Top 10 Most Empowering Disney Songs

Dealing with others’ expectations of you can be taxing. So occasionally, you have to carve out time to be your truest self, away from the noise. Merida calls it the day she’s able to “change [her] fate.” “Touch the Sky” encapsulates that mindset, blasting as she heads outdoors and does the things that fulfill her. Though not performed by the protagonist herself, the gorgeous track encapsulates her internal journey, lifting her up. And it can do the same for anybody listening. Singer Julie Fowlis takes the already inspiring lyrics about believing in yourself and elevates them with her impassioned delivery. The result is a song that convinces us we can ride, fly, chase the wind, and yes, touch the sky.

Are you feeling low? Do you need a reminder that you can indeed be the hero of your own story? We’ve been there! But have no fear, because the amazing Muses are here to save the day with one heck of a number. Sure, they’re singing about Hercules’ rise to the top – and doing so with gusto that instantly puts us in a better mood. But don’t be afraid to take their every word and apply it to yourself. The tune is upbeat, fun, and above all, champions the movie’s champion. So if you’re ever feeling like a zero, let it boost your ego and help you unlock your inner hero. Who put the glad in gladiator? We think it’s all of you!

The most perfect thing we can be in life is imperfect. “What Else Can I Do?” is basically a musical representation of that idea. After all, it’s equipped with stimulating lyrics and an exhilarating melody that make us believe the message. In “Encanto,” eldest daughter Isabela starts breaking free from the golden child mold and realizes she’s capable of a lot more than she thought. That growth is reflected in the colorful rock ballad, where she – accompanied by sister Mirabel – explores a more complex side of herself. There are countless things we can do if we let ourselves take risks, and this majestic track gives us permission to be messy and lean into our power.

It can be scary to want to venture beyond what we know and go off the beaten path. But it can also feel really exciting and good to do so. Pocahontas faces that dilemma through this invigorating number, as she wonders whether she should go against what’s expected of her in a bid to find something greater. It’s clear she wants to. Using the river as a metaphor, the “I Want” song pushes us in the best way, making us feel like it’s okay to welcome the unexpected, to defy the status quo. The next time you find yourself drawn to the unknown but need encouragement to go toward it, all you have to do is play “Just Around the Riverbend.”

We’ve talked a bit about Hercules’ success when he becomes the hero – but what about before? Well, his strength makes him different, and he has a pretty hard time for a while as a result. The protagonist feels like he doesn’t have a place in the world but doesn’t fully understand why – relatable. But he’s going to do something about it with a song that has us ready to follow suit. “Go the Distance” is full of grit and determination, and hearing such hopeful lyrics paired with the spirited music never fails to motivate us. Like a shooting star, we all have what it takes to go the distance. Thanks to this number, we won’t ever forget it.

Every once in a while, we need a good banger that’ll whip us into proverbial shape. It goes without saying, but this is the quintessential pick for those times. Li Shang uses it to train the troops, including Mulan, with whom he’s not impressed. While they’re floundering at first, they eventually prove themselves worthy. They’re not the only ones “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” pumps up, though. That’s not surprising when you consider its robust, vigorous energy, and the verve with which Donny Osmond sings. By the time the last commanding note plays, we’re prepared to get down to business with all the force of a great typhoon.

Few things are as effective as an electrifying pop bop when you need to hype yourself up. “Try Everything” fits “Zootopia”’s themes of following your heart no matter how hard it is perfectly. We get to hear it both on Judy’s train ride and during the credits, and it gets better with each listen. Not only is it insanely catchy, but the way it promotes dusting yourself off and trying again when you fail is heartening. Plus, it’s Shakira singing, and you can bet she infuses the upbeat piece with an infectious passion. We guarantee that you’ll be ready to tackle whatever life throws your way – be it a career change, move, or anything else – after giving this song a listen.

We all have dreams. But the finish line can sometimes seem so far away we wonder whether we’ll ever cross it. Whenever that doubt creeps in, you can trust “Almost There” to squash it. For Tiana, the goal is to have a restaurant all her own, and she knows she can get there. Her upbeat, jazzy masterpiece is an ode to doing the work and putting in the hours. But it also celebrates progress, and picturing how satisfying the end result will be if we power through that final stretch. It’s practically impossible not to feel confident when this lively number joins the conversation. Remember, just like Tiana at this point in the story, you’re almost there!

“Moana” is full of uplifting numbers. Perhaps none fit that description better, however, than “I Am Moana.” At this juncture in the film, our protagonist is feeling helpless and defeated. But as we all know, life knocks everybody down – it’s how we respond that matters. Thankfully, the spirit of Gramma Tala arrives with a soul-stirring track that delivers everything we need and more. It’s all about trusting your inner voice and drawing strength from your ancestry. It gives Moana, and all of us listening, the ability to do exactly that. As our protagonist takes over, we sense the courage building within ourselves as well. No matter how lost you feel, there’s always hope to be found – you just have to remember who you are.

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

"Son of Man", “Tarzan” (1999)
A Lovely Ode to Trusting Your Own Journey & Believing You’ll Make It

"Part of Your World", “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
For When You Need to Break Free & Explore Something New

“Belle (Reprise)”, “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
A Powerful Reminder to Hold On to Your Adventurous Dreams

"Why Should I Worry?", “Oliver & Company” (1988)
There’s No Need to Fret If This Melodic Tune Is Blasting

"Hakuna Matata", “The Lion King” (1994)
A Catchy Problem-Free Philosophy That Always Brightens Our Day

This is an empowering musical number if there ever was one. It’s borne out of a moment of despair, after everyone sees Elsa mistakenly unleash her powers and she runs away. But our queen can now stop suppressing who she is – which is where “Let It Go” comes in. It’s so gripping it begs us to belt alongside her, release our baggage, and embrace what makes us special. The rousing lyrics give us the space to rise like the break of dawn and be who we are, freely. Combine that with Idina Menzel’s unreal voice and the mesmerizing production, and you get something magically liberating. Elsa’s self-discovery journey doesn’t end here, either, and she gives us another moving ballad in the sequel.