It’s been a big couple of weeks for some of Disney’s musical icons. The beloved Alan Menken became the 16th person in history to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) after scoring a Daytime Emmy for his work in Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. The monumental achievement just so happened to coincide with the release of the new Disney+ documentary, Howard.
Howard tells the story of the iconic Disney lyricist, Howard Ashman, who worked alongside Alan Menken to create some of Disney’s most celebrated songs of any generation. Just like the Sherman brothers before them, Menken and Ashman became Disney legends capturing the heart and soul of children and adults across the globe with their beautiful lyrics and masterful scores.
In honour of their legacy, Frozen Mouse Fever is ranking the best Disney soundtracks of all-time. Of course, this is no easy feat. Disney has become the epitome of timeless musical films and with the help of so many talented musicians and composers, they have arguably produced some of the best soundtracks and songs in music history. But which musical score stands out above the rest? Let’s dive in.
Honourable Mentions
Walt Disney Animated Films are made with a plethora of entertaining and iconic soundtracks, and while these films just missed the cut of being labelled the best of the best, they still deserve recognition for their extraordinary impact in Disney history.
The Jungle Book (1967)
The Jungle Book is the first Disney Animated film to have multiple standout songs and scores. Coming off of the highly successful Mary Poppins film, the Sherman Brothers really helped make the music from The Jungle Book one for the ages. It’s been 53 years since the movie’s release and kids and adults alike are still bopping to the Bare Necessities.
Best Song: Bare Necessities
Most Underrated Song: I Wan’na Be Like You
Pocahontas (1995)
While Pocahontas didn’t produce nearly as many hits as other films from the Renaissance Era, perhaps due to this being the first film produced after Howard Ashman’s death, it still has some incredible musical numbers that captured the artistry behind the story. If it wasn’t for the dreadful “Savages” number, Pocahontas might’ve been able to move past an honourable mention. However, that song does hinder the overall quality of an otherwise solid soundtrack.
Best Song: Colours of the Wind
Most Underrated Song: Just Around the Riverbend
The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Just like the film itself, The Princess and the Frog’s soundtrack is super underrated and deserves an honourable mention. Unlike the Disney movie musicals before it, The Princess and the Frog doesn’t have a lot of pop/mainstream type of songs, instead going for more of a jazz vibe. Randy Newman, who’s known for producing some of the beloved songs from the Toy Story films, developed a soundtrack that really captures the heart and soul of New Orleans and the world of Princess Tiana.
Best Song: Dig a Little Deeper
Most Underrated Song: When We’re Human
Tangled (2010):
Tangled was basically Disney and Alan Menken’s comeback after a number of mediocre film releases and musical soundtracks in the 2000s. While it never reached Frozen levels of success, Tangled is an amazing movie with some really good songs. Tangled helped to create the building blocks for what a great movie soundtrack needs to be in this new era of Disney, and for that reason alone deserves a nod.
Best Song: I See the Light
Most Underrated Song: I’ve Got a Dream
9. Mulan (1998)
The mega jam that is “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is reason enough alone for the Mulan soundtrack to make this list. The Mulan soundtrack wasn’t produced by Disney’s usual music go-tos, and it shows as the music from Mulan is quite unique and different from Menken’s work. Each song is so good at making Mulan grow as a character and the scores that coincide with the action sequences make every movement so intense. The only downside to Mulan’s soundtrack is how short it is compared to others. If they produced just a few more numbers, Mulan could’ve been near the top.
Best Song: I’ll Make a Man Out of You
Most Underrated Song: A Girl Worth Fighting For
8. Moana (2016)
When it was announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda was tapped to help produce the Moana soundtrack, we all knew it was going to be epic. With English, Samoan and Tokelauan language used throughout the lyrics, Moana flawlessly captures the spirit of Polynesian culture while also telling a beautiful story of a young girl chasing her destiny in each and every musical number. Every song is good, but what really makes this soundtrack stand out is the powerhouse anthem, “How Far I”ll Go.” Anytime an obstacle is in your path, just belt out that song and you will instantly feel better.
Best Song: How Far I’ll Go
Most Underrated Song: Where You Are
7. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Menken and Ashman’s first masterpiece for Disney, The Little Mermaid was pivotal in pioneering the animated movie musical genre we all know and love to this day. Even though it was Menken and Ashman’s first time working with Disney, they nailed a home-run on their first try, creating hit after hit that made The Little Mermaid not just a great film but an excellent film. From the reggae vibes of “Under the Sea” to the best ballad of any generation, “Part of Your World” to the most underrated Disney villain song of all-time, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” this is the epitome of an epic Disney soundtrack, and we must all applaud The Little Mermaid for making the Disney soundtracks we all know and love to this day, possible.
Best Song: Part of Your World
Most Underrated Song: Poor Unfortunate Souls
6. Hercules (1997)
Everyone has been sleeping on the perfection that is the Hercules soundtrack for way too long. It literally has everything any music lover could ever want: sultry R&B, show-tunes, gospel music, ballads and mega pop hits. It was the last soundtrack produced by Menken during the Renaissance Era and he really went out with a bang. The Muses narration is what truly makes Hercules the movie and Hercules the soundtrack stand out. If you’ve never given this soundtrack the chance it deserves, I need you to stop what you’re doing, go the distance and listen to Hercules right now!
Best Song: I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)
Most Underrated Song: Zero to Hero
5. Frozen (2013)
Parents across the globe may be sick and tired of this soundtrack, but no one who has ears can deny that Frozen is absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The husband and wife duo of Rob and Kristen Lopez really went all-out with each and every song, ensuring that each number was a hit that would endear kids and adults everywhere to the quirky characters and completely unique story. How does one not sing from the top of their lungs when you hear the rumblings of the piano keys from “Let It Go?” That is something I cannot answer, but I can say that if you don’t give the Frozen soundtrack a fair chance, you are missing out on something truly magical.
Best Song: Let It Go
Most Underrated Song: Love Is an Open Door
4. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
One of Ashman and Menken’s most well-known co-productions, Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece in every way possible. Nominated for Best Picture and winner of Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, every song from start to finish is a classic. Each song perfectly captures the essence of the character singing, while also enhancing the stakes of the story after each note. It’s what every musical soundtrack should strive to be.
Best Song: Beauty and the Beast
Most Underrated Song: Belle
3. Aladdin (1992)
The final co-production of Menken and Ashman, their partnership really went out with a bang. Aladdin low-key produced arguably the best love song of all-time with “A Whole New World,” which to this day is the only Disney song to win Song of the Year at the Grammys. What makes the Aladdin soundtrack so epic is that “A Whole New World” is just one of many smash hits, with Robin Williams lending his talents to many other instant classics. While Ashman unfortunately passed before getting to see this masterpiece come to life, he’ll always be remembered for leaving behind such an incredible legacy.
Best Song: A Whole New World
Most Underrated Song: One Jump Ahead
2. Tarzan (1999)
Two words: Phil Collins. Seriously, the man did not have to go that hard for this soundtrack, but he did and we should all be grateful. What makes Tarzan different from the rest is that very few of the songs are sung by the actual characters, instead the songs are used almost as a narration, helping to progress the story along. Every song is packed with emotion and heart, and if you don’t get emotional listening to “You’ll Be In My Heart” you probably don’t have one. Even though it won the Grammy for Best Soundtrack Album, the Tarzan soundtrack still deserves more praise and recognition because it truly is one of the greatest movie soundtracks of any generation. And you can quote me on that.
Best Song: You’ll Be In My Heart
Most Underrated Song: Strangers Like Me
1. The Lion King (1994)
Before Disney got Phil, they managed to convince Elton John to work with Tim Rice to produce The Lion King soundtrack and that has to arguably be the greatest decision the Walt Disney Company has ever made. Never has an opening number been more powerful than the “Circle of Life.” To this day I still get shivers whenever I hear those first few lines. That hit alone would’ve nudged The Lion King to the top spot, but what secures its place is that every song is a SMASH. There’s a reason it’s the highest grossing animated soundtrack ever – Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer put their heart and soul into each and every lyric and note, and it’s highly unlikely that any other Disney movie soundtrack will ever top it.
Best Song: Circle of Life
Most Underrated Song: Can You Feel the Love Tonight
What Disney animated movie soundtrack do you think is the all-time best? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
Frozen Mouse Fever 
Aristocats is good, too!
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This was a really enjoyable post, and I cheered as I approached #1 for Lion King. I’m going to go play my Disney Soundtracks Pandora station now : )
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YES everybody wants to be a cat is a classic for sure!
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I sing it every time I see our barn cats.
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