Top 24 Best Disney Songs of Each Year (2000-2023)

“The Tigger Movie” (2000)

In this animated adventure, the tunes don’t stop when the credits roll. Instead, “The Tigger Movie” closes out with a song so indescribably moving, it practically forces you to sit and listen to the whole thing. For lack of a better term, the song feels like a warm hug, and from Winnie the Pooh, you can’t ask for anything better. With Kenny Loggins’ silky-smooth voice bringing it all together, “Your Heart Will Lead You Home” is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you’re still looking for more, you can’t go wrong with “For a Moment” from “The Little Mermaid II.” It may have been a straight-to-DVD release, but there’s nothing second rate about this song.

“Monsters, Inc.” (2001)

Ironically, if we didn’t have this song, we wouldn’t know what to do, either. Even though “Monsters, Inc.” isn’t a musical, legendary songwriter Randy Newman pulled out all the stops for the movie’s closing theme. The merits of its composition are plain to hear, but, rest assured, it’s more than just a catchy melody. Sung by the voices of Mike and Sully, “If I Didn’t Have You” feels like the natural epilogue to the film’s main duo. By the time the two monsters start amusingly speaking over each other, it’s clear that there’s no other way “Monsters, Inc.” could have ended.

“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)

From the moment the Hawaiian chorus begins to sing, it’s clear that this track is something special. The mix of Hawaiian and English lyrics makes for an irresistible earworm that’s easy to hum after just one listen. What’s more, the stirring rhythm effectively captures the spirit of surfing in a way words alone never could. “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” may not have the same emotional punch as something like “I’m Still Here” from Treasure Planet, but it makes up for that with sheer soul. While Disney has no shortage of downright iconic songs, there’s a very good reason that “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” still ranks among their most beloved.

“The Lizzie McGuire Movie” (2003)

On a class trip abroad, Lizzie decides to cap off her big-screen adventure with an unforgettable music performance. It’s upbeat, it’s catchy, and it features two Hilary Duff. When in Rome, right? Amazingly, this isn’t the Mouse House’s only earworm this year. “Brother Bear’s” “On My Way” is a gripping ballad about growing up. Meanwhile, “Freaky Friday” gave Lindsay Lohan the chance to flex her pipes with “Ultimate.” And, it’d be a crime not to mention “Cheetah Sisters,” a song so legendary, it pretty much defined a whole franchise. But, despite the steep competition, it’s simply impossible to compete with Lizzie McGuire showing us what dreams are made of.

“The Lion King 1½” (2004)

Heads up: this song has a real nasty habit of getting stuck in your head. We’d say we’re sorry, but “Diggah Tunnah” is so good, you’ll be too busy humming along to complain. There’s a certain staccato-like rhythm to the beat that just never gets old. Especially when you have Timon and Pumba adding in a few of their classic quips in the reprise. Suffice it to say, this mid-quel totally delivered in the sound department - and in just its opening number, no less. Impressively, 2004 also had some great live-action numbers, including “Your Crowning Glory” from “Princess Diaries 2.” That duet between Julie Andrews and Raven-Symoné is the very definition of a show-stopping number.

“Chicken Little” (2005)

Despite the name, there’s absolutely nothing little about this song. Whether the sky is falling or not, the rock-inspired rhythm is a head-banging good time from start to finish. That’s without even mentioning the addictive chorus. Then again, it isn’t too surprising once you learn “One Little Slip” was written by the Barenaked Ladies themselves. However, they weren’t the only mainstream musicians to work on Disney films that year. Notably, Phil Collins returned to the “Tarzan” franchise to write the music for the straight-to-video sequel, composing tracks such as the emphatic “Who Am I?”. No matter where you got your Disney fix from, your ears were in good hands.

“High School Musical” (2006)

What’s a musical without a crowd-pleasing final number? Nothing, that’s what. Thankfully, the first “High School Musical” completely understood the assignment, and turned in a song that sings for itself. If this energetic group number doesn’t make you want to get up and dance, we don’t know what will. “We’re All in This Together,” had some tough adversaries, too, including friendly fire from “High School Musical’s” signature duet, “Breaking Free.” “Cars” revved into the conversation with their homey jingle, “Our Town,” and the “Cheetah Girls” sequel gave us the scene-stealing “Strut.” And yet, years later, it’s obvious that “We’re All In This Together” is simply on another level.

“Enchanted” (2007)

Right from the get-go, this festive tempo is impossible to resist. Combined with Amy Adams’ passionate vocals, “That’s How You Know” easily rises above its peers - and there were a lot of them. With hits like “Bet On It” and “You Are the Music in Me,” “High School Musical 2” did not hold back. Neither did fellow Disney Channel original movie, “Jump In,” which introduced the infectious “Push It to the Limit.” Disney Animation wasn’t any different, and “Little Wonders” from “Meet The Robinsons” never fails to make us cry. Still, there’s something about “That’s How You Know” that’s just plain enchanting. At least, that’s how we know.

“Camp Rock” (2008)

It’s no wonder a movie named “Camp Rock” ends with a power ballad. But, no one could have expected just how much Demi Lovato would own it. Her dedication single handedly makes “This Is Me” the banner song of the film. That’s saying something when “Camp Rock” already has the iconic “Gotta Find You” up its sleeve. Actually, Disney had a total embarrassment of riches in general. From “Bolt’s” excellent “I Thought I Lost You,” to “Phineas and Ferb’s” “Squirrels In My Pants,” all the way to “High School Musical 3’s” final number, every song this year has a place in our hearts. “This Is Me” just has a slightly bigger one.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

You can thank New Orleans for this toe-tapping solo. Thanks to the film’s jazzy setting, “Almost There” brims with personality in each and every chord. Of course, the real star is Tiana herself. Toad or not, this Disney Princess knows how to serve up a song like no other. Even if you set aside her impressive vocals, “Almost There” still works because of how personal it feels to Tiana’s journey. Fittingly, this came out the same year as “The Climb” from the “Hannah Montana” movie, an equally-great solo about overcoming adversity. For what it’s worth, when it comes to Tiana’s music, she isn’t “almost there” anymore. She’s made it.

“Tangled” (2010)

You don’t need any glowing lanterns to see why this song is something else. Just close your eyes, hit play, and you’ll practically hear Flynn and Rapunzel’s relationship come to life. The chorus is just that moving. To be fair, “Tangled” doesn’t have a single bad song to its name, a fact that’s clear as day when Donna Murphy steps up for “Mother Knows Best.” But, if Mother really does know best, she'll agree that “I See the Light” is beautiful in a way that few other compositions are. As if to prove it, this track still makes us misty-eyed each and every time.

“Lemonade Mouth” (2011)

You know what they say, when life gives you lemons, write a pop-rock anthem. Or, at least, that’s how the saying goes in “Lemonade Mouth.” To coincide with the film’s themes of rebellion, “Determinate” is a high-energy chant with both style and substance to spare. After all, what other Disney song has a rap section like this? “Lemonade Mouth” is far from a one-hit wonder, though. “She’s So Gone” is one of the best solos from any Disney Channel Original movie, period. And, nothing on TV can match the off-kilter rendition of “Man Or Muppet” from “The Muppets Movie.” When in doubt, though, “Determinate” still takes the dancefloor.

“Brave” (2012)

Merida may not sing like other Disney Princesses, but that doesn’t mean “Brave’s” music cuts any corners. On the contrary, these tracks are more than worth a listen. Quite a few, actually. The best of them all is “Touch the Sky,” a grand solo full of life, heart, and bagpipes. See, in order to capture the film’s Scottish setting, composer Patrick Doyle filled the orchestra with all sorts of traditional Celtic instruments. To say it paid off would be an understatement. In yet another gamble, Disney Channel bet it all on rhythm and rap for “Let It Shine’s” “Moment of Truth,” creating a high-octane tune to remember. Disney sure covered their genres this year.

“Frozen” (2013)

Here it is; the ballad to end all ballads. Elsa simply let go, and just like that, a phenomenon was born. Historians really should document the absolute stranglehold this song had on public radio. Not that we’re upset; we could listen to Idina Menzel’s belt all day. Actually, the same can be said for “Frozen’s” entire soundtrack. You want a cutesy duet? How about an earnest tune about snowmen? Or a catchy earworm from Kristen Bell? No matter how you shuffle “Frozen’s” music, you’ll end up happy. That’s a tough bar to reach, but “Cruisin’ For a Bruisin” from “Teen Beach Movie” comes pretty darn close. Even so, nothing beats “Let It Go.”

“Big Hero 6” (2014)

Nothing gets you ready to kick some villain butt quite like Fall Out Boy. Put them in an action-packed Disney movie, and the result is”Immortals.” On its own, the song has all the explosive rhythm and inspiring lyrics Fall Out Boy is known for. But, it’s the way “Immortals” seamlessly matches the film’s bright tone that really makes it fly. That’s especially important since the song plays over the pivotal montage where this ragtag group officially becomes “Big Hero 6.” In addition, “Immortals” is a great pick-me-up after you listen to “Lava” from the 2014 short of the same name. That song should’ve come with a box of tissues.

“Descendants” (2015)

Clearly, killer music runs in the family. Sung by the offspring of famous Disney villains like Maleficent, Jafar, and the Evil Queen, “Rotten to the Core” adds new meaning to the phrase, “on the same wavelength.” Despite featuring four distinct characters each singing their own verses, the song never once slows down its pace. Instead, it lets the cast’s harmonies go wild, and that’s nothing but a good thing in our book. The beat itself mixes traditional pop-rock with a dubstep flavor that’s instantly memorable. Especially in the bouncy chorus. There’s no doubt that this apple is rotten all the way through, but it sure goes down sweet either way,

“Moana” (2016)

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music has a reputation that precedes itself, and his work on “Moana” is a prime example why. “You’re Welcome” is more fun than it has any right to be, and “Shiny” dazzles on the merits of its satisfying orchestrations. But, this movie is called “Moana,” and appropriately, she gets the best song all to herself. Featuring a rich message and gorgeous vocals, “How Far I’ll Go” stands out as a truly breathtaking piece of composition. While Miranda was busy writing one the best “I Want” songs of the generation, Shakira brought her own A-Game with “Try Everything” from Zootopia. Like its name suggests, 2016 is a year where you should just listen to everything.

“Coco” (2017)

Don’t worry, there’s not a single chance we’re ever forgetting this song. While “Coco’s” cheerful offerings like “Un Poco Loco” are easier to revisit, the brilliance of “Remember Me” is simply unmatched. It’s rearranged for several key moments in the film, and each time, it stirs up emotions in a way that only the best music can. Keep in mind, Disney fans already had plenty to listen to this year. For example, the “Beauty and the Beast” remake, which finally gave its male lead a true solo in “Evermore.” Oh, and we can’t forget “Descendants 2” strutting back into our hearts with “Chillin' Like a Villain.” No matter what, though, all roads lead back to “Remember Me.”

“Mary Poppins Returns” (2018)

In 2018, Mary Poppins used her umbrella to float back down to movie screens. And, of course, she came with a bevy of new, iconic songs. Chief among them, “A Cover is Not the Book.” It’s big, it’s bold, it’s brassy, and it’s exactly what you’d want from a live-action musical. Plus, where else will you hear a duet between Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda? Speaking of duets, we have to credit “Someday” from “Zombies” for crafting one of the most captivating love songs in recent memory. But, even with love, it’s still not as impossibly cute as Vanellope’s song in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Evidently, this year had spoonfuls of sugar all around.

“Frozen II” (2019)

We know Elsa’s the ice queen, but seriously, her voice here is downright chill-inducing. “Into the Unknown” already showed off Idina Menzel’s pipes, but thanks to the addition of Evan Rachel Wood, “Show Yourself” has harmonies that are too good to be true. However, Elsa wasn’t the only one with amazing songs this year. Kristoff got his due with “Lost in the Woods,” and on the live-action side, Jasmine finally earned herself a solo for the remake of “Aladdin.” Then, there’s “All I Want” from “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” a song so inspiring, it pretty much put Olivia Rodrigo on the map. Who knew Elsa had so much competition?

“Soul” (2020)

Jazz is just as integral to “Soul” as the animation itself. It’s much like “Carried Me With You,” the end-credits theme from Pixar’s other 2020 feature, “Onward.” Without that song’s emotional resolution, the movie would feel incomplete. Luckily, “Soul” also has the music to back up its message, most notably with “Bigger Than Us.” Whether you’re a jazz fanatic or a total newbie, anyone can appreciate the artistry in this tune. Once Joe joins in on the piano, you’ll be lost in the beautiful melody right alongside him. While the movie is brimming with heart from its first scene, it’s songs like this that really give “Soul,” well, soul.

“Encanto” (2021)

We don’t talk about Bruno, but at this point, we don’t have to. He’s just that popular. Now, admittedly, “Encanto” is full of plenty of jaw-dropping musical numbers, from “Surface Pressure” to “Waiting On a Miracle.” But, there’s no denying that “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is the breakout song of the film. Do you really need an explanation? The lively tempo will have you tapping your toe, then humming along, then all-out belting, and then rewinding to listen to it all over again. If you need a palette cleanser during your “Encanto” rewatch, there’s always “Agatha All Along” from “WandaVision.” That spooky chorus is so catchy, it’s unfair.

“Turning Red” (2022)

Okay, Mei, we get why you love 4*Town now. This fictional boy band has five singers, but only needs one song to make you a fan for life. Introducing: “Nobody Like U.” Part loving parody, part swoon-worthy love song, and part pop jingle, 4*Town’s signature track is basically the quintessential boy band tune. And yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. On the other side of Disney+, “Disenchanted” only needs two singers to make “Badder” a hit. Although, when those two are Amy Adams and Maya Rudolph, it doesn’t feel like a fair fight. If Giselle gets to come to the real world, fingers crossed 4*Town can make the leap, too.

“Wish” (2023)

There’s no need to wish upon a star; Ariana DeBose is already one. She masterfully channels Asha’s determination into every single lyric, and all the while, her pitch is nothing short of flawless. Of course, it helps that “This Wish” is unshakeably empowering. Still, Chris Pine’s deliciously evil villain song, “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” is a very worthy contender. So is the film’s credit song, “A Wish Worth Making,” which serves as a joyous celebration of the movie’s themes. Don’t forget Pixar, either. “Elemental” nearly takes the cake with its appropriately titled closing number, “Steal The Show.” By now, our only wish is the time to listen to all of these.