Disney has had its white-gloved mitts on the world's childhoods since 1928 and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. From Mickey and the gang to newer faces like Simba, Aladdin, and Elsa, the company has had some very successful and highly marketable titles, characters, and franchises in its day.
Simply put, Disney is an immortal institution that will continue to thrive as long as there are children in the world. The studio is responsible for creating some of the most beloved characters and films the world has ever known, and have even helped reinvent well-known faces of film, fiction, and fantasy.
Toy Story
Toy Story is essentially synonymous with the Pixar name. Disney's involvement with the revolutionary studio helped forward a new age of animation, and it was all thanks to Buzz and Woody.
Buzz, Woody, and the rest of Andy's toys have been a fixture with the Disney/Pixar name for years. With four feature films, a slice of Hollywood Studios, and a fine collection of shorts and spin-offs, playtime doesn't have to be over just because fans grow up.
The Lion King
The Lion King will always be the most prominent jewel in Disney's crown. Even over 20 years later, the film is still the bar by which many animated films, Disney or not, are judged.
All audiences love a good redemption story, but The Lion King has gone further than most would expect. It's received a Broadway musical, a sequel, two spin-off TV shows, a live-action-remake, and several theme park tributes and events. Decades after his return to Pride Rock, Simba is still the king.
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion receives an honorable mention on this list, it isn't every day a theme park ride becomes something at nearly the entire fan base knows. Whether they've been to Disneyland or not, they know about this attraction.
They've all heard the tune of "Grim Grinning Ghosts" and they know which haunted abode houses 999 Happy Haunts. From the Eddie Murphy film to the hordes of merchandise, the mansion has always been a frightening and fun fixture of the Disney Parks.
The Disney Villains
How often is it that separate characters from various films become their own franchise? Disney is perhaps the only studio to gather all their villains together for their own fanbase. While the likes of Scar, Jafar, Maleficent, and Captain Hook might rarely mingle together outside the parks, how often do the villains all get lumped together?
They have their own merchandise line, board games, TV specials, and other paraphernalia fans eat up like candy. Sometimes it's good to be bad.
The Princesses
Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, Disney's laundry list of princesses have been staples of animated films since the days of Snow White. They practically release at least one princess film every year.
Honestly, is it any wonder that the Disney logo features a castle? They're a film fixture, a permanent park photo op, and the subject of a treasure trove of various breeds of magical merch. There's not a moviegoer around who can't identify one of Disney's leading ladies.
Kingdom Hearts
On paper, Kingdom Hearts is a concept that should not work. The characters and story-heavy nature of the worlds of Final Fantasy colliding with the familiar faces and magic of Disney? It's honestly a bit ludicrous.
However, nine core games, spinoff titles, a concert album, and more continue to prove that the game is one of the most successful JRPGs in the history of the medium. It's a safe bet to say there will be even more keys and doors in the franchise's future.
The MCU
From Iron Man to Endgame, the heroes of Marvel's massive movie franchise have been with fans for well over a decade. The world will always have favorites like the Avengers and Spider-Man, but the franchise pulled lesser-known characters like Captain Marvel and the Guardians of the Galaxy into the spotlight.
It might be the house that Stan Lee built, but Disney is the studio that made the MCU what it is today.
Star Wars
When Disney acquired the rights to George Lucas's immortal space opera, it was met with mixed reviews. That being said, the work Disney has done with the franchise has enchanted fans of the galaxy far, far away even more. Though the fandom is still as divided as the Rebels and the Empire, the expansion of the Star Wars legacy is absolutely incredible.
With a new trilogy and a handful of spectacular spinoff shows, including The Mandalorian, there are as many stories to tell as there are stars in the galaxy.
Mickey Mouse
Walt always said, "I hope we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse." With only three circles, people around the world can immediately identify them as Mickey Mouse, proving his longevity.
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the rest of his friends have been icons of the company since it's infancy, and continue to be favorites among fans today. Through their cartoons and other animated antics, Mickey and the gang will forever be a part of our collected popular culture.
Winnie the Pooh
It might seem strange to put Pooh Bear above Mickey on the list but consider the following. Of all the Disney characters to be in a modern fan's life, Pooh is likely the first.
His cute and cuddly nature makes him ideal for younger viewers. That's what makes him a permanent fixture for so many viewers. He's instantly recognizable (much like Mickey) and he is a face literally thousands have grown up with, making him the most marketable. That's pretty good for a silly old bear.