In the 2010s, Disney had a major presence at the cinema. From Star Wars epics to Marvel blockbusters, there was always a big Disney movie playing. The animation department enjoyed the "Revival Era" throughout the decade, which began back in 2009 with The Princess and the Frog. The decade was also successful for Disney at the Oscars, as it seemed like they walked away with the award for Best Animated Feature every single year they were eligible.
Two of these winners, Frozen and Zootopia, are considered among the best stories ever produced by Disney. Frozen is one of the highest-grossing movies of all-time. Zootopia is one of the most well-received. But which one deserves the title of Best of the 2010s? Arguments can be made for both.
Frozen: The Songs Are among Disney's Best
One of the major reasons for the success of Frozen was its dynamite soundtrack, courtesy of Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. "Let It Go" was obviously a runaway smash hit, but the smaller songs are great, as well.
"Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" has endured as a melancholy ballad about the bonds we lose from childhood. "For the First Time in Forever" is a rousing anthem by Kristen Bell. Even "Love Is an Open Door," which is a bit dubious in hindsight, makes for a lovely duet at the outset of the film.
Zootopia: It Only Needs One Song to Make a Big Impact
Unlike Frozen, Zootopia was not a musical. But it still dabbled in the creation of an original song. "Try Everything," which was sung by Shakira, is heard at various points throughout the film, but it is also a certified bop. Years after she was in the prime of her fame, Shakira proves that she still has it and the song has resonated as one of Disney's best in modern years.
For a long time, it was a staple song of Disney's Move It! Shake It! parade and dance party at the Magic Kingdom. It goes to show that one does not need a musical to craft an impactful song.
Frozen: It Subverts the Classic Disney Princess Tropes
One of the most jaw-dropping moments of Frozen came when the audience realized that the act of "true love" that Anna was in pursuit of was not actually with a man. She didn't need to kiss Hans or Kristoff. All she had to do was protect her sister. The bonds of sisterhood were the strongest between any characters in the film, and the moment proved to be an effective subversion of what characters owe to love.
Granted, the tropes it subverted were created by Disney in the first place, but the moment still landed with tear-inducing awe all the same.
Zootopia: It's the Best Disney Mystery This Side of The Great Mouse Detective
While Disney Animation is mostly known for crafting its stories as musicals that center around the heroes of royalty, they are also known for dabbling in the detective and mystery genres. The Great Mouse Detective might be the shining example of this throughout Disney's history.
However, Zootopia created a mystery that was even more compelling than that iconic one. Predators are disappearing, but there is something nefarious going on behind the scenes. It's up to Judy and Nick to crack the case. Of course, the viewer is along for the ride, as well, and it makes for a ton of fun.
Frozen: The Voice Cast Is One of the Best Ever Assembled
Try to find a better voice cast than the one assembled for the 2013 musical set in Arendelle! Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel portray the main sisters, Anna and Elsa. Josh Gad supports the film as the talking snowman, Olaf. Kristoff, the main love interest of the film, is played brilliantly and melodiously by Jonathan Groff, affectionately known as Groffsauce to Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Even the character of Hans, who is not a fan favorite, still has the vocal talents of Santino Fontana behind him! That is a pretty flawless cast, to be sure.
Zootopia: Their Cast Is Pretty Stellar, as Well
However, the cast of Zootopia is nothing to shake a stick at either. The Emmy-winning Jason Bateman, of Arrested Development and Ozark fame, portrays the anthropomorphic fox, Nick Wilde. Once Upon a Time's Ginnifer Goodwin plays the newbie police rabbit, Judy Hopps. The charming Idris Elba and the wonderfully talented Jenny Slate voice Bogo and Bellwether, respectively.
The supporting cast is rounded out by Bonnie Hunt, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Tommy Chong, and more. It's a who's who of beloved talent populating the cast and the world of Zootopia!
Frozen: The Humor in Frozen Is More Effective
Do not misunderstand. There are a series of hilarious moments throughout Zootopia. No one has forgotten the hysterical sloth at the DMV, after all. But the humor in Frozen just seems to work better overall. The dynamic between Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven, is entertaining. The characters poking fun at Anna's shortsightedness, as well as her own clumsiness, is always good for laughs, meta and otherwise.
But Olaf is the true source of the great humor in Frozen. He could have easily been an annoying sidekick, but instead, he becomes something much cleverer. "I don't have a skull. Or bones." still remains one of the funniest, most unexpected lines in a Disney movie.
Zootopia: Humor Isn't Everything - the Dramatic Stakes Are Visceral
As funny as Zootopia can be, it is also not afraid to get dark. There are serious moments in Frozen, but none of them even come close to how high the stakes are in Zootopia as the film nears its climax. From implications for the well-being of the world to the friendship split between Nick and Judy, there is a ton at stake by the end of the film.
Some moments of Zootopia even feel quite scary! Obviously, the artists behind the film handle this with tact and aplomb. The serious moments matter so much more when they are treated with reverence by Disney.
Frozen: Arendelle Is There to Welcome You Home
It would not be a surprise if Zootopia received a sequel one day. But for now, Frozen is the film that has experienced an expansion of its lore and the world of its story. From theme park attractions (Frozen Ever After) to holiday specials (Olaf's Frozen Adventure) to sequels (Frozen II), Arendelle has become a place of familiarity. Even if we don't need a third movie.
Everyone in Arendelle is kind and warm and welcoming. To return to the characters of Frozen is to return to old friends. Zootopia has not quite attained this status, but that does not mean that it never will either.
Zootopia: Zootopia's City Is One of Disney's Most Adult Allegories
One of the major reasons for Zootopia nabbing the 2016 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature over Moana was its sense of importance. This is an advantage Zootopia has over the Disney musicals. While they both have their merits, Zootopia is tackling really important issues, especially when considering it is an animated film that is aimed at children.
Topics of prejudice, racism, and how the system sets people up to fail are presented in Zootopia and give it an undeniable weightiness, even for the youngest viewers. That matters, especially in the modern age.