With so many popular animated movies filled with unforgettable tunes, picking just one Disney song out of all of their movies is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do for a number of fans. Thus, it's evident that for many, selecting the best song from Disney's top-ranking animated musicals is a difficult task.
What makes the song the best out of the movie is how well it fits a character, how unforgettable or catchy it can be, and in some cases, how they've become just as successful as the very movie they came from, if not more so. With these factors in mind, these songs are perhaps considered the best out of Disney's top animated musicals on IMDb.
Frozen (7.4) - "Let It Go"
It is fair to say that Frozen was perhaps one of the most popular animated movies of the 2010s. This was partially down to one song in particular, which, until Encanto's "We Don't Talk About Bruno", was the most successful Disney song of all time.
Love it or hate it, Frozen's "Let It Go" was the anthem of 2013. It is here that Elsa finally feels free to be herself and in a stunning animated sequence, gives herself a new look and builds a towering ice palace, claiming "the cold never bothered me anyway." What's more, the song is considered an LGBTQ+ anthem for some viewers, which works well as Elsa is considered an asexual icon.
The Jungle Book (7.6) - "I Wanna Be Like You"
The Jungle Book is a beloved animated classic for many Disney fans, and one such reason is because of the number of great songs that it features. Whilst "The Bare Necessities" deserves a mention, there is one song that perhaps just pips it to the post.
"I Wanna Be Like You" is a wonderfully catchy toe-tapping tune sung by King Louie (who was voiced by jazz legend Louis Prima, which really helps makes the song even better). The song is fun and full of energy, and viewers can't help but sing and dance along to it. Even Baloo got caught up in the rhythm. It's little wonder it's considered the best song in The Jungle Book.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (7.6) - "The Silly Song"
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney's first animated classic and is currently in the midst of receiving the live-action remake treatment. And while most of the songs are memorable, some could be considered a little dated today. But there is one song that remains timeless whilst still sitting well with today's audience.
"The Silly Song" adds nothing to the plot but it is a moment of carefree fun and joy after the very dark scene of the Queen's transformation and evil plotting. It's a song that still stands well to this day, and Snow White dancing with Dopey and Sneezy is an iconic Disney image.
The Little Mermaid (7.6) - "Under The Sea"
The movie considered the start of the Disney Renaissance is The Little Mermaid. One such reason for this animated classic putting Disney back on the map are the unforgettable songs, which include "Kiss the Girl", "Poor Unfortunate Souls" and "Under the Sea."
What makes "Under the Sea" such a great song, and the best song in The Little Mermaid, is how full of energy and life it is. Sung by Sebastian the crab, the underwater sequence of dancing and musical fish makes the song all the more brilliant. How Ariel wasn't convinced by the song to stay in the sea is an absolute mystery.
Moana (7.6) - "How Far I'll Go"
Moana is one of Disney's most recent princesses who broke boundaries by not having a love interest and being more of an action heroine. But true to the Disney princess movies, Moana is full of wonderful songs, and perhaps the stand-out song of the movie is "How Far I'll Go."
The song is Moana's signature song, expressing her desire to explore the oceans and her duty to stay on the island. The song has a lovely melody whilst also being full of adventure to mirror Moana's inner sea voyager. An honorable mention must also go to "Shiny", the villain song of the movie.
Mulan (7.7) - "I'll Make A Man Out Of You"
Although considered a musical, Mulan only has songs in the first half of the movie to reflect on the seriousness of war. Regardless, the songs in Mulan are all fantastic in their own way, with the best song arguably being "I'll Make A Man Out Of You."
Sung by famous singer Donny Osmond, "I'll Make A Man Out of You" is dynamic and a real earworm, as well as a great montage song for seeing Mulan's gradual progress to becoming a successful soldier. The opening line "Let's get down to business to defeat the Huns!" is a line and quote that lives rent-free in many fans' heads, and stays put for a long time.
Tangled (7.7) - "I See The Light"
Whilst a classic Disney princess story, Tangled is one of Disney's more popular movies in recent history, partially down to the songs. There are some classics such as "Mother Knows Best" but none of them quite hold a candle (literally and figuratively) to "I See The Light."
The staple Disney love song of the movie, "I See The Light" is beautiful and gentle, and it could not have a more romantic setting. Whilst Rapunzel and Flynn sing of their feelings for each other on a boat in the lake, hundreds of magical lanterns are floating majestically around them. It may be one of Disney's most romantic scenes to date.
Beauty And The Beast (8) - "Be Our Guest"
Beauty and the Beast is a universally adored musical movie for many, even non-Disney fans. Many of the songs are considered classics in movie song history, in particular, "Be Our Guest".
The song is wonderfully theatrical, sung with flair by the suave Lumiere and one verse from Mrs. Potts. With dazzling food-themed visuals and fantastic music, the song was worthy of a Broadway show tune before the movie was adapted for the stage. It was the perfect warm welcome to the castle that Belle needed in the first place.
Aladdin (8) - "Friend Like Me"
Aladdin boasts some of the greatest Disney numbers to date, including "Prince Ali" and one of the most magical Disney love songs "A Whole New World." But the best song of the movie has to be "Friend Like Me."
Thanks to the excellent voice-acting of Robin Williams and wonderful character animation, the Genie is the standout character of Aladdin and steals every scene he is in. "Friend Like Me" is not only a brilliantly catchy show tune but it perfectly encapsulates one of Aladdin's most likable characters in an eye-catching and energetic musical animated scene.
The Lion King (8.4) - "Circle Of Life"
When it comes to Disney musicals, none perhaps comes close to rivaling the success of The Lion King. Every single song in this critically acclaimed classic is a beloved masterpiece in its own way, from the villainous "Be Prepared" to the fun-loving "Hakuna Matata."
But if one song were to be picked, it must be "Circle of Life." From the opening lyrics to the breathtaking animation of the Pride Lands, the entire scene is so powerful that even the most casual watcher gets goosebumps. It's the perfect introduction (and closing number) to Disney's greatest animated feature film.