Top 20 Hauntingly Beautiful Songs in Disney Movies

“Toy Story” (1995)
There comes a time in most of our lives when we’re confronted with harsh truths. Often, this means realizing that things aren’t as rosy as we believed, and there’s a necessary sadness that comes with accepting that. Randy Newman’s “I Will Go Sailing No More” captures this feeling of sorrow in poignant fashion. Newman’s voice carries deep emotion, and the song’s ability to reflect Buzz Lightyear’s journey as he reluctantly realizes he is a toy is unmatched. Hopefully, like Buzz, we all eventually realize that one dream not panning out isn’t the end, and that there’s always more to sail towards. But when we need to sit with the pain, this track always helps.

“Brother Bear” (2003)
Phil Collins can elevate any film through song. “Brother Bear”’s “No Way Out” is proof. His voice, lyrics, and the co-producing he did with Mark Mancina speak for themselves, but we’ll say a few words anyway. In the flick, we hear the tune at a pivotal moment, as Kenai reveals to Koda that he killed the cub’s mom. There’s a sense of sorrow underscoring the number that speaks to the guilt and regret that comes with hurting someone we care about. Collins’ vocals set a remorseful mood, with the music bolstering them to move us to tears. We don’t need to hear every word Kenai speaks, because “No Way Out” makes us feel how sorry he is – and how devastated the fleeing Koda is.

“Hercules” (1997)
We all know what it’s like to not quite fit in. For Hercules, that angst is exacerbated by his strength, and the fact that he’s the son of Zeus – though he doesn’t know that last part at first. No matter what’s causing your struggle, the right tune can help, and propel you to find your place. “Go the Distance” is that song. It starts off slow, giving off a pensive quality that never fails to make us emotional. Soon enough, it becomes a determined anthem as our hero travels to find answers. The triumphant reprise that comes after he learns the truth is no less inspiring. We believe we can travel any distance thanks to this equal parts motivating and moving number.

“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
Goodbyes are difficult, but we can find solace in memories we’ve formed. Few Disney tracks communicate this bittersweet truth as eloquently as “Goodbye May Seem Forever.” Widow Tweed doesn’t want to part ways with Tod, but she feels she has no other choice – it’s for the fox’s safety. This soft tune plays as she takes him away and leaves him behind, and it allows us to experience the whole scope of their special relationship. It may be goodbye, but the track, with its warm lyrics and melancholic melody, makes it crystal clear that these two are forever bound to each other. It’s a lovely, if heartbreaking, number, and we struggle to maintain our composure when we hear it.

“The Rescuers” (1977)
“The Rescuers” has to be one of the most underrated Disney flicks out there, and “Someone’s Waiting for You” one of the most underappreciated songs. It comes on while the dejected Penny is sobbing, scared that she’ll never be adopted. The ballad acts as a light, with its gentle but encouraging assurances that better days are coming. It’s not always easy to craft a number that understands despair while also being full of hope, but that balance is struck perfectly here. It’s precisely this mixture that makes the listening experience such a vividly affecting one. That alone would’ve been enough to captivate us, but Shelby Flint’s voice takes the whole thing to a different, extra powerful level. So yeah, we are not okay!

“Moana” (2016)
You’ve probably noticed that a lot of these tracks deal with finding light amid the darkness, and this is no exception. Clearly, something about that juxtaposition makes for hauntingly beautiful music, as evidenced by "I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)." At this point in the film, Moana is tired, and she feels like giving up – who hasn’t been there? The late Gramma Tala’s spirit knows exactly what to say though – or rather, sing. Through this engrossing tune, she gives our protagonist the ability to find her inner strength by drawing on her ancestors. Soon, Moana begins singing, ready to save her people as the music soars with her voice, taking us to new uplifting heights. We can’t help but feel empowered, too.

“Cinderella” (1950)
“Cinderella” has many magnetic songs that get us in our feelings. "Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale" and "So This is Love", for instance, never leave us indifferent. But Cinderella starts her day with a song that has to be the winner in this regard. Its thesis is in its title. And the way the heroine believes so deeply in the message that the dreams that we wish will come true as long as we believe, is downright touching. Meanwhile, Cinderella’s voice actress, the late Ilene Woods, brings just the right amount of calm optimism, delivered with a grace that makes us feel like we’re safe at home. She’s accompanied by a melody that can only be described as soothing, making for an unforgettable ballad.

“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
It’s hard to talk about 1959’s “Sleeping Beauty” without talking about its theme, the one and only “Once Upon a Dream.” That alone speaks to the love song’s enduring impact, which we think has a lot to do with its ability to make us sway and swoon. Of course, most people understandably associate it with the scene in the woods featuring Aurora and Phillip, but we hear some version of it more than once in the movie. And it’s not for nothing – you can never get too much of that sort of romantic elegance. We occasionally pinch ourselves to make sure the tender, melodic track is real. Don’t worry, it’s dreamy, but it does indeed exist in the world of the awake!

“Pocahontas” (1995)
There’s an inescapable link binding all forms of life on this earth together. This ballad from 1995’s “Pocahontas” takes that idea and makes it sound more poetic than we knew was possible. As the film’s title character, whose singing voice is provided by the very talented Judy Kuhn, brings it to life, we find ourselves speechless in the best way, fully immersed in its philosophy. “Colors of the Wind” isn’t just pretty in a superficial way, either. No, there’s a striking profundity to it, both lyrically and musically, that reaches the core of our beings. To say Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz outdid themselves on this one would be an understatement, but we’re certainly not complaining.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
We wish we could’ve been serenaded by the late Angela Lansbury in real life, but her sublime, comforting vocals as Mrs. Potts on this timeless ballad are the next best thing. After all, it doesn’t get much more enchanting than “Beauty and the Beast”’s theme song. Evocative, heavenly, remarkable, sweet, and breathtaking are just a few terms we’d use to describe it, and even they don’t do it justice. The truth is, there are no words that can adequately describe how the ballad grips us. It draws us in from the first note, and makes us feel like we’re in that castle with Belle and Beast on their date. By the end, the majestic tune has transformed us, giving us full faith in love.

“Dumbo” (1941)
As far as fictional parents go, Mrs. Jumbo is definitely among the best. She’s never afraid to protect her child Jumbo Jr. – aka Dumbo – which unfortunately leads to her getting chained up. When she’s briefly reunited with her adorable baby, she instantly consoles him despite the fact that she’s also facing incredibly difficult conditions in solitary confinement. We only see her trunk as this melodic lullaby plays, but it doesn’t matter because her love and heart are heard through the music. As she cradles and caresses a teary Dumbo, “Baby Mine” assures him that he’s perfect as he is. The pair’s linked trunks, juxtaposed with the slow beat and comforting lyrics, cuts through the metaphorical noise in a resoundingly lovely way.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
What do you get when you enter the world of Halloween Town? Musical numbers that’ll send chills down your spine, of course. Jack Skellington notably helps us understand how a nagging desire for change is tormenting his thoughts through his lamenting. Even more moving, though, is Sally’s self-titled tune. She sings it after Jack heads off to take over Christmas despite her efforts to prevent him from doing so. It’s extremely vulnerable, as she expresses her fear that terrible things are coming, while mourning a romantic relationship she worries will never be. Actress Catherine O’Hara’s delivery is, of course, perfect, nailing the character’s quiet and despondent tone. The result is a poignant number that stays with listeners long after it’s over.

“Tangled” (2010)
Just when we thought Rapunzel’s story couldn’t be refreshed, Disney came in and proved us wrong with “Tangled.” In this film, the Princess dreams of seeing the lantern show, which she doesn’t initially know is put on by her parents. With some help from Flynn Rider, she makes it there, which is where this duet comes in. The hopeful lyrics and riveting music perfectly capture the significance of Rapunzel being among the floating lanterns. At the same time, the number shines a spotlight on how she and Flynn are starting to see each other in a new, romantic light. Surrounded by an exquisitely lit sky, the emotion in the song is palpable, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in how magical it feels.

“Mulan” (1998)
When we picture Mulan, we think of the iconic warrior she becomes. But her journey isn’t a simple one. She doesn’t fit the mold society has created for women, as evidenced by her horrible appointment with the matchmaker. That encounter understandably leaves her feeling low. She vocalizes her pain through this vividly revealing song. The lyrics tell the story of how she’s afraid to embrace her inner-self, spurred by a belief that she wouldn’t be good enough for her family. Our hearts break watching Mulan, partly because her rendition is striking, but also because many of us have been there. Let’s just say our mirrors reflect teary faces back at us whenever we hear this one!

“Tarzan” (1999)
Sometimes, it’s possible to find a glimmer of light amid unspeakable darkness. That’s exactly what “You’ll Be in My Heart” is. The number is borne out of immense tragedy, as Kala’s baby gorilla’s and Tarzan’s human parents’ lives were cut short. Having lost their nearest and dearest, the surviving duo find solace in each other. This heartwarming song puts the pure, wholesome, and unconditional love a mother has for her kid front and center, touching us deeply. Kala creates joy despite all her pain after adopting Tarzan. The transition to Phil Collins’ voice as we see the new family bonding only adds to the moment’s impact, letting us know we’re in for an emotional ride.

“Encanto” (2021)
“Encanto” is chock-full of mesmerizing songs. “Dos Oruguitas” is a quiet, sentimental number that describes two caterpillars blossoming into butterflies whose paths diverge, though their love persists. It elegantly transports us back in time, playing over a montage of Pedro and Abuela Alma’s relationship, his tragic death, and the miracle that followed. When the action shifts back to the present, Abuela and Mirabel sweetly embrace while the tune resumes, building in intensity in a heavenly manner. The visuals, melody, and lyrics come together seamlessly, and the result is both stunning and gutting. A symbol of the Madrigal family history and Alma and Pedro’s unbreakable bond, the song always tugs at our heartstrings. Thanks to “Dos Oruguitas,” we keep our eyes peeled for butterflies.

“Frozen II” (2019)
We all knew Elsa could hit us in the feels with her ballads. “Frozen II” proved that Anna could, too. When it seems her big sister and Olaf have passed away, she’s obviously devastated. What follows is a raw moment, where her usual upbeat attitude takes a backseat as she puts gripping words and music to the concept of grief. “The Next Right Thing” is all about putting one foot in front of the other as you mourn, and just trying to make the right decisions through the anguish. Encapsulating determination, strength, and excruciating pain all at once, the soft instrumentals and Anna’s trembling voice infuse the song with more emotion than we can handle. Excuse us, we have something in our eyes…

“Coco” (2017)
“Remember Me” and “Coco” are synonymous at this point, and for good reason. Of course, there’s Ernesto de la Cruz’s version, but above all, it’s Héctor’s gorgeous lullaby for his daughter Coco. It explains that though they may not always be together physically, they’re linked as long as they think of one another. With him having passed away and her losing her memories, it becomes the last thread that can connect them. To help Coco remember, Miguel (her great-grandson) sings it to her once more. His rendition is overwhelmingly beautiful, with the audience feeling each bittersweet guitar chord and word in their bones. The refrain takes on an even deeper meaning as Coco joins in, making us weep. We’ll certainly never forget this captivating track.

“Toy Story 2” (1999)
If there’s one thing the “Toy Story” movies know how to do, it’s wreck us emotionally. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the second film, when we learn where Jessie the cowgirl comes from. This sorrowful number accompanies past images of the toy and Emily, who once cared for her. Ultimately, of course, the latter character grew up. We can feel Jessie’s suffering through Sarah McLachlan’s pensive vocals, which complement the soft melody perfectly. The song holds a sense of love lost that’s difficult to bear, raising the story’s stakes, and adding depth to the character and world. Needless to say, we all wanted to tell our old childhood toys that we’ll always love them after hearing it.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
What do you do if you’re forced to claim sanctuary in a church to avoid persecution? If you’re Esmeralda, you pray for help through the most awe-inspiring song imaginable. Disgusted with Claude Frollo and the townspeople’s treatment of marginalized people, she longs for the oppressed to be allowed to live free and peacefully. So she asks a higher power for help through this soul-stirring hymn, placing the focus on those less fortunate than her. The rousing orchestration and her transcendent voice combine, evoking an intensely visceral reaction that always has us reaching for the tissue box. Honestly, listening to “God Help the Outcasts” feels like a spiritual experience in and of itself, which tells you everything you need to know.