Top 10 Animated Movie Soundtracks You Forgot Were Awesome

This early 2000s animated film premiered to mixed critical reception, but one thing that isn’t mediocre about this film is its soundtrack. After the success of “Tarzan,” Phil Collins was once again asked to compose the songs for the film, this time about a young hunter transformed into a bear. Apart from the jaunty “On My Way,” sung by Collins himself, other featured artists include Tina Turner. Some highlights are, “No Way Out,” the poignant official theme of the film. Above all others, the transformation scene, performed by the Bulgarian Women’s Choir, impresses with its epic sweep.

This Disney classic is more than a lot of fun: It has a killer soundtrack. Terry Gilkyson was initially brought in to compose before Disney hired the Sherman Brothers to deliver more light-hearted numbers. “The Bare Necessities,” composed by Gilkyson, is one of Disney’s most beloved numbers, an iconic sequence sung by Baloo and Mowgli. Other standouts include “I Wanna Be Like You,” sung by Louis Prima’s energetic orangutan, and the vultures’ “We’re Your Friends,” both composed by the Sherman Brothers. Fun fact: The vultures’ barbershop quartet was initially going to be a Beatle-esque rock song, with the vultures animated accordingly. Unfortunately, the plans fell through. No great loss with a soundtrack this memorable.

One of the most forgotten animated movies of the mid-2000s, this film has the advantage of a star-studded soundtrack. With Hugh Jackman as the protagonist, the movie follows rich rat Roddy as he is flushed away into the sewer world of Ratropolis. There are some well-loved favorites, such as “What’s New Pussycat?,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” and even Boots Randolph’s yakety “Yakety Sax.” Jackman also lends his stellar pipes to “Ice Cold Rita.” Tina Turner even pops up once more for a gospel rendition of “Proud Mary.” With fun, eclectic numbers such as these, this film is worth a re-watch, if just to get your Tom Jones karaoke kicks.

This goofy film is severely underrated in at least one respect. When Max Goof decides to go to pop star Powerline’s concert to impress his crush, it leads to a father-son road trip and plenty of opportunity for some great numbers. The soundtrack was composed by Carter Burwell before Don Davis was hired to rearrange the score. With more traditional musical songs such as “After Today,” and high-powered concert anthems such as “Stand Out,” this soundtrack is sure to rouse. It’s the ending climactic song, “I 2 I,” that really elevates this film into an underrated gem.

This may be 2016’s “Toy Story” with animals, but it’s also a musical showcase. There are at least two pop songs, “Welcome to New York” by Taylor Swift and “We Go Together” from “Grease,” the latter of which is performed with happy aplomb by anthropomorphic sausages. A swaggering rap-style arrangement of “Stayin’ Alive” even pops up. Alexandre Desplat’s jazz-classical score, inspired by the work of George Gershwin and Miles Davis, truly makes this soundtrack stand out in its ambition. It’s a playful accompaniment to this playful movie.

We all know this beloved Disney classic. But did you know Walt Disney did, indeed, seize a great opportunity? That’s right: Disney’s original plan was to have the entire film’s music adapted from Tchaikovsky’s ballet of the same name. As it was, the “The Garland Waltz” was retained, cleverly arranged by George Bruns into two songs. The first is “I Wonder,” sung by Aurora in the forest. And of course, the romantic “Once Upon A Dream” from the main melody, with appropriately elegant English lyrics by Jack Lawrence and Sammy Fain. Other selections based on the ballet include “Hail to the Princess Aurora,” and the ethereal “The Gifts of Beauty and Song.” Who knew Tchaikovsky and Disney would make such a winning combination?

This film, based on a popular folk tale, was a critical disappointment for Disney. One redeeming feature is most definitely its banger soundtrack. The film features many covers of beloved songs, such as the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” and Elton John’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” We even get a cute rendition of Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” belted by Chicken Little himself. For the finale, Diana Ross’s groovy “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” ends the film on a triumphant note. The movie may have been a dud, but it makes for a good karaoke session.

Perfect isn’t easy, but it’s this film’s soundtrack. A kid-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” this film takes a leaf out of Lionel Bart’s musical to flex its own songwriting pipes. Long-time Disney lyricist Howard Ashman first cut his teeth in this movie, writing the opening “Once Upon a Time in New York City.” Billy Joel also delivers Dodger’s “Why Should I Worry,” composed by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight, with effortless cool and rockstar energy. For a more traditional Broadway sound, “Perfect Isn’t Easy,” sung by Bette Midler as the pampered Georgette, makes for a charming foxtrot. Fun fact: This song was co-written by Barry Manilow. With so much talent on display, this film is worth another look.

Listen, we all love “Shrek,” but that this contemporaneous DreamWorks film with its beautiful animation was forgotten is definitely a miscarriage of (artistic) justice. Among its many strengths is undoubtedly its sweeping songs, written by Stephen Schwartz. “Deliver Us,” with its epic chorus and Ofra Haza’s haunting lullaby, is an immediate showstopper. Other notable numbers include “The Plagues,” “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” and the menacing “Playing with the Big Boys.” And of course, there is the Academy Award-winning ballad, “When You Believe.” It’s no wonder the film was eventually adapted into a stage musical.

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

For Giving Disney a Beautiful & Iconic Theme Song

Because Michael Kamen’s Score Soars

Because These Earworms Spawned a Whole Fandom

This Soundtrack Lives in Us, & It’s No Disgrace

Speaking of beautifully animated, but forgotten DreamWorks movies, we’d be remiss to miss this one. “Spirit” may not have the strong writing of other similar coming-of-age animated films, but what it does have is a memorable soundtrack. With a score composed by Hans Zimmer and songs by Bryan Adams, “Spirit’s” sweet soft rock numbers and orchestral sweep match its idyllic, fluid animation. Among the more memorable songs is the spirited “Get Off My Back,” as Spirit rebels against his taming against the cruel Colonel. The soundtrack was certified Gold in both the U.S. and the U.K., for good reason.

Which other animated movie soundtrack do you feel needs more love? Let us know in the comments down below!