For over a century, Disney has tugged on the heartstrings of devoted fans all across the world with its uplifting stories, unforgettable characters, and exceptional original music. The trailblazing studio’s first animated feature filmSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs came in 1937 and helped kick off the iconic company’s silver screen takeover, a Hollywood reign which continues to this day.
However, the passage of time has marked a major shift in the cinema and some formerly cherished flicks have come under fire for their lack of inclusivity and blatant stereotypes. While some of the studio’s creations like Peter Pan and Pocahontas have received pushback in recent years, there are still many beloved gems that remain timeless.
Here are 10 older Disney movies that actually aged really well.
10 Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins
- Release Date
- August 27, 1964
- Director
- Robert Stevenson
- Runtime
- 140
Universally revered as Walt Disney’s crowning live-action triumph, the fantasy musical Mary Poppins marked Hollywood legend Julie Andrews’ feature film debut and spectacularly helped bring the P.L. Travers series to life. The undisputed classic famously follows the magical titular nanny as she blows into London to help the dysfunctional Banks family reconnect and learn to love and appreciate one another, with her lessons touching more than just the children she’s in charge of caring for.
Vibrant Visuals & A Wholesome Message
Known for its unforgettable toe-tapping tunes like “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “A Spoonful of Sugar”, the acclaimed musical not only earned Andrews an Academy Award for Best Actress but it also was Disney’s only film to receive a Best Picture nomination during his lifetime.
60 years later, Mary Poppins remains a deeply respected big screen extravaganza that touts stunning visual effects, lively musical numbers, and an excellent production design that helps make it timeless. The spirited nanny teaches the Banks’ the importance of family and how kindness and compassion is key to a fulfilling life, lessons that still ring true to this day. Stream on Disney+
9 The Jungle Book (1967)
Loosely based on the Rudyard Kipling stories, the bold animated musical The Jungle Book centers on the headstrong 10-year-old human boy Mowgli as he is raised by a wolf pack deep in an Indian jungle, where he makes friends with colorful characters like the laid-back bear Baloo and wise black panther Bagheera, as well as making an enemy out of the vicious tiger Shere Khan.
Mowgli’s animal pals attempt to help get him out of the jungle and back into civilization in order to keep him safe from the people-hating predator Khan.
A Spectacular Disney Soundtrack
Through the power of song, The Jungle Book teaches audiences how to appreciate the beauty of the world while encouraging them to keep it simple and “forget about your worries and your strife” in the upbeat tune “The Bare Necessities.”
The soundtrack for the film remains one of Disney’s most vivacious and exciting, and retrospective reviews of the musical continue to hold The Jungle Book in high regards, with its catchy songs, vivid animation, and memorable characters still earning praise; Empire declared in 2010 that the flick “gets pretty much everything right”, and the musical remains a must-watch for Disney fans. Stream on Disney+
8 Mulan (1998)
For the electrifying coming-of-age musical Mulan, Disney decided to transcend the conventional damsel-in-distress trope and instead give young viewers a fierce and courageous heroine they could truly look up to. Set in China during an Imperial Dynasty, the audacious young woman Fa Mulan bravely decides to impersonate a man and take her ailing father’s place in the war to help fight against the Huns.
Mulan risks her life and disregards the law and tradition on her quest to bring honor to her family while protecting her beloved country.
A Transcending Disney Heroine
Celebrated for her heroism, compassion, and bravery, Mulan was a breath of fresh air who challenged the male-dominated world she lived in and defied social expectations, and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for her father.
The spirited heroine took the traditional Disney princess and gave it a much-needed modern update, making her just as capable and strong as her male counterparts, a sentiment which still deeply resonates with viewers today. Mulan bucks traditional gender roles and is the one who keeps China safe, and the tenacious character and adored animated hit is the true definition of a hero. Stream on Disney+
7 Bambi (1942)
Bambi
- Release Date
- August 14, 1942
- Director
- David Hand
- Cast
- Hardie Albright , Stan Alexander , Bobette Audrey , Peter Behn , Thelma Boardman , Janet Chapman
- Runtime
- 70
Few cinematic moments pack the emotional punch that the devastating death of Bambi’s mother did in the certified Disney classic Bambi, an impressive and meaningful film that focuses on the life-altering journey the young male fawn embarks upon as he faces an array of hurdles as he prepares to become the Great Prince while growing up in the forest.
Bambi’s coming-of-age story highlights his endearing bond with his woodland friends Thumper the rabbit and Flower the skunk, as they deal with the looming threat of hunters in the area.
Timeless Coming-of-Age Tale
Bambi is truly the definition of a timeless Hollywood picture and the knowledge and wisdom it has bestowed upon audiences throughout the eight decades since its release remains unmatched. Not only does the animated film poignantly spread the message of nature conservation, but it also chronicles Bambi’s emotional growth and progress dealing with the gut-wrenching loss of his mother while trying to pave a path for himself in the world.
Bambi also highlights the power of friendship and the difficulties that come with embracing change, and there’s a reason it’s such a powerful and refined animated film. Stream on Disney+
6 Hercules (1997)
Hercules
- Release Date
- June 20, 1997
- Runtime
- 86
Undeniably one of Disney’s more colorful and unconventional animated ventures, Hercules is loosely based on the legendary Greek figure and follows the titular demigod as he sets out to prove himself worthy of residing in Mount Olympus while on his quest to become a true hero.
With the help of his cantankerous mentor Phil and trusted steed Pegasus, Hercules faces off against his diabolical uncle Hades and falls for the vivacious Megara as he masters his powers and pursues his monumental goal.
Root-Worthy Lead Characters
Like with Mulan, the fantasy musical features a headstrong and capable heroine, with Megara refusing to be just another needy love interest waiting for a man to sweep her off her feet. Meg constantly asserts her independence and fiery spirit, hilariously telling the tongue-tied Hercules, “I’m a damsel. I’m in distress. I can handle this. Have a nice day.”
Hercules touts a knockout voice cast including James Woods as the magnetic villain Hades and Danny DeVito as the ornery satyr Phil, and also has clever humor, dazzling songs, and an inspiring hero who overcomes adversity and triumphs over evil. Stream on Disney+
5 Alice in Wonderland (1951)
The imaginative and wondrous fantasy Alice in Wonderland gloriously brings the Lewis Carroll novel to life and transported moviegoers to the nonsensical eponymous world inhabited by peculiar creatures of every shape and size.
When the precocious young Alice falls down a deep rabbit hole, she is transported to a strange land ruled by the power-hungry Queen of Hearts and finds allies in the mischievous Cheshire Cat and delightfully unhinged Mad Hatter as she attempts to return home.
Alice’s Enchanting Adventure
Though it is now appreciated for its spellbinding atmosphere, eccentric characters, and fearless heroine, Alice in Wonderland was actually considered a critical and commercial failure upon its release in 1951. It wasn’t until the animated film was re-released in 1974 that audiences truly connected with the tale and helped make it the Disney staple it has become, with fans loving how the fantasy flick promotes diversity, imagination, and perseverance.
Alice in Wonderland has had a massive influence on cinema and provides an expert class in world-building, with all the extraordinary elements being a product of Alice’s own mind. Stream on Disney+
4 Pinocchio (1940)
Yet another timeless tale and movie masterpiece in Disney’s exceptional catalog, Pinocchio is without-a-doubt one of the studio’s most marvelous and groundbreaking creations. In the sweeping adaptation of the Italian children’s novel, the compassionate elderly wood-carver Geppetto is stunned when his puppet Pinocchio is magically brought to life by the kind-hearted Blue Fairy.
The endearing and curious Pinocchio is told he can become a real boy only if he can prove himself to be “brave, truthful, and unselfish”, and sets out to do just that.
A Trailblazing Cinema Spectacle
Heavily regarded as one of the greatest animated films to ever grace the big screen, Pinocchio was a technological triumph that implemented a multi-plane camera to create three-dimensional drawings and brilliantly utilized effects animation.
The picture was not afraid to tackle more dark and heartfelt themes including death, grief, self-discovery, and unconditional love, and taught viewers important lessons still relevant today such as honesty, selflessness, and bravery. Pinocchio currently holds a highly-coveted 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and has had a profound and positive impact on pop culture since its debut over eighty years ago. Stream on Disney+
3 The Lion King (1994)
Considering that iconic playwright William Shakespeare’s plays continue being discussed and revered centuries after his death, it’s not surprising that a Disney film loosely based on one of his lauded work’s is also held in the same high regard.
The ’90s blockbuster juggernaut The Lion King is arguably one of Disney’s most influential and enduring creations, telling the story of the young lion cub Simba as he is forced to flee his homeland after the shocking death of his father Mufasa by his evil uncle Scar, only to return years later to claim his place as king.
Once in a Lifetime Masterpiece
Similarly with the heartbreaking death of Bambi’s mother, audiences of all ages were left emotionally-shattered when they witnessed Mufasa tragically fall to his death at the hands of his traitorous brother Scar, with the gut-wrenching moment forever sticking with fans.
With an Oscar-winning soundtrack composed by Elton John and Hans Zimmer, playful humor, and fantastic cast performances, The Lion King is undeniably one of Hollywood’s greatest films. It possesses an enduring appeal and touts positive messages of forgiveness, courage, and hope while addressing heavy themes like betrayal, death, and tenacity. Stream on Disney+
2 The Fox and the Hound (1981)
The Fox and the Hound
- Release Date
- July 10, 1981
- Director
- Ted Berman , Richard Rich , Art Stevens
- Runtime
- 83
The criminally underrated ’80s dramedy The Fox and the Hound depicts the unlikely bond and friendship between the orphaned red fox Tod and hound Copper, as the surprising pals form a profound connection as young animals and grow up with one another in the countryside. When they eventually discover that they should be enemies due to their two deeply contrasting natures, Tod and Copper drift apart and must subsequently rise above their deep-seated differences to repair their friendship.
Underrated Disney Gem
Cinema greats Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell lend their voices to the endearing film as the two mismatched friends, who push back against prejudice and societal norms as they nurtured their wholesome bond. The Fox and the Hound explored subjects like death, adversity, the loss of innocence, and power of friendship and featured charming performances.
Roger Ebert called it “one of those relatively rare Disney animated features that contains a useful lesson for its younger audiences. It’s not just cute animals and frightening adventures and a happy ending; it’s also a rather thoughtful meditation on how society determines our behavior.” Stream on Disney+
1 A Goofy Movie (1995)
Disney’s bumbling-yet-well-meaning iconic character Goofy embarked upon a life-changing road trip adventure with his teenage son Max in the feel-good ’90s flick A Goofy Movie, which follows the father/son duo as they go on a cross-country fishing expedition in hopes of repairing their strained relationship and reconnect with one another.
After growing concerned that Max is heading down a troubling delinquent path, Goofy sets out to combat his son’s rebellious behavior by spending time together, causing crazy hijinks to ensue for the pair.
A Wholesome & Relatable Road Trip
A Goofy Movie brilliantly delves into the perpetually changing parent/child dynamics and the many growing pains that adolescence brings, while focusing on the unbreakable bond between a father and a son. Its enduring premise and heartfelt message has resonated with audiences everywhere as Goofy admirably attempts to rebuild his bond with his son Max.
The refreshingly relatable film failed to make a splash at the box office upon its initial debut but became a bona fide cult classic after its home media release, and has emerged as a beloved gem by Disney fans. Stream on Disney+
