advertisememt

Top 10 Best Disney Sidekick Songs

Top 10 Best Disney Sidekick Songs
VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton WRITTEN BY: Val Namaki
These songs gave Disney sidekicks center stage. For this list, we'll be looking at the best tracks from the studio's movies that are primarily sung by trusted companions. Our countdown includes "Frozen," "Cinderella," "Beauty and the Beast," and more!

Top 10 Best Disney Sidekick Songs


Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Disney Sidekick Songs.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the best tracks from the studio’s movies that are primarily sung by trusted companions.

Which of these songs do you think helps its sidekick steal the spotlight? Let us know in the comments!

#10: “One Last Hope”
“Hercules” (1997)


You know what they say: behind every great hero, there’s a…cranky trainer? Philoctetes doesn’t want to help Hercules, but it’s just because he’s been burned too many times before. Still, he reluctantly accepts while singing this amazingly quirky tune. It’s filled with cynicism at first, as he’s far from optimistic about the whole idea. Hercules isn’t exactly a model apprentice, either. But as the song – and its accompanying montage – progress, things start looking up. This shift is skillfully navigated through the lyrics, which showcase Phil’s changing attitude. The voice actor behind the sidekick, Danny DeVito, nails the delivery from start to finish, striking a perfect balance between grumpiness, hope, and humor. How could you not root for him after this?

#9: “In Summer”
“Frozen” (2013)


It’s only fitting that a movie called “Frozen” would feature a snowman sidekick. Olaf is sweet, has a heart of gold, and is, to be frank, adorably naive. Nowhere is that last point more evident than when he sings “In Summer.” Of course the season he’s most obsessed with is the one he’s theoretically incapable of surviving! But hey, that’s exactly the fun of the song. The irony-filled recording flawlessly encapsulates who Olaf is. It’s playful, over-the-top, slightly clueless, and absolutely brimming with joy. Considering the heaviness the other characters are dealing with, it also gives viewers some desperately needed comic relief. Thankfully, Olaf doesn’t lose his youthful spark in the sequel, giving us yet another hilarious tune.

#8: “You’re Welcome”
“Moana” (2016)


Sometimes, a sidekick song gives you a glimpse into who a character is – and in this case, what they’ve achieved in life. That’s what demigod Maui’s number, “You’re Welcome” does impeccably. With a spirited melody and comically overconfident lyrics, he takes us through how coconuts were first made, why he has so many tattoos, and so much more. Honestly, it’s pretty impressive stuff. The track is bolstered by insanely vivid visuals, and it’s mesmerizing. Just like Moana, we’re too enthralled by Maui’s performance to notice that he’s just trying to take her boat for himself! But when the diversion is a showing as magnetic as that, it’s hard not to get caught up in it.

#7: “Ma Belle Evangeline”
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)


The supporting characters in “The Princess and the Frog” are all great in their own right, and Ray has the songs to prove it. His rendition of “Gonna Take You There” is a banger, to put it mildly. But nothing compares to “Ma Belle Evangeline.” The charismatic firefly is in love, and this is his ode to his one and only. Each line is filled with a pure tenderness, and feels so deeply sincere. Plus, the rousing instrumentation never fails to move us. Watching Tiana and Naveen grow closer during the serenade is just the cherry on top. Sure, Evangeline is a literal star, but that doesn’t make Ray’s feelings any less real, or this ballad any less romantic.

#6: “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”
“Cinderella” (1950)


From the moment we first watched Disney’s “Cinderella,” we wanted our own Fairy Godmother. And can you blame us? Not only does she help the title character’s dreams come true, but she sings one hell of a ditty! The movie’s transformation scene simply wouldn’t be as iconic as it is without “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.” The bright, cheerful tune is a true delight. It completely livens up the atmosphere, and we can’t help but bop our heads and sing along. Sure, most of the words are essentially gibberish, but who cares? The piece is invigorating, and it makes us feel good. That’s really all that matters. After all, you don’t need to understand magic to feel its power!

#5: “When You Wish Upon a Star”
“Pinocchio” (1940)


Has such a beautiful air ever played over a movie’s opening credits before? We don’t think so! Jiminy Cricket’s signature number is delicate, resonant, and completely stirring. It sets the tone for the movie, establishing its core premise with ease by reinforcing the importance of dreams, while gently easing us into the story. By the time we formally meet Jiminy, we already feel like we know and can completely trust him. The song’s inspiring content and Cliff Edwards’ charming, rich vocals work superbly well together, and the result is unforgettable. And that’s saying nothing of the poignant, jazzy melody. Hey, it’s not THE quintessential Walt Disney Company tune for nothing!

#4: “Hakuna Matata”
“The Lion King” (1994)


The only thing better than one sidekick singing is two of them jamming their butts off. Timon and Pumbaa more than come through on that front, really leaning into the chipper energy and buoyant spirit of “Hakuna Matata.” We didn’t think anything could cheer us – or Simba – up after Mufasa’s passing, but this bubbly anthem does just that. Leave it to Elton John and Tim Rice to compose and pen a masterpiece that feels like a ray of sunshine amid the darkness. Does the track get stuck in our heads every time we hear it? Yes, but we’re not even upset about it, because we’ll never stop striving to live life according to this problem-free philosophy.

#3: “Under the Sea”
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)


You know how they say the grass is always greener on the other side? Well, Sebastian is here to remind Ariel that mermaid life is great – especially compared to the alternative! What better way to do that than with this reggae-infused jam? Not only is “Under the Sea” wildly catchy, but it’s also full of wise words. We know its purpose is to discourage the protagonist from following her heart, and she isn’t convinced. But the compelling rhythm, clever lyrics, and emphatic presentation have us hooked. Sebastian keeps the valuable advice coming once Ariel is on land, too. We’re not sure if this crab has considered a full-time career as a singer, but we think he’d put on some stellar concerts!

#2: “Be Our Guest”
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)


Enchanted objects have never looked or sounded as marvelous as they do here. Hoping to give Belle a more positive experience than she’s had thus far, Mrs. Potts and Lumière treat her to dinner and a show with “Be Our Guest”. What a grand, majestic show it is. The candelabra takes the lead, delivering an exuberant act fit for the Broadway stage. Our favorite teapot adds her own unique flair to the affair as well. The whole sequence is dynamic and lively, with everything from the flatware to the food participating, elevating the number to create a truly immersive experience. To say the castle staff is musically gifted would be an understatement – just look at how Mrs. Potts nails the film’s theme.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“A Guy Like You”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Quasimodo’s Gargoyle Pals Hype Him up with This Entertaining Track

“Heigh-Ho”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
A Melodic Tune That Makes Work Sound Fun

#1: “Friend Like Me”
“Aladdin” (1992)


We’ve never had a friend like Genie, and we’ve never heard a sidekick song quite as infectious as this one. But we’d expect nothing less from a star like Robin Williams. The late legend takes the already snappy show tune and propels it to new, earth-shatteringly awesome heights with his exhilarating performance. The whole thing is backed up by a true feast for the eyes on screen, with choreography, costumes, and visual references for everything that’s being sung. Plus, it all helps Aladdin – and those watching – understand Genie and his services a little better. It’s a masterful production that completely transports us into the lovable blue fella’s world. We don’t think we’d be wasting our wishes if we asked for three encores, please!
Comments
advertisememt