Though Disney has created many animated hits throughout its existence, no decade was quite as strong as the '90s. With the Disney Renaissance in full bloom, Pixar turning the dream of CGI films into a reality, and Tim Burton partnering with Disney for a set of now-iconic stop-motion animations, this era was definitely a high point for the company. Because of this, we thought we'd look back at the critic's picks of the decade. To this, we'll be using the ranking system on Rotten Tomatoes.
The review aggregation website has given every '90s Disney film a Tomatometer Score. This number is based on the good and bad reviews of critics. Films with the highest number of positive ratings will be showing up here.
With the logistics discussed, it's time to hop back to the '90s. Here are the greatest theatrically-released Disney films of the decade, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
DuckTales: The Movie: Treasure Of The Lost Lamp (1990) - 88%
Kicking things off in the year 1990 is this fantasy adventure that continues the events of the DuckTales TV series.
Taking place between the third and fourth seasons, Treasure of the Lost Lamp has brothers Huey, Dewey, and Louie teaming together with their uncle, Scrooge McDuck, to take on a sinister sorcerer who holds a magic lamp.
Though the story was predictable, its lively script left critics impressed.
Tarzan (1999) - 89%
If you fast-forward to the end of the decade, you'll discover the last film to be released during the Disney Renaissance: Tarzan.
This 1999 adventure tells the story of a boy who is raised by apes after his human parents get stranded on the African coast and are killed by a leopard. Years later, a grown Tarzan struggles to figure out where he belongs — especially when a group of English explorers arrives.
Viewers appreciated many aspects of the film, from the stunning visual effects to the brisk plot.
James And The Giant Peach (1996) - 91%
Based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, Disney's James and the Giant Peach follows an orphaned boy who lives under the cruel control of his aunts. After discovering a large, magical fruit, however, James decides to harness its powers and set sail for New York City alongside a group of insects.
This live-action/stop-motion story was rich with quirky visuals, captivating themes, and an intriguing story.
A Bug’s Life (1998) - 92%
This 1998 comedy follows Flik, an ant who accidentally destroys his colony's food pile, which was owed to a greedy grasshopper. After meeting a group of circus insects, Flik believes he's found the key to correcting his mistake.
A Bug's Life was full of fast-moving adventure and fun dialogue. As Pixar's second film, it proved that the animation studio was more than a one-hit-wonder.
The Lion King (1994) - 93%
1994's The Lion King recounts the story of a young lion cub named Simba who is destined to rule over the Pride Lands of Africa. After falsely believing he has caused his father's death, however, Simba runs away from his home. Years later, he must return to Pride Rock to overthrow his evil uncle Scar and claim his rightful place as ruler.
The film received praise for its rich drawings, emotional narrative, and spirited soundtrack. Though not as well-received as the original, the film scored a CGI update in 2019.
Beauty And The Beast (1991) - 94%
Beauty and the Beast waltzed into theaters in 1991.
The musical romance tells the tale of a prince who is punished for his cruelty; While all of his servants are transformed into household objects, he is turned into a hideous beast. Though he struggles to break the curse, he might just get the chance after a lovely maiden named Belle stumbles into his enchanted castle.
The movie's elaborate musical numbers, compelling characters, and stunning animations have cemented it as a classic. Beauty and the Beast was the first of three animated films (the second and third being 2009's Up and 2010's Toy Story 3) to ever receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. It was given a live-action remake in 2017.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - 95%
What's this? Another high-scoring Tim Burton film?
The Nightmare Before Christmas focuses on Halloweentown's pumpkin king, Jack Skellington, who has grown tired of scaring people. When he accidentally falls into the colorful world of Christmastown, however, he discovers that there is a lot more to life. He decides to disguise himself as Santa Claus and try out a new role.
The dark fantasy featured vibrant voice work and imaginative stop-motion sequences. The film's originality left critics applauding.
Aladdin (1992) - 95%
Aladdin took viewers on a magic carpet ride through the Arabian city of Agrabah in this 1992 fantasy.
The film follows a teenager living on the streets, who desires to escape his destitute existence. After coming across a genie inside a magic lamp, Aladdin is granted three wishes that might just turn his life around. Most of all, he hopes to win the heart of Princess Jasmine.
The film's beautiful drawings and charismatic characters enchanted viewers. Of course, the Genie quickly became one of Disney's most memorable personalities, thanks to Robin Williams' lively performance. A live-action take on Aladdin was released in 2019.
Toy Story (1995) - 100%
The first of two '90s Disney films to walk away with a perfect Tomatometer rating is the opening Toy Story movie.
Though Woody loves being Andy's favorite toy, his No. 1 spot gets threatened after the kid gets a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday. Additionally, Buzz believes he's an actual spaceman, and when the two fall into the possession of the sinister next-door neighbor, they must put aside their differences and team up to escape.
The 1995 buddy comedy blended charm and excitement. Additionally, the innovative CGI visuals showed critics just how far animation had come.
Toy Story 2 (1999) - 100%
While the first Toy Story was impressive, it wasn't the only installment in the series to get all the attention. The second film did just as well both critically and commercially.
This time around, Woody is stolen away from the gang by toy collector Al McWhiggin. Though the cowboy is at first concerned, he soon learns about his connection to a past TV show and meets the other toys in his collection. This has him wondering whether or not going back to Andy's is the right decision.
Toy Story 2's elevated voice work, animation, spirit, and heart had it winning strong reviews all-around.