Top 10 Best Disney Songs of the 1990s
#10: “This Is Halloween”
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
This song takes us to the aptly named Halloween Town, and marks the completion of another horrifying holiday. The tune is delightfully terrifying, with music and lyrics that make our skin crawl in the best possible way. Throughout the course of the song, we are introduced to the many residents of the town, like the mayor and the legendary “Pumpkin King” Jack Skellington. Simply put, “This Is Halloween” is an enticing and chilling piece that keeps everyone glued to their seats. Of course, that’s exactly what the Halloween Town’s inhabitants set out to achieve with their spooky performance. It is Halloween after all!
#9: “I2I”
“A Goofy Movie” (1995)
As Powerline sings “I2I”, Max and Goofy make it onstage with him - though not without difficulty! The star belts out the energetic song, while the father-son duo dance along. It’s as if they were made for this moment. Goofy and Max are on-stage with one of the most famous performers ever. Yet at its core, it’s not about the lights or the glory. It’s the story of a kid and his dad who learned to embrace one other, which is reflected through the tune’s uplifting lyrics. The iconic dance moves definitely don’t hurt though! This climactic number is a perfect example of how fun and heart can come together to create something wonderful.
#8: “You'll Be in My Heart”
“Tarzan” (1999)
After baby Tarzan and Kala both suffer unspeakable losses at the hands of Sabor, they are thrust into each other's lives. This beautiful song revolves around Kala’s love for Tarzan, as she comforts him. After all, he is now her child. Despite the fact that it's an unusual situation - who would have fathomed that a gorilla could adopt a human baby - they are now a unit. No matter what life throws their way, Kala will always be there to look after Tarzan. She loves him with the unconditional love of a mother. This Phil Collins number makes it clear that their bond transcends traditional bounds, which is pretty special in and of itself!
#7: “Out There”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
It’s hard to imagine being told you can't go outside because you're too ugly. It sounds nonsensical! But that's what Frollo has told Quasimodo his whole life to scare him into submission. And he repeats this message after realizing that his charge is tempted to attend the Festival of Fools. Even so, Quasimodo is a curious man who is sick of looking at the bustling crowds from his tower. “Out There” makes it clear that he is ready to be part of the action. His longing for just one day amongst the townspeople is expressed through this passionate song. Safety takes a back seat here, as Quasi’s yearning to join the people instead of observing them takes over.
#6: “Colors of the Wind”
“Pocahontas” (1995)
This classic song from “Pocahontas” is without a doubt one of Disney's most powerful. With this number, Pocahontas confronts John Smith with how problematic his views surrounding her culture are. In the process, she shows him how much he doesn’t know, and gives him a glimpse into her world. It's a beautiful melody that focuses on the interconnectedness of all life in the universe. Plus, it spotlights the way Pocahontas and her tribe understand Mother Earth in a way that John and the settlers are not. Nature is vast, beautiful, and full of plants and animals that bring it to life. It doesn't belong to anybody. Pocahontas reminds everybody of that with “Colors of the Wind”.
#5: “Zero to Hero”
“Hercules” (1997)
It's a pretty widely undisputed fact that the Muses are one of the best parts of “Hercules”. Their vocals on Megara’s “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” is just one example of how talented they are. Acting as a Greek chorus, they tell viewers everything they need to know throughout the course of the movie. And they do so with an effortless style. “Zero To Hero” is their moment to truly shine. It focuses on Hercules' rise from a loser who was mocked to a beloved champion after he proves himself in battle. Instead of watching the shift in his status play out plainly, we’re treated to the Muses’ electric narration. Thanks to this performance, we feel Herc’s journey instead of simply seeing it.
#4: “Reflection”
“Mulan” (1998)
To say Mulan’s meeting with the matchmaker goes poorly is an understatement. But she never really wanted to be there in the first place! This emotional song is a reflection of her discomfort in the skin she is being forced to wear. She struggles, because she doesn't want to let her parents and ancestors down. But she also cannot continue to blindly conform to expectations that don’t resonate with her. Mulan longs for a day where her outer and inner selves can come together as one. In other words, she simply wants to be herself! Thankfully, our warrior ultimately finds her way. Whether it's thanks to its relatability, Lea Salonga's wonderful voice, or a mixture of the two, “Reflection” is forever a fan favorite.
#3: “A Whole New World”
“Aladdin” (1992)
Aladdin and Jasmine's magic carpet ride is fittingly accompanied by this song about discovering new things. Aladdin - who is pretending to be Prince Ali - sets out to show the Princess life beyond the palace. And he delivers! Soon enough, she joins in wholeheartedly and a striking duet ensues. Importantly, the vantage point from the sky is pretty new to Jasmine. Considering the bubble she lives in because of her royal status, this type of freeing adventure is exactly what she needs. As the duo soar through the clouds and fall for one another, this track’s romantic and soft nature makes us all feel like we're flying right alongside them!
#2: “Beauty and the Beast”
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
A song synonymous with the movie it's named after, this ballad has truly stood the test of time. As Belle and the Beast’s lovely date night culminates in them slow dancing, Mrs. Potts serenades us all with this song that tells their story perfectly. They never expected to develop feelings for one another. As we saw with “Something There”, it just happened! While the progression of their relationship was unexpected to be sure, it quickly blossomed into something deep. So it’s hard not to feel all warm and fuzzy inside whenever we watch them move together to the romantic sound of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Be Our Guest”, “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Lumiere & the Gang Make a True Feast Out of Dinner
“Friend Like Me”, “Aladdin” (1992)
Allow the Genie to Introduce Himself
“I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”, “The Lion King” (1994)
Simba Has Big Dreams for His Future
“God Help the Outcasts”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Esmeralda Pleads to a Higher Power for Help
“I’ll Make a Man Out of You”, “Mulan” (1998)
Li Shang Prepares His Troops
#1: “Circle of Life”
“The Lion King” (1994)
This song fittingly kicks off "The Lion King" at the presentation of Simba, and embodies the film’s essence perfectly. It revolves around the amazing things life has to offer, as well as the trials and tribulations every living creature faces on earth. While our experiences differ, we are all linked together through this cyclical journey. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the message: we each have a place in the universe, and a purpose to fulfill. That’s the circle of life, as Mufasa aptly reminds his son from the great beyond. It’s the story’s overarching theme, as Simba learns to honor his father by reclaiming his kingdom and creating his own legacy.
