Following an age of uncertainty for the Walt Disney company in which the animation department would nearly go bankrupt, Disney would begin to see a turning of the tides following the release of “Oliver & Company” in 1988. Returning to its roots, Disney would revisit what made them an instant hit back in 1937: musical fairy-tale storytelling.
With the recruitment of Off-Broadway success stories, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, Disney would adapt Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” into an animated musical. In 1989, this film would see massive box office and critical success, breaking records and becoming the highest grossing animated film at that time. “The Little Mermaid” would lead to a resurgence of movie musicals that would go on to be powerhouse success stories, earning the company much more profit than any other era.
To this day, the 10 films produced between 1989 to 1999 remain some of Disney’s most popular and beloved, with the characters and stories of this time dominating the Disney Park scene all these years later. Being a (late) ’90s kid, these were the VHS tapes that got replayed over and over again in this writer’s house, and in 2021, are still constantly being streamed on Disney+. Deciding which of these masterpieces is the best was no easy feat, but if the Renaissance Era taught us anything, it’s that we must face every challenge head-on. So here is Frozen Mouse Fever’s rankings of arguably Disney’s greatest era, the Renaissance Era.
10. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The first sequel produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, a lot of people forget that “The Rescuers Down Under” is part of the Renaissance Era. While it doesn’t exactly fit in with the period due to its lack of music, it did pioneer Disney’s first step into hybridized hand-drawn/computer-generated animation. It may not be the most memorable Disney film but it actually tells a more cohesive and entertaining story than its predecessor. Bernard and Bianca are as delightful as ever and Cody, the kid they rescue, actually gets to take part in the action. “The Rescuers Down Under” won’t necessarily leave you stunned, but it’s still a solid Disney flick.
9. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Commonly known as Disney’s darkest film, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” does an admirable job of adapting a nearly 500-page gothic novel by Victor Hugo into a family film. Quasimodo and Esmeralda are both very likable leads with plenty of pathos, and Claude Frollo might be one of Disney’s most terrifying villains of all-time. While the complex story and themes of torture, religious persecution, lust and genocide are compelling, the music isn’t memorable. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” has the weakest soundtrack of the Renaissance, with no songs leaving a lasting impression which hurts what is otherwise a really good movie.
8. Pocahontas (1995)
As critics of the time said, it’s hard not to view this Disney film as the one that whitewashes Indigenous history. However, when putting those historical contradictions and inaccuracies aside, “Pocahontas” is a gorgeously animated film with great music and a strong female lead. The Native American princess’ furry friend Meeko and mentor Grandmother Willow give the story a bit of levity and depth, which is much needed due to the bore that is John Smith. Seriously, the guy is a dud, which makes it hard to root for their love story. Thankfully, enjoyable songs like “Just Around the Riverbend” and “Colours of the Wind” make up for that dry plotline.
7. Hercules (1997)
Despite being one of the Renaissance Eras’ least successful films at the box-office, “Hercules” is a beloved film amongst fans and critics alike for perfectly blending Greek mythology with musical theatre and comedy. James Woods’ sarcastic Hades and Danny Devito’s grumpy but loveable Phil boistered a repetitive story and made it super fun and quick-witted. It also has a killer soundtrack, with the song, “I Won’t Say I’m In Love” rivalling some of the worlds best pop songs out there. With a great story, character and music, “Hercules” only downfall is its animation. Compared to the other animated films of the Renaissance, it lacks a certain artistic flare.
6. Tarzan (1999)
The last film of the Renaissance and the most commercially successful since “The Lion King”, “Tarzan” is one of Disney’s most underrated masterpieces. The film is visually stunning, which in large part is due to it being the most expensive animated feature to be made at that time. It tells a remarkable story of love, loss, loyalty and family, with a soundtrack so fire, that it cemented Phil Collins as one of the best ever. Hilarious sequences between Jane and the baboons are excellently balanced with heart wrenching moments such as the death of Kerchak. Tarzan’s greatness ensured that the Renaissance Era went out with a bang.
5. The Little Mermaid (1989)
The film that kicked off a new age for Disney, “The Little Mermaid” is a bonafide classic that pioneered animated musical theatre. There is so much to love about this film from its striking animation to the strong cast of characters. Ariel, the tenacious and strong-headed mermaid, has become synonymous with the Disney princess franchise and Flounder, Sebastian and Ursula play their parts to perfection. Ariel and Prince Eric’s love story is a little weak and it’s hard to wrap your head around her giving up her voice for a man she knows nothing about, but it’s easy to forgive that story faux pas because of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s amazing music.
4. Mulan (1998)
Let’s get down to business and state the obvious: Mulan is a badass. The action-adventure musical tells such an enticing story with a moving message, be brave and follow your heart. It’s the first female-led Disney film in which a love story isn’t the focal point. Even so, Mulan and Li Shang’s friendship, and eventual attraction for one another is so sweet and one of Disney’s most underrated romances. Yet, what matters most to Mulan is protecting her family and saving China. The dragon Mushu is a solid sidekick, although he can be annoying at times. That being said, the catchy songs and strong female lead make “Mulan” one of Disney’s most memorable films.
3. Aladdin (1992)
With an incomparable performance of Robin Williams as the Genie, “Aladdin” has become a classic amongst Disney connoisseurs. The world of Agrabah comes alive in what is the most imaginative and fluid animation of its time. The adventure story of the diamond in the rough who wishes to escape the life of a riff raff is beautifully told thanks to its charming lead. It’s impossible not to instantly feel connected to Aladdin on his quest as he realizes he can only get the girl if he accepts himself. Howard Ashman wouldn’t get to see the completion of the last film he worked on, but he should be proud of the music and magic that was captured in “Aladdin”.
2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
“Beauty and the Beast” is the first animated film to be nominated for Best Feature at the Academy Awards, and it’s not hard to see why; the animation is breathtaking and has become the studio’s crown jewel. It also tells a delightful, humorous, and thought-provoking story, with complex leads that find growth within each other. Belle teaches the Beast how to open his heart and the Beast gives Belle the opportunity to live out the adventures she always reads about. With a collection of supporting characters, a villain so hilariously vile and songs that flawlessly capture the essence of the story, “Beauty and the Beast’s” excellence is surpassed by only one other film…
1. The Lion King (1994)
A generation-defining masterpiece that just so happens to be this writer’s favourite Disney film of all-time, “The Lion King” personifies what makes Disney animated films so special. As soon as you hear that opening line, “Nants’ ingonyama, bakithi, baba. Sithi hu ‘ngonyama“, you know that you are about to embark on an experience you’ll never forget. With a remarkable score by Han Zimmer and Elton John, “The Lion King” gives you all the feels, from immense joy to heartbreaking sadness and everything in between. The film may follow lion cub Simba, but every character matters and adds value to the story. In the backdrop of the African Savannah, “The Lion King” theme revolves around the importance of the Circle of Life and remembering what matters most – family. It doesn’t get more beautiful than that. Hakuna Matata.
What’s your favourite movie from Disney’s Renaissance Era? 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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