Every animated Disney film, ranked by critics

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

After the success of the studio's 1999 movie "Tarzan" and its soundtrack, which featured Phil Collins, Disney attempted to recapture that magic with "Brother Bear," a story of brotherly love that also included Collins' music.

However, Nell Minow of Common Sense Media called this film a "lackluster story only for kindergarteners."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

Based on the folk tale of the same name, "Chicken Little" is about a fearful little chicken who becomes convinced the sky is falling. While the adults in his life dismiss him, it becomes clear that something is certainly afoot in his small town.

"When Disney can't hit a tried-and-true fairy-tale adaptation out of the park, maybe it's time to give up the ghost and get Pixar back on the phone," wrote the Orlando Sentinel's Roger Moore.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

"Wish" is filled to the brim with Easter eggs referring to Disney's 100 years of magic, but the studio seems to have forgotten to add a compelling story, lovable characters, or well-written songs.

Asha had the potential to be an all-time Disney princess, but the rules of this universe are confusing, and Magnifico's heel turn seemingly comes out of nowhere.

"This fairy tale feels more like a corporate product than a magical event; it's a limp dissertation on Disney's motto that, 'When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true,'" wrote The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 49%

There's not a cute animal sidekick or a show tune to be found in "Atlantis." Instead, Milo, a passionate archaeologist, unwittingly exposes the people of Atlantis to the corporate greed of the surface world in this slightly depressing story.

"It's so oppressively tedious at times that you almost wish the cast would break into a chorus of 'Under the Sea,'" wrote Lou Lumenick for The New York Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%

"Home on the Range" is a simple story of three cows who decide to take matters into their own hands (hooves?) to save their farm by collecting a bounty put on the head of Alameda Slim, a cattle rustler and thief.

Richard Roeper called it "a serviceable time-killer" on "At the Movies."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

This cartoon is a loose adaptation of the Charles Dickens story "Oliver Twist," but instead of a down-on-his-luck orphan, Oliver is an adorable stray kitten.

"With its captivating characters, sprightly songs and zap-happy animation, 'Oliver & Company' adds up to a tip-top frolic," wrote Peter Travers for People.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Pocahontas was a real Native American woman. but her life did not follow the fairy tale story put forth by Disney. No matter how good "Colors of the Wind" is, this film is flawed and best left in the past.

"All Disney has really done in its disappointing 33rd animated feature is revive the stereotype of the Noble Savage," wrote Rita Kempley for The Washington Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

"The Black Cauldron" is based on Welsh mythology — hence why characters have names like Princess Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam. It tells the story of a teenager named Taran who longs to become a hero. He gets his chance when he sets out to prevent the Horned King from using the Black Cauldron to raise an evil army.

"This is the 25th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney studios, and professionally put together as it is, many of the ingredients may seem programmed to those who have seen some of the others," wrote Walter Goodman of The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

In this version of the classic tale, Robin Hood and Maid Marian are foxes, his best friend Little John is a bear — who looks suspiciously like Baloo from "The Jungle Book" — and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is a wolf.

"The washed-out, muted colors are a mistake, and if Robin Hood is sometimes hilarious, it has little memorable magic," wrote Alan R. Howard of The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

"The Aristocats" is essentially the tale of "Lady and the Tramp," but this time with cats. Duchess, a pristine cat and mom of three precocious kittens, meets the alley cat Thomas O'Malley and falls in love.

"Before the disastrous aughts, was there a worse decade for Disney animated features than the 1970s?" asked Matt Brunson of View From the Couch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

"Dinosaur" is the story of Aladar, a dinosaur who was orphaned and then raised by lemurs. Aladar and his adopted family join up with other dinosaurs to find a safe place after a natural disaster devastates their home. If this sounds just like the other animated dinosaur film, "The Land Before Time," to you, you're not alone.

Michael Sragow of Salon wrote, "Well, Bambi meets Godzilla again in the new computer-cartoon epic 'Dinosaur,' but the results aren't so witty."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%

Notably, this was the last Disney film to be released before Walt Disney's death in 1966.

"The Sword in the Stone" is King Athur's origin story — he meets legendary sorcerer Merlin and pulls out Excalibur, the sword lodged inside the stone.

'There is still some life in the characterizations, though the animation is turning stiff and flat," wrote Chicago Reader's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

In "Meet the Robinsons," Lewis is desperate to find his birth mother, who gave him up for adoption. Instead, he's brought to the future by the mysterious Wilbur, who claims he's a time cop.

"Charming as all these surface layers are — and even in 2D, it's more than passable family fare — 'Meet The Robinsons' really flowers with the extra dimension, which makes an already neato cinematic universe feel palpably inhabitable," wrote Scott Tobias for the AV Club.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%

"Treasure Planet" updates the setting of the famed pirate story "Treasure Island" to the future. Instead of hitching a ride on a pirate ship, Jim Hawkins hops on a spaceship — and instead of looking for buried treasure, Jim and his friends are searching for a missing planet made entirely of treasure.

"Akin to an extremely well-made Saturday morning cartoon — great for hyperactive four-year-olds or hungover students, not worth a trip to the pictures," wrote Nev Pierce for the BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

At the time, "The Rescuers" was one of Disney's most popular films (even if its reputation has been somewhat diminished since its release in 1977), which is why our two favorite mice, Bernard and Bianca, returned for this film.

This time, Bernard and Bianca are sent to Australia by the Rescue Aid Society to help a young boy who's been kidnapped.

"A gorgeously drawn myth made for plucky children and very brave mice," wrote The Washington Post's Rita Kempley.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Based on the 1831 Victor Hugo novel of the same name, "Hunchback" centers on sweet Quasimodo, a physically deformed man who is orphaned after the villainous Judge Frollo murders his mother.

To atone for his sins, Frollo adopts Quasimodo but keeps him hidden atop Notre Dame's bell tower. But when Quasimodo catches sight of Esmerelda, he vows to enter the world below.

"You're quickly won over by the movie's subversive wit, swept along by its narrative bravado and its enormous visual energy. This new 'Hunchback' is a triumph on its own terms, and on any other terms that might come to mind." wrote Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Not even the A-list voice talent of Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, and Lucy Liu could save this movie — which isn't bad! — from flopping.

"Strange Worlds" is about the Clades, a family of legendary explorers who must venture into space to see if they can save their planet.

"So much of 'Strange World's' audaciousness is front-loaded into its concept, and so little of it comes through in the execution," wrote Alison Willmore for Vulture.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

"The Fox and the Hound" is one of the rare Disney movies that doesn't have a totally happy ending. Tod, a fox, and Copper, a bloodhound, meet when they're young and become best friends. But when they grow up, they learn they're natural enemies.

It ends on a bittersweet note, as the two friends acknowledge that they probably won't see each other again, but are at peace in the forest.

"All charmingness aside, this cute but rather thinly plotted yarn exposes the cracks that were present in the pre-renaissance Disney empire," wrote William Thomas of Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

"Frozen II" picks up soon after where "Frozen" left off — Elsa is now queen and in control of her ice powers, Anna and Kristoff are in love, and Olaf is just happy he's not melting.

But when Elsa begins to hear a mysterious voice calling out to her, our characters leave Arendelle behind to discover the source of Elsa's power.

"The songs, perhaps not as compelling as in the original, still make the heart beat faster now and then," wrote Stephen Romei for The Australian.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

"Peter Pan" is based on the 1904 play of the same name by JM Barrie.

In it, the Darling children are whisked away to Neverland, a magical world where children never grow up, fairy dust lets you fly, and an evil captain with a hook for a hand terrorizes the seas.

But Neverland is also home to Tiger Lily and her tribe, who are drawn in the most stereotypical way possible — so much so that Disney has added an apology before the film plays on Disney+.

"It is still a lush, bright feature that happily clicks along with rollicking songs by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and others," wrote Dolores Barclay for the Associated Press.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

In this story, Basil and Dawson are the mice stand-ins for Sherlock and Watson, while Professor Ratigan (a rat) is based on Sherlock's arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty.

"'The Great Mouse Detective' reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time," wrote Charles Solomon for the Los Angeles Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

"The Rescuers" focuses on Bernard and Bianca, two mice who are sent to help Penny, a young orphan who has been kidnapped by the evil Madame Medusa, who plans to use her to steal a precious jewel.

"Although not one of the studio's classics, it has warmth, humor and delightful characterization," wrote Victoria Mather for The Daily Telegraph.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

"Hercules" is a loose re-telling of the Greek myth of the hero Heracles. After getting kidnapped and turned (almost) mortal by Hades' henchmen, Hercules goes on a quest to prove to his father, Zeus, and the rest of the gods that he's worthy of immortality and godhood.

"Jumps into the ancient legends feet-first, cheerfully tossing out what won't fit and combining what's left into a new look and a lighthearted style," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," this adaptation follows Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and meets unforgettable characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the Queen of Hearts.

"If you are not too particular about the images of Carroll and [illustrator John] Tenniel, if you are high on Disney whimsy, and if you'll take a somewhat slow, uneven pace, you should find this picture entertaining," wrote Bosley Crowther for The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"The Princess and the Frog" updates the setting of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Frog Prince" to 1920s New Orleans. Tiana is a determined young woman who wants more than anything to open her own restaurant.

When she kisses prince turned frog Naveen to revert him back to humanity, the opposite happens: Tiana turns into a frog, too.

"This has a lot to commend it, and it isn't just nostalgia for the Disney past. It's a visual treat," wrote The London Evening Standard's Derek Malcolm.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

After years of criticism regarding its Disney princesses and their lack of agency, audiences were given Mulan, a young woman who secretly takes her father's place in the Chinese Imperial army by disguising herself as a boy.

Mulan is a warrior through and through. No one could ever call her a typical damsel in distress.

"Overall, this is a lovely film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on rather serious issues of war, honor, gender roles and family pride," wrote Moira MacDonald for The Seattle Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

In "The Emperor's New Groove," David Spade stars as Kuzco, the self-absorbed, clueless Incan emperor, who is turned into a llama by his evil advisor Yzma, who wants to steal the throne for herself. To get his throne back, Kuzco must team up with the kindly peasant Pacha, whose house he has marked for destruction.

CNN's Paul Tatara called Kuzco's tale "a silly little movie that's smarter than most of the self-important features that came out this year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Newly orphaned sisters Lilo and Nani are struggling to adjust to their new normal when Lilo adopts Stitch, a rambunctious alien who she thinks is just a weird dog. When two agents of the Galactic Federation come looking for Stitch, chaos erupts on Kauai.

"It's one of the most charming feature-length cartoons of recent years — funny, sassy, startling, original, and with six songs by Elvis," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

"Wreck-It Ralph" is the story of Wreck-It Ralph, the villain in the classic arcade game "Fix-It Felix Jr." But when Ralph is sick of being the bad guy in everyone's story, he goes on an epic journey visiting other video games to become a hero.

"'Wreck-It Ralph' is a must-see for anyone who grew up playing 1980s arcade games — and their kids will love it too," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro UK.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Running at just 68 minutes long, this is an anthology film. First up is "The Wind in the Willows," which is the story of J. Thaddeus Toad, who is trying to save his home from bankruptcy.

The second story is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," in which Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow and is stalked by the terrifying Headless Horseman.

Chicago Reader's Jonathan Rosenbaum called this film "engaging and lively."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

This film is based on the Rudyard Kipling book of the same name, published in 1894 — and was the last film Walt Disney himself worked on. He died during its production.

It's the simple story of Mowgli, an orphaned human raised by wolves. But when it becomes clear that the evil tiger Shere Khan will stop at nothing to kill Mowgli, a panther named Bagheera and a bear Baloo agree to take Mowgli back to the human village he came from.

"It's a slight tale, of course, and incredibly short, but the characters and songs are pretty much perfect viewing time and again," wrote Empire's Ian Nathan.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Six years after Ralph discovers that even though he's a villain in his game, he doesn't have to be a bad guy, he's on another adventure with his friend Vanellope. This time, our duo heads to the internet to find a part that's needed to fix Vanellope's game, "Sugar Rush."

"'Ralph Breaks the Internet' works because it doesn't pander, and it doesn't simplify," wrote Brian Tallerico for RogerEbert.com.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Based on the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan" tells the story of the titular character being raised by apes after his parents are killed. Although he feels out of place, he doesn't know any different until Jane and her crew of explorers arrive at Tarzan's jungle and begin to show him a different way.

"Tarzan" is a fun time at the movies, but its lasting legacy is the multiple songs on the soundtrack written and performed by Phil Collins.

In June 1999, Peter Stack of The San Francisco Chronicle called it "so far, the most entertaining film of the year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

"Tangled" is a classic Disney princess film, but made with modern 3D animation, a first for the studio. It tells the tale of Rapunzel, a teenager with magical hair who longs to see the world outside her tower — and when the charming thief Flynn Rider happens upon her home, she seizes the chance to break free.

"If this is what old-fashioned means, then bring it on," wrote Derek Malcolm of The London Evening Standard.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

While it doesn't seem like it now, a Disney princess story where the true love story is between two sisters was groundbreaking. Add in some of the catchiest songs ever written by the House of Mouse and a lovable (if somewhat grating) snowman, and you have one of the studio's biggest and most beloved films, raking in more than $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.

"'Frozen' feels like it's breaking new ground in telling a story where the women are actually in control, and where the clichés of their narratives are turned inside out, almost as a sly commentary on what has come before," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

For all the talk about how poorly this relationship has aged — sure, it's true love's kiss, but can someone under a sleeping curse really consent? — this movie is a wonder to look at. Maleficent, the evil witch, remains a high point of Disney's character designs.

"'Sleeping Beauty' is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it's not just the best animated film to ever come out of Walt Disney Studios, but it is also the finest animated motion picture I've ever seen, period," wrote Sara Michelle Fetters for MovieFreak.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

In the 16 years since its release, it seems like "Bolt" has been somewhat forgotten. But it's fun! It stars John Travolta as the voice of Bolt, the star of a hit TV series who doesn't realize his superpowers on the show aren't real. When he believes his owner is kidnapped — but really, it's just a cliffhanger in the show — he embarks on a cross-country journey to rescue her.

"While it may lack a certain amount of bite, there's plenty of bark to recommend this winning animated adventure," wrote The Sydney Morning Herald's Eddie Cockrell.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Everyone's favorite honey-loving bear, who starred in 1977's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," returned to the big screen in "Winnie the Pooh." This time, Pooh and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew team up to save Christopher Robin from a monster they're calling the Backson — in reality, Christopher Robin is just at school and will be "back soon."

"It's a pleasure to sink into an animated family movie from Disney that radiates charm with a gentleness that seems damn near revolutionary," wrote Peter Travers for Rolling Stone.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Bambi" is a straightforward story about a young deer growing up in the forest and learning how to protect the forest creatures from hunters known only as Man.

But this film's lasting legacy is the death of Bambi's mother, which remains tear-inducing to this day.

The New York Times' Theodore Strauss wrote, "In colors that would surprise even the spectrum itself, Disney's cartoon craftsmen have re-created a woodland that shimmers and glows and darkens altogether magically."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Disney went through a rough period in the '70 and '80s — when "The Little Mermaid" was released in 1989, it was a return to form for the studio. It's a classic love story with beloved songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."

"'The Little Mermaid' — impudent, grandiose, a multilevel crowd-pleaser — almost returns the Disney animated features to their glory traditions of the '30s and '40s," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Michael Wilmington.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Encanto" is about the Madrigal family, who each receives a magical power when they turn 5 — all except Mirabel, who was mysteriously skipped over. When the magic in their home starts failing, Mirabel makes it her mission to save her family, powers or not.

"You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' — expositional but infectious — all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching 'Encanto's' world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers," wrote Time Out's Whelan Barzey.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"The Lion King" combined breathtaking visuals, amazing songs composed by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, and an epic coming-of-age story to cruise to $978 million at the box office.

Jay Carr wrote in The Boston Globe, "Make no mistake, the magnitude of the achievement here far outweighs any shortcomings. 'The Lion King' is both populist blockbuster and royal treat."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Lady and the Tramp" is another Disney film that now comes with a disclaimer due to the problematic nature of its two Siamese cats, Si and Am.

If you're able to move past that, though, "Lady and the Tramp" is simple and sweet. Lady is a dog who's barely left her house, but due to a misunderstanding, she ends up on the street and meets the stray Tramp.

Their spaghetti kiss is still being referenced to this day.

"The quintessential American love story — the one between the spoiled heiress and the spontaneous, fun-loving guy from the wrong side of the tracks — has seldom been more elegantly and entertainingly told," wrote The Chicago Tribune's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Kelly Marie Tran stars as Raya, a young woman who goes on a quest to find the last dragon to reunite her fractured country, Kumandra.

"As an overall throwback, and as a return to the streamlined storytelling upon which Disney built its supremacy, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' is a welcome expansion of the Disney universe," wrote Pajiba's Roxana Hadadi.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

"Beauty and the Beast" is based on, well, a tale as old as time: a French fairy tale from the 1700s. In it, Belle is taken hostage by a prince turned beast who lives in a castle filled with talking furniture.

When you take it out of context, as with many animated films, it's … weird. But songs like "Be Our Guest," "Beauty and the Beast," "Gaston," and "Belle" are all-time favorites.

"The set pieces are narcotically pleasing, especially the Busby Berkeley-style dancing-kitchenware spectacular, 'Be Our Guest,' and the romantic ballroom centerpiece that brings Beauty and her Beast together," wrote Lisa Schwarzbaum for Entertainment Weekly.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Dumbo" has some problematic elements, including a flock of stereotypical crows — one of whom was originally named Jim Crow — a drunk baby elephant, and "Song of the Roustabouts."

But Dumbo's design makes him one of the cutest characters in the Disney canon, and "Baby Mine" is a tearjerker.

"Perfection, thy name is Dumbo," wrote Slant Magazine's Rob Humanick.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Aladdin" is anchored by the iconic voiceover performance by Robin Williams as the Genie. But there's lots of other stuff to love, like Princess Jasmine and her pet tiger Rajah, the bumbling Sultan, and the sweet "street rat" Aladdin.

While its depiction of the Middle East has been criticized, as noted by the BBC, "Aladdin" remains one of the most-loved Disney films of the last 40 years.

"The magical, the mystical, the mysterious — all those powers that lurk within movies but are rarely tapped are unleashed in Disney's latest magnificent animation, 'Aladdin,'" wrote Duane Byrge for The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Moana" is another modern Disney princess film that eschews a love story for a story of personal growth. Moana ventures out to the sea to save her island and, along the way, learns that she's capable of leading her people and exploring the open ocean.

Victoria Luxford called "Moana" "great fun" and "a traditional Disney Princess film but with a little more depth to it, being about personal discovery and bravery" for BBC CWR.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Almost 90 years later, the tale of Snow White, her seven dwarf friends, the Evil Queen, the Huntsman, and her handsome (unnamed) prince, remains the blueprint.

"It was the dearest picture I have ever seen. The characters were so sweet that I just wanted to hug them," wrote the Miami Herald's Elizabeth Hemphill.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Cinderella" is one of the most frequently adapted fairy tales of all time, but Disney's animated version of the rags-to-riches story is the most beloved. And it's been said that Cinderella's transformation was one of Walt Disney's favorite pieces of animation.

"The musical numbers woven into the fantasy are generally solid, with at least two or three likely hit tunes standing out in the half-dozen songs," Variety wrote in 1949.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

This movie did more for Dalmatians than any best-in-show title could — and its villain, the puppy-napping, fur-obsessed Cruella de Vil, is still one of Disney's best-known villains.

"Among the many contributions of Disney and his team to the cinema, this is perhaps the strangest: they have made us watch with heart in mouth the adventures of beings who exist only as the projection of photographs and colored drawings," wrote Dilys Powell for the Sunday Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Zootopia" takes place in a world without humans, where anthropomorphic mammals have built their own society, complete with laws, organized crime, and tax evaders like Nick Wilde (a fox voiced by Jason Bateman).

"The fictional universe it presents — a human-free world where mammals have evolved into a bustling, civilized society — is vividly realized, richly detailed, and very funny," wrote John Nugent for Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is three shorts starring Pooh as he combats a blustery day, bees, Heffalumps, and Tigger's inability to stop bouncing.

"You'll enjoy reuniting with childhood friends, and for the next-generation fans of The Book of Pooh, this batch of honey couldn't be sweeter," wrote Entertainment Weekly's Dalton Ross.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"Pinocchio" is based on an Italian children's story from 1883. It's a heartwarming (if a bit creepy) story of a wooden puppet who comes to life after its creator, Gepetto, wishes upon a star.

Why has "Pinocchio" remained at the top of the pack? Well, "When You Wish Upon a Star" is Disney's official theme, distilling everything we love about Disney movies into a 3-minute and 15-second song.

Otis Ferguson wrote in The New Republic that "Pinocchio" is "a delight and at times will take your breath away, for the limits of the animated cartoon have been blown so wide open that some of the original wonder of pictures — wonder and terror too, as when that train roared up into the camera — is restored."