Every animated Disney film, ranked by critics
Gabbi Shaw
- Walt Disney Animation Studios originally started as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923.
- Since then, the studio has produced 54 fully animated, theatrically released films.
Walt Disney Studios has come a long way since its inception in the 1920s, when two brothers, Walt and Roy Disney, began animating an impish mouse named Mickey.
Now, Disney is one of the largest movie studios on the planet and controls properties such as "Star Wars," Marvel, Pixar, "Planet of the Apes," and more.
But first and foremost will always be Disney Animation. Since its first feature-length animated movie was theatrically released in 1937, Disney has been the gold standard for animated films.
Business Insider used Rotten Tomatoes' critics scores to rank all 54 fully animated films — that means no "Fantasia," "Mary Poppins," or "Songs of the South," which have live-action components. This list also does not include movies like "A Goofy Movie" and "Return to Never Land," which were produced by a division of the company, Disney MovieToons.
Here's how the animated Disney films stack up against each other.
Disney has two films tied for worst-reviewed. First up is 2003's "Brother Bear."
"Brother Bear" was a story of brotherly love — and Disney's apparent attempt to recapture the magic of "Tarzan," a 1999 release that fared better on this list.
Nell Minow of Common Sense Media called this film a "lackluster story only for kindergarteners."
Two years later, "Chicken Little" was released to similarly poor reviews.
Based on the folk tale of the same name, "Chicken Little" is about a fearful little chicken who becomes convinced the sky is falling. While the adults in his life dismiss him, it becomes clear that something is certainly afoot in his small town.
"When Disney can't hit a tried-and-true fairy-tale adaptation out of the park, maybe it's time to give up the ghost and get Pixar back on the phone," wrote the Orlando Sentinel's Roger Moore.
"Wish" was released to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Disney in 2023, but it doesn't seem destined to become a classic.
"Wish" is filled to the brim with Easter eggs referring to Disney's 100 years of magic, but the studio seems to have forgotten to add a compelling story, lovable characters, or well-written songs.
Asha had the potential to be an all-time Disney princess, but the rules of this universe are confusing, and Magnifico's heel turn seemingly comes out of nowhere.
"This fairy tale feels more like a corporate product than a magical event; it's a limp dissertation on Disney's motto that, 'When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true,'" wrote The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson.
In 2001, Disney left behind princesses to make a film more geared towards boys: "Atlantis: The Lost Empire."
There's not a cute animal sidekick or a show tune to be found in "Atlantis." Instead, Milo, a passionate archaeologist, unwittingly exposes the people of Atlantis to the corporate greed of the surface world in this slightly depressing story.
"It's so oppressively tedious at times that you almost wish the cast would break into a chorus of 'Under the Sea,'" wrote Lou Lumenick for The New York Post.
Upon its release in 2005, "Home on the Range" was Disney's last traditionally animated film for five years.
"Home on the Range" is a simple story of three cows who decide to take matters into their own hands (hooves?) to save their farm by collecting a bounty put on the head of Alameda Slim, a cattle rustler and thief.
Richard Roeper called it "a serviceable time-killer" on "At the Movies."
"Oliver & Company," released in 1988, will always be known as the Disney film starring Billy Joel.
This cartoon is a loose adaptation of the Charles Dickens story "Oliver Twist," but instead of a down-on-his-luck orphan, Oliver is an adorable stray kitten.
"With its captivating characters, sprightly songs and zap-happy animation, 'Oliver & Company' adds up to a tip-top frolic," wrote Peter Travers for People.
"Pocahontas" was controversial upon its release in 1995, and it remains so today.
Pocahontas was a real Native American woman. but her life did not follow the fairy tale story put forth by Disney. No matter how good "Colors of the Wind" is, this film is flawed and best left in the past.
"All Disney has really done in its disappointing 33rd animated feature is revive the stereotype of the Noble Savage," wrote Rita Kempley for The Washington Post.
The 1985 film "The Black Cauldron" is only now remembered for its terrifying villain, the Horned King.
"The Black Cauldron" is based on Welsh mythology — hence why characters have names like Princess Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam. It tells the story of a teenager named Taran who longs to become a hero. He gets his chance when he sets out to prevent the Horned King from using the Black Cauldron to raise an evil army.
"This is the 25th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney studios, and professionally put together as it is, many of the ingredients may seem programmed to those who have seen some of the others," wrote Walter Goodman of The New York Times.
The 1973 adaptation of "Robin Hood" turned the characters into animals.
In this version of the classic tale, Robin Hood and Maid Marian are foxes, his best friend Little John is a bear — who looks suspiciously like Baloo from "The Jungle Book" — and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is a wolf.
"The washed-out, muted colors are a mistake, and if Robin Hood is sometimes hilarious, it has little memorable magic," wrote Alan R. Howard of The Hollywood Reporter.
"The Aristocats" was released in 1970 to middling reviews.
"The Aristocats" is essentially the tale of "Lady and the Tramp," but this time with cats. Duchess, a pristine cat and mom of three precocious kittens, meets the alley cat Thomas O'Malley and falls in love.
"Before the disastrous aughts, was there a worse decade for Disney animated features than the 1970s?" asked Matt Brunson of View From the Couch.
"Dinosaur," released in 2000, was the first 3D animated film released by Disney.
"Dinosaur" is the story of Aladar, a dinosaur who was orphaned and then raised by lemurs. Aladar and his adopted family join up with other dinosaurs to find a safe place after a natural disaster devastates their home. If this sounds just like the other animated dinosaur film, "The Land Before Time," to you, you're not alone.
Michael Sragow of Salon wrote, "Well, Bambi meets Godzilla again in the new computer-cartoon epic 'Dinosaur,' but the results aren't so witty."
Disney's 1963 film "The Sword in the Stone" is a straightforward retelling of the legend of King Arthur.
Notably, this was the last Disney film to be released before Walt Disney's death in 1966.
"The Sword in the Stone" is King Athur's origin story — he meets legendary sorcerer Merlin and pulls out Excalibur, the sword lodged inside the stone.
'There is still some life in the characterizations, though the animation is turning stiff and flat," wrote Chicago Reader's Dave Kehr.
"Meet the Robinsons" was released in 2007.
In "Meet the Robinsons," Lewis is desperate to find his birth mother, who gave him up for adoption. Instead, he's brought to the future by the mysterious Wilbur, who claims he's a time cop.
"Charming as all these surface layers are — and even in 2D, it's more than passable family fare — 'Meet The Robinsons' really flowers with the extra dimension, which makes an already neato cinematic universe feel palpably inhabitable," wrote Scott Tobias for the AV Club.
"Treasure Planet" (2002) is based on the 1883 novel "Treasure Island."
"Treasure Planet" updates the setting of the famed pirate story "Treasure Island" to the future. Instead of hitching a ride on a pirate ship, Jim Hawkins hops on a spaceship — and instead of looking for buried treasure, Jim and his friends are searching for a missing planet made entirely of treasure.
"Akin to an extremely well-made Saturday morning cartoon — great for hyperactive four-year-olds or hungover students, not worth a trip to the pictures," wrote Nev Pierce for the BBC.
"The Rescuers Down Under," released in 1990, was the first sequel released theatrically by Disney.
At the time, "The Rescuers" was one of Disney's most popular films (even if its reputation has been somewhat diminished since its release in 1977), which is why our two favorite mice, Bernard and Bianca, returned for this film.
This time, Bernard and Bianca are sent to Australia by the Rescue Aid Society to help a young boy who's been kidnapped.
"A gorgeously drawn myth made for plucky children and very brave mice," wrote The Washington Post's Rita Kempley.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996) is one of the darkest Disney films to date.
Based on the 1831 Victor Hugo novel of the same name, "Hunchback" centers on sweet Quasimodo, a physically deformed man who is orphaned after the villainous Judge Frollo murders his mother.
To atone for his sins, Frollo adopts Quasimodo but keeps him hidden atop Notre Dame's bell tower. But when Quasimodo catches sight of Esmerelda, he vows to enter the world below.
"You're quickly won over by the movie's subversive wit, swept along by its narrative bravado and its enormous visual energy. This new 'Hunchback' is a triumph on its own terms, and on any other terms that might come to mind." wrote Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal.
"Strange World" became one of Disney's biggest flops upon its release in 2022.
Not even the A-list voice talent of Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, and Lucy Liu could save this movie — which isn't bad! — from flopping.
"Strange Worlds" is about the Clades, a family of legendary explorers who must venture into space to see if they can save their planet.
"So much of 'Strange World's' audaciousness is front-loaded into its concept, and so little of it comes through in the execution," wrote Alison Willmore for Vulture.
"The Fox and the Hound" was released in 1981.
"The Fox and the Hound" is one of the rare Disney movies that doesn't have a totally happy ending. Tod, a fox, and Copper, a bloodhound, meet when they're young and become best friends. But when they grow up, they learn they're natural enemies.
It ends on a bittersweet note, as the two friends acknowledge that they probably won't see each other again, but are at peace in the forest.
"All charmingness aside, this cute but rather thinly plotted yarn exposes the cracks that were present in the pre-renaissance Disney empire," wrote William Thomas of Empire.
2019's "Frozen II" continues the story of sisters Elsa and Anna.
"Frozen II" picks up soon after where "Frozen" left off — Elsa is now queen and in control of her ice powers, Anna and Kristoff are in love, and Olaf is just happy he's not melting.
But when Elsa begins to hear a mysterious voice calling out to her, our characters leave Arendelle behind to discover the source of Elsa's power.
"The songs, perhaps not as compelling as in the original, still make the heart beat faster now and then," wrote Stephen Romei for The Australian.
"Peter Pan" was released in 1953, which means that not everything about it has aged well.
"Peter Pan" is based on the 1904 play of the same name by JM Barrie.
In it, the Darling children are whisked away to Neverland, a magical world where children never grow up, fairy dust lets you fly, and an evil captain with a hook for a hand terrorizes the seas.
But Neverland is also home to Tiger Lily and her tribe, who are drawn in the most stereotypical way possible — so much so that Disney has added an apology before the film plays on Disney+.
"It is still a lush, bright feature that happily clicks along with rollicking songs by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and others," wrote Dolores Barclay for the Associated Press.
"The Great Mouse Detective" (1992) is based on the stories of Sherlock Holmes.
In this story, Basil and Dawson are the mice stand-ins for Sherlock and Watson, while Professor Ratigan (a rat) is based on Sherlock's arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty.
"'The Great Mouse Detective' reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time," wrote Charles Solomon for the Los Angeles Times.
"The Rescuers" is another story about lovable mice.
"The Rescuers" focuses on Bernard and Bianca, two mice who are sent to help Penny, a young orphan who has been kidnapped by the evil Madame Medusa, who plans to use her to steal a precious jewel.
"Although not one of the studio's classics, it has warmth, humor and delightful characterization," wrote Victoria Mather for The Daily Telegraph.
The 1997 film "Hercules" is a hilarious mish-mash of Greek mythology and pop culture.
"Hercules" is a loose re-telling of the Greek myth of the hero Heracles. After getting kidnapped and turned (almost) mortal by Hades' henchmen, Hercules goes on a quest to prove to his father, Zeus, and the rest of the gods that he's worthy of immortality and godhood.
"Jumps into the ancient legends feet-first, cheerfully tossing out what won't fit and combining what's left into a new look and a lighthearted style," wrote Roger Ebert.
"Alice in Wonderland," released in 1951, is the most psychedelic film in the Disney canon.
Based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," this adaptation follows Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and meets unforgettable characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the Queen of Hearts.
"If you are not too particular about the images of Carroll and [illustrator John] Tenniel, if you are high on Disney whimsy, and if you'll take a somewhat slow, uneven pace, you should find this picture entertaining," wrote Bosley Crowther for The New York Times.
"The Princess and the Frog" is the second-to-last traditionally animated Disney film. It was released in 2009.
"The Princess and the Frog" updates the setting of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Frog Prince" to 1920s New Orleans. Tiana is a determined young woman who wants more than anything to open her own restaurant.
When she kisses prince turned frog Naveen to revert him back to humanity, the opposite happens: Tiana turns into a frog, too.
"This has a lot to commend it, and it isn't just nostalgia for the Disney past. It's a visual treat," wrote The London Evening Standard's Derek Malcolm.
"Mulan" (1998) is based on a Chinese legend.
After years of criticism regarding its Disney princesses and their lack of agency, audiences were given Mulan, a young woman who secretly takes her father's place in the Chinese Imperial army by disguising herself as a boy.
Mulan is a warrior through and through. No one could ever call her a typical damsel in distress.
"Overall, this is a lovely film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on rather serious issues of war, honor, gender roles and family pride," wrote Moira MacDonald for The Seattle Times.
"The Emperor's New Groove," released in 2000, is a straight-up comedy.
In "The Emperor's New Groove," David Spade stars as Kuzco, the self-absorbed, clueless Incan emperor, who is turned into a llama by his evil advisor Yzma, who wants to steal the throne for herself. To get his throne back, Kuzco must team up with the kindly peasant Pacha, whose house he has marked for destruction.
CNN's Paul Tatara called Kuzco's tale "a silly little movie that's smarter than most of the self-important features that came out this year."
No one expected 2002's "Lilo & Stitch" to be the hit it was.
Newly orphaned sisters Lilo and Nani are struggling to adjust to their new normal when Lilo adopts Stitch, a rambunctious alien who she thinks is just a weird dog. When two agents of the Galactic Federation come looking for Stitch, chaos erupts on Kauai.
"It's one of the most charming feature-length cartoons of recent years — funny, sassy, startling, original, and with six songs by Elvis," wrote Roger Ebert.
2012's "Wreck-It Ralph" proves that just because you're a villain doesn't mean you have to be a bad guy.
"Wreck-It Ralph" is the story of Wreck-It Ralph, the villain in the classic arcade game "Fix-It Felix Jr." But when Ralph is sick of being the bad guy in everyone's story, he goes on an epic journey visiting other video games to become a hero.
"'Wreck-It Ralph' is a must-see for anyone who grew up playing 1980s arcade games — and their kids will love it too," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro UK.
"The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" was released 75 years ago in 1949.
Running at just 68 minutes long, this is an anthology film. First up is "The Wind in the Willows," which is the story of J. Thaddeus Toad, who is trying to save his home from bankruptcy.
The second story is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," in which Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow and is stalked by the terrifying Headless Horseman.
Chicago Reader's Jonathan Rosenbaum called this film "engaging and lively."
"The Jungle Book" was released in 1967.
This film is based on the Rudyard Kipling book of the same name, published in 1894 — and was the last film Walt Disney himself worked on. He died during its production.
It's the simple story of Mowgli, an orphaned human raised by wolves. But when it becomes clear that the evil tiger Shere Khan will stop at nothing to kill Mowgli, a panther named Bagheera and a bear Baloo agree to take Mowgli back to the human village he came from.
"It's a slight tale, of course, and incredibly short, but the characters and songs are pretty much perfect viewing time and again," wrote Empire's Ian Nathan.
"Ralph Breaks the Internet" was ruled an improvement on "Wreck-It Ralph" when it came out in 2018.
Six years after Ralph discovers that even though he's a villain in his game, he doesn't have to be a bad guy, he's on another adventure with his friend Vanellope. This time, our duo heads to the internet to find a part that's needed to fix Vanellope's game, "Sugar Rush."
"'Ralph Breaks the Internet' works because it doesn't pander, and it doesn't simplify," wrote Brian Tallerico for RogerEbert.com.
Disney released "Tarzan" in 1999, its last animated film of the 20th century.
Based on the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan" tells the story of the titular character being raised by apes after his parents are killed. Although he feels out of place, he doesn't know any different until Jane and her crew of explorers arrive at Tarzan's jungle and begin to show him a different way.
"Tarzan" is a fun time at the movies, but its lasting legacy is the multiple songs on the soundtrack written and performed by Phil Collins.
In June 1999, Peter Stack of The San Francisco Chronicle called it "so far, the most entertaining film of the year."
"Tangled" was Disney's 50th animated film. It was released in 2010.
"Tangled" is a classic Disney princess film, but made with modern 3D animation, a first for the studio. It tells the tale of Rapunzel, a teenager with magical hair who longs to see the world outside her tower — and when the charming thief Flynn Rider happens upon her home, she seizes the chance to break free.
"If this is what old-fashioned means, then bring it on," wrote Derek Malcolm of The London Evening Standard.
"Frozen" became a full-blown phenomenon back in 2013.
While it doesn't seem like it now, a Disney princess story where the true love story is between two sisters was groundbreaking. Add in some of the catchiest songs ever written by the House of Mouse and a lovable (if somewhat grating) snowman, and you have one of the studio's biggest and most beloved films, raking in more than $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
"'Frozen' feels like it's breaking new ground in telling a story where the women are actually in control, and where the clichés of their narratives are turned inside out, almost as a sly commentary on what has come before," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.
But sometimes critics just want true love's kiss, like in 1959's "Sleeping Beauty."
For all the talk about how poorly this relationship has aged — sure, it's true love's kiss, but can someone under a sleeping curse really consent? — this movie is a wonder to look at. Maleficent, the evil witch, remains a high point of Disney's character designs.
"'Sleeping Beauty' is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it's not just the best animated film to ever come out of Walt Disney Studios, but it is also the finest animated motion picture I've ever seen, period," wrote Sara Michelle Fetters for MovieFreak.
You might be surprised to find 2008's "Bolt" this high.
In the 16 years since its release, it seems like "Bolt" has been somewhat forgotten. But it's fun! It stars John Travolta as the voice of Bolt, the star of a hit TV series who doesn't realize his superpowers on the show aren't real. When he believes his owner is kidnapped — but really, it's just a cliffhanger in the show — he embarks on a cross-country journey to rescue her.
"While it may lack a certain amount of bite, there's plenty of bark to recommend this winning animated adventure," wrote The Sydney Morning Herald's Eddie Cockrell.
Thirty-two years after Winnie the Pooh made his big screen debut, he returned in 2011's "Winnie the Pooh."
Everyone's favorite honey-loving bear, who starred in 1977's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," returned to the big screen in "Winnie the Pooh." This time, Pooh and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew team up to save Christopher Robin from a monster they're calling the Backson — in reality, Christopher Robin is just at school and will be "back soon."
"It's a pleasure to sink into an animated family movie from Disney that radiates charm with a gentleness that seems damn near revolutionary," wrote Peter Travers for Rolling Stone.
There's a scene in 1942's "Bambi" that's still traumatizing 82 years later.
"Bambi" is a straightforward story about a young deer growing up in the forest and learning how to protect the forest creatures from hunters known only as Man.
But this film's lasting legacy is the death of Bambi's mother, which remains tear-inducing to this day.
The New York Times' Theodore Strauss wrote, "In colors that would surprise even the spectrum itself, Disney's cartoon craftsmen have re-created a woodland that shimmers and glows and darkens altogether magically."
"The Little Mermaid" marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance in 1989.
Disney went through a rough period in the '70 and '80s — when "The Little Mermaid" was released in 1989, it was a return to form for the studio. It's a classic love story with beloved songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."
"'The Little Mermaid' — impudent, grandiose, a multilevel crowd-pleaser — almost returns the Disney animated features to their glory traditions of the '30s and '40s," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Michael Wilmington.
Disney's 2021 offering "Encanto" has the same critics score.
"Encanto" is about the Madrigal family, who each receives a magical power when they turn 5 — all except Mirabel, who was mysteriously skipped over. When the magic in their home starts failing, Mirabel makes it her mission to save her family, powers or not.
"You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' — expositional but infectious — all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching 'Encanto's' world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers," wrote Time Out's Whelan Barzey.
"The Lion King," released in 1994, remains the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time.
"The Lion King" combined breathtaking visuals, amazing songs composed by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, and an epic coming-of-age story to cruise to $978 million at the box office.
Jay Carr wrote in The Boston Globe, "Make no mistake, the magnitude of the achievement here far outweighs any shortcomings. 'The Lion King' is both populist blockbuster and royal treat."
"Lady and the Tramp" produced one of the most iconic scenes in Disney history when it came out in 1955.
"Lady and the Tramp" is another Disney film that now comes with a disclaimer due to the problematic nature of its two Siamese cats, Si and Am.
If you're able to move past that, though, "Lady and the Tramp" is simple and sweet. Lady is a dog who's barely left her house, but due to a misunderstanding, she ends up on the street and meets the stray Tramp.
Their spaghetti kiss is still being referenced to this day.
"The quintessential American love story — the one between the spoiled heiress and the spontaneous, fun-loving guy from the wrong side of the tracks — has seldom been more elegantly and entertainingly told," wrote The Chicago Tribune's Dave Kehr.
"Raya and the Last Dragon" was released in 2021.
Kelly Marie Tran stars as Raya, a young woman who goes on a quest to find the last dragon to reunite her fractured country, Kumandra.
"As an overall throwback, and as a return to the streamlined storytelling upon which Disney built its supremacy, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' is a welcome expansion of the Disney universe," wrote Pajiba's Roxana Hadadi.
"Beauty and the Beast" was nominated for best picture at the 1992 Oscars, a first for any animated film.
"Beauty and the Beast" is based on, well, a tale as old as time: a French fairy tale from the 1700s. In it, Belle is taken hostage by a prince turned beast who lives in a castle filled with talking furniture.
When you take it out of context, as with many animated films, it's … weird. But songs like "Be Our Guest," "Beauty and the Beast," "Gaston," and "Belle" are all-time favorites.
"The set pieces are narcotically pleasing, especially the Busby Berkeley-style dancing-kitchenware spectacular, 'Be Our Guest,' and the romantic ballroom centerpiece that brings Beauty and her Beast together," wrote Lisa Schwarzbaum for Entertainment Weekly.
The 1941 film "Dumbo" is the first of three films with a 95% critics score.
"Dumbo" has some problematic elements, including a flock of stereotypical crows — one of whom was originally named Jim Crow — a drunk baby elephant, and "Song of the Roustabouts."
But Dumbo's design makes him one of the cutest characters in the Disney canon, and "Baby Mine" is a tearjerker.
"Perfection, thy name is Dumbo," wrote Slant Magazine's Rob Humanick.
The 1992 film "Aladdin" is tied with a 95%.
"Aladdin" is anchored by the iconic voiceover performance by Robin Williams as the Genie. But there's lots of other stuff to love, like Princess Jasmine and her pet tiger Rajah, the bumbling Sultan, and the sweet "street rat" Aladdin.
While its depiction of the Middle East has been criticized, as noted by the BBC, "Aladdin" remains one of the most-loved Disney films of the last 40 years.
"The magical, the mystical, the mysterious — all those powers that lurk within movies but are rarely tapped are unleashed in Disney's latest magnificent animation, 'Aladdin,'" wrote Duane Byrge for The Hollywood Reporter.
2016's "Moana" is the third and final film tied with a 95%.
"Moana" is another modern Disney princess film that eschews a love story for a story of personal growth. Moana ventures out to the sea to save her island and, along the way, learns that she's capable of leading her people and exploring the open ocean.
Victoria Luxford called "Moana" "great fun" and "a traditional Disney Princess film but with a little more depth to it, being about personal discovery and bravery" for BBC CWR.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" was the first feature film released by Disney. It premiered in 1937.
Almost 90 years later, the tale of Snow White, her seven dwarf friends, the Evil Queen, the Huntsman, and her handsome (unnamed) prince, remains the blueprint.
"It was the dearest picture I have ever seen. The characters were so sweet that I just wanted to hug them," wrote the Miami Herald's Elizabeth Hemphill.
But the top-rated Disney princess is Cinderella, the star of 1950's "Cinderella."
"Cinderella" is one of the most frequently adapted fairy tales of all time, but Disney's animated version of the rags-to-riches story is the most beloved. And it's been said that Cinderella's transformation was one of Walt Disney's favorite pieces of animation.
"The musical numbers woven into the fantasy are generally solid, with at least two or three likely hit tunes standing out in the half-dozen songs," Variety wrote in 1949.
"One Hundred and One Dalmatians," which premiered in 1961, is tied for third place.
This movie did more for Dalmatians than any best-in-show title could — and its villain, the puppy-napping, fur-obsessed Cruella de Vil, is still one of Disney's best-known villains.
"Among the many contributions of Disney and his team to the cinema, this is perhaps the strangest: they have made us watch with heart in mouth the adventures of beings who exist only as the projection of photographs and colored drawings," wrote Dilys Powell for the Sunday Times.
2016's "Zootopia" also has a 98%.
"Zootopia" takes place in a world without humans, where anthropomorphic mammals have built their own society, complete with laws, organized crime, and tax evaders like Nick Wilde (a fox voiced by Jason Bateman).
"The fictional universe it presents — a human-free world where mammals have evolved into a bustling, civilized society — is vividly realized, richly detailed, and very funny," wrote John Nugent for Empire.
Two films are tied for the top spot, with 100% ratings. First is 1977's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh."
"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is three shorts starring Pooh as he combats a blustery day, bees, Heffalumps, and Tigger's inability to stop bouncing.
"You'll enjoy reuniting with childhood friends, and for the next-generation fans of The Book of Pooh, this batch of honey couldn't be sweeter," wrote Entertainment Weekly's Dalton Ross.
The other top-rated film is "Pinocchio," released in 1940 and only Disney's second film.
"Pinocchio" is based on an Italian children's story from 1883. It's a heartwarming (if a bit creepy) story of a wooden puppet who comes to life after its creator, Gepetto, wishes upon a star.
Why has "Pinocchio" remained at the top of the pack? Well, "When You Wish Upon a Star" is Disney's official theme, distilling everything we love about Disney movies into a 3-minute and 15-second song.
Otis Ferguson wrote in The New Republic that "Pinocchio" is "a delight and at times will take your breath away, for the limits of the animated cartoon have been blown so wide open that some of the original wonder of pictures — wonder and terror too, as when that train roared up into the camera — is restored."
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