Quite a few of these love songs are often sung by the lead protagonist, their love interest, or both together in a duet as they realize they are falling in love with one another. However, this is not always the case. In fact, some of the best Disney love songs are not sung by the main character at all but by a supporting character or a non-diegetic singer.
"Love Is A Song" (Bambi)
While arguably not the most renowned Disney movie when it comes to songs, animated classic Bambi does have a few rather noteworthy songs to its name. One is "Love is a Song."
This is the opening song to the movie, sung by Donald Novis over the opening credits, and it reprises again at the end just after Faline has given birth to twins and Bambi takes over as the Great Prince of the Forest. The lyrics are simple yet they are poignant and powerful, accompanied by a beautiful yet slightly haunting melody. It's not only a great Disney love song but a rather understated one.
"You'll Be In My Heart" (Tarzan)
One of the greatest things about Disney's Tarzan is Phil Collins' outstanding soundtrack. Rather than the characters singing, Collins performed all of the non-diegetic songs in the movie. But there is a minor notable exception with "You'll Be in My Heart."
Matriarch gorilla Kala sings the first line of the song to soothe baby Tarzan before Collins takes over and performs the heartwarming song, which in this case is about motherly love. It's such a beautiful love song, especially after what had happened to Kala's child and Tarzan's parents, and it's enough to bring happy tears to even the stoniest of hearts.
"You Got A Friend In Me" (Toy Story)
Pixar's Toy Story has always put the power of friendship first, with romance being a hinted-at minor subplot at best. This is shown right from the opening of the very first movie, with the now-iconic opening song "You've Got a Friend in Me."
Just one of the songs written and performed by Randy Newman, "You've Got a Friend in Me" is all about love and loyalty, particularly in friendships. As a result, it is the main theme of the entire franchise, be it Woody's loyalty to Andy or his friendship with Buzz, Jessie, and the other toys. Toy Story 3 even treated fans to a slightly faster-paced Spanish version at the end.
"Love" (Robin Hood)
Interestingly, Robin Hood's romantic relationship with Maid Marian takes a bit of a back seat in the movie. However, after taking down Prince John in an archery tournament, Robin and Marian finally have some alone time together, which takes the form of a romantic evening walk in the woods.
This beautifully animated moment is accompanied by the non-diegetic song simply named "Love," sung by Nancy Adams. It may not be the film's most notable song but it's a lovely and calming piece that perfectly fits the moment, especially after all of the action prior. It's definitely one of Disney's more underrated love songs.
"Katrina" (The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad)
The second half of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is Disney's retelling of the classic gothic story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The segment is narrated by Bing Crosby, who also provides his singing talents to the piece.
One of the most noteworthy songs is "Katrina," which is the moment the audience is introduced to Katrina Van Tassel and where Ichabod falls for her. While a great love song, it is also a rather hilariously ironic love song as Katrina enjoys stringing men along and leaving them high and dry "once she's had her fun." She has no interest in Ichabod other than to pit him against Brom Bones.
"Ma Belle Evangeline" (The Princess And The Frog)
There is perhaps no Disney character more of a romantic than Ray the firefly from The Princess and the Frog. Upon meeting him, Ray talks of his sweetheart Evangeline, who is soon revealed to be a star. When Evangeline is first introduced in full, Ray begins to serenade her with "Ma Belle Evangeline."
This ends up being the moment when Naveen teaches Tiana to dance, and the two begin to fall in love. With stunning effects from the bayou, and Ray's romantic declaration to his Evangeline ultimately becoming a metaphor of love ("She's my Evangeline" is easily one of the best quotes in The Princess and the Frog), it's arguably one of the most romantic scenes in Disney history.
"Kiss The Girl" (The Little Mermaid)
The Little Mermaid has some of the best Disney songs to date, two of which are sung by Sebastian the crab. One of these is an unforgettable Disney love classic, which is "Kiss the Girl."
In order to get Eric to kiss Ariel, Sebastian creates a romantic setting and sings "Kiss the Girl" with the help of the local wildlife. It's one of Disney's most rhythmic and catchiest romantic songs and even Scuttle's awful yet sidesplittingly funny attempts to sing along don't dampen the mood. In fact, the song would have worked if Flotsam and Jetsam hadn't intervened.
"Bella Notte" (Lady And The Tramp)
A list of legendary Disney love moments would not be complete without Lady and the Tramp. In one of the most iconic Disney movie scenes of all time, Lady and Tramp eat spaghetti while restaurant owner Tony and chef Luigi serenade the pair with "Bella Notte."
Not only is the scene one of the most distinct in popular culture but the song is utterly romantic. After Tony's rendition, it cuts to a non-diegetic chorus singing the melody. Accompanied by a stunning animation sequence, it's an extremely enchanting and magical moment in one of Disney's non-magical movies.
"Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (The Lion King)
Disney's smash hit The Lion King boasts that every single one of its songs can be considered a masterpiece in its own right thanks to the legendary team of Elton John and Tim Rice. The big love song of the movie is the unforgettable "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
The song opens with a cynical Timon singing before cutting to non-diegetic singers accompanying the sequence between Simba and Nala. It's understandably one of Disney's best romantic songs, with even Timon and Pumbaa's bawling at the end, completing the song in a hilariously fitting way. John's version of the song is also a brilliant piece and definitely worth a listen.
"Beauty And The Beast" (Beauty And The Beast)
No Disney love song compilation, no matter who has sung it, would be complete without the eponymous love song from Beauty and the Beast. From the iconic costumes of Belle and the Beast to the magically animated ballroom, this entire sequence has mad movie history in its own right.
"Beauty and the Beast" is not sung by a non-diegetic singer but beloved supporting character Mrs. Potts, voiced by Angele Lansbury, as she watches the pair in support. Lansbury provides extra charm and love to an already brilliant song and sequence, completed with quietly sending Chip to bed. It's hard to imagine anyone else singing the song.