Top 10 Disney Love Songs
Love is a song that never ends. In this video, MsMojo counts down our picks for the Top 10 Disney Love Songs.
For this list, we're taking a look at the most romantic ballads from Disney's animated library.
Special thanks to natec2013, Stephing, Andrew Dushek, jxn5038 and Rachel Bloom for submitting this idea on our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv.
#10: “Once Upon a Dream”
“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Disney has gotten some backlash in the past for their big screen romances, which typically take one day to blossom. In an animated fairytale musical like “Sleeping Beauty,” though, a little suspension of disbelief is acceptable. Lost in a daydream, Princess Aurora lives out her fantasy with some woodland friends filling in for her prince. Her dreams become a reality, however, as Prince Phillip cuts in and turns the solo into a duet. It only takes one song for us to buy the instant chemistry between them, sweeping us off our feet.
#9: “I See the Light”
“Tangled” (2010)
Along with lyricist Glenn Slater, composer Alan Menken made his triumphant return to fully animated Disney fairytales with “Tangled.” They fashioned one of the studio’s most beautiful songs ever with the pivotal “I See the Light.” As the night sky fills with lanterns of perpetual radiance, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider realize where they are meant to be and whom they want to be with. The dancing lanterns above allow their new outlooks and feelings to shine through, wonderfully complimenting the music and lyrics. It’s poignant, touching, and of course romantic.
#8: “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)”
“Hercules” (1997)
Where most Disney heroines embrace true love, Megara (meg-erra) has been burned so many times in the past that she views affection as a weakness. Her cynical perspective on love begins to melt, however, upon meeting the dreamy Hercules. While she knows her true feelings deep down, Meg fights them around every corner. She needs to sing her heart out to unleash such emotions with support from a choir of Muses. Like Meg herself, “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” is lively, spunky, and more sincere than it lets on.
#7: “Kiss the Girl”
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
At this point in “The Little Mermaid,” Prince Eric is too nervous to speak up and Ariel is physically incapable of speaking up. It’s up to Sebastian to articulate exactly what’s going through their heads with a little musical accompaniment. Using the picturesque environment to its full advantage, the Jamaican crab sets the mood with a soothing melody and enticing lyrics. The song feels like a whisper from Cupid himself, telling you to give into your heart and kiss the girl. A much better alternative to Scuttle’s vocal chops.
#6: “So This Is Love”
“Cinderella” (1950)
Cinderella and Prince Charming share next to no written dialogue with one another, but once again, that’s not really required to develop their relationship. This elegant song is more than enough, suitably capturing the sensation of falling in love at first sight. With a mellow rhythm that’ll either transport you to a storybook dreamland or back to the 1950s, it’s the ideal tune to waltz along to with your significant other. In just over a minute, “So This is Love” sums up the entire spirit of the “Cinderella” story.
#5: “Someday My Prince Will Come”
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
In recent years, Disney has jumped off the “wait for your prince” bandwagon, which may lead some to argue this classic song from the immortal “Snow White” is dated. “Someday My Prince Will Come” is about much more than simply waiting around and doing nothing, though. It’s about maintaining hope even during even the darkest of times. Such optimism is the first step towards making your dreams come true. When all’s sung and done, Snow White is rewarded for her love, kindness, and positive attitude with the happiest ending imaginable.
#4: “Bella Notte”
“Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
One of Disney’s most iconic romances isn’t actually about humans, but the phenomenon of puppy love. This has got to be the most famous moment in “Lady and the Tramp” as our furry lovers share a plate of spaghetti. What completes the tender scene is the musical stylings of Tony on accordion and Joe on guitar. Even if you’re in an alley, this song will make you feel like you’ve been taken to Italy on a starry evening. This is how all mutts should treat their ladies.
#3: “Beauty and the Beast”
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
Yet another heavenly marriage of animation and music, this signature song from “Beauty and the Beast” finds our leads sharing a dance in a golden ballroom with the essence of angels walking on clouds. Belle and Beast are certainly one of the strangest couples Disney has ever brought to the screen. In this instance, though, the audience indisputably believes the connection between them as their romance peaks. As Howard Ashman’s lyrics put it, “Beauty and the Beast” is a tale as old as time and song as old as rhyme.
#2: “A Whole New World”
“Aladdin” (1992)
In addition to winning another slew of awards for Disney, this marvelous number holds the honor of being the studio’s only song from one of their animated flicks to reach the Billboard Hot 100’s summit. “A Whole New World” centers on Aladdin and Jasmine as they finally break out of their confined environment. Getting a bird’s eye view aboard a magic carpet, they witness everything from the Great Pyramids to the Forbidden City in China on a moonlit night. This is easily among Disney’s most magical cinematic moments, combining excitement, romance, and excellent animation into one package.
Before we sing along with our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- You’ll Be in My Heart
“Tarzan” (1999)
- If I Never Knew You
“Pocahontas” (1995)
- Love
“Robin Hood” (1973)
- Love Is an Open Door
“Frozen” (2013)
#1: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
“The Lion King” (1994)
The songwriting team of Elton John and Tim Rice played a huge part in making “The Lion King” a roaring success, this Oscar-winning number being their highlight song. Reunited for the first time since childhood, Simba and Nala begin to see each other in a new light. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” captures the thrill of falling in love, leaving childhood innocence behind, and discovering more adult feelings. It’s not only the single greatest love song from Disney, but also one of the absolute best love songs in general.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Disney love song? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.