Top 10 Disney Songs That Didn't Have To Go THAT Hard
#10: “Let It Go” “Frozen” (2013)
Top 20 Disney Songs That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard
After accidentally unleashing her ice powers in front of everyone, Elsa runs away. The situation is dire, to be sure. But she’s also finally free to be herself. And she doesn’t just sing, she BELTS her heart out. The way the song builds into a powerful anthem is stunning. Elsa infuses each lyric with vigor and confidence, finally finding her voice in more ways than one. We’re so glad she does, because it’s simply impossible not to sing along. And that moment where she releases her cape? We still haven’t been able to let it go. Thankfully, Elsa's ability to deliver a strong and emotional ballad that wrecks us all remains in the sequel, too!
#9: “I'll Make a Man Out of You” “Mulan” (1998)
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We always find ourselves bawling when Mulan gets vulnerable with the soul-stirring “Reflection.” But just when you think the songs can’t slay any harder, Li Shang comes in swinging with “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” The training the troops undergo is no joke, but the track’s cadence, tempo, and tough love energy keep the sequence feeling fresh and energizing. As if all of that wasn’t enough on its own, the whole number also feels extra clever within the context of the story. After all, Mulan is quite literally not a man. If these soldiers weren’t motivated before, they certainly are after hearing this exciting tune. It definitely never fails to get us pumped!
#8: “We Don't Talk About Bruno” “Encanto” (2021)
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Just seeing this song’s title is enough to get us humming, because it’s that mind-blowingly snappy. The number pulls double-duty by finally answering our questions about Bruno while simultaneously making us dance our butts off. The beat, the lyrics, and the narrative blend together in the most epic of ways. Plus, the different verses are not only amazing, but they’re perfectly tailored to the people singing them. Who among us hasn’t tried to master all the different parts?! We can’t help but wonder though, what kind of song would this have been if the Madrigals DID talk about Bruno? We get a taste at the end after they reconcile, but we hope there’ll be a sequel with more Bruno-tastic tracks!
#7: “Hellfire” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
It’s pretty clear from the moment we meet Claude Frollo that he’s basically the worst person ever. But the movie clearly wanted to really drive that point home, because “Hellfire” takes things to a whole new level. The glimpse it gives us into his mind is, in a word, frightening. And the way it’s framed around righteous and holy themes only makes it that much more captivating. The song isn’t scary in a tame way where only children are spooked. On the contrary, it feels more twisted and terrifying as you get older, because that’s when you grasp just how creepy and dark it is. You’d never guess such a chilling number would appear in a Disney movie, which is exactly why it’s so unforgettable.
#6: “I2I” “A Goofy Movie” (1995)
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“A Goofy Movie” pulls out ALL the stops for the Powerline concert, giving us what might just be one of the most iconic performances ever. We know the story is about Goofy and his son Max. But the fictional superstar steals the show with “I2I,” and we’re certainly not complaining. The song feels like something out of our pop dreams. The chorus gets stuck in our heads, the beat is infectious, and Powerline’s voice is dreamy. It’s no wonder Max and his classmates are such fans! Can’t you just imagine a classic boy band or solo heartthrob covering this number? Speaking of which, we wonder if any of them would be interested in recording it? Because we’ll never get tired of hearing the tune.
#5: “Friend Like Me” “Aladdin” (1992)
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If we’re being honest, the entire “Aladdin” soundtrack goes WAY harder than it needs to. “One Jump Ahead” is full of excitement, while “A Whole New World” takes us on a romantic ride across the sky. But no song in the movie is as catchy or melodic as Genie’s “Friend Like Me.” That’s not a shock, considering the character, who’s voiced by the late great Robin Williams, is among the most sensational we’ve ever seen. The fun number is filled with charm and clever references, and its high-energy beat is sure to get you moving. A magical Genie is good, but a magical Genie who can deliver an electrifying performance? That’s even better. Everything Williams touched turned to gold, and this song was no exception.
#4: “Be Our Guest” “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
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If only every dinner party had a refined candelabra named Lumière who could put on a show for the ages. This dazzling track makes us WANT to try the gray stuff, despite it’s less than appetizing appearance! What can we say? It sets a beautifully glamorous table that’s too good to pass up. After all, the delightful and welcoming lyrics are nothing if not persuasive. The exhilaratingly rich melody also never ceases to charm us. Everything about “Be Our Guest” is downright riveting. It’s been over three decades since audiences were first introduced to the song, yet every time we hear it feels like the first. We’d accept an invite from Lumière, Mrs. Potts, and the rest of the gang any day of the week.
#3: “Zero to Hero” “Hercules” (1997)
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“Hercules” would be a lot less exuberant without the Muses, as these witty chorus members do a lot more than plainly explain what’s going on. Just look at how they set the scene for the story! But they REALLY outdo themselves with “Zero to Hero,” showing us Hercules finding fame and glory. We all know they would never phone such an important moment in, but we weren’t anticipating such a wonderfully spirited tune. They spare no metaphorical expense to paint a vivid picture of Herc’s climb to the top. The song is fast-paced, animated, dynamic, and full of life. Plus, the vocals are unbelievably strong, and the track’s vibrant energy is unbeatable. If you ask us, the Muses are the real heroes.
#2: “Poor Unfortunate Souls” “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
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Ursula lives for the drama. And while we can’t condone her dishonest actions, we also can’t deny the fact that we LIVE for this song. Ariel is in such a vulnerable state at this point that she would have likely ended up signing the contract without this VERY compelling pitch. But what fun would that be? Our sassy sea witch is a star who commands the room, and she truly SHINES while singing her tentacles out. Both creepy and enticing, her number puts you under an entrancing spell. How could anybody possibly resist its theatrical refrain and spectacularly deceptive lyrics? They’re the stuff of award-winning records! Ursula may collect poor unfortunate souls, but we feel VERY fortunate that this sinister song exists. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “How Far I'll Go”, “Moana” (2016) This “I Want” Tune Takes Us on a Journey “Colors of the Wind”, “Pocahontas” (1995) Pocahontas Makes Sure We Understand That All Living Things Are Connected “This Is Halloween”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) A Fittingly Spooky Number That Introduces Us to the Town “Two Worlds”, “Tarzan” (1999) This Opening Song Perfectly Captures the Essence of the Movie “Mother Knows Best”, “Tangled” (2010) Gothel May Be Evil, but Her Song Is Utterly Convincing
#1: “Circle of Life” “The Lion King” (1994)
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On the surface, “The Lion King” is a story about, well, lions. But there’s a lot more depth to it. And “Circle of Life” makes that fact abundantly clear from the beginning of the movie. Before a single character has even uttered a word, this song’s beautiful Zulu lyrics kick things off, firmly placing us in Africa. Its wise lesson and heavenly music further get us ready for what’s to come. The track’s reassuring message that we’re all part of a powerful collective cycle that transcends the individual is nothing short of inspiring. It goes without saying, but Elton John and Tim Rice went WAY above and beyond the call of duty when crafting this musical masterpiece.
