Here is the master list for my countdown of Disney animated features from their least great to their best. Click on each film to see the rationale behind the ranking.
Showing posts with label Best of Disney Animated Features. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of Disney Animated Features. Show all posts
Friday, December 6, 2013
Best of Disney Animated Features (3-1)
3. Pinocchio (1940)
This is not just a story of a puppet who becomes a real boy, it is a movie where animators made animated characters feel just like they were alive. This is a morality tale where an innocent, naive character makes mistakes and has to deal with the consequences. His many adversaries all represent various obstacles that everybody faces while growing up. He is fooled by many different types of evils who never receive their comeuppance. The bad characters are balanced well by the loving Geppetto and of course Jiminy Cricket, one of the best narrators of al time. Jiminy is such a pleasant character who keeps the movie lighthearted and uplifting. The lessons in this movie are timeless and still relatable, this still holds up and is worth multiple viewings.
This is not just a story of a puppet who becomes a real boy, it is a movie where animators made animated characters feel just like they were alive. This is a morality tale where an innocent, naive character makes mistakes and has to deal with the consequences. His many adversaries all represent various obstacles that everybody faces while growing up. He is fooled by many different types of evils who never receive their comeuppance. The bad characters are balanced well by the loving Geppetto and of course Jiminy Cricket, one of the best narrators of al time. Jiminy is such a pleasant character who keeps the movie lighthearted and uplifting. The lessons in this movie are timeless and still relatable, this still holds up and is worth multiple viewings.
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney really got it perfect right off the bat. This movie was made by animators who had never worked on a feature before or any characters that looked this realistic. This is very much the culmination of Disney's artistic efforts in the Silly Symphonies and this really pushed the animation industry into new heights. This is one of the strongest example of Disney taking an unheard of risk on something that would become heavily imitated. The animation in this movie absolutely holds up and the characters are still impressive. The character animation on these seven dwarfs, all of whom are the same size, have extremely distinctive, memorable personalities. This movie does not shy away from being dark (Scary Woods, Queen's transformation), but it doesn't shy away from being fun either. Some may criticize how archetypal it is, but it remains entertaining and an incredible artistic achievement.
Disney really got it perfect right off the bat. This movie was made by animators who had never worked on a feature before or any characters that looked this realistic. This is very much the culmination of Disney's artistic efforts in the Silly Symphonies and this really pushed the animation industry into new heights. This is one of the strongest example of Disney taking an unheard of risk on something that would become heavily imitated. The animation in this movie absolutely holds up and the characters are still impressive. The character animation on these seven dwarfs, all of whom are the same size, have extremely distinctive, memorable personalities. This movie does not shy away from being dark (Scary Woods, Queen's transformation), but it doesn't shy away from being fun either. Some may criticize how archetypal it is, but it remains entertaining and an incredible artistic achievement.
1. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
All of these rankings are subjective, but I would have to say that Beauty and the Beast is the perfect animated feature. This works on every level, this feature has everything. It is funny, touching, suspenseful, and beautiful. All of the characters, songs and scenes fit together to create a consistent story that is absolutely worth telling. This was nominated for Best Picture when only five movies were nominated and it really represents the strong response this movie inspires. There is absolutely no critical or commercial dissonance, it is a perfect movie.
All of these rankings are subjective, but I would have to say that Beauty and the Beast is the perfect animated feature. This works on every level, this feature has everything. It is funny, touching, suspenseful, and beautiful. All of the characters, songs and scenes fit together to create a consistent story that is absolutely worth telling. This was nominated for Best Picture when only five movies were nominated and it really represents the strong response this movie inspires. There is absolutely no critical or commercial dissonance, it is a perfect movie.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Best of Disney Animated Features (23-14)
23. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
This was the type of movie you never expected Disney to make, but they did a great job. Disney has always excelled at creating believable fantasy worlds and this movie features several different worlds with distinctive styles. The arcade, Fix It Felix, the terminal, Hero's Duty and Sugar Rush are all unique, but fit together perfectly in the same movie. The character animation is clever as the characters all move in their respective video game styles. The story is pleasant and the characters are touching. Definitely unlike the usual Disney fare, which is not a bad thing.
This was the type of movie you never expected Disney to make, but they did a great job. Disney has always excelled at creating believable fantasy worlds and this movie features several different worlds with distinctive styles. The arcade, Fix It Felix, the terminal, Hero's Duty and Sugar Rush are all unique, but fit together perfectly in the same movie. The character animation is clever as the characters all move in their respective video game styles. The story is pleasant and the characters are touching. Definitely unlike the usual Disney fare, which is not a bad thing.
22. Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
I have written about this movie on this blog extensively. It is a package feature with two completely solid shorts. Wind in the Willows features some of Disney's best character animation and a lot of wit. Legend of Sleepy Hollow perfects atmosphere and has one of the best scary scenes ever. I wrote about it more here.
I have written about this movie on this blog extensively. It is a package feature with two completely solid shorts. Wind in the Willows features some of Disney's best character animation and a lot of wit. Legend of Sleepy Hollow perfects atmosphere and has one of the best scary scenes ever. I wrote about it more here.
21. Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
This is probably the most divisive Disney movie ever made. It is not perfect, but there is much more good than bad. It handles its mature themes very well and has some really three dimensional characters. The music and score is just really grand and supports the scale of the film's visuals. There is a grandeur to this movie that is really beautiful, the design of Notre Dame is absolutely stunning. The movie's problems come from its attempts to force comic relief to make it a kid's movie. It is a shame that Disney did not trust the great story and material they had, but even with its flaws it is a sight to see.
This is probably the most divisive Disney movie ever made. It is not perfect, but there is much more good than bad. It handles its mature themes very well and has some really three dimensional characters. The music and score is just really grand and supports the scale of the film's visuals. There is a grandeur to this movie that is really beautiful, the design of Notre Dame is absolutely stunning. The movie's problems come from its attempts to force comic relief to make it a kid's movie. It is a shame that Disney did not trust the great story and material they had, but even with its flaws it is a sight to see.
20. Winnie the Pooh (2011)
In an age of reboots, sequels and remakes it is rare to see a movie actually maintain a franchise's quality and improve on some aspects. This movie is consistent with the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh but uses the characters a bit differently. This movie seems very simple, but there is a lot of creativity and heart to it. Its humor is sharp and the new songs are great. Disney has not supported this movie at all, but you do need to look it up. One of the most underrated movies in recent years.
In an age of reboots, sequels and remakes it is rare to see a movie actually maintain a franchise's quality and improve on some aspects. This movie is consistent with the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh but uses the characters a bit differently. This movie seems very simple, but there is a lot of creativity and heart to it. Its humor is sharp and the new songs are great. Disney has not supported this movie at all, but you do need to look it up. One of the most underrated movies in recent years.
19. Emperor's New Groove (2000)
After 13 years this remains one of my favorite buddy comedies. The jokes hold up and never get old, in fact many of them age well and get funnier after repeated viewings. This is a buddy comedy with energetic jokes that also features the usual great Disney backgrounds and animation. This is a rare example of where using a celebrity's personality enhances the movie. The personas of David Spade, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman and Patrick Warburton add so much to this movie; they were all perfectly cast. This failed at the box office, but it quickly grew a well deserved audience.
After 13 years this remains one of my favorite buddy comedies. The jokes hold up and never get old, in fact many of them age well and get funnier after repeated viewings. This is a buddy comedy with energetic jokes that also features the usual great Disney backgrounds and animation. This is a rare example of where using a celebrity's personality enhances the movie. The personas of David Spade, Eartha Kitt, John Goodman and Patrick Warburton add so much to this movie; they were all perfectly cast. This failed at the box office, but it quickly grew a well deserved audience.
18. Tangled (2010)
This was the first time Disney put their own stamp on a computer animated film. They utilize lessons that they perfected in traditional animation and it makes this movie stand out. The characters are much more expressive and feature more personality than the usual CG film. Disney also took advantage of computer animation by exploring depth and its animation of Rapunzel's hair. This is a fun movie with fun songs and characters. The first Disney movie in a long time that the general public noticed and it deserved the attention.
This was the first time Disney put their own stamp on a computer animated film. They utilize lessons that they perfected in traditional animation and it makes this movie stand out. The characters are much more expressive and feature more personality than the usual CG film. Disney also took advantage of computer animation by exploring depth and its animation of Rapunzel's hair. This is a fun movie with fun songs and characters. The first Disney movie in a long time that the general public noticed and it deserved the attention.
17. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
One of Disney's most pleasant features. Long before computer animated movies thrived on volumes of similar characters such as Minions, Disney found a way to create 101 traditionally animated dalmatians. The main dogs are cute and have a lot of personality. The scene stealer is the villain Cruella de Vil, who remains one of the best known bad guys of all time. While not a laugh out loud comedy, it is extremely clever with touches such as the Midnight Bark. While Disney is great when they are making artistic leaps they are just as good in these little features that are just fun.
One of Disney's most pleasant features. Long before computer animated movies thrived on volumes of similar characters such as Minions, Disney found a way to create 101 traditionally animated dalmatians. The main dogs are cute and have a lot of personality. The scene stealer is the villain Cruella de Vil, who remains one of the best known bad guys of all time. While not a laugh out loud comedy, it is extremely clever with touches such as the Midnight Bark. While Disney is great when they are making artistic leaps they are just as good in these little features that are just fun.
16. Princess and the Frog (2009)
Disney's return to traditional animation highlights what works about the art form. The movie is full of fantastic backgrounds, colors and characters with individual personalities. Bruce W. Smith's animation of Dr. Facilier and Eric Goldberg's Louis are the stand outs, but all of the characters are great. Tiana is an admirable role model that has more of a character arc than most Disney princesses. The story is clever and touching. This was a fun throwback with surprisingly good songs from Randy Newman, I always enjoy this movie.
Disney's return to traditional animation highlights what works about the art form. The movie is full of fantastic backgrounds, colors and characters with individual personalities. Bruce W. Smith's animation of Dr. Facilier and Eric Goldberg's Louis are the stand outs, but all of the characters are great. Tiana is an admirable role model that has more of a character arc than most Disney princesses. The story is clever and touching. This was a fun throwback with surprisingly good songs from Randy Newman, I always enjoy this movie.
15. Dumbo (1941)
Disney took a break from its epic artistic endeavors to tell a smaller story and they created a really sweet children's movie. This one always gets the heartstrings, the scene of Jumbo's trunk cradling her child is one of the most tender scenes ever animated. It is cute, sad, fun and even a bit surreal. This is one of the most iconic Disney features and it definitely holds up.
Disney took a break from its epic artistic endeavors to tell a smaller story and they created a really sweet children's movie. This one always gets the heartstrings, the scene of Jumbo's trunk cradling her child is one of the most tender scenes ever animated. It is cute, sad, fun and even a bit surreal. This is one of the most iconic Disney features and it definitely holds up.
14. Tarzan (1999)
This seems like an unlikely source material for a Disney movie, but it works beautifully in animation. The jungle background is gorgeous and Glen Keane's movement of Tarzan is impressive. Having the king of the jungle tree surf and move like an ape adds so much to him. The story of an adopted child torn between two worlds is really fascinating. Phil Collins' non-diagetic songs make this movie feel unique instead of a traditional Broadway musical. This was a big hit and is still the best adaptation of Tarzan.
This seems like an unlikely source material for a Disney movie, but it works beautifully in animation. The jungle background is gorgeous and Glen Keane's movement of Tarzan is impressive. Having the king of the jungle tree surf and move like an ape adds so much to him. The story of an adopted child torn between two worlds is really fascinating. Phil Collins' non-diagetic songs make this movie feel unique instead of a traditional Broadway musical. This was a big hit and is still the best adaptation of Tarzan.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Best of Disney Animated Features (33-24)
33. The Aristocats (1970)
Even when Disney has a mid-range movie, it is still considered a classic. Definitely not among the studio's best, but a very likable movie. The story is built on a loose, but strong foundation of a family of cats going on a journey to find their way home and meeting some colorful new friends. It has its dull moments like many Disney movies from this period, but not as much as others. The musical sequences are high energy and the characters are likable.
Even when Disney has a mid-range movie, it is still considered a classic. Definitely not among the studio's best, but a very likable movie. The story is built on a loose, but strong foundation of a family of cats going on a journey to find their way home and meeting some colorful new friends. It has its dull moments like many Disney movies from this period, but not as much as others. The musical sequences are high energy and the characters are likable.
32. Treasure Planet (2002)
It seems that either you love this movie or you don't. When looking at it critically it really is somewhere in the middle. It is an uneven movie, with some intrusive comic relief and a lack of focus. Still, it is creative, adventurous and sincere. The relationships and characterization among the leads is really sweet and surprisingly mature. The action scenes are exciting and well paced. I love this movie and it is worth discovering. It is one of the best adaptations of Treasure Island. I describe it further in this review (not my best review, but still make some good points, if I do say so myself).
It seems that either you love this movie or you don't. When looking at it critically it really is somewhere in the middle. It is an uneven movie, with some intrusive comic relief and a lack of focus. Still, it is creative, adventurous and sincere. The relationships and characterization among the leads is really sweet and surprisingly mature. The action scenes are exciting and well paced. I love this movie and it is worth discovering. It is one of the best adaptations of Treasure Island. I describe it further in this review (not my best review, but still make some good points, if I do say so myself).
31. Hercules (1997)
This is such an interesting movie when looking at Disney's entire library, it really is unique. It tries to follow the Broadway musical format, but rather than going serious like the previous two films it went straight for the laughs. There is still definitely drama, especially with Eric Goldberg's character of Phil who is both comic relief and caring mentor. The character of Hades steals the show along with some pretty clever pop culture references. The visuals in this movie went away from the Disney style with designs from Scarfe, which makes this stand out. It is interesting that the story seems to take it inspirations from movies such as Superman, Karate Kid and Rocky rather than Greek myths. All of these disparate elements works but don't necessarily make the most complete film. It lacks a definite anchor in the main character and story structure. However this works as a comedy and a pretty touching underdog story. Time has been kind to this film and it is a good one.
This is such an interesting movie when looking at Disney's entire library, it really is unique. It tries to follow the Broadway musical format, but rather than going serious like the previous two films it went straight for the laughs. There is still definitely drama, especially with Eric Goldberg's character of Phil who is both comic relief and caring mentor. The character of Hades steals the show along with some pretty clever pop culture references. The visuals in this movie went away from the Disney style with designs from Scarfe, which makes this stand out. It is interesting that the story seems to take it inspirations from movies such as Superman, Karate Kid and Rocky rather than Greek myths. All of these disparate elements works but don't necessarily make the most complete film. It lacks a definite anchor in the main character and story structure. However this works as a comedy and a pretty touching underdog story. Time has been kind to this film and it is a good one.
30. Great Mouse Detective (1986)
The third movie in a row from Ron Clements and John Musker on this list. The strength in this movie is in its two leads: the clever, charming Basil of Baker Street and his hammy nemesis Ratigan. Disney plays up the arch-rival archetypes well and the animators are clearly having fun with them. It is a pleasant little comedy that also serves as an exciting adventure. Even though the clock tower is clearly computer animated you still believe that the characters are there and it remains the most memorable part of the movie. This was the first time that Disney animation had made a quality product in a long time and was an important step to bigger and better things.
The third movie in a row from Ron Clements and John Musker on this list. The strength in this movie is in its two leads: the clever, charming Basil of Baker Street and his hammy nemesis Ratigan. Disney plays up the arch-rival archetypes well and the animators are clearly having fun with them. It is a pleasant little comedy that also serves as an exciting adventure. Even though the clock tower is clearly computer animated you still believe that the characters are there and it remains the most memorable part of the movie. This was the first time that Disney animation had made a quality product in a long time and was an important step to bigger and better things.
28. Frozen (2013)
This is the most recent Disney animated feature and it is a good one. There is a huge scale, some interesting twists and great comic relief. Despite its definite quality, it definitely gives the feeling that it could be better. The plot is not set up well and follows too many different story lines. Many of the themes are interesting, but it should have just chosen one to focus on. Some scenes also seem abrupt. The chase with the wolves and the Snow Monster are well animated, but the movie does not take its time with them. Still, this is complaining about a very good movie. Snow has never looked better on the screen, there is creativity in the trolls and the comic relief character of Olaf is an absolute stand out as the animators find every way to take advantage of him being a snowman. It is touching, just not as consistent as it could have been. This has been heavily applauded for subverting the traditional Disney romance, but Disney has already poked fun at themselves in other movies and showcased strong independent female characters. This movie would have been better if it had trusted itself to tell a story about two sisters, without cramming in love interests.
This is the most recent Disney animated feature and it is a good one. There is a huge scale, some interesting twists and great comic relief. Despite its definite quality, it definitely gives the feeling that it could be better. The plot is not set up well and follows too many different story lines. Many of the themes are interesting, but it should have just chosen one to focus on. Some scenes also seem abrupt. The chase with the wolves and the Snow Monster are well animated, but the movie does not take its time with them. Still, this is complaining about a very good movie. Snow has never looked better on the screen, there is creativity in the trolls and the comic relief character of Olaf is an absolute stand out as the animators find every way to take advantage of him being a snowman. It is touching, just not as consistent as it could have been. This has been heavily applauded for subverting the traditional Disney romance, but Disney has already poked fun at themselves in other movies and showcased strong independent female characters. This movie would have been better if it had trusted itself to tell a story about two sisters, without cramming in love interests.
29. Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Vastly different from 1940's Fantasia, but a very worthy successor. The weakness of this film is in its packaging. The live-action scenes with celebrities seem out of place and age the movie. They are not funny and ruin the flow of the movie, although some segments such as James Earl Jones' work well. Disney utilizes many different styles of music and animation to tell different stories. The best shorts are the ones directed by Eric Goldberg: Rhapsody in Blue and Carnival of the Animals. Other shorts such as Pines of Rome, Pomp and Circumstance, and The Firebird Suite are stunning and creative. Of course it is always great to see The Sorcerer's Apprentice. In many ways this is more accessible than the original Fantasia, which has been seen as a tad pretentious. These cartoons are all story based, don't shy away from humor and take place in a much shorter film. This movie has unfortunately been forgotten, but it should be rediscovered as it features some amazingly underrated work from Disney animators.
27. Rescuers Down Under (1990)
I ranked the original 1977 Rescuers pretty low, but this is the rare sequel that is leagues above the original. The scenes with Marahute are some of the best flying scenes ever animated and his relationship with Cody is rather touching. The side characters are fun as are the leads Bernard and Bianca. This is a rousing adventure that is only know receiving the credit it very much deserves. It is a shame that this did not receive a bigger push when it was released, it would be nice to see more movies like it.
I ranked the original 1977 Rescuers pretty low, but this is the rare sequel that is leagues above the original. The scenes with Marahute are some of the best flying scenes ever animated and his relationship with Cody is rather touching. The side characters are fun as are the leads Bernard and Bianca. This is a rousing adventure that is only know receiving the credit it very much deserves. It is a shame that this did not receive a bigger push when it was released, it would be nice to see more movies like it.
26. Mulan (1998)
This movie does a lot of things different from previous Disney movies, primarily with its gender roles. Unfortunately the movie feels the need to point that out and does not trust itself to be entirely different. Still the character of Mulan is a strong, admirable lead. There are many scenes that stand out such as the touching talk from Fa Zou, the silent scene where she steals her father's armor and the battle on the mountain. The movie is a little disjointed as it tries to cram some unnecessary comic relief and a love story. But overall this is a great effort from the studio who successfully broke out of the mold.
This movie does a lot of things different from previous Disney movies, primarily with its gender roles. Unfortunately the movie feels the need to point that out and does not trust itself to be entirely different. Still the character of Mulan is a strong, admirable lead. There are many scenes that stand out such as the touching talk from Fa Zou, the silent scene where she steals her father's armor and the battle on the mountain. The movie is a little disjointed as it tries to cram some unnecessary comic relief and a love story. But overall this is a great effort from the studio who successfully broke out of the mold.
25. The Jungle Book (1967)
One of the best-loved Disney animated features. The songs and fun characters have made this a classic and help it hold up for new audiences. It definitely lags at times and is not the most impressive film from an artistic stand point. But the character animation and voice work are the selling point. Baloo, Baghera, Shere Khan, Kaa, King Louie and Colonel Haithi's elephants are great characters to build a film around.
One of the best-loved Disney animated features. The songs and fun characters have made this a classic and help it hold up for new audiences. It definitely lags at times and is not the most impressive film from an artistic stand point. But the character animation and voice work are the selling point. Baloo, Baghera, Shere Khan, Kaa, King Louie and Colonel Haithi's elephants are great characters to build a film around.
24. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
This is one of Disney's best known films. These versions of Lewis Caroll's characters have become iconic and remain one of Disney's most popular brand. Critically and among Disney animators at the time this was not the most popular. It certainly has its flaws as it does not feel like a complete film. But much like the Jungle Book, the character animation raises the quality of the film immensely. The Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Caterpillar and Queen of Hearts are some of Disney's best wacky characters. The bright and colorful nonsensical world is also a treat for the eyes with Mary Blair's backgrounds. It may not be perfect as a whole, but there is certainly great art at play.
This is one of Disney's best known films. These versions of Lewis Caroll's characters have become iconic and remain one of Disney's most popular brand. Critically and among Disney animators at the time this was not the most popular. It certainly has its flaws as it does not feel like a complete film. But much like the Jungle Book, the character animation raises the quality of the film immensely. The Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Caterpillar and Queen of Hearts are some of Disney's best wacky characters. The bright and colorful nonsensical world is also a treat for the eyes with Mary Blair's backgrounds. It may not be perfect as a whole, but there is certainly great art at play.
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