Will Fenton
If there is one thing that Disney has proved over the years, it is their dedication to having catchy and inspiring theme songs for all their animated movies.
From classic Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and the Lion King to modern classics like Moana and Frozen, Disney has created a musical path to our hearts.
While there are several Disney songs out there, and it might be pretty difficult for anyone to choose a favorite, I’ve picked some of my favorites and what I think are some of the best Disney songs of all time.
1. “Circle Of Life” from The Lion King
“Circle Of Life” is one of the most famous Disney songs.
A song that adults and children around the world still sing to this day.
The “Circle Of Life” track starts with Zulu, a South African language, before transitioning into English with Zulu chants in between.
The song was written by Elton John and Tim Rice and was performed by Carmen Twillie and Lebo M for the film in 1994.
2. “Under The Sea” from The Little Mermaid
With “The Little Mermaid” remake set to be released in 2023, it is only normal to reminisce about one of its catchy songs, “Under The Sea.”
“Under The Sea” was sung by the crab to convince Ariel that being under the sea is more fun than being on the surface.
The song was performed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman in 1989.
3. “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
This song soundtracked one of the most romantic scenes in Disney movies and is one of the most popular Disney songs.
“A Whole New World” is played as Aladdin and Jasmine share a magic carpet ride for the first time and soars above the city.
It was performed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice in 1992.
4. “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid
Another classic Disney song from The Little Mermaid is “Part Of Your World.”
It is a song that captures the desire to want something you might never have.
This song played after Ariel caught a glimpse of the surface and started feeling gnaw about exploring it.
The song was performed by Alan Menken and written by Howard Ashman in 1989.
5. “How Far I’ll Go” – Moana
In 2016, one of the best Disney movie songs to ever grace our screens were released, and the title is “How Far I’ll Go” in Moana.
Like The Little Mermaid’s “Part Of Our World,” “How Far I’ll Go” is a song about desire.
It is a song about yearning for an adventure despite the dangers it might hold.
The original song is by LinfromManuel Miranda, Opetaia Foi’a, and Mark Mancina, but the original score was composed by Mark Mancina.
6. “Prince Ali” – Aladdin
“Make way for Prince Ali.”
“Prince Ali” has several quotable lyrics that are still being used by people all over the internet.
It was played when the Genie introduced a disguised Aladdin (Agrabah) to the new royalty.
This Disney song will have you tapping your feet with reckless abandon.
It was performed by Robin Williams in the 1991 Aladdin version but was remixed for Will Smith in the 2019 version.
7. “Be Our Guest” from Beauty And The Beast
“Be Our Guest” is a Disney song that combines humorous lyrics with a sense of magical wonder.
This song was performed for Belle by the Candlestick Lumiere because they were excited to have a guest for the first time in several years.
Angela Lansbury and Jerry Orbach performed it in 1991 for the Beauty And The Beast movie.
8. “Colors Of The Wind” from Pocahontas
In “Colors Of The Wind,” Pocahontas uses beautiful tunes to show John Smith her world and teaches him to appreciate the beauty around him.
The lyrical depth of this song makes it a song that is not sung a lot but is enjoyed by many.
It was performed by Judy Kuhn in 1995.
9. “Let It Go” from Frozen
This is the favorite Disney song for most people because of its empowering message.
At the start of “Let It Go,” Elsa sings slowly and laments about her fleeing from her home because of her powers, but by the end, she sings triumphantly as she builds a beautiful ice castle.
This song was performed by Idina Menzel with an Original score by Christopher Beck in 2013.
10. “You’re Welcome” from Moana
Another hit song from the Disney movie Moana is “You’re Welcome,” a comical song that praises the singer.
The song was played as an introduction for Maui, a demifromgod, and he lyrically lists all his achievements as he plots to steal a boat.
This song might be hilarious, but it will build your confidence and encourage you to believe in yourself.
11. “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio
“When You Wish Upon A Star” is a classic Disney song about fulfilling dreams.
Disney used it as the opening song for all their television series from 1950 to 1960.
It was performed by Cliff Edwards and written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for the 1940 adaptation of the Pinocchio film.
12. “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King
“It means no worries for the rest of your days.”
“Hakuna Matata” is a popular African phrase that means “no worries,” as the lyrics read above.
It is a fun Disney song from The Lion King Franchise.
In the movie, this song is played when Timon and Pumba tell Simba to forget about his past and have no worries.
It was written by Elton John and Tim Rice and performed by Nathan Lane, Jason Weaver, Ernie Sabella, and Joseph Williams in 1994.
13. “Reflection” from Mulan
Reflection” is one of the best Disney songs to sing when you are sad and don’t believe in yourself.
This song was played when Mulan returned after trying to impress her suitors and performed terribly.
It was written by Matthew Wilder and performed by Lea Salonga in the 1998 Disney animated film Mulan.
14. “Into The Unknown” from Frozen II
Many have called “Into The Unknown” the “Let It Go” of Frozen II as it has become a favorite of both kids and adults.
This Disney song encourages people to follow their calling even though it might be challenging and riddled with uncertainties.
It was composed by Kristen AndersonfromLopez and Robert Lopez and performed by Idina Menzel and Aurora.
15. “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” from Toy Story 4
The Toy Story franchise is another Disney animated movie filled with popular Disney songs, one of which is “You’ve Got A Friend In Me.”
“You’ve Got A Friend In Me” is a song about assuring friends that you will always have their backs despite the hurdles in friendships.
It was performed by Randy Newman in 1995 and received nominations for Best Original song at the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
16. “Spirit” from The Lion King
“Spirit” is a powerful and sentimental Disney ballad by Beyonce in the 2019 remake of the Disney animated film, The Lion King.
This song is about drawing strength from the universe and doing everything in our power to achieve what we are destined for.
“Spirit” received several awards, including an NAACP Award for Outstanding Traditional Song, and was awarded Best Soundtrack Song at the BreakTudo Awards.
17. “Be Prepared” from The Lion King
The Lion King is the boss when it comes to Disney movies, with the most exciting and captivating soundtrack.
“Be Prepared” was performed by Scar as he explains to his subjects how to overthrow Simba and become king.
This villain song was written by Time Rice and John Elton and performed by Jeremy Irons, Whoopi Goldberg, Jim Cummings, and Cheech Marin in 1994.
18. “Remember Me” from Coco
From the popular 2017 Pixar animated musical film Coco comes an iconic Disney song, “Remember Me.”
It is an emotional Disney song about relatives that traveled or left home for a different place and are missed dearly.
It was performed by Miguel Pimentel.
19. “Beauty And The Beast” from Beauty And The Beast
“Beauty And The Beast” is a special favorite of fans of the Disney animated film Beauty And The Beast.
It is a love song with powerful romantic lyrics played during the first dance between Belle and the Beast.
Like most Disney songs, it was composed by lyricists Alan Menken and Howard Ashman in 1991 and performed by Angela Lansbury.
20. “I Wanna Be Like You” from The Jungle Book
“I Wanna Be Like You” is a classic Disney song from Walt Disney’s 1967 animated film, The Jungle Book.
In this song, the singer sings about the advantages of being human to the tunes of sweet Jazz melodies.
It was performed by Louis Prima and Phil Harris in 1967.
21. “I See The Light” from Tangled
“I See The Light” is a melodious love song from Disney’s 2010 animated movie titled Tangled.
This song was played when Rapunzel and Eugene discovered that they have feelings for each other.
It was performed by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi in 2010.
22. “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” from Frozen
“Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” is already an iconic Disney song as it quickly became a Christmas anthem loved by adults and children worldwide.
The song was sung when Anna was desperate about Elsa coming out to have fun with her by building snowmen.
“Do You Want To Build A Snowman?” peaked as the 2nd all-time best-selling Christmas single in the United States.
23. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King
One of the best Disney love songs is “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from the Disney animated movie, The Lion King.
This emotional and romantic song describes the love between grown Nala and Simba.
It received several nominations and awards, including Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards for Elton John.
24. “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan
“You’ll Be In My Heart” is one of the most popular Disney songs of all time and was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
It is an emotional song that describes the feelings of one of the apes catering to Tarzan and how he will always be protected.
25. “Kiss The Girl” from The Little Mermaid
“Kiss The Girl” is the perfect Disney calypso ballad sung by Sebastian, the Crab, to encourage the prince to kiss Ariel on the lips before it’s too late.
Sebastian, the Crab, sets a beautiful atmosphere with fishes and birds to set the mood for the prince and Ariel.
To date, it is still one of the most beautiful scenes from a Disney movie.
26. “Some Things Never Change” from Frozen II
Frozen II is packed with several amazing Disney songs with powerful motivational messages.
“Some Things Never Change” is a motivational Disney song that explores the challenges being faced by Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff and the hope that things will get back.
It was performed by Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad.
27. “Baby Mine” from Dumbo
Another old-time Disney song that became a heartbreak anthem in the early 90s is “Baby Mine” from the 1941 animated Disney movie Dumbo.
In the movie, as the song is being played, the mother elephant tries to comfort her stubborn child.
It depicts the unconditional love parents have for their children.
It was performed by Betty Noyes.
28. “You Can’t Stop The Girl” from Maleficent 2
Suppose you are looking for a fun Disney song to elevate your mood and increase your morale, “You Can’t Stop The Girl” is the song for you.
Bebe Rexha performed this song and passionately sang about how Maleficient is unstoppable despite all the troubles thrown her way.
29. “Go The Distance” from Hercules
One of the most popular Classic Disney songs is “Go The Distance” from the 1997 Disney animated feature film Hercules.
“Go The Distance” was performed by Hercules as he lyrically explains what it feels like to be very powerful and how it differentiates him from other men.
The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe.
30. “For The First Time In Forever” from Frozen
“For The First Time In Forever” is another Disney ballad from the 2013 animated movie Frozen.
The song describes Anna’s excitement about reopening the castle gates and all the possibilities it brings her.
This song was performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.
31. “A Spoonful Of Sugar” from Mary Poppins
“A Spoonful Of Sugar” is a classic song from Disney’s 1964 film, Mary Poppins.
It was performed by Julie Andrews.
It is an upbeat Disney song that Mary Poppins sang when she tried to convince a child to take bitter medicine.
32. “A Girl Worth Fighting For” from Mulan
“A Girl Worth Fighting For” is a mild upbeat Disney song from 1998 Mulan and was performed by Matthew Wilder, Leas Salonga, Jerry Tondo, Harvey Fierstein, and James Hong.
The song is comical in that the title is ironic as it was sung when the fighting army humorously described the type of girls they would marry after training.
33. “Whistle While You Work” from Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Children love this catchy song because it teaches them how to whistle.
Parents usually use it to sweet-talk their children into working around the house.
As the title “Whistle While You Work” implies, Snow White sings it as she cleans the house hoping the dwarfs will let her stay.
34. “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” from Cinderella
Everyone loves Cinderella, especially the song that soundtrack her fairy godmother transforming her into a princess.
“Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” is an evergreen novelty song that has also been called “The Magic Song” by so many.
It was performed by Verna Felton in 1948.
35. “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” from Hercules
One of the most relatable Disney songs ever released is “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” in the 1997 animated feature film Hercules.
This song explains how Meg felt empowered after implying that she could do things without Hercules’ help.
36. “When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2
“When She Loved Me” is an emotional piano ballad that chronicles the lost love affair of Jessie in the second of the Disney movie franchise, Toy Story.
This is also called “Jessie’s Song.”
This Disney song was written by Randy Newman and performed by Canadian musician Sarah Mclachlan in 1999.
37. “Zero To Hero” from Hercules
This song is one of the most popular upbeat Disney songs that describes how Hercules went from nothing to being the strongest man on the planet.
“Who put the glad in gladiator… Hercules!” is a quote from the song lyrics still being used today.
The song was performed by Adam Berry and J. Eric Schmidt in 1999.
38. You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan
“You’ll Be In My Heart” was performed by Phil Collins and Merche Macaria for the 1999 Disney animated feature movie Tarzan.
It is a popular Disney love song that was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
39. “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from Mary Poppins
“Let’s Go Fly A Kite” is the last song performed in the Mary Poppins musical.
As the song plays, the Banks family goes out to have fun with the changed George and their neighbors.
The song was performed by The Sherman brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
40. “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella
This is one of the most popular Disney songs.
It was written and composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston for the 1950 animated film Cinderella.
In “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes,” Cinderella urges her animal companions never to stop dreaming because dreams do come true.
The message of this song is the theme of Cinderella, as her dream really came true to become a princess.
41. “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book
“The Bare Necessities” is another interesting Disney jazz song from the Disney animated film The Jungle Book.
The song explains how identifying the bare necessities of life is easy to come by when looking in the right direction.
It was originally written by The Sherman Brothers but performed by Phil Harris as Baloo and Bruce Reitherman as Mowgli in 1967.
42. “Almost There” from The Princess And The Frog
In “Almost There,” the musical prowess of actress and singer Anika Noni Rose was fully fledged as the voice-over of a character called Tiana in The Princess And The Frog.
This motivational Disney song is about believing in oneself and never doubting that dreams can come true.
43. “Bella Notte” from The Lady And The Tramp
“Bella Notte” is an Italian waltz Disney song that translates to “beautiful night” in English.
The song can be a lullaby for adults and children because of its cool and sleepy vibes.
It was written by Sonny Burke, with the lyrics by singer Peggy Lee but performed by George Givot in the 1955 Disney animated movie The Lady And The Tramp,
44. “Gaston” from The Beauty And The Beast
“Gaston” is one of the most famous Disney songs of all time.
It is a fun and catchy song that praises the masculinity of the villain Gaston in the 1991 Disney animated film Beauty And The Beast.
Gaston is a proud villain that thinks highly of himself and also thinks he would have been a prince if things were different.
This song was performed by Richard White and Jessica Corti.
45. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary Poppins
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is another classic Disney song from the 1964 musical Mary Poppins.
According to Richard Lederer’s Crazy English book, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” means “atoning for educability through delicate beauty.”
This song’s title is an interesting tongue-twister that would have anyone laughing as they try to pronounce it.
Best Disney Songs – Final Thoughts
The Disney songs listed in this article are enough to rekindle childhood memories.
Listening to these songs will rediscover your inner child and connect with it in amazing ways.
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