Many of Disney's best and brightest features have their audiences hooked from the time the titles appear to the time the credits roll. But while any studio can drum up a good beginning and set the mood for the experience, it takes true artistry to end on a high note.
The studio is home to some of the most beloved songs and tunes to ever be put to paper, but the unsung heroes of the soundtracks are those often forgotten ditties that play as the credits roll. Whether they are variations of theme songs or contemporary covers, they're Disney's way of tying things up in a magical bow.
"If I Didn’t Have You" (Monsters Inc.)
Pixar and Randy Newman is a partnership that has resulted in some absolutely smash Disney hits, such as "You've Got A Friend In Me," "Strange Things," "When She Loved Me," and this catchy duet, featuring Mike and Sulley at end of Pixar's Monsters Inc. It's a jazzy big band number reminiscent of Rat Pack singles and it absolutely swings.
Disney needs more duets like this because sometimes friendships have more interesting stories to tell than romantic couples. The song is a warm and fuzzy number to end the film with a positive vibe.
"Trust In Me" (The Jungle Book)
Scarlett Johansson's cover of "Trust In Me" isn't the only modernized Jungle Book song from the live-action remake, but it is one that definitely stands out the most. Though recognition definitely needs to go to Christopher Walken's take on "I Wanna Be Like You," this take on Kaa's theme is absolutely hypnotic.
Johansson's "Trust In Me" hits like a James Bond theme song and is as chilling as it is calming. It's a wonder Disney didn't decide to iris out of the credits while the track played.
"Someday" (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a very emotional Disney movie, so it makes sense that the film would end on an equally emotional note. While it might have had a more fulfilling life in the Off-Broadway stage adaptation, the original could only be heard at the end of the powerful Disney animated film.
The movie presents how the world can be a cold and cruel place just because some people are different, but this song's optimistic lyrics promise that someday the world will learn to be kinder and more compassionate. While it still feels like "someday" is still a long way off, there's no denying that the song tugs on the heartstrings every time.
"Beauty And The Beast" (Beauty And The Beast)
There are a lot of Disney covers performed by contemporary artists and it was practically a must-have throughout the '90s. All manner of artists, including Stevie Wonder, N*SYNC, and Phil Collins put out at least one Disney cover to accompany the release of a movie, but few hit like Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson's take on "Beauty And The Beast."
Though not as classic as Angela Lansbury's original, the cover that plays as the credits roll is positively dripping with '90s contemporary energy. This version has been played at proms, parties, and weddings ever since, becoming one of the definitive slow jams Disney has to offer.
"When Can I See You Again?" (Wreck-It Ralph)
Owl City's Adam Young is one of the most underrated songwriters out there, and his contribution to Wreck-It Ralph is more than worthy of recognition. It's a techno-pop triumph that simply exudes joy and happiness that absolutely bops. No Disney fan should go without it in their playlist, and it's one of the better Disney movies that isn't based on an existing story.
Think of this song as a love letter to dynamic Disney duos everywhere. Its themes of friendship and fun are saturated with every ounce of positivity that Disney can squeeze out, but that's not really a bad thing.
"Everybody Wants To Be A Cat" (The Aristocats)
Though technically not played over the credits, the reprise of "Everybody Wants To Be A Cat" is a great way to go out of this incredibly jazzy film. Scat Cat and his gang of swinging alley cats take over the manor at the very end of the movie, allowing the rest of the animal cast to join in on the musical number.
It's one thing to see the main cast get in on the act, but when they're accompanied by Fru Fru, Lafayette and Napoleon, and drunk old Uncle Waldo, it's like a party that viewers don't want to end.
"We Belong Together" (Toy Story 3)
It's a consensus amongst most Disney fans that the ending of Toy Story 3 was the ideal way to end a beloved franchise. Of course, every good Disney ending needs a bright and poppy musical number to carry the guests out. Once again, enter Randy Newman on keys with yet another showstopper.
Not only does the song tie everything up and give nearly all the main characters happy endings, but the lyrics also reflect and reiterate the fact that the toys belong together, despite the new chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, this wasn't a message that stayed long enough for a fourth film.
"Good News" (James And The Giant Peach)
Randy Newman is definitely three for three with this forgotten favorite from James and the Giant Peach. Not only is he gifted with a set of 88 keys, but with a full-on ensemble as well. This is one glorious end-credits tune that will have listeners clapping their hands.
Essentially, it's a recap of Roald Dahl's famous book set to a southern gospel arrangement, but it's an absolute thrill that makes a joyful noise like nothing else, and easily top-tier material for any Disney fans' listening list.
"Try Everything" (Zootopia)
Along with some great lines, Zootopia had some good tunes as well. Pop-star-led Disney songs often get a few jokes and jibes amongst fans, but there's definitely something special about Shakira's appearance in the urban jungles of Zootopia, a Disney movie with some great quotes. Although the song is previously introduced along with the titular location, the ending concert with all the characters is an absolute slam dunk.
Like the finale of the Aristocats, the end credits of Zootopia feature a big party that just goes on and on and ends with thunderous applause. Some movies like to end on a period, but this one ends on an exclamation point.
"Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (The Lion King)
The Lion King, undoubtedly, has one of the most recognized and beloved soundtracks out there, but what separates this version of Simba and Nala's love ballad is the fact it won three Oscars at the Academy Awards. Easily one of Elton John's best movie songs, this track is one that makes him a Disney icon.
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" is one of those songs that is as timeless as the Disney name itself. Where something like the soft-rock version of "Beauty and the Beast" might get a few radio plays, this Elton original is one of his most iconic hits with a long life well after the film premiered.