In 1950, Walt Disney brought his animation company to new heights. With the war now behind them, the Walt Disney Company decided to reinvest in big-budget films again. This would be a big risk for Disney as the studio was over $4 million in debt due in large part to the war and the financial flops of select films from The Golden Age.
The risk would pay off as “Cinderella” would become the biggest critical and commercial success for the Disney studio since “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” released in 1937. For nearly 20 years, Disney would release multiple box office hits, restoring the Walt Disney Studio as the greatest animation studio of all-time.
Characterized by its loveable characters, gorgeous animations, soft colours and magical stories, the Silver Age was innovative on a visual level like no other. Releasing a total of eight films, most of which are considered classics and pioneers in animation, the Silver Age would come to an end in 1967. The final film released during this era, “The Jungle Book” would be the last film Walt Disney approved and worked on before his death in 1966. The film would be released the following year, and Walt Disney Animation Studios didn’t release another film for three years.
Arguably, this is one of Disney’s greatest periods, with a majority of these films being the Disney films this writer grew up watching on repeat. This will most definitely be the hardest Disney movie countdown series Frozen Mouse Fever has done to date, but just like Walt Disney, we’re always up for a challenge.
8. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Out of all the films in the Silver Age, “The Sword in the Stone” is the only one that doesn’t scream classic. It wasn’t received well by critics and for good reason, the animation is mediocre and the story is bland. The film spends way too much time focusing on over the top musical numbers and childish humour instead of the source material it’s based on. And considering the title of the film, the audience doesn’t get to see much of the sword in the stone until the final few minutes. Its one bright spot is the character of Merlin, whose eccentricity brings a sense of fun to an otherwise average tale.
7. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
This film’s cult following may balk at its placement on this list, but “Alice in Wonderland” is just way too wacky. For anyone who’s looking for a cohesive story, this is not the film for you. Alice’s adventures bounce from one story to the next, emulating package films from the Wartime Era. The story is hard to follow for those who didn’t read Lewis Carroll’s novel, but the animation is stunning, arguably one of the company’s best and most creative. Its diverse collection of characters from the Mad Hatter to the Cheshire Cat are also really fun, even for those of us who have no idea what’s happening.
6. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
The film that brought the world the greatest Disney villain of all time, “Sleeping Beauty” is a timeless tale that didn’t get the appreciation it deserved during its initial release. Now hailed by modern critics as one of Disney’s greatest animated films, “Sleeping Beauty” blends gorgeous colour palettes with an emotional and romantic purpose. Its supporting characters like Maleficent and the fairies carry the story, while its leading lady is questionably only featured in 20-minutes of the entire film. The overall pace of the film is a tad slow, but “Sleeping Beauty” keeps the audience awake with its artistry.
5. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
This Dalmation tale doesn’t necessarily break any barriers with its rather simple animation. It does, however, tell Disney’s cutest story and nothing else has even come close. Praised by critics for returning Disney to its roots, “One Hundred and One Dalmatians”, creates a charming family dynamic between humans and dogs that’s more relatable than anything. Cruella De Vil and her cronies manage to combine fear for the young pups with slapstick humour that still brings a chuckle all these years later. It may be a rather conventional story, but it remains a timeless classic.
4. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
In similar vein to Dalmatians, “Lady and the Tramp” isn’t visually epic, but the quaint and adorable love story will always be Disney’s greatest. What makes “Lady and the Tramp” stand out above Dalmatians is that it’s the first Disney animated film produced in CinemaScope anamorphic format, a format that would continually be used in future Disney classics. Sure, as critics of the time pointed out, the story is overly sentimental at times but Tramp and Lady are such endearing dogs that it’s impossible not to swoon over the love they share. Let’s just pretend those siamese cats were never a thing.
3. Peter Pan (1953)
“Here we go, off to Neverland!” Hearing those six words are nostalgia inducing. Even in my young adult life, “Peter Pan” still lives up to the hype. The animation is magical, capturing that feeling of wonder that Neverland ignites in us all. Captain Hook is the perfect balance of threatening and ridiculous, the epitome of what every Disney villain should be. Peter Pan is the perfect flawed hero, who learns to grow up with the support of friends like Wendy and Tinkerbell. If it weren’t for the racist song “What Makes the Red Man Red”, “Peter Pan” may have been considered the best of the Silver Age.
2. Cinderella (1950)
Charming doesn’t even begin to describe the brilliant artistry of “Cinderella.” The first film of the Silver Age is enchanting from beginning to end, with dazzling animation, intimate music and impactful emotion. For over 70 years she has made children and adults alike believe in happily ever afters and that dreams can come true if you believe in them. Obviously, times have changed and marrying a prince doesn’t equal happily ever after, but when it comes to the magic of Disney, it’s hard not to the think of “Cinderella” and the magic that whisks us away each and every rewatch.
1. The Jungle Book (1967)
There is no other Disney era that kicks off and ends with its two best films, which is one of many reasons why the Silver Age is so beloved. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia knowing that this was the last film Walt Disney worked on, but there’s something about “The Jungle Book” that’s just special. Effortlessly hilarious, but also incredibly heartwarming, this film about a young orphan boy raised by wolves is 78 minutes of pure fun. Every character is fully developed and charismatic, and the legendary Sherman Brothers did some of their best work with “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You”. There was truly no better way for Walt’s creative legacy to end.
What’s your favourite movie from Disney’s Silver Age? 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.
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