A comfort genre for many, animated films are a reliable source of calm, family-oriented adventures that everyone can enjoy. Whether they take their audiences on an out-of-this-world space adventure, a heartwarming depiction of family exploration, a wonderous historical Greek love story, or the forming of a new and beautiful friendship, they are common go-to’s for people of all ages in the mood for a less action-packed, more docile movie experience. Add Disney into the mix, and typically, nothing can go wrong.
While the perfect source of comfort viewing experiences, they are also great spirit raisers, capable of flipping the switch on a person’s mood and turning a frown upside down with the simple press of a play button. While they are more than capable of breaking your heart, they are more often than not capable of fixing it all the same. Comfortime Disney movies like the 2010 fairytale classicTangledand the visually pleasing tale from last year,Elemental, are only two of the films on this list, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.There are dozens of Disney animated adventures, but these ten are some of the most wholesomely heartwarming to date.
15’The Princess and the Frog' (2009)
Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
The Princess and the Frogis a unique love story that follows a determined, hard-working young woman, Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), who finds herself turned into a frog when she tries to help a cursed spoiled prince, Naveen (Bruno Campos). As the two try to change back into human form, they realize they both complement each other, with Tiana teaching Naveen about working for what you have in life and Naveen showing Tiana that it’s important to live your life and have a little fun.
While the film focuses on a heartfelt love story, it alsoreminds audiences of what is truly important in life and how love can surprise you when you least expect it. The array of upbeat, lighthearted songs and eccentric characters such as a jazz-loving alligator and a hopeless romantic firefly, also add the classic comedy of an aminated Disney film that is sure to chase all your troubles away.– Andrea Ciriaco
The Princess and the Frog
14’Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1937)
Directed by David Hand, Ben Sharpsteen, Wilfred Jackson, Perce Pearce, William Cottrell, and Larry Morey
Disney’s first animated film,Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsis a classic tale of love and friendship that encompasses everything fans have grown to love and admire about Disney films. Like most ofDisney’s first animated features,Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsdoes center around a love story, but it mainly focuses on the endearing friendship between Snow White and her new friends.
Love isn’t Snow White’s priority and while she does hope her prince will find her one day, she is perfectly happy with her new friends and living a simple life, even though she is a princess. Snow White is a symbol of innocence and genuine compassion and even though she finds love in the end, she’s more than content with finding the silver lining of her unfortunate situation andserves as a constant reminder to always look on the bright side.– Andrea Ciriaco
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Watch on Disney+
13’The Little Mermaid' (1989)
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
The Little Mermaidwas a monumental Disney animated feature that revitalized Disney’s animation as well as saved the department from being shut down. The sheer beauty and imagery of the film are enough to lure any viewer into this magical world under the sea and become enamored with Ariel (Jodie Benson), a rebellious mermaid who dreams of the world above the waves.
With a variety of fun, well-developed characters such as the strict crab, Sebastian and Ariel’s faithful friend, Flounder, and iconic songs,The Little Mermaidwill have any viewer swimming away with joy and laughter.The Little Mermaidembodies the magic of imagination and the optimism of dreamers who never give up, and Ariel is the perfect example of someone who unapologetically swims to her own current.– Andrea Ciriaco
The Little Mermaid
12’Aladdin' (1992)
The 1992 movieAladdinis another top-notch Disney animated feature about a young man, Aladdin (Scott Weinger), who has survived living on the streets of Agraba on his own and finds himself falling in love with a beautiful princess, Jasmine (Linda Larkin). In the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, Disney adds a combination of humor, vivid colors, and magic to create a stunning spectacle.
The most unique quality ofAladdinis the overly animated, shapeshifting Genie,voiced by the legendary Robin Williams, who conveys an unyielding level of humor and comedy that makes Aladdin a one-of-a-kind film. Between his musical numbers and spontaneity,the Genie ultimately brings a wave of consistent laughter throughoutAladdinthat is guaranteed to make any viewer forget about their problems or heartache.– Andrea Ciriaco
11’Beauty and the Beast' (1991)
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Beauty and the Beastis a tale as old as time and a crucial Disney film that conveys the theme of never judging a book by its cover. The film follows Belle (Paige O’Hara) an avid bookworm and beautiful young woman who dreams of an adventurous life. When her father is imprisoned by a terrible Beast (Robby Benson), she sacrifices her life and takes his place, but as she and the Beast begin to open their minds and hearts to each other, they realize they have found what they have been searching for their whole lives.
Beauty and the Beastis a timeless love story that also demonstrates what can come from embracing the unknown and looking beyond someone’s initial appearance. The concept of love has always been surrounded by the idea of someone’s appearance playing a vital part, but Belle falls in love with the Beast’s heart and kindness, which is the core message of this classic tale.Beauty and the Beastfeatures a perfect blend of humor, drama, and romanceplus some of Disney’s most memorable musical numbers that are sure to lift any spirits in more ways than one.– Andrea Ciriaco
Beauty and the Beast
10’Elemental' (2023)
Directed by Peter Sohn
Last year’s success story from the minds of screenwritersBrenda Hsueh,Kat Likkel, andJohn Hobergwon the hearts of millions from around the world as soon as it hit the Disney+ platform. It’s ultimately a visually stunning film with a clever character base and an adorably cute story, with a message that love is love, even if some might see it as “wrong.”
Elementalwas the most-viewed Disney+ premiereof 2023 for a reason. Atop its aesthetically pleasing cinematography and adorable story,its unique idea captured the imaginations of everyone. Using the four main elements, fire, earth, wind, and water, as a base for a movie plot was an unheard-of theme for Disney that it meant everyone wanted to see where it went, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. For this reason and its continuing popularity, there’s never a wrong time for a rewatch.
9’Up' (2009)
Directed by Pete Doctor
Its opening sequence may very well be one of themost heartbreaking beginnings of a Disney movieever. And while that may seem strange to include it in a list of films to mend a broken heart, there’s a method to the madness behind it.
Uphas one of the most wholesome and heartwarming depictions of how far kindness can take a person. It follows a young boy named Russel who forms a special bond with a man he meets while selling cookies. The two go on quite the adventure together, and without giving too much away, it’s an incredibly special movie experience to watch these two as their friendship grows throughout. That alone makes this one of Disney’s most easily rewatchable stories. “Adventure is out there.”
8’A Goofy Movie' (1995)
Directed by Kevin Lima
A Goofy Movieis one of Disney’s most adoredanimations of the 1990s, at least nowadays. At the time of its 1995 release, the film received mixed reviews among critics, but over time has grown into the popularity it rightly deserves. It’s delightful, entertaining, and an all-around fun experience both for a movie fan and a Disney enthusiast.
In the years that have followed since this now classic’s release,A Goofy Moviehas acquired a cult following, becoming one of the company’s most initially underrated yet universally loved feature animations. Goofy is one of The Walt Disney Company’s original friends of Mickey Mouse, and almost 100 years later, this clumsy goofball is still able to keep a hold of his millions of fans. This film targets a wide range of ages, given its focal plot towards a parent trying to bond with his teenage son. Butits upbeat soundtrack and loveable story mean it’s an appropriate adventure for everyone.
A Goofy Movie
7’The Emperor’s New Groove' (2000)
Directed by Mark Dindal
The Emperor’s New Grooveis a criminally underrated gemand one of the most meme-worthy films of the early 2000s, with its characters and comedic scenes being at the forefront of the jokes. While it may have started out as underappreciated, its fanbase has grown exponentially in the near two and half decades since its release at the beginning of the new century.
This cult classic follows self-entitled young Emperor Kuzco on a downright hilarious journey to learn how to treat people better than he does at the beginning of the movie. Turned into a llama and desperate to find a way back to his human way of living, he must learn to accept the help of others he once saw beneath him. It’s a cleverly written film that keeps viewers rooting for both the “bad guy” and the good people “lesser” than him. Not only that, but its characters are incredibly easy to love. If it’s a film not seen for a while,it’s definitely worth a rewatch for a fresh perspective on a unique and brilliantly told animated classic.
The Emperor’s New Groove
6’The Incredibles' (2004)
If someone were to say, “Think of an animated movie that deserved a sequel long before it got one,” what would be the first to come to mind? Most likely,Finding NemoorThe Incrediblesare two that would immediately spring to mind for many people. With thirteen years betweenFinding NemoandFinding Doryand fourteen years betweenThe IncrediblesandThe Incredibles 2, these films are the very definition of what it means to finally give the fans what they want.
The Incredibles 2brought back its iconic superhero family almost a decade and a half after their beloved originalfeature ended with the perfect setup of a sequel. But for many, the initial 2004 Pixar family film will always be unbeatable. It’s one of the highest-rated Disney animated feature films onRotten Tomatoes with its 97% score. Couple its extensive popularity with its beloved storyline and characters, and it’s incredibly reliable for a rewatch. Overall, this fun superhero adventure is always sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
