Chinese culture. From the song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” to the elegant kimono that Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, is made to wear at the beginning, every scene substantiates symbolism for the disparate roles ascribed to stereotypical masculinity and femininity. If the theme doesn’t tell you enough about how amazing this movie is, the sheer entertainment, action, and allure certainly will.

2 Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story is an absolute all-timer and fan favorite. Following the secret life of Andy’s toys, Toy Story brings a child’s deepest dreams and desires to life while also fostering touching themes about friendship. Woody, a cowboy doll voiced by award-winning actor Tom Hanks, and Buzz Lightyear, a toy Space Ranger superhero voiced by Tim Allen, not only epitomize undying loyalty to their human buddy but also to each other and the rest of the gang. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is a track that will jerk every last happy and sad tear from the eyes of anyone aware of the sentimental anecdote behind it. Not to mention this song still hits to this very day.

1 The Lion King (1994)

Voted the best animated film of all time by Ranker, The Lion King is naturally at the top of this list too. The colorful, vibrant, and jovial representation of an African-set animal kingdom is remarkable for its ability to depict darker, more mature themes. A great deal of this box office success (grossing nearly $1 billion) is rooted in the dynamic demonstration of its themes about family and filial identity in relation to the self, which serves to both educate youth while also entertain the elders who have to sit there and watch it with them.

With amazing music, gorgeous animation, great suspense and comedy, and wonderful voice acting, Lion King is one of a kind in the sense that anyone of any given age can sit down at any time and get optimum enjoyment out of it.