Even when we lose track of a movie plot, it’s highly uncommon for us to forget at least its theme song. The addition of songs to films, especially animations not only increases the content’s audience but also gives producers, composers, and artists a chance to try out brand-new artistic techniques in telling amazing stories.
Now it’s a common belief that we all have a little piece of Disney in us, and this is mainly because Disney has been able to merge visually stunning images with mesmerizing tunes in their productions. Here are 30 of the greatest Disney songs ever that will interest you.
Top Disney Songs of All Time
1. Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King)
- Released – 2 May 1994
- Genre – Pop
- Composer (s) – Elton John
- Lyricisyts – Chris Thomas
English singer Elton John wrote the song. ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ for the 1994 Disney animated picture The Lion King, and the lyrics was written by Tim Rice.
The song, which was released as a single in May 1994, was successful both domestically and internationally. It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. In both France and Canada, the song peaked at number one. It received the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 67th Academy Awards in March 1995. More so, John received the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance the same year, thanks to the song.
Lyrics
… Can you feel the love tonightThe peace the evening bringsThe world for once in perfect harmonyWith all its living things
2. Circle of Life (The Lion King)
- Released – 9 August 1994
- Genre – Pop rock
- Composer (s) – Elton Johnn
- Lyricisyts – Tim Rice
‘Circle of Life’ is as well a song from Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King. It was composed by Elton John and performed by Carmen Twillie (the deep female lead vocals) and Lebo M. (opening vocals in Zulu) as the film’s opening song. Circle of Life and two other songs from The Lion King, ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight,’ were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994. The latter won the award. Meanwhile, music critics in the United States applauded the song’s structure and message, although their opinions on it varied in the United Kingdom.
Lyrics
… It’s the circle of lifeAnd it moves us allThrough despair and hopeThrough faith and love‘Til we find our placeOn the path unwindingIn the circleThe circle of life
3. A Whole New World (Aladin)
- Released – October 31, 1992
- Genre – Show tune
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken
- Lyricisyts – Tim Rice
‘A Whole New World’ is the theme song from the Disney animated feature picture Aladdin, which was released in 1992. The ballad serves as both the movie’s love song and its theme song. It was first recorded by vocalists Brad Kane and Lea Salonga in their respective roles as the singing voices of the major characters Aladdin and Jasmine. Lyrically, ‘A Whole New World’ tells the story of Aladdin offering the imprisoned princess a life of freedom and the couple’s acknowledgment of their love while flying on a magic carpet. The song won several awards including the 65th Academy and Golden Globe Awards, both in the categories of best original song for motion pictures.
Lyrics
4. When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio)
- Released – February 9, 1940
- Genre – Soundtrack
- Composer (s) – Leigh Harline
- Lyricisyts – Ned Washington
Written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Walt Disney’s animated classic Pinocchio, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ remains one of the best soundtracks of all time. The original version was sung by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket and is heard over the opening credits and in the final scene of the movie. ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’ is widely considered the signature song of The Walt Disney Company and is often used as such in the production logos at the beginning of many Disney films since the 1980s. Among several other legacies, the song is the oldest song to be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Lyrics
When you wish upon a starMakes no difference who you areAnything your heart desiresWill come to you
5. The Beauty and the Beast (The Beauty and the Beast)
- Released – October 29, 1991
- Genre – Show tune
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken
- Lyricist – Howard Ashman
The song ‘Beauty and the Beast‘ was created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman for the 1991 Disney animated feature picture Beauty and the Beast. The Broadway-inspired ballad that serves as the movie’s theme song was first performed by British-American actress Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts’ voice. Later, Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson recorded Beauty and the Beast as a pop duet, which was then made available as the film’s lone single on November 25, 1991. Both versions of “Beauty and the Beast” were very successful, garnering both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as Grammy Awards for Best Song Written for Visual Media and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Lyrics
6. Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
- Released – May 30, 1995
- Genre – Pop ballad
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken
- Lyricisyts – Stephen Schwartz
Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz created the song ‘Colors of the Wind’ for Walt Disney Pictures’ 33rd animated feature picture, Pocahontas (1995). The song which serves as the movie’s theme song, was first recorded by American actress and singer Judy Kuhn while she was portraying Pocahontas. The pop ballad’s lyrics, which have their roots in Native American culture, are about animism and honoring nature. These ideas have since been taken by transcendentalist literature and New Age spirituality.
The majority of critics gave ‘Colors of the Wind’ favorable reviews, and some even called it one of the best Disney movie songs. The song went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Lyrics
…Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon?Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain?Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
7. You’ll Be In My Heart (Tarzan)
- Released – June 15, 1999
- Genre – Pop
- Composer (s) – Phil Collins
- Lyricisyts – Phil Collins
English drummer and singer Phil Collins’ song ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’ is from the 1999 Disney animated film Tarzan. It was featured on several Disney compilations, including Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack. The song peaked at number 21 and was Collins’ final US Top 40 single, earning him the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Lyrics
Come stop your cryingIt will be alrightJust take my handHold it tightI will protect youFrom all around youI will be hereDon’t you cry
8. How Far I’ll Go (Moana)
- Released – November 18, 2016
- Genre – Soul, Show tune
- Lyricisyts – Lin-Manuel Miranda
This song is from Disney’s 2016 animated musical feature film Moana. It was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with additional music and co-produced by Mark Mancina on its reprise. ‘How Far I’ll Go’ song was performed in the film by American actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho in her role as Moana.
Lyrics
…And the line where the sky meets the seaIt calls meAnd no one knowsHow far it goesIf the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind meOne day I’ll knowHow far I’ll go
9. Let It Go (Frozen)
- Released – January 2014
- Genre – Show tune
- Lyricisyts – Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
- Artist – Idina Menzel
The song ‘Let It Go’ is from the computer-animated feature film Frozen, which was released by Disney in 2013. The lyrics of the song were composed by husband-and-wife songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Let It Go was performed in its original show-tune version in the film by American actress and singer Idina Menzel in her vocal role as Queen Elsa. It was later released as a single, being promoted to adult contemporary radio by Walt Disney Records in January 2014. The song was a hit commercially, becoming the first Disney animated musical single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since 1995.
Lyrics
Let it go, let it goCan’t hold it back anymoreLet it go, let it goTurn away and slam the doorI don’t care what they’re going to sayLet the storm rage onThe cold never bothered me anyway
10. Reflection (Mulan)
- Released – June 25, 1998
- Composer (s) – Mathew Wilder
- Lyricist – David Zippel
The song ‘Reflection’ was composed and created by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel for the soundtrack of Mulan, a Disney animated movie released in 1998. Lea Salonga, a Tony Award-winning Filipina singer, and actress who plays Fa Mulan in the movie, sings the song. As a bonus, a music video for the song ‘Reflection’ was added to the Disney Gold Classic Collection DVD of the movie when it was released in February 2000. Reflection has gotten overwhelmingly good reviews, with reviewers praising Salonga’s vocals and emotive writing.
Lyrics
…Who is that girl I seeStaring straight back at me?Why is my reflectionSomeone I don’t know?Must I pretend that I’mSomeone else for all time?When will my reflection showWho I am inside?
11. Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid)
- Released – October 13, 1989
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken
- Lyricisyts – Howard Ashman
‘Part of Your World’ is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for Disney’s animated feature film The Little Mermaid in 1989. Set prior to most of the film’s action, ‘Part of Your World’ is the second proper song in The Little Mermaid, and takes place in Ariel’s grotto before she meets Eric. A character song is used to progress the plot. “Part of Your World” has garnered widespread acclaim from both film and music critics, who continue to praise the song constantly.
Lyrics
…Where would we walk?Where would we run?If we could stay all day in the sun?Just you and meAnd I could bePart of your world
12. The Bare Necessities (The Jungle Book)
- Released – 1967
- Genre – Jazz
- Lyricisyts – Terry Gilkyson
The jazz song ‘The Bare Necessities’ from the 1967 Disney animated feature The Jungle Book features Phil Harris as Baloo and Bruce Reitherman as Mowgli. It was composed by Terry Gilkyson. Originally, it was written for an earlier draft of the movie that was never produced according to sources.
Lyrics
Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessitiesForget about your worries and your strifeI mean the bare necessities, old mother nature’s recipesThat bring the bare necessities of life
13. When She Loved Me (Toy Story 2)
- Released – November 24, 1999
- Genre – Pop
- Lyricisyts – Randy Newman
This song, ‘When She Loved Me’ was composed by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman and performed by Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan in the 1999 Pixar animated film Toy Story 2. Jessie, a toy cowgirl, tells her biography in the song as she laments the end of her romance with her first owner, who outgrew her. After numerous attempts to show the character verbally retelling her experience proved unsuccessful, the filmmakers decided to include a song into the montage during which Jessie reveals her backstory to Woody. The song is heard in the movie during a flashback sequence.
Lyrics
When somebody loved meEverything was beautifulEvery hour we spent togetherLives within my heart
14. Hakuna Matata (The Lion King)
- Released – 1994
- Composer (s) – Elton John
- Lyricisyts – Tim Rice
The song ‘Hakuna Matata’ comes from The Lion King, Disney’s 32nd animated film. The catchphrase used by Timon and Pumbaa in the film, ‘Hakuna Matata,’ which translates to “No worries,” serves as the inspiration for the song. Its straightforward 4/4 beat, positive message, and catchy lyrics define it. The song’s music and melody were composed by Elton John, with lyrics by Tim Rice.
Lyrics
It means no worriesFor the rest of your daysIt’s our problem-free philosophyHakuna Matata!
SEE ALSO: 30 Best Sad Songs For Very Difficult Moments
15. Almost There (The Princess and the Frog)
- Released – November 23, 2009
- Genre – Jazz
- Lyricisyts – Randy Newman
Randy Newman composed the song ‘Almost There’ for The Princess and the Frog, Walt Disney Pictures’ 49th animated feature picture. Anika Noni Rose, who plays Tiana in the movie, first sang and performed it. At the 82nd Academy Awards, the song was nominated for Best Original Song but lost to ‘The Weary Kind from Crazy Heart.
Lyrics
And I’m almost thereI’m almost therePeople down here think I’m crazyBut I don’t careTrials and tribulationsI’ve had my shareThere ain’t nothing gonna stop me now‘Cause I’m almost there
16. Baby Mine (Dumbo)
- Released – 1941
- Genre – Lullaby, ballad
- Composer (s) – Frank Churchill
- Lyricisyts – Ned Washington
‘Baby Mine’ is a song from the 1941 Disney animated feature Dumbo. Frank Churchill composed the music, and Ned Washington wrote the lyrics. The vocals for the original film version were provided by Betty Noyes. This song is performed when Mrs. Jumbo, an elephant chained to a circus truck in the movie, cradles her infant Dumbo in her trunk. The circus animals are also making their final appearance.
Lyrics
Baby mine, don’t you cryBaby mine, dry your eyesRest your head close to my heartNever to part, baby of mine
17. Go the Distance (Hercules)
- Released – May 27, 1997
- Genre – Show tune
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken
- Lyricist – David Zippel
Like the others, ‘Go the Distance’ is a song from Disney’s 1997 animated feature film, Hercules. It was originally recorded by American actor Roger Bart in his cinematic role as the singing voice of Hercules. It was penned by composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. The song was recorded by American singer-songwriter Michael Bolton for the movie’s closing credits and later appeared on his eleventh studio album, All That Matters (1997).
Lyrics
Like a shooting star, I will go the distanceI will search the world, I will face its harmsI don’t care how far, I can go the distance‘Till I find my hero’s welcome waiting in your arms
18. Into the Uknown (Frozen II,)
- Released – November 4, 2019
- Genre – Show tune
- Lyricisyts – Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Idina Menzel, an American singer-songwriter, and Aurora, a Norwegian singer-songwriter, recorded the song ‘Into the Unknown’ for the 2019 Disney film Frozen II. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez wrote the song’s music and lyrics. The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globes, and Satellite Awards, however “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman won each prize.
Lyrics
…Every day’s a little harderAs I feel my power growDon’t you know there’s part of meThat longs to go
19. Spirit (The Lion King, 2019)
- Released – July 10, 2019
- Genre – Gospel
The photorealistic version of The Lion King features the song ‘Spirit’ by American singer Beyoncé. The song lyrically, talks about Simba’s return to his home. The gospel song ‘Spirit’ begins with male choir members chanting lyrics in Swahili.
When ‘Spirit’ was first released, music critics gave it mostly favorable reviews, praising Beyoncé’s use of her entire vocal range and the song’s African musical undertones. The song peaked at number 6 on the US Hot R&B Songs chart and number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics
20. You’ve Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story)
- Released – April 12, 1996
- Genre – Countr, pop
- Lyricisyts – Randy Newman
Randy Newman wrote the song ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me.’ As the 1995 Disney/Pixar animated picture Toy Story‘s theme song, it has subsequently evolved into a significant musical element for its sequels, Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Toy Story 4 (2019), as well as a musical leitmotif for the whole Toy Story franchise. The song was nominated for both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, however ‘Colors of the Wind’ from Disney’s Pocahontas won both awards.
Lyrics
You’ve got a friend in meYou’ve got a friend in meWhen the road looks rough aheadAnd you’re miles and milesFrom your nice warm bedYou just remember what your old pal saidBoy, you’ve got a friend in meYeah, you’ve got a friend in me
21. Remember Me (Coco)
- Released – November 10, 2017
- Lyricisyts – Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez wrote the song ‘Remember Me’ for the 2017 Pixar animated film Coco and so many people have made the cover of the song. ‘Remember Me’ won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song also won the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Song and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Lyrics
Remember me
Though I have to say goodbye
Remember me
Don’t let it make you cry
For even if I’m far away I hold you in my heart
I sing a secret song to you each night we are apart
22. I Wanna Be Like You (The Jungle Book)
- Released – 1967
- Lyricisyts – Richard M. Sherman, Robert B Sherman
‘I Want to Be Like You’ is a song from The Jungle Book, a 1967 Walt Disney production. Phil Harris contributed extra vocals as Baloo the Bear, while Louis Prima sang the song as King Louie. It was composed and written by brothers Robert and Richard Sherman.
Lyrics
Oh, oobee dooI wanna be like youI wanna walk like youTalk like you, tooYou’ll see it’s trueAn ape like meCan learn to be human too
23. I See the Light (Tangled)
- Released – November 16, 2010
- Genre – Folk-Pop
- Lyricisyts – Alan Menken, Glenn Slater
For the 50th animated feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Tangled (2010), composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater created the song ‘I See the Light.’ The folk-inspired pop ballad serves as both the movie’s love song and theme song. In spite of its mixed reviews, ‘I See the Light’ has garnered numerous awards and accolades. The song was nominated for the Academy and Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Song in 2011.
Lyrics
All those days watching from the windowsAll those years outside looking inAll that time never even knowingJust how blind I’ve beenNow I’m here, blinking in the starlightNow I’m here, suddenly I seeStanding here, it’s all so clearI’m where I’m meant to be
24. Do You Want to Build a Snowman (Frozen)
- Released – November 25, 2013
- Genre – Show tune
- Lyricisyts – Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
Another beautiful track from Disney is ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman.’ Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez composed the song’s melody and lyrics. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the song has received 1,600,000 downloads overall as of November 25, 2016, placing it second among all-time best-selling Christmas/holiday digital singles (behind Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit single, ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You.’
Lyrics
Do you wanna build a snowman?
Come on, let’s go and play!
I never see you anymore
Come out the door
It’s like you’ve gone away
25. Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid)
- Released – December 13, 1988
- Genre – Pop, calypso, show tune, reggae
- Composer (s) – Alan Menken, Friz Freleng, Hugh Harman
- Lyricist – Howard Ashman
The song was released as a 12″ single in 1990 by Walt Disney Pictures / Hollywood Records. However, ‘Under the Sea’ was originally released from Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman. The song is an appeal from the crab Sebastian to Ariel to stay at sea and not give in to her desire to become human so that she might live her entire life with Prince Eric, the man she has fallen in love with.
Lyrics
Under the seaUnder the seaDarling it’s betterDown where it’s wetterTake it from meUp on the shore they work all dayOut in the sun they slave awayWhile we devotin’Full time to floatin’Under the sea
26. You Can’t Stop the Girl (Maleficient)
- Released – September 20, 2019
- Composer (s) – Aaron Huffman and others
- Lyricisyts – Bleta Rexha
The song ‘You Can’t Stop the Girl’ by American musician Bebe Rexha is featured on the soundtrack of the Disney movie Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. On September 20, 2019, it was made available as a single.
Lyrics
You can’t stop the girl from goingYou can’t stop the world from knowingThe truth will set you free, ohYou can’t stop the girl from goingYou can’t stop the world from knowingThe truth will set you free, oh
27. I Just Can’t-Wait to be King (The Lion King)
- Released – 1994
- Genre – Worldbeat, rock, and roll
- Composer (s) – Elton John
- Lyricisyts – Tim Rice
Though written by Elton, This song was performed by American actor and singer Jason Weaver as the singing voice of young Simba, with English actor Rowan Atkinson and American actress Laura Williams providing supporting vocals in their roles as Zazu and the singing voice of young Nala, respectively.
Lyrics
I’m gonna be a mighty king
So enemies beware
Well, I’ve never seen a king of beasts
With quite so little hair
28. Portobello Road (Bedknobs and Broomsticks)
- Released – 1940
- Sung by – David Tomlinson
The Sherman Brothers’ song ‘Portobello Road’ was specifically about Portobello Road in London, England (set in 1940). It was created for the Walt Disney musical film Bedknobs & Broomsticks, which debuted in 1971. It was sung by David Tomlinson.
Lyrics
Portobello Road, Portobello Road
Street where the riches of ages are stowed
Anything and everything a chap can unload
Is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road
You’ll find what you want in the Portobello Road
29. Whistle While You Work (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs)
- Released – 1973
- Composer (s) – Frank Churchill
- Lyricisyts – Larry Morey
The song ‘Whistle While You Work’ was composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey for the 1937 Disney animated picture Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was performed in the film by voice actress Adriana Caselotti. It also is featured in the 1979 stage adaptation.
Lyrics
Just whistle while you workAnd cheerfully together we can tidy up the placeSo hum a merry tuneIt won’t take long when there’s a song to help you set the pace
30. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Cinderell, 1948)
- Released – 1950
- Lyricisyts – Al Hoffman, Mack David, and Jerry Livingstone.
Introduced in the 1950 film Cinderella, ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo’ is a novelty song written in 1948 by Al Hoffman, Mack David, and Jerry Livingston and performed by actress Verna Felton, the song is about the Fairy Godmother transforming an orange pumpkin into a white carriage, four brown mice into white horses, a gray horse into a white-haired coachman and a brown dog into a white-haired footman. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1951 but lost out to “Mona Lisa” from Captain Carey, U.S.A.
Lyrics
It’ll do magic, believe it or not.
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Now, salagadoola means mechika booleroo,
but the thing-a-ma-bob that does
the job is bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.
Deedlee do da deedlee doo
