The '90s were an absolutely brilliant time for Disney, weren't they? Between 1990 and 1999, the world was introduced to such beloved characters as Belle, Aladdin, and Simba thanks to some of the most incredible animated features the studio had ever produced. Accompanied by marvelous animation, these films had some seriously stellar tunes as well.
Even in the year 2020, these tracks have been played over and over in various Disney media, park celebrations, and countless Spotify playlists. It's thanks to this little gem we've collected ten of the best these '90s tracks had to offer. Submitted for your listening pleasure, the best '90s Disney songs according to Spotify's play count.
Out There (Spotify Listens: 11,229,919)
Honestly, we're pretty surprised that Tony Jay's "Hellfire" didn't beat this number out, but we can't all be fanatics for Disney villains. Disney has it down to a science when it comes to "I want" songs, and next to Belle's titular theme song "Out There" is perhaps one of the best around.
There's something incredibly uplifting as the song starts out with Frollo's warning to stay inside the walls of the cathedral before it swells into Quasimodo's declaration of joy and optimism at the world outside his windows. Looking at some of the central themes of the film, a song of this much positive energy is a rare treat.
This is Halloween (Spotify Listens: 40,546,972)
Practically the national anthem for Halloweentown, "This is Halloween" has to be played by millions of Disney fans all over the world every spooky season. Whether it's out of tradition or simply due to Disney's habit of having it on repeat, there are few tunes that get us in the creepy mood better than this one.
Scored and composed by the legendary Danny Elfman, this eerie ditty not only cemented itself in Disney glory, but also warranted itself a place in the cult movie hall of fame thanks to its respected film. With so much wicked imagery and ghoulish delight, you'd have to be as bonkers as Burton to come up with this spooky song.
Zero to Hero (Spotify Listens: 55,101,997)
You know what two things really go great together? Greek mythology and southern gospel choir music! A strange as that sounds, for Disney's Hercules, it's absolutely the truth. Especially if you're listening to this glorious jam during your weekly trip to the gym.
Thanks to the one and only Alan Menken, Hercules has quite the theme song on his road to reclaiming his godhood. Everybody loves an underdog, right? Rocky Balboa has "Eye of the Tiger" and our buddy Herc has this awesome number. We'd love to have the muses be our backup singers any day of the week.
Beauty and the Beast (Spotify Listens: 74,796,679)
It's a tale as old as time, a song as old as rhyme, and a tune that keeps a heavy residual check in Angela Lansbury's pocket, it has to be the titular theme from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Played over date nights, prom nights, and Walt knows how many wedding dances, few Disney songs set the tone for romance better than this one.
It's the song that sets the mood for the most iconic scene of the film. Every successful musical has one showstopper that everyone remembers long after the curtains have closed. Along with incredible romantic interludes like "Kiss the Girl" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" this song definitely has us in the mood for love.
Colors of the Wind (Spotify Listens: 100,122,948)
Disney's interpretation of Pocahontas might not be the most accurate or politically correct, but it definitely gave us a catchy tune with some pretty deep lyrics. Once again Alan Menken shows us his musical prowess by giving us one heck of a theme song for the film.
You do have to admit that other tracks on the soundtrack such as "Mine Mine Mine!" and the controversial "Savages" all have their perks, but if it's one song people know from this movie it's this one. With over 100 million plays, you can't argue with those odds.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Spotify Listens: 118,650,374)
If it's one song that will forever cement Randy Newman into the annals of pop culture, it's "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Pixar's Toy Story. No matter how many gold records the bespectacled piano player might have, he's always going to be the backing track for Buzz and Woody.
Definitely the iconic theme of both Pixar and the Toy Story franchise, "You've Got a Friend in Me" has definitely earned those millions of plays. It's catchy, it's upbeat, and it's got a good message. What's not to like? Buzz and Woody have been jamming out to it for decades.
I Just Can’t Wait to Be King (Spotify Listens: 134,701,784)
If you want to bring in some serious musical talent, few names embody that concept better than the one and only Sir Elton John! The Lion King as some of the best Disney tunes ever put to paper. And although we have a soft spot for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life", the crown goes to "I Just Can't Wait to be King."
As shocking as it sounds, this colorful song sequence even beat out the infamous "Hakuna Matata" when it came to the numbers. Looks like Timon and Pumbaa can't hold a candle to The Lion King himself, even as a cub.
A Whole New World (Spotify Listens: 149,546,142)
With over 140,000,000 listens, shining, shimmering, and splendid barely scratches the surface of this Disney hit. The first few chords of the song are enough to put our minds on the back of Aladdin's carpet and on a journey around the world seen above the clouds. From Agrabah to Beijing, it's a truly magical trip.
Disney always has the perfect way to pair beautiful visuals with incredible music. As Aladdin and Jasmine go soaring, tumbling, and freewheeling through the endless diamond sky, the music lifts and swells like the love-drenched atmospheres of this animated sequence.
I’ll Make a Man Out of You (Spotify Listens: 153,082,624)
When it comes to stereotypical icons of muscular masculinity, Donny Osmond isn't exactly the top of a lot of people's lists. But yet here he is singing one of the most testosterone-fueled musical numbers since "Grease Lightning." Either way it's the perfect accompaniment to this kung fu-inspired training montage.
We might not be prepared to face an army of angry Huns but every time we play this number from Disney's Mulan, we definitely get pumped up. Whether it's on our morning jog or simply trekking through the grocery store, this track is one heck of a motivator.
You’ll Be In My Heart (Spotify Listens: 164,798, 672)
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the musical and artistic efforts of Phil Collins? He didn't have to go this hardcore on an animated film, but he did. The soundtrack to Disney's Tarzan is perhaps one of the most recognized accomplishments in the musician's career, and we have to include the phenomenal "You'll Be in My Heart."
Whether you find this song endearing, soothing, or a hardcore tearjerker, you can't deny that its stellar quality is what sells it. It's got that awesome soft-rock instrumentation and the soothing vocals Collins is known for, and with over 160,000,000 plays, it's certainly worthy of the top of our list.