Top 10 Best Disney Comfort Songs

Sometimes, you just need a big, warm hug. That’s exactly what “Baby Mine,” one of the main songs from “Dumbo,” gives to us. In the movie, Dumbo’s mother is locked in a cage after she defends her baby from the cruel antics of a group of circus-goers. Dumbo visits her one night, and she sings this beautiful lullaby to him. The lovely tune quickly became a favorite, with many artists performing it over the years. But, we’ll always love Betty Noyes’s original film version. It’s baked with such warmth, and gives us this real sense of comfort only a parent can give to their child.

Pick which version of “Remember Me” from “Coco” brings you the most joy! We’re willing to bet it’s probably not Ernesto de la Cruz’s iteration of the song, although we’re not too proud to admit that it’s definitely a banger. Out of the remaining options, any is a solid choice. There’s the end credit version, which is lovely and full. There’s Hector’s lullaby version that he sings to his daughter. Or, you might also fast-forward to what is arguably the saddest rendition: Miguel singing to Coco to get her to remember her dad. In whichever case, it’s a beautiful song about love and family, and one we can’t get enough of.

The beginning of the 1999 film “Tarzan” has one of the scarier openings to a Disney film. We meet a couple and a baby who have been shipwrecked. The adults are very quickly killed in a terrifying leopard attack, but the baby miraculously makes it through. He is found by a gorilla, Kala, who lost her son to the same leopard. She takes the human child in as her own, and starts the lullaby “You’ll Be in My Heart,” eventually trailing off to let Phil Collins take over. Like the other music for the movie, the song was written by Collins and is an absolutely moving declaration of unconditional love. And we’re not the only ones who think so. The tune won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“Aladdin” has some of the greatest songs of any Disney movie. While we love the romantic stylings of “A Whole New World,” nothing makes us feel more at home than “Friend Like Me.” This is the song that Genie sings to Aladdin after the latter retrieves the lamp in the Cave of Wonders. Not only is it one heck of a good time, it’s also the perfect introduction for Genie. Played by the late great Robin Williams, the Genie is a stellar vehicle for his talents as an artist. But, Williams is also just really well-suited to making a bunch of kids feel like he really could be a good friend to have – and not just because he can grant wishes.

“Mary Poppins” is one of those definitive childhood movies. We loved settling in for this one as a kid, readying ourselves to listen to Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke lull us into peak comfort. There are so many wonderful songs to choose from. “Chim Chim Cher-ee” is an earworm you can’t get out of your head, and “Feed the Birds” is definitely one of our favorites. But, nothing beats Andrews’s “A Spoonful of Sugar.” This song makes us feel like everything will turn out okay and reminds us to always look for the good in every situation. If you’re having a rough day, try this as a pick-me-up. Thank us later.

Whether it’s the opening song, or the outlandish fanfare of “Be Our Guest” welcoming you to dinner, “Beauty and the Beast” is filled with ballads that never fail to bring us joy. With that said, there’s something about the titular number that makes it impossible to pick anything else. Is it the accompanying sentiment of Belle and the Beast falling in love with each other right there on the ballroom floor? Is it the soothing, dulcet tones of Angela Lansbury? Probably a combination of both! Everything about this one is so honeyed and warm, it’s hard not to feel at ease.

If there’s one Disney movie that’s full of certified bangers, it’s “The Lion King.” Hey, when you’ve got Elton John writing songs for you, expect nothing less! Still, comfort and bangers are two different things. At least they usually are. “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” manage to be both, and so does “Circle of Life.” Right from the start of that sunrise, we know we’re in good hands. It’s one of the most well-known Disney songs, and hearing it played immediately brings you back to a time and place. That kind of nostalgia is bound to bring you solace.

Alan Menken and Howard Ashman are some of Disney’s best songwriters. Their first outing for the production company was “The Little Mermaid,” which marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance. They wrote so many wonderful songs for the movie, like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” But none are so lovely as “Part of Your World.” This is Ariel’s main ballad and her “I Want” song, where she divulges her desires and motives – and it’s easy to relate to. Who hasn’t wanted to leave home, or wished for something more? The song isn’t only beautiful, but gives the audience a real point of connection with its heroine.

And now we’ve come to the song that might be the most associated with Walt Disney himself. “When You Wish Upon a Star” first appeared in the 1940 “Pinocchio.” It went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Song, and has since become the signature song of Disney. The song was a massive hit and recorded by plenty of great artists – but, of course, nothing beats the original Cliff Edwards version. Jiminy Cricket is such a moral character; he inspires hope and sincerity in all of us with this song. It makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

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

“That’s How You Know,” “Enchanted” (2007)
Giselle Doesn’t Have To Tell Us Twice – We Know We Love This Song!

“Little April Shower,” “Bambi” (1942)
This Little Deer Will Always Bring Us Comfort

“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Cinderella” (1950)
Cinderella Reminds Us of the Importance of Dreams

“Once Upon a Dream,” “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
The Beginning of One of Disney’s Sweetest Romances

“I See the Light,” “Tangled” (2010)
If the Lanterns Don’t Do It, the Stunning Duet Will

One of the most comforting things in the world is friendship. In all their forms, good friends can always make you feel better when you’re going through a rough time. At the beginning of “Toy Story,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” feels more applicable to Woody and Andy’s relationship. But, as the movie goes on, we start to see it as the companion piece for the relationships between all the toys and, of course, to Woody and Buzz’s newly formed camaraderie. The song has a funny and quirky energy, and when you add in the iconic stylings of Randy Newman, you’ve got yourself one hit that reaches for the sky!