Top 20 Greatest Disney Love Songs
Top 20 Disney Love Songs
Top 10 Disney Love Songs
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Disney Love Songs. For this list, we’ll be looking at tunes from animated Disney films, meaning no live-action love songs like “So Close” from “Enchanted.” What’s YOUR favorite Disney love song? Let us know in the comments.
#20: “If I Didn’t Have You” “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
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We’re kicking off our list with a song that isn’t about romance, but rather friendship. After all, love comes in many different forms. One of Pixar’s definitive buddy pictures, the success of “Monsters, Inc.” largely lies in the relationship between Sulley and Mike. The film closes out with a duet that personifies why they’re two sides of the same coin. “If I Didn’t Have You” has an old-school, Frank Sinatra sound to it with witty lyrics and a classy melody. The comedic chemistry that John Goodman and Billy Crystal bring to the table is also reminiscent of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope’s musical numbers in the “Road to…” movies. After fifteen nominations, this love letter to friendship won writer Randy Newman an overdue Academy Award.
#19: “Heaven’s Light” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Having befriended the gypsy Esmeralda, the lonely hunchback Quasimodo feels as if he’s been touched by an angel. For the first time in his life, his cold, dark tower is hit with the warm embrace of heaven’s light. While not a grand, sweeping ballad, this calming tune does capture the sentiment of finding love with somebody who may share the same feelings. “Heaven’s Light” is immediately followed by the haunting “Hellfire,” which creates a pitch-perfect contrast between our hero and villain. Quasimodo and Judge Frollo both desire Esmeralda, but each man sees her in a different light. Where Frollo’s song is driven by lust, Quasimodo’s is about love. Although Quasimodo doesn’t end up with Esmeralda, his affection for her remains sincere, much like this song.
#18: “Lost in the Woods” “Frozen II” (2019)
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As flawless as the first “Frozen’s” soundtrack was, we were eager for Jonathan Groff’s Kristoff to get a full-blown musical number in the sequel. “Frozen II” delivered in unexpected, hilarious, and swoon-worthy ways. Struggling to propose to Anna, Kristoff finds himself lost in more ways than one. Kristoff lets his emotions out in what might be Disney’s most surreal love song, complete with a chorus of reindeer - all of whom are voiced by Groff. With a clear 80s influence, Groff aspired to summon the energy of balladeers like Bryan Adams. “Lost in the Woods” is definitely a departure from the film’s other songs, but that’s part of the reason why it’s so rewatchable. The striking visuals, retro instrumentals, and Groff’s infectious vocals don’t hurt either.
#17: “Love Is a Song” “Bambi” (1942)
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Performed by Donald Novis, this tranquil tune earned composer Frank Churchill and lyricist Larry Morey an Oscar nomination. Serving as the film’s introduction, “Love is a Song” works on multiple levels. On one hand, it speaks to Bambi and Faline’s romance, which blooms over time. Its themes of eternal love can also be applied to the bond between Bambi and his mother, who remains a part of her son even in death. Above all else, it’s about the beauty of nature and the love that blossoms there. Through its music and visuals, “Bambi” will leave the audience with a newfound appreciation for the forest. This song, in particular, reminds us that nature is a divine yet delicate force that needs our love and care.
#16: “Love Will Find a Way” “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” (1998)
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While it’s hard to top the first film’s soundtrack, “The Lion King II” delivered some surprisingly memorable tunes for a straight-to-video Disney sequel. Where the original classic was loosely inspired by “Hamlet,” “Simba’s Pride” borrows from another Shakespeare play, “Romeo and Juliet.” Although Simba’s daughter Kiara and outsider Kovu do get a happier ending, their forbidden romance isn’t without trials. This song comes at a pivotal moment where Kovu is forced to leave the Pride Lands. Although the world around them is falling apart, Kiara and Kovu try to remain confident that they’ll find a way back to each other. “Love Will Find a Way” strikes a balance between heartbreak and hope, encouraging star crossed lovers everywhere not to give up.
#15: “Love” “Robin Hood” (1973)
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Actions speak louder than words and the same can be said about music. Reuniting after several years, Robin Hood and Maid Marian run off together on a moonlit night. This sequence is solely carried by the charming animation, as well as an Oscar-nominated song from George Bruns and Floyd Huddleston. Simply titled “Love,” the melody and lyrics are nostalgic while also being optimistic about the future on the horizon. The song plays in Marian’s head, although it wasn’t sung by her voice actress, Monica Evans. That distinction goes to Nancy Adams, Huddleston’s real-life wife. How fitting that a song about love would have an actual married couple in common. “Love” would later work its way into another animated feature about foxes, “Fantastic Mr. Fox.”
#14: “You’ll Be in My Heart” “Tarzan” (1999)
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Before it was an Oscar-winning ballad, “You’ll Be in My Heart” started out as Phil Collins’ lullaby to his daughter, actress Lily Collins. The song works in the same context of this film. Adopting a human orphan she names Tarzan, the maternal gorilla Kala attempts to soothe her new infant. In addition to summing up Tarzan’s eternal bond with Kala, the song manages to encapsulate the movie’s overarching themes about finding love, acceptance, and your destiny in unexpected places. “Tarzan” centers on characters from two worlds coming together, putting their differences aside to discover the similarities. Love is a strange phenomenon that’s not always easy to explain, but “You’ll Be in My Heart” is as comforting as a hug from an adoring parent.
#13: “If I Never Knew You” “Pocahontas” (1995)
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Although a pop version performed by Jon Secada and Shanice was played over the end credits, “If I Never Knew You” was missing from the narrative when “Pocahontas” hit theaters in 1995. The duet between Pocahontas and an imprisoned John Smith had been 90% animated, but it supposedly didn’t hook children during test screenings. The song was thus cut, although a fully animated version was eventually added for the film’s 10th anniversary. Finally seeing it woven into the story, we can’t believe they removed this tender tune. Quieter and more intimate than some of the other songs on our list, the lyrics get to the root of a timeless saying: “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
#12: “Ma Belle Evangeline” “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
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“The Princess and the Frog” returned to Disney’s tradition of musical fairy tales, a formula that wouldn’t be complete without a love ballad. “Ma Belle Evangeline” not only harkens back to classic Disney love songs, but also “When You Wish Upon a Star.” On a starry night, Ray serenades the Evening Star, under the impression that it’s another firefly named Evangeline. This sets the stage for a leaping waltz shared between Tiana and Prince Naveen. With a classic New Orleans sound, the song compliments its bayou setting as the frogs turn lily pads into their personal ballroom. It sets an utterly romantic tone that brings out the desire to dance with a loved one under a legion of stars.
#11: “Love Is an Open Door” “Frozen” (2013)
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There isn’t another Disney love song quite like this one, seeing how it’s also technically a villain song. After years of isolation, Anna immediately finds herself drawn to the dashing Prince Hans, who has more devious intentions in mind. While Hans hasn’t shown his true colors yet, “Love Is an Open Door” does foreshadow his eventual betrayal. Although there’s something darker lurking underneath, it still works as a lively love song. Of course, it’s less about true love and more about love at first sight. After a perfect first date, it’s natural for somebody to feel like they’re walking on air. This song epitomizes that rush, but as Anna discovers throughout the film, it takes more than one dreamy night to earn someone’s love.
#10: “Once Upon a Dream” “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
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Disney has gotten some backlash in the past for their big screen romances, which typically take one day to blossom. In an animated fairy tale 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: “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.
#8: “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” “Hercules” (1997)
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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)
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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)
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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: “Bella Notte” “Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
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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.
#4: “I See the Light” “Tangled” (2010)
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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.
#3: “Beauty the Beast” “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
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As Belle and the Beast begin to develop feelings for each other in “Something There,” they prepare for an enchanted evening together. But it’s this heavenly marriage of animation and music from “Beauty and the Beast” that finds our leads sharing a dance in a golden ballroom with the essence of angels walking on clouds, thereby setting the stage for its signature scene as well as its signature tune. 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)
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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.
#1: “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” “The Lion King” (1994)
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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.
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