25 Best Disney Songs Through the Years

Disney has been enchanting audiences for nearly a century with its magical films and iconic music. From the first-ever animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to modern hits like Frozen and Moana, Disney has produced some of the most beloved and memorable songs in the history of film.

The Best Disney Songs Through the Years captures the very essence of what makes Disney songs so special. These songs capture the imagination, transport us to fantastical worlds, and inspire us to dream big. This list includes classic Disney tunes like “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “A Whole New World,” as well as modern hits like “Let It Go” and “How Far I’ll Go.”

Each of these songs has become a part of the cultural fabric of our society, with their messages of love, hope, and adventure resonating with audiences of all ages. The Best Disney Songs Through the Years showcases the musical genius of Disney, reminding us of the magic and wonder that can be found in every frame of a Disney film.

The 25 Best Disney Songs Through the Years showcases the most beloved and memorable Disney songs, spanning from classic films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Cinderella, to modern-day hits like Frozen and Moana. Each of these songs has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with their enchanting melodies and powerful lyrics.

This list highlights the musical genius of Disney, from the playful and lighthearted to the deeply emotional and moving. The songs on this list represent the very best of Disney, reminding us of the magic and wonder that the company has brought to generations of fans around the world.

1. Let It Go – Frozen

“Let It Go” is a song from the 2013 Disney animated film Frozen, written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Sung by the character Elsa, it became an instant hit and a cultural phenomenon, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and reaching the top of the charts in many countries. The song is a powerful anthem about self-acceptance and liberation, with Elsa finally embracing her magical powers and letting go of the fear and shame that had been holding her back.
Musically, “Let It Go” is a stirring ballad with a catchy chorus and soaring vocals from Idina Menzel, who voices Elsa in the film. The song’s production is also notable, with a sweeping orchestral arrangement and some impressive vocal techniques, including Menzel’s belt and the use of a vocoder in the bridge. The song has been covered by many artists and has spawned countless parodies and remixes, cementing its place as one of the most iconic Disney songs of all time.

2. How Far I’ll Go – Moana

“How Far I’ll Go” is a song from the 2016 Disney animated film Moana, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Sung by the film’s protagonist, Moana, the song is an uplifting and empowering ballad about following one’s dreams and embracing one’s identity, even when others doubt or discourage you. Like “Let It Go,” “How Far I’ll Go” features a memorable melody and powerful vocals, with Auliʻi Cravalho (who voices Moana in the film) delivering a heartfelt and nuanced performance. The song’s lyrics are also notable for their depth and sincerity, as they capture the inner struggles and aspirations of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. Musically, “How Far I’ll Go” blends traditional Polynesian elements with modern pop sensibilities, creating a unique and infectious sound that reflects the film’s themes of exploration and cultural fusion. The song has also been covered and remixed by various artists, including Alessia Cara and Dwayne Johnson (who voices Maui in the film), further cementing its popularity and impact.

3. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is a song written and performed by Randy Newman for the 1995 animated film Toy Story. The song serves as the main theme of the film and has become synonymous with the Toy Story franchise. The lyrics of the song convey the idea of a loyal friendship that can withstand any challenges, and how the bond between two individuals can be strengthened through difficult times.
The song is performed in a country style with Newman’s distinct vocals and a catchy melody that has a timeless quality to it. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Bublé, and has been used in various media and marketing campaigns due to its popularity and wide appeal.

4. I’ll Make a Man Out of You – Mulan

“I’ll Make a Man Out of You” is a song from Disney’s 1998 animated film Mulan. Sung by Donny Osmond, the song is a rousing and motivational anthem that captures the film’s themes of bravery, discipline, and perseverance. The song’s lyrics follow the character of Captain Li Shang as he trains his soldiers to become skilled warriors and overcome their fears and weaknesses. The song features a memorable melody and driving beat, with Osmond’s vocals conveying a sense of urgency and determination. The song has been praised for its positive message and its ability to inspire listeners, particularly young children. The song has also been covered and parodied by various artists and has become a beloved and iconic part of the Mulan franchise.

5. Hakuna Matata – The Lion King

“Hakuna Matata” is a song from Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King. The phrase “Hakuna Matata” means “no worries” in Swahili and the song’s lyrics convey a carefree attitude towards life. The song is performed by the characters Timon and Pumbaa and serves as a lighthearted and humorous moment in the film.
The song has a catchy melody and features upbeat and playful vocals from Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella, who voice Timon and Pumbaa, respectively. The song has become an iconic part of The Lion King franchise and has been covered and parodied by various artists.

6. We Don’t Talk About Bruno – Encanto

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is a song from Disney’s 2021 animated film Encanto. The song is performed by the character of Mirabel, who sings about her family’s refusal to acknowledge the existence of her uncle, Bruno. The song’s lyrics are both humorous and poignant, touching on themes of family dynamics, secrets, and the pressure to maintain appearances. The song has a lively and upbeat melody with a mix of Latin and pop influences, and features strong vocals from Stephanie Beatriz, who voices Mirabel. The song has been praised for its catchy tune and its ability to capture the film’s themes of family, identity, and self-acceptance. It has also become a popular part of the Encanto soundtrack and has been covered and remixed by various artists.

7. Colors of the Wind – Pocahontas

“Colors of the Wind” is a song from Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas. The song is performed by the character of Pocahontas, who sings about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting nature and different cultures. The song’s lyrics are poetic and powerful, and convey a message of unity, empathy, and understanding.
The song has a beautiful melody and is performed by the legendary singer and actress, Judy Kuhn. The song has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television. The song has become an iconic part of the Pocahontas franchise and has been covered by various artists.

8. Bella Notte – Lady And The Tramp

“Bella Notte” is a song from Disney’s 1955 animated film Lady and the Tramp. The song is performed by the characters of Lady and Tramp, as they share a romantic spaghetti dinner in an alleyway. The song’s lyrics evoke the charm and beauty of an Italian night and the romantic feelings between the two dogs. The song has a melodic and romantic tune, with vocals from George Givot and Bill Thompson, who voice the characters of Tony and Joe, the restaurant owners who serenade Lady and Tramp. The song has become an iconic and beloved part of the Lady and the Tramp franchise and has been covered and parodied by various artists. The song’s popularity has endured for decades, and it remains a quintessential Disney love song.

9. Almost There – The Princess and the Frog

“Almost There” is a song from Disney’s 2009 animated film The Princess and the Frog. The song is performed by the character of Tiana, who dreams of opening her own restaurant and becoming a successful business owner. The song’s lyrics convey a message of hope, determination, and ambition, and encourage listeners to chase their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals. The song has a jazzy and upbeat tune, with vocals from Anika Noni Rose, who voices the character of Tiana. The song has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become a fan favorite.

10. Be Our Guest – Beauty And The Beast

“Be Our Guest” is a song from Disney’s 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast. The song is performed by the enchanted objects in the Beast’s castle, as they welcome Belle to their home and try to impress her with their hospitality. The song’s lyrics are fun and whimsical, and convey a message of warmth, friendliness, and generosity. The song has an energetic and theatrical tune, with vocals from Jerry Orbach, who voices the character of Lumiere, and Angela Lansbury, who voices the character of Mrs. Potts. The song has become an iconic and beloved part of the Beauty and the Beast franchise and has been covered and parodied by various artists. The song’s popularity has endured for decades, and it remains a quintessential Disney musical number.

11. A Whole New World – Aladdin

“A Whole New World” is a song from Disney’s 1992 animated film Aladdin. The song is performed by the characters of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, as they embark on a magical carpet ride around the city of Agrabah. The song’s lyrics convey a message of adventure, romance, and the excitement of exploring new horizons.
The song has a dreamy and romantic tune, with vocals from Brad Kane and Lea Salonga, who voice the characters of Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively. The song has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and has been covered and parodied by various artists. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become an iconic Disney musical number.

12. I Wanna Be like You (The Monkey Song) – The Jungle Book

“I Wanna Be Like You” is a song from Disney’s 1967 animated film The Jungle Book. The song is performed by the character of King Louie, a swinging orangutan who wants to learn how to be like humans. The song’s lyrics are playful and fun, and convey a message of curiosity, ambition, and the desire to learn new things.
The song has a catchy and upbeat tune, with vocals from Louis Prima, who voices the character of King Louie. The song has become a beloved part of The Jungle Book franchise and has been covered and parodied by various artists. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become a quintessential Disney musical number.

13. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – Mary Poppins

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a song from Disney’s 1964 musical film Mary Poppins. The song is performed by the characters of Mary Poppins and Bert, as they teach the Banks children a new word that means “extraordinarily good”. The song’s lyrics are fun and whimsical, and convey a message of creativity, imagination, and the joy of learning.
The song has a lively and energetic tune, with vocals from Julie Andrews, who voices the character of Mary Poppins, and Dick Van Dyke, who plays the character of Bert. The song has become a beloved part of Mary Poppins’ franchise and has been covered and parodied by various artists. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become an iconic Disney musical number.

14. You’ll Be in My Heart – Tarzan

“You’ll Be in My Heart” is a song from Disney’s 1999 animated film Tarzan. The song is performed by the character of Kala, a gorilla who adopts Tarzan as her own son. The song’s lyrics convey a message of love, comfort, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. The song has a heartfelt and emotional tune, with vocals from Phil Collins, who also wrote the song. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has become a beloved part of the Tarzan franchise. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become a quintessential Disney musical number.

15. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid

Under the Sea” is a song from Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. The song is performed by the character of Sebastian, a crab who serves as King Triton’s advisor. The song’s lyrics encourage the protagonist, Ariel, to embrace life under the sea and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.
The song has a fun and upbeat tune, with vocals from Samuel E. Wright, who voices the character of Sebastian. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has become a beloved part of The Little Mermaid franchise. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become a quintessential Disney musical number.

16. Remember Me (Dúo) – Coco

“Remember Me” is a song from Disney’s 2017 animated film Coco. The song is performed by the character of Miguel and his great-great-grandfather, Héctor, as they perform together during the climax of the film. The song’s lyrics convey a message of remembrance and the importance of family and loved ones.
The song has a touching and emotional tune, with vocals from Miguel and Héctor voice actors Anthony Gonzalez and Gael García Bernal, respectively. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has become a beloved part of the Coco franchise. The song’s popularity has endured over the years and has become a quintessential Disney musical number.

17. Oo-De-Lally – Robin Hood

“Oo-De-Lally” is a song from the 1973 Disney animated film “Robin Hood”. The song is performed by the film’s lead character, Robin Hood, and his friend Little John. It is a cheerful and upbeat tune that celebrates the joy of living life on one’s own terms, and encourages listeners to embrace freedom and happiness. The song features a lively melody that is reminiscent of traditional folk music, with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. The lyrics are simple and fun, with lines like “Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen” and “Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day”. Overall, the song captures the playful spirit and sense of adventure that defines the film’s story and characters.

18. Cruella DeVil – 101 Dalmatians

“Cruella DeVil” is a song from the 1961 Disney animated film “101 Dalmatians”. The song is performed by the film’s villain, Cruella DeVil, as she plots to capture and kill the titular dalmatians in order to make a fur coat out of their skins. The song is a catchy and jazzy tune that captures the sinister and villainous nature of Cruella DeVil. The lyrics describe her as a “devil” and a “monster”, and emphasize her obsession with fashion and her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. The song’s melody is memorable, with a driving rhythm and a series of musical motifs that create a sense of tension and suspense. Overall, “Cruella DeVil” is a standout song that adds depth and complexity to one of Disney’s most memorable villains.

19. Heigh-Ho – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

“Heigh-Ho” is a classic song from the 1937 Disney film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. The song is sung by the seven dwarfs as they march home after a day of mining. The catchy tune, with its lively lyrics, has become an iconic part of Disney’s musical legacy. The song’s melody and lyrics were composed by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey respectively, and the vocals were provided by Roy Atwell, Pinto Colvig, Billy Gilbert, Otis Harlan, Scotty Mattraw, and Moroni Olsen.

20. Everybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats

“Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” is a jazzy number from the 1970 Disney animated film “The Aristocats”. The song is performed by Scat Cat and his band, who sing about the virtues of being a feline. The tune was composed by Floyd Huddleston and Al Rinker, and the lyrics were penned by Huddleston and the film’s director, Wolfgang Reitherman. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy lyrics, and fun-filled jazz-infused melody, have made it a favorite of Disney fans worldwide. The song’s memorable lyrics and fun vibe were also perfectly complemented by the film’s beautiful animation and stunning visuals.The songs offered hope and inspiration to audiences who were looking for a way to escape the darkness of the war and find a brighter future. Continue to be beloved by people of all ages, and they remind us that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always hope and beauty to be found if we have the courage to dream.

21. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella

“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” was written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston for Disney’s 1950 film “Cinderella.” It is a heartwarming song about never giving up on your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. The song is performed by Cinderella herself, voiced by Ilene Woods, as she cleans the house and sings about her dreams of a better life. The song’s gentle melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with audiences for over 70 years, inspiring countless generations to pursue their dreams.”A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” have also become symbols of the Disney brand. The songs represent the studio’s commitment to storytelling, imagination, and the power of dreams, and they have become an integral part of the Disney experience. Whether you are watching a classic Disney film or visiting one of the Disney parks around the world, these songs are a reminder of the magic and wonder that Disney has brought to generations of fans.

22. When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio

“When You Wish Upon a Star” is the iconic song from the classic 1940 Disney film, Pinocchio. The song is sung by Jiminy Cricket, who is the conscience of the film’s main character, Pinocchio. The lyrics of the song encourage people to keep dreaming and believing in their wishes, even if they seem impossible. The melody of the song is gentle and soothing, making it a perfect lullaby for children. It also has a sense of magic and wonder, making it a great choice for a Disney movie.

23. Try Everything – Zoomania

The song “Try Everything” is from the 2016 film Zootopia (known as Zootropolis in some countries). The movie tells the story of Judy Hopps, a young rabbit who becomes the first rabbit police officer in the city of Zootopia. The song is sung by the popular artist Shakira, who also voices the character of Gazelle in the movie. The song’s lyrics are upbeat and inspirational, encouraging listeners to take risks and not be afraid of failure. The melody is catchy and energetic, making it a great song to dance to. The song has a positive message that resonates with people of all ages, making it a popular choice for motivational speeches and graduation ceremonies.

24. Into the Unknown – Frozen II

“Into the Unknown” is a song from the highly acclaimed Disney animated movie, Frozen II. The song is performed by Idina Menzel, who also provided the voice for Elsa in the film, and features Aurora. The song, which is written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, captures Elsa’s inner turmoil as she struggles to come to terms with her true identity and destiny. The lyrics and music of the song create a sense of mystery and wonder that draws the audience in and makes them empathize with Elsa’s journey. The music video for the song is equally captivating, showing Elsa’s journey as she ventures into the enchanted forest. The video features stunning visuals that bring to life the magic and mystery of the Frozen II universe. The video is a perfect complement to the song, helping to deepen the emotional connection between the audience and Elsa’s story. Overall, “Into the Unknown” is a powerful and captivating song that is sure to be remembered as one of the most iconic pieces of music from the Frozen II soundtrack. It’s a testament to the skill of the writers and performers, who have created a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

25. Go the Distance – Hercules

“Go the Distance” is a song from the Disney animated film Hercules, performed by Roger Bart. The song is about the titular character, Hercules, who feels out of place in the world and yearns to find his true purpose. The lyrics express his determination to overcome obstacles and challenges in order to reach his goals and prove himself to the gods. The melody is uplifting and inspiring, making it a popular choice for motivational events and ceremonies. The music video for “Go the Distance” shows Hercules embarking on a journey to find his place in the world. The video features breathtaking animation and vivid colors, bringing the story to life and capturing the imagination of the viewer. The video shows Hercules facing various challenges, including a Hydra and a raging river, as he travels across the Greek countryside. The climax of the video shows Hercules ascending to Mount Olympus, where he is finally accepted by the gods. Overall, “Go the Distance” is a timeless classic that embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance. Its message of self-discovery and self-belief has resonated with audiences for over two decades, making it one of the most beloved songs from the Disney canon.