These upbeat songs have surprisingly dark meanings
The 20th Disney animated film features the unforgettable jazzy 'Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.' The song is sung by Scatman Crothers, Phil Harris, Thurl Ravenscroft, Robie Lester, and Liz English.
Recorded by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, the 'Aladdin' ballad knocked Whitney Houston’s 'I Will Always Love You' off the top of the US charts, becoming number one.
The track 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' broke various records and became one of Disney's most successful songs ever.
'Into the Unknown' is recorded by Idina Menzel and Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora for the 2019 Disney film 'Frozen II.'
Written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, the song was originally recorded by American singer and actress Heidi Mollenhauer as the singing voice of Esmeralda. The song was also recorded in 1996 by R&B group All-4-One.
The hit by Elton John and Tim Rice won an Oscar in 1995 and topped the charts when it was released.
Written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for the 1940 adaptation of 'Pinocchio,' the song became part of production logos at the beginning of many Disney films. It won the 1941 Academy Award for Best Original Song, making it the first Disney song to ever win an Oscar.
Sung and written by Phil Collins, 'You’ll Be in My Heart' is one of the greatest Disney hits. Aside from his native English, Collins also recorded versions in German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
The opening song 'Circle of Life' is another powerful hit by Elton John and Tim Rice. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1995, losing out to the aforementioned 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight.'
The iconic Disney ballad by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz became the animated film's biggest song. It has been recorded by both Judy Kuhn and Vanessa Williams.
Influenced by Caribbean Calypso music, 'Under the Sea' became a smash hit that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1990. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 1991.
'Little Wonders' is a song by American singer-songwriter Rob Thomas, recorded for Disney's animated feature 'Meet the Robinsons' in 2007.
In the voice of Kathryn Beaumont, 'In a World of My Own' is included on the orange disc of 'Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic' (2003).
The 50th animated feature film by Walt Disney Pictures includes this musical theater-inspired ballad performed by Donna Murphy in her role as Mother Gothel.
The film's theme song, written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken, was first recorded by the actress Angela Lansbury in her role as the voice of the character Mrs. Potts. The ballad also has a version by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson.
Randy Newman’s soundtrack for 'The Princess and the Frog' offered a number of New Orleans' sounds, from R&B to zydeco, and the voodoo vibes of 'Friends on the Other Side.'
Considered one of the greatest Disney hits ever, this jazz song is written by Terry Gilkyson and sung by Phil Harris as Baloo and Bruce Reitherman as Mowgli.
Written by Roberto Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, the central song of the film is performed in various versions. It won Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.
Another 'Moana' hit by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this song is performed by Dwayne Johnson in his role as the legendary Polynesian demigod Maui.
Sources: (Billboard) (The Guardian)
One of the biggest Disney songs ever, 'Let It Go' is written by Linda Perry and sung by Idina Menzel. It became one of the greatest power ballads of recent years.
Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, 'Love Is an Open Door' is a duet sung by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana.
Written and produced by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the popular song is sang by Kristen Bell in her role as Anna.
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, 'Surface Pressure' is one of the hits from 'Encanto.' Hitting Billboard's top 10 hits in 2022, the song is recorded by Jessica Darrow.
The theme song of the 1995 film is by singer-songwriter Randy Newman, and was nominated for both the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
This song was recorded by Shakira for the 2016 film 'Zootopia.' It was written by Sia, Tor Hermansen, and Mikkel Eriksen.
Written and recorded by American rock band Fall Out Boy for the 2014 Disney film, an alternative version also appears on the band's album 'American Beauty/American Psycho' (2015).
Featured in 'Moana,' the song is written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed in the film by Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana. Canadian singer Alessia Cara also recorded the song for the film's soundtrack.
'Go the Distance' was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, and was originally recorded by Roger Bart as the singing voice of Hercules. Michael Bolton also recorded a highly popular version.
Recorded by Billy Joel, who played the carefree and charismatic Dodger, the song received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Over the years, Disney has given us many memorable musical hits. From 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' to 'Let It Go,' there are numerous smash hits from generations of animated films.
Curious to uncover the greatest Disney songs? Then click through this gallery!
Disney's greatest musical hits ever
From classics like the 'The Jungle Book' to more recent hits like 'Encanto'
MUSIC Movies
Over the years, Disney has given us many memorable musical hits. From 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' to 'Let It Go,' there are numerous smash hits from generations of animated films.
Curious to uncover the greatest Disney songs? Then click through this gallery!