A common theme throughout Disney's most well-loved feature animated films is their fantastic musical numbers, whether they are used in order to introduce characters to the audience, explain key information about the world, or propel the story forwards.
Since the studio's first animated feature in the 1930s, several Disney movies have won Academy Awards for Best Original Song, but even more have been nominated in the Oscar category only to lose out to another nominee. Even so, these nominated ballads remain classics of the Disney catalogue.
"Baby Mine" - Dumbo
Used as a way to show the bond between Dumbo and his mother, Mrs. Jumbo, "Baby Mine" is a tender lullaby that plays as Mrs. Jumbo reaches for her son even though she is locked up in a circus wagon.
Given that the pair of elephants are separated for much of the movie, this song is particularly effective in showing the love that these two have for one another even though neither of the characters speak, and has the audience rooting even more for their reunion.
"Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" - Cinderella
A signal of Cinderella's circumstances turning around, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo" is a lighthearted and catchy tune used by the Fairy Godmother as she transforms a pumpkin into Cinderella's carriage and turns mice into white horses to pull it.
Whilst there are many non-Disney versions of Cinderella, this animated classic stands out for introducing both visual and audio components of the story that would remain a constant in later adaptations, including this song, which has become synonymous with performing magic.
"The Bare Necessities" - The Jungle Book
An illustration of Baloo's values and life philosophy, "The Bare Necessities" is a jazz song that showcases the benefits of living a simple life in the jungle, unworried by danger or a want for more.
This song also shows why Mowgli gets on so well with the bear, given the pair's shared affinity for fun, and though the movie later challenges Baloo's belief that bad things do not bother him, at its conclusion he and Bagheera sing a reprise of the tune, with balance restored to the jungle.
"Kiss The Girl" - The Little Mermaid
Sung by Sebastian the crab as Ariel and Eric take a romantic boat ride together, in attempts to help Ariel break her curse, "Kiss the Girl" is a calypso pop song.
A total of 3 songs from the soundtrack were Oscar nominated, with "Under the Sea" winning the honor. Among the lessons that can be learned from Disney's The Little Mermaid is that love cannot be rushed, even with Sebastian's interference, but that the time Ariel and Eric spend together is important.
"Friend Like Me" - Aladdin
A stunning introduction to the magic and myth of the Genie, "Friend Like Me" is full of pop-culture references and jokes which the Genie uses to show Aladdin his powers.
This show tune can be easily recognized by its opening notes alone, and provides huge amounts of insight into the Genie's character in just a few minutes, showcasing his dramatic flair. Another number from the movie, the romantic "A Whole New World" ended up winning Best Original Song, showing the strength of the soundtrack as a whole.
"Circle Of Life" - The Lion King
Opening the movie in style, "Circle of Life" shows the natural order of things at Pride Rock when Simba is born and is presented to his animal subjects, establishing the animal kingdom's set up.
As one of the best movies under 100 minutes long, it's surprising just how many memorable songs are fit into The Lion King, with 3 of the 5 songs nominated for Best Original Song that year coming from the film. Though "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" won the distinction, "Circle of Life" acts as a great summary of the movie's themes.
"You've Got A Friend In Me" - Toy Story
Played over the opening credits of Disney and Pixar's Toy Story to demonstrate Andy and Woody's friendship, "You've Got a Friend in Me" has since become a fixture in every Toy Story movie.
Whether it's used sincerely as in its first appearance, later tinged with sadness in Toy Story 3 to illustrate how Andy has grown up and away from his toys, or sung by characters in the movies themselves, the theme song always evokes emotion of some kind. Interestingly, it lost out on the Oscar to another Disney hit, Pocahontas' "Colors of the Wind".
"Almost There" - The Princess And The Frog
"Almost There" is used at the start of The Princess and the Frog when Tiana and her mother are at Tiana's restaurant. The song is notably accompanied by a stylized animation showcasing a bright, Art Deco vision of the future.
This number shows off Tiana's work ethic and determination to achieve her dreams, establishing her motivations and proactive nature. Even with her mother's encouragement to take things easy, Tiana remains passionately fixed on her goals, and sees a way for herself to reach them.
"I See The Light" - Tangled
"I See the Light" is a duet between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider after they reach the site of the lantern release, the culmination of Rapunzel's lifelong dream.
This scene is one of the most beautiful in the film, with one of the most romantic moments, including the love song that follows, with both characters reflecting on the path that they took to reach this point and how their journey has changed them both.
"How Far I'll Go" - Moana
As Moana realizes that all she desires is out on the ocean and beyond, she sings "How Far I'll Go", detailing her wish to leave home and explore life beyond her family's expectations of her.
The song has an emotional reprise later on in the movie too, when Moana pursues her dream having been encouraged to do so by her dying Grandma Tala, emphasizing the pair's shared connection to the water, and the song becomes representative of them both.