When it comes to children's movies, Disney has been the industry leader for dozens of years. From hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery and live-action, the production company has entertained viewers for numerous generations. As a result, their releases also appeal to adults and have a reputation for displaying touching narratives and high-quality visuals.
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The '90s was an eventful decade for the mass media Company. Disney added more entertainment companies to their repertoire and worked alongside other studios to bring the world some of the most iconic films known to man. However, certain movies from the '90s stand out from the rest amidst their impressive filmography.
10 Beauty & The Beast Is One Of Disney's Best Love Stories
1991
Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a beautiful girl who falls in love with a monstrous creature. After her dad goes missing, she discovers he was captured, and Belle convinces the Beast to release her father in exchange for her imprisonment.
Of course, the two form a special bond that is at risk by the true antagonist, Gaston. Beauty and the Beast is remembered as one of Disney's finest love stories. It's one of their best movies from the '90s which was confirmed in 2017 when a live-action adaptation hit the big screen.
9 There Aren't Many People Who Don't Know The Aladdin Story
1992
Aladdin is a classic fantasy tale about an impoverished young man with cunning street smarts who falls in love with a princess. Jasmine is the Sultan's daughter, and although she wouldn't normally associate with Aladdin's kind, the two cross paths. After stumbling across a magical lamp, the titular protagonist befriends a comedic genie who famously grants him three wishes which he uses to impress his crush.
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There aren't many people who don't know the Aladdin story because of how popular it is. The movie's success even led to another two releases in the film series in the same decade as well as a live-action adaptation featuring Will Smith which came out in 2019.
8 The Lion King Has Become A Global Theatrical Phenomenon
1994
There's no doubt that The Lion King is one of Disney's most iconic movies. The narrative focuses on Simba, a lion cub who learns to follow in his father's footsteps. Years after Mufasa's death, Simba returns to Pride Rock to retake his homeland and become king.
While the movie is over 30 years old, it still holds up today and continues to entertain younger generations. The Lion King is filled with energetic music, touching scenes, and likable characters, such as Timon and Pumbaa. The legendary musical has also become a global theatrical phenomenon.
7 Toy Story Was Pixar's First Feature-Length Film
1995
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Toy Story came out midway through the '90s and the anthropomorphic toys were a big hit from the get-go. Pixar's first feature-length movie shows what happens when the toy's owners are gone. Along with a new animation style for the time, Toy Story was destined to succeed.
The beloved movie is a story of jealousy, teamwork, and friendship. The adored narrative was followed up with one of the best-animated sequels at the end of the decade. The film series currently has four releases and the main characters have been retained throughout. Buzz's adoration also influenced 2022's Lightyear which focuses on the iconic space ranger.
6 James & The Giant Peach Was Co-Produced By Disney
1996
Skellington Productions specialized in stop-motion movies, and in the '90s, they joined forces with Disney. Both companies co-produced James and the Giant Peach which is based on the novel written by Roald Dahl. The beginning and end are live-action while the bulk of the story is depicted in a distinctive stop-motion animation style.
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It follows an orphaned boy with a relentless imagination as he journeys to New York City. His mode of transportation is a giant peach, and he's joined on his travels by several large and friendly insects. It's a memorable release for many reasons, such as an unpredictable story and unique aesthetics, making it one of the best stop-motion animated films from the '90s.
5 Hercules Combines Greek Mythology With Disney Animation
1997
Hercules, son of Zeus, lived with his family on Mount Olympus until Hades, ruler of the underworld, sent his minions to kill the young god. After being turned into a mortal, Hercules was rescued by farmers who raised him and saved him from his deathly fate. He then finds out who his father is and goes on a journey to become a true hero.
Philoctetes trains the wanna-be hero on his journey to regain his godhood. The movie combines Greek mythology with typical Disney animation. As a result, Hercules has become a classic tale in the production company's filmography and is among the best releases from the '90s.
4 Flubber Has An Impressive Cast
1997
Robin Williams plays Professor Philip Brainard in Disney's sci-fi comedy, Flubber. He's the inventor of the green lifelike substance with incredible bounciness and elasticity. However, his breakthrough gets in the way of his marriage and Brainard tries to use his discovery to win back his love.
The Professor soon realizes Flubber's potential after using it to win a basketball game. He also uses it to make a flying car and his rivals try to steal the unstable material. Flubber is an underrated movie from the '90s because of its underwhelming performance at the box office despite the movie's engrossing narrative and impressive cast.
3 Mulan Is Based On An Ancient Chinese Folk Story
1998
Mulan is a young lady who struggles at bringing honor to her family. When her unwell father is forced to join the Chinese military, the female protagonist knows he would likely be killed, so she impersonates a man to fight in her father's place. Her ancestors realize her intentions and send Mushu, a tiny Dragon, to persuade Mulan not to go through with her plan.
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However, Mushu discovers her determination to regain her honor and instead assists Mulan in becoming a proficient warrior. The film is based on an ancient Chinese folk story, and it's also another Disney movie to receive a live-action adaptation in recent years. This has helped revive the narrative and remind viewers of the movie's adoration.
2 A Bug's Life Is Nostalgic For Many Disney Fans
1998
A Bug's Life follows Flik, an aspiring inventor, who is banished from the colony after his unhelpful creations cost the ants their food harvest. In the hope of being accepted again in the community, he heads to the city and goes in search of tough bugs to help fight against the threatening grasshoppers.
The movie is adored by thousands of Disney enthusiasts and is nostalgic for many people. Fans have long been waiting for a sequel, and rumor has it that more information regarding A Bug's Life 2: Revenge Of The Grasshoppers will come about in 2023.
1 Tarzan
1999
Tarzan is a popular tale based on the story by Egar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan Of The Apes." After losing his parents as a child, the titular Tarzan was raised by gorillas and lives with wild animals in the jungle. Jane Porter and her father go on an expedition to study gorillas and end up coming across Tarzan.
After saving her from an angry pack of baboons, Tarzan begins to develop feelings for Jane. The '90s Disney protagonist soon realizes his true identity and must decide which path to pursue. It's a touching tale with a dash of danger which helped Tarzan become one of the most successful releases from the 1990s.
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