The 33 best Disney songs

The Disney song of all Disney songs, I hear the ‘Circle of Life’ in my head every time I draw the curtains, every time I open the door and it’s sunny outside, every time I see a lion, meerkat or baboon (which isn’t often, I’ll admit). As the song builds to its climax, it feels as if you are at one with the animals of this earth, ready to take on the world and all its challenges. In fact, this might even be the best song ever written. 

No matter when or where we hear this favourite from Randy Newman, we can’t help but picture ourselves in Andy’s bedroom as Buzz, Woody and pals come to life while the toys' owners are out and about. This song is practically synonymous with the Toy Story franchise!

Sebastian the crab leads this Caribbean-flavoured tune from The Little Mermaid, which was written by Disney song stalwart (and EGOT winner) Alan Menken. It’s so infectious, we can’t help but wish we were jammin’ under the sea with the whole crew of marine musicians.

Remember when Aladdin pulls out all the stops to win over Princess Jasmine? The two hop onboard a magic carpet ride, and he’s literally giving her a new perspective on the world below. We can’t help join the lovebirds on their enchanted journey as Aladdin's tune fills us with excitement and curiosity about ‘dazzling places we never knew.’ Much more exciting than a bus ride, right?

The Aristocats isn’t the most famous Disney movie, but it’s practically purr-fect in every way – definitely give it a watch if you haven’t already. This jazzy tune is a riot as alleycat Thomas O’Malley and his crew sing about the pleasures of being a feline.

Who d’you think you’re kidding by not including this song on your Disney hits list? Not only is it perfectly catchy, but it’s also one of the greatest g-rated love songs of the last century. So don’t say you’re not in love with this song just as much as your kids because we know you probably are.

When it comes to infectious ballads, Elsa certainly knows how to win over kids’ hearts. The Queen of the cold, voiced by Wicked legend Idina Menzel, continues to reign supreme on our TV screens and playlists thanks to her highly beloved song, ‘Let It Go.’ The emotional, powerful track details her struggles with her icy-cold powers and her attempts to keep these abilities a secret...until she decides it’s finally time to let it go. 

Ah, what a wonderful phrase! When Simba crosses paths with Timon and Pumbaa, the dynamic duo provides a whole new perspective with this catchy, jovial jam. Their mantra is one we can all appreciate: Chill out, relax and go with the flow! Although Simba is skeptical at first, he soon joins in the singing and learns to embrace the carefree vibe – and who can blame him?

This song isn’t just a hell of an earworm, but a warm hug in musical form. Baloo the bear knows how to live the life, and it begins with not holding on to worries or strife. Much like Timon and Pumbaa do with Simba in The Lion King, Baloo teaches little Mowgli how to live freely, and it’s a low-key delight to listen to.

We can’t help but swoon over this romantic tune as Belle and the Beast have their first dance in his grand ballroom (and her gorgeous golden gown sways about). It's simply magical! Plus, any scene with Mrs. Potts – voiced by the great Dame Angela Lansbury – is always a crowd-pleaser.

Appearing at a key moment in the movie, when Mr. Banks realises his family is the most important thing in his life, this song is literally uplifting. Don’t we all just want to go fly a kite, reaching the highest heights? Sing this one outside at the top of your lungs, whether you’re flying an actual kite or not (but try it out, kite flying is fun!).

Voicing the Genie in Aladdin was one of Robin Williams’ finest moments, mainly because the wildcard comedy great really let rip with the ad-libs. Will Smith also smashed this song in the 2019 remake, proving ‘Friend Like Me’ is a song that pairs well with a planet-sized personality. 

The Little Mermaid’s tentacled villain sizzles with this song. Try to match Ursula’s booming voice and you’ll feel like the master of destinies, a fulfiller of dreams… Ursula claims to be helping others, but makes lopsided deals that mostly benefit her. She’s a mean one, but her big number is still a joyous one to sing (and the scene in the movie is pretty cool too). Also, Ursula is probably the most subversive Disney villain ever, and certainly the only one based on a drag queen – legendary Hairspray star Divine.

Although the spectacular library in Beauty and the Beast earns a lot of praise, we cannot forget about the kitchen. Lumière, the French candlestick, goes out of his way to show Belle just how spectacular the dining accommodations are in the castle—and you can certainly colour her (and us) impressed!

Ariel’s iconic anthem ‘Part of Your World’ will never get out of style – and we can’t wait to hear Halle Bailey sing it in the 2023 live-action movie. In the meantime, you’ll probably remember that in the 1989 animated film, the mermaid longs for legs and would rather stay on land than under the sea. A wicked octopus named Ursula can make Ariel’s dream a reality...but selfishly, she wants the young mermaid’s musical pipes in exchange for the favour. Though we empathise with Ariel, we can understand why fellow sea creatures are envious of her musical abilities.

This ridiculous song plays up the infatuation that Gaston has with no other than himself. It seems the entire world is just as in love—except the one he wants to marry! Toxic masculinity, much? Still, no one could deny that this classic Disney banger still rips.

In a movie chock full of New Orleans jazz and funk, this one is the feel-good banger of the bunch. Tiana describes to her mother what her dream restaurant will be like when she finally opens it. She’s almost there, and we feel her excitement. It’s a great one to sing when you’re on the verge of finishing that next big project or within reach of that next major goal.

Like Ursula’s ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’, this juicy number shines the spotlight on the bad guy. Dr. Facilier promises to make Prince Naveen’s dreams come true with some ‘green’, but unfortunately it’s not the money kind of green. This jazzy song will have you dancing to the beat. It’s another great one showcasing a Disney villain, but you won’t feel bad for singing along.

Despite his family’s wishes and detest for music, all Miguel wants is to sing like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. In a heartwarming tale with catchy tunes, Coco is deeply rooted in Spanish culture and proves to be a hit with all ages—especially when Miguel belts out numbers like this.

Sung by Jimini Cricket over the opening credits of 1940’s Pinocchio, this affecting ballad has gone on to become Disney’s unofficial anthem. That’s because it embodies everything the Mouse House stands for: magic, endless possibilities and timelessness. It’s a feeling of wide-eyed wonder in musical form.

If you haven’t hummed this tune to yourself while getting ready to go to work or sung it to your kids while trying to shuffle them off somewhere, then maybe you’ve been under some kind of spell. As catchy as ‘It’s a Small World’ but not nearly as annoying, the anthem of the iconic Seven Dwarfs is bouncy and joyful, making the trek to work just a little better. Sing along with Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, Dopey, and Doc and start every day with this proud sendoff.

Though most people think that ‘Genie in a Bottle’ kickstarted Christina Aguilera’s career, her incredible vocal skills in Mulan is what made listeners first take notice. This emotional ballad helps us resonate with Mulan’s struggle as she heads off to war in place of her ailing father: something considered impossible for women at the time. Aguilera’s yearning vocals really illuminate her struggle, helping to create a very affecting Disney moment.

When foreign explorers reach her village, Pocahontas must teach them that we have a responsibility to respect all creatures. The film’s stirring signature song – composed by Alan Menken – deservedly cleaned up at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys in 1995. It also became a major hit for future Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams.

This song’s name says it all: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! It’s essentially a big helping of exuberant nonsense, but the great Julie Andrews really sells it, so don’t even try to pretend you can resist.

This sweet song introduces us to Lilo’s Hawaiian world; it’s an infectious highlight of a typically charming Disney family movie. Every time we hear it, we can’t help but jump up and attempt to hula along with the kids – both on-screen and off.

‘Let It Go’ might hog the spotlight, but you’d be remiss not to add Frozen's ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’ to your Disney playlist. On this sweet, pure track, young Anna desperately tries to get big sis Elsa to embrace her cold-weather magic. Yes, Anna, we want to build a snowman, and we’ll keep your tune on full blast whenever a dose of wicked winter comes our way. After all, what blizzard would be complete without sculpting our own personal Olaf?

We still remember squealing when a full-grown Simba is reunited with his childhood best friend Nala and the two fall in love! (All the feels!) Elton John deservedly won an Oscar for writing this effortlessly romantic ballad, one of his best-ever songs.

A beautiful night if ever there was one! This extravagant Italian romp from Lady and the Tramp plays as the cutest date in cinematic history unfolds. The spaghetti slurp! The nose boop! That’s amore!

Some might say it's impossible to top ‘Let It Go,’ but Idina Menzel's Frozen II follow-up is an empowering anthem that comes awfully close. It’ll make you excited to tackle any challenge that come your way. And—a surprise to no one— Menzel's vocal range is nothing short of stunning.

Bebe Rexha’s empowering anthem is a dance-worthy hit from Maleficent 2. Her impressive vocals will get your blood pumping and inspire you to tackle any challenge that lies ahead. (If we’re being honest, this is a great karaoke song, too).

With a flick of her wrist and the wave of her wand, the Fairy Godmother turns Cinderella’s world upside down, all while nonchalantly singing this melodious tongue-twister of a tune. Perhaps we’ll try belting out ‘bibbidi bobbidi boo’ next time we really want things to go our way.

The tune, sung by Phil Collins, tells the tale of Tarzan, a human boy raised in the jungle by apes, and how he bridges the gap between the two species. We bet Collins’ daughter – Emily in Paris star Lily – heard it a lot when she was growing up.