Top 10 Disney Movies of the Decade (2010s)

After Disney acquired Marvel, it was only a matter of time until these powerhouses came together on the animated front. Instead of adapting one of Marvel’s better-known properties, Disney Animation took a stab at one of their more obscure comics. Through this Oscar-winning animated feature, Hiro Hamada, Baymax, and Big Hero 6 became household names. Like its source material, the film leans heavily towards Japanese culture and media, from the awesome robot battles to the titular team’s tech armor. At the same time, it injects Disney’s signature humor and heart. With Marvel superhero action, anime artistry, and the wonder of Disney, “Big Hero 6” combines distinctly different styles that surprising blend perfectly. The same can be said about the stunning setting of San Fransokyo.

Disney’s live-action remakes are divisive to say the least, although Jon Favreau’s “The Jungle Book” stands out as one of the few that achieved box office success and critical acclaim. Perhaps that’s because it wasn’t just a shot-for-shot recreation of the 1967 animated classic. Where the original film had a fairly loose plot, almost playing out like a series of vignettes, the remake keeps the focus on Mowgli’s struggle to find his place in the jungle. Young Neel Sethi couldn’t be more convincing in the role, which is no easy feat when you’re acting opposite gorgeously-rendered CGI animals, all of whom are brilliantly voiced. Balancing the complex nature of Rudyard Kipling’s book and the animated film’s charm, this remake offers the best of both worlds.

Between “Enchanted” and “The Princess and the Frog,” the Disney fairytale was already starting to make a comeback. Yet, “Tangled” was truly this generation’s “The Little Mermaid,” kicking off a new renaissance of animated Disney classics. In an entertainment climate where animated movies were known for cynical humor and pop culture references, a fairytale about Rapunzel might’ve sounded behind the times. “Tangled” proved, however, that there was still a massive audience who craved the magic of Disney. The film brought back all of the beloved Disney trademarks, i.e. catchy songs, a gripping romance, and a timeless story. “Tangled” also saw Disney adapt to current times with beautiful CG animation, a forward-thinking heroine, and a self-aware edge, albeit not too self-aware. At last, the fog had lifted.

“Tangled” was a fairytale for modern audiences, but this love letter to video games saw Disney leap right into the 21st century. Creating a world within a world, “Wreck-It Ralph” seemed more like a Pixar movie than a Disney movie, which isn’t surprising given the changes in studio management. The film never felt like a Pixar imitation, though, demonstrating that the Disney of today is just as capable when it comes to tackling contemporary ideas, settings, and comedy. “Wreck-It Ralph” has been hailed as the video game equivalent of “Roger Rabbit,” loading up on clever cameos and in-jokes while telling a compelling story with unforgettable new characters. Where the first film was a salute to old-school games, the sequel satirized the internet and everything Disney.

Disney hasn’t always done the best job at representing certain cultures or addressing the intricacies of discrimination. “Zootopia” is a testament to just how far the company has come, providing commentary on prejudice in a way that kids and adults can take to heart. The world these mammals inhabit is an eerie reflection of our own. Every time it seems like progress is finally being made, society reverts back to bickering like animals in a zoo. Even the optimistic Judy Hopps discovers that bigotry lurks around every corner, including within herself. The world may never be perfect, but “Zootopia” reminds audiences that learning from our mistakes is the first step towards a better tomorrow. It gets this relevant message across with laughs, creativity, and wisdom.

On paper, “Coco” may sound run-of-the-mill with a young boy who loves music, a family who just doesn’t understand, and the inevitable resolution where everyone comes together in harmony. Leave it to Pixar to take a familiar setup and make it fresh, not to mention funny and meaningful. Coco is a wildly imaginative tribute to Mexican culture, transporting us to a world where the Day of the Dead roars to life. The music, particularly the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me,” is infused with the film’s DNA. Just as music can be interpreted in many different ways, “Coco” shows us that there’s multiple sides to every story. If we just open our ears and listen, our entire worldview could be changed. It’s a lesson we won’t soon forget.

Ron Clements and John Musker have directed at least one animated Disney feature every decade since the 80s. “Moana” has echoes of the duo’s previous work, which includes “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” However, “Moana” is a wholly original spin on the Disney princess formula with a strong emphasis on Polynesian culture and two leads who aren’t romantically entangled. The music is a refreshing change of pace as well, mixing a South Pacific sound with the sweeping flair of Broadway. “How Far I’ll Go” in particular is a show-stopping solo that makes us want to follow our titular heroine across the sea. Complete with stellar voiceover performances from newcomer Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, “Moana” is a voyage as breathtaking as the ocean itself.

Sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that take place within ourselves. Pixar has taught us a lot over the years, but “Inside Out” contains what might be their most valuable life lesson yet. We all strive to find happiness, but the truth is that joy can’t exist without anger, fear, disgust, or sadness. This philosophy may sound heavy for a family movie, but it’s crucial for people of all ages to understand the importance of every emotion. In this sense, “Inside Out” isn’t just a great film, but one that should be required viewing. In addition to bawling their eyes out, the audience will be delighted, excited, and inspired by the film’s unbound imagination. In short, it’s a perfect storm of emotion.

If “Tangled” was this decade’s “The Little Mermaid,” then “Frozen” was definitely “The Lion King” for a new generation. This is the movie that changed everything for Disney, not merely becoming a hit, but also exploding into a cultural phenomenon. So why is it that “Frozen” blew audiences away? For starters, there’s the phenomenal soundtrack with the Oscar-winning “Let It Go” just being the tip of the iceberg. Secondly, the film both poked fun at and improved upon past Disney tropes without being condescending. Above all else, it was the heartwarming relationship between sisters Anna and Elsa that made “Frozen” a perennial classic. Disney has always abided by the belief that true love conquers all, but “Frozen” analyzes true love in ways that few Disney film have.

Before we get to our topic pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Frozen 2” (2019)

“The Muppets” (2011)

“Incredibles 2” (2018)

“Saving Mr. Banks” (2013)

“Mary Poppins Returns” (2018)

Pixar revisited many of its flagship franchises throughout the decade. We got to catch up with the “Toy Story” gang multiple times and, as bittersweet as their fourth adventure was, movie #3 took us to places we never anticipated. This is a unique film that makes young audiences feel grown-up and older audiences feel like children again. In a way, “Toy Story 3” set a perfect tone for a decade obsessed with nostalgia. Growing apart from Andy, Woody finds that there comes a time when everyone must put childhood playthings away, but there’s always another journey waiting around the corner. It tugs at the heartstrings and the pull-strings, standing out as Disney’s only animated film this decade to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.