20 Of The Best Disney Movies To Add To Your Rewatch List In 2024

The Lion King is one of the most successful classic Disney movies of all time. It’s about a young lion, Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas). The way this movie so effortlessly and clearly indicates the different social pressures and hardships of life makes it a must watch. The Lion King is a movie that makes young kids feel less lonely in their scary journey through life. It also helps us adults bring back the nostalgia of our childhood with its catchy tunes. I especially have a bond with 'I just can’t wait to be king', it reminds me of a time I just couldn't wait to adult. This movie encompasses angst, betrayal and greed but at the same time shows loyalty, bravery and friendship in a classic triumph of good over evil. And, of course, if for nothing else, watch is for Timon and Pumba. 

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 

I think at some point in our lives we all wanted to be Mowgli. I’m sure I don’t have to explain the plot because this is a Disney classic, but for those of you who haven't yet indulged, The Jungle Book, based on Rudyard Kipling’s book by the same name, is about a 'man cub' named Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman) raised by a pack of wolves. He is forced to flee the forest because of Shere Khan (George Sanders), a vicious man-eating tiger. His quest to the man village would have been incomplete without Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot) and Baloo (Phil Harris). Other than the fact that the movie has the best visuals, writing and voice performances, it is interesting to see that the sound track is greatly influenced by jazz. The movie also has political undertones, it indicates how different systems work.    

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10  

Here’s where vermin and cooks collide. Remmy is a rat who dreams of cooking food, having been inspired by Auguste Gusteau through his books and television shows. After a freak accident, he finds himself in Paris trying to pursue his passion in a rodent-phobic profession. The movie brings in a sense of whimsy when the rat learns to control Alfredo Linguini. I doubt any of us could get past this movie without getting hunger pangs for the amazing dishes shown in the movie (the animation is so good, you can almost smell the food). 

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

After Nemo (Albert Brooks) loses his mother to a terrifying Barracuda, his father Marlin (Albert Brooks) becomes one of those over-protective dads we've all been around. On his first day at 'Fish school', he swims too close to the surface and gets abducted by divers. This is a story about a harrowing journey of a father back to his son. The quote from this movie that I repeat to myself everyday is 'Just keep swimming', spoken by Marlin's adorable travel companion Dory. The way Dory stole the show with her irresistible personality puts Finding Nemo at the top of our lists.

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Have you had a secret conversation with your toys asking them to talk to you, promising them not to tell anyone or maybe sneaked into your room hoping to find your toys alive? If you haven't done these freaky things, you haven't watched Toy Story. Andy (John Morris), the most loving little boy with a vast collection of toys, has his favorite toy Woody (Tom Hanks), who is a loveable cowboy. On his birthday, Andy receives Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), an astronaut, as a gift and Woody finds himself dethroned. This movie is based on a power struggle between the two toys, who eventually learn how to share the spotlight. Toy Story is bound to give you an all-round experience of laughter and tears, and hence we dub it as a must-watch movie. 

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Wall-E is like a looking glass in to the future. The plot revolves around a robot named Wall-E, who spends his days cleaning up earth. Being the only robot left on the planet, over 700 years he develops human emotions and becomes lonely. His adventure through space with EVE is one of our favorite romance plots. Not to mention, he manages to save the human race while pursuing affection and company.  

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Based on a classic tale, Tangled is about a young girl, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), who possesses magical hair. She was abducted by an old hag when she was just a baby and was locked away in her tower. My favorite thing about this movie is that her dream was to see the 'floating lights' and not meet her knight in shining armour. This movie is about her journey back home and her unexpected love for Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi). Maximus the horse was definitely a good addition as the trusty steed. Maximus along with Pascal, Rapunzel's only friend and a chameleon, make the movie whimsical and fun to watch.      

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Coco and its beautiful music makes you think about your family and the intricacies involved in those equations. Young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), who comes from a family of shoe makers, dreams of becoming like his idol Ernesto De La Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). On his quest to pursue music, he finds himself in the colourful land of the dead. Him along with his new friend Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) and his spirit guide Dante, embark on a journey to find Miguel's father. The movie embodies the Mexican tradition Dias De Los Muertos, deviating from and diversifying the characters and plots Disney usually represents. The catchy tunes in this movie like 'Un Poco Loco' just increase this beautiful movie's appeal.   

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Finally placing a Woman at the centre of the plot, that too as a warrior, is Mulan. Hua Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) is to be matched with a man and married, however, much to her parent’s disappointment, she does not see that life for herself. It is placed during the reign of the Han Dynasty in Imperial China that is in constant combat with the Hun Army. When all the men in her village are called for service, Mulan decides to take her father’s place. This musical adventure movie depicts stunning animation, powerful feminism, heroic ideas and memorable characters. Even though the movie deals with serious subjects, it has its fair share of comedy.    

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

'I’m just afraid that if I died today my life would have amounted to nothing.' A lot of the writing in this movie effortlessly spoke to me. This movie is about Joe (Jamie Foxx), a likable middle school music teacher. His true passion is jazz, but right when he’s about to make his big break he meets with an accident. This brings a lot into perspective for him and reminds him what it means to have soul. Disney’s innovative way of capturing our entrance and exit to this drama we call life is engaging, however, you will find, this movie is meant to get you thinking—self reflecting so to speak. If you haven't realised that today is your first day really living, you have to rewind and watch this movie all over again.

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

For all you video game buffs, Disney rolled out Wreck-It Ralph, bringing in nostalgia for our favourite video games. The video games that most Gen Z now call 'vintage' were brought to life by Disney in 2012, giving our favourite characters personalities. The movie's storyline follows Ralph (John C. Reilly), a video game villain, on his quest to become a hero and prove his kindness. On his way to find his place in the gaming world, he meets Vanellope Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), who brings vibrance and humour to the film. My favourite part in the movie was the Bad-Anon meeting. I felt like they brought in a touch of reality through this and several other scenes, making this movie relatable not only to children but also adults. Wreck-It Ralph has found a way to combine nostalgia with modern technology in a heartwarming and entertaining way. 

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Here's to the giant red panda-sized inconvenience that adolescence is. A thirteen-year-old girl, Meilin Lee (Rosalie Chiang), like most of us Asian kids, is torn between staying her mother’s 'dutiful' daughter and the changes that adolescence has brought for her. This pressure makes her change into a giant red panda every time she faces any strong emotion. This film is heartwarming, blunt and bursts with imagination. This is one of the most unique coming-of-age stories that I have seen. the movie is powerful because of the way it embraces the messiness of emotions. It also talks about the inter-generational gaps and burdens many carry. 

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

With this film we embark on a magical journey with teenage elf brothers Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt). As every magical quest should be, their journey is full of maps, obstacles and quirky side characters. The brothers put in all the energy possible to meet their late father, the end however has a twist waiting for you. This film managed to merge fantasy into a modern setting. I think the pixies at the gas station stole the show. They got their well-deserved minute in the limelight. The characters, the story, the emotions, the musical score, the adventure, the animation—this movie clearly has a lot to offer. 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Monsters, Inc. took the entire concept of monsters and flipped it. They depicted monsters as colourful and having a variety of personalities, helping children fall asleep at night. Monsters Incorporated is the biggest scare factory in the monster world and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) is one of the top scarers. His scare assistant, best friend and roommate is Mike Wozowski (Billy Crystal). This movie shows how no individual or monster is inherently good or bad. They also show that looks can be deceiving through Sullivan, who is a huge, blue monster who looks intimidating but is an extremely sweet guy who takes care of Boo (Mary Gibbs), the little girl who goes where no human has gone before. 

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Released in 2013, Frozen became a bona fide phenomena. I can now understand why. It has three main things going for it. Firstly, the musical numbers, secondly, the likable characters and lastly, the subversion of tropes. We know that you’ve definitely watched Frozen, but here's a refresher. It is about two sisters who lost their parents in a sea storm. Both of them are magical in their own way, however, Elsa (Idina Menzel) the elder sister becomes somewhat of an outcast after a childhood incident with her sister Anna (Kristin Bell). My sister and I absolutely loved frozen as kids. The entire concept of 'It’s just you and me' really got us emotional. We are all here for the funny, imaginative embodiment of our childhood that is Olaf. With Olaf’s wit and Sven’s worldliness, Frozen feels complete. The song 'Let it go' might be a little overrated, but the fact that the movie's entire storyline changes from having Elsa as the villain to the misunderstood outcast because of the song, it probably deserves this glory. 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

This movie encompasses the behind the scenes life of Superheroes. We have all wondered what it would be like if the superheroes were not accepted as they are. The incredibles gives you an idea. A married superhero couple Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are forced into hiding, assuming mundane roles. This, of course, does not last for long. The superheroes obviously yearn to live as they are and end up in sticky situations. Even though the antagonist follows a common villain trope, the movie feels a lot more grounded because of how well-crafted the portrayal of the family is. Finally, they found superheroes that aren't too flashy like in the Marvel or DC universe, but those that had a perfect balance between ordinary and extraordinary, if you will. 

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

To all the technology geeks out there, this is the movie for you! The film starts with this delinquent, super smart kid in an alley in between a robot fight. Having started off with such an interesting exposition, the movie does not go on to disappoint. Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) the aforementioned delinquent, younger brother of Tadashi Hamada (Daniel Henney), joins a genius programme and finds himself in the middle of a dangerous plot. To bring justice to the world and his brother, Hiro formulates a band of heroes including Go Go Tamago (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and Fred (T.J. Miller). Of course, who is Hiro without his sidekick and his brother’s last invention, Baymax (Scott Adsit). A Baymax fist-bump if this is on your re-watch list.

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Welcome to the family Madrigal! With Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), a young Colombian girl, we explore magic and plunge into her family’s complicated history and secrets. On her little brothers coming of age and claiming of his unique powers, Mirabel is reminded of her own coming of age and lack of powers. She soon realises that the Encanto where she and her family live is under threat. By far the most engaging character in the movie is, you guessed it, Bruno. Just because 'We don't talk about Bruno' everyone wanted to know about Bruno. The family’s unique gifts highlight how every individual in a family is different. The movie also brings to the forefront familial pressures and how people even crumble under this pressure—clearly looking at Mirabel. 

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Meet the tiny voices inside your head. Giving a new spin to neurological processes and portraying them in a simple way, Disney brought in separate characters for each emotion we feel. Inside Out is a film about an 11-year-old girl, who moves from Minnesota to San Francisco in her most impressionable years. Yes, here’s another coming of age trope. This movie breaks down the complexities that go on in our mind during our life and gives them life. The transformation and growth Riley (Kaitlyn Dias)  goes through is mirrored by her emotions. The fact that she has to embrace sadness in her life is something most of us adults have learnt and it's nice to see it depicted as something okay to feel. The voice acting in this movie was remarkable as the emotions sounded exactly as they should, if you catch my drift. The way everything inside Riley's head is portrayed is extremely imaginative and colourful, which gives this movie a visual appeal. This is another must-watch added to our list!    

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

'Anyone can do anything.' Sounds like Barbie’s catchphrase? But Officer Judy Hops (Ginnifer Goodwin) has made it clear that you can't be anything, however, you can do anything you set your mind to. Zootopia is a fantasy city where prey and predators live in harmony. Judy Hops (Dumb Bunny) after being bullied as a child sets out to become a cop. Having encountered hardships, she manages to make her way in Zootopia with new friend and eventual partner Nick Wilde (Sly Fox). This movie is equal parts buddy-cop comedy and whodunit mystery. For a heartwarming, family experience, Zootopia is the perfect animation.    

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Honorable mentions: Just because there are so many amazing Disney movies, I couldn't bare to leave these out: Moana, Luca, The Secret Life of Pets, Meet The Robinsons, Brave, Pocohontas,The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lilo and Stitch, Brave, Bambi.