Whether you are a flower child of the 60’s or a toddler this decade, Disney is a name synonymous with happiness. Isn’t Disneyland the self-proclaimed “Happiest Place on Earth?”
In 1937, Walt Disney released his first fully animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and 84 years later Disney Studios is still entertaining children of all ages.
ESGI and ThinkFives surveyed hundreds of elementary teachers and these are their recommendations for the Top 5 Disney Movies for Families!
Beauty and the Beast
Be our guest and join the beloved,independent Belle,and the Beast with the soul of a prince as they cast an enchanting spell on each other and audiences. Disney’s acclaimed modern classic was the first animated feature film nominated for Best Picture (1991).
An arrogant young prince (Robby Benson) and his castle’s servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return.
The music is memorable and the characters that enchant the heart through the magical adventure about finding beauty within all come to spectacular life.
Opened: September 29, 1991
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 94% Critics – 92% Audience
Voices
- Paige O’Hara
- Robby Benson
- Jerry Orbach
- David Ogden Stiers
- Angela Lansbury
- Rex Everhart
Finding Nemo
A family film for the whole family, Finding Nemo follows an adventurous young clownfish unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his worrisome father Marlin and his friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish Dory to bring Nemo home — meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, selfish seagulls, and more along the way.
This tale of adventure, overcoming adversity, and teamwork illustrates the importance of family, acceptance, kindness, and love. Another must-see from Disney.
Opened: May 30, 2003
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 99% Critics – 86% Audience
Voices
- Albert Brooks
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Alexander Gould
- Willem Dafoe
Toy Story
By now, who doesn’t know the story: Young Andy has a room full of toys who live happily in his room until a birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy’s heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from Andy, the duo eventually learn to put aside their differences.
As one critic said, “So ingenious in concept, design and execution that you could watch it on a postage stamp-sized screen and still be engulfed by its charm.” (Derek Adams, Time Out)
Opened: November 19, 1995
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 100% Critics – 92% Audience
Voices
- Tom Hanks
- Tim Allen
- Don Rickles
- Jim Varney
- John Ratzenberger
- Annie Potts
- Erik von Detten
Inside Out
Landing at the #2 spot on our Disney movie is a new classic, Inside Out. Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).
Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to manage a new city, house and school.
Funny, heart-warming and original, some fans say it may be the best film by Pixar!
Opened: May 18, 2015
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 98% Critics – 89% Audience
Voices
- Amy Poehler
- Richard Kind
- Lewis Black
- Bill Hader
- Mindy Kaling
- Diane Lane
- Kyle MacLachlan
- Phyllis Smith
Moana
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped, and no one knows why?
Our top Disney pick by teachers, Moana chronicles the adventures of a teenager who, with the help from demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.
As one reviewer shared, “An absolute delight, a lush, exuberant quest fable full of big musical numbers and featuring perhaps the most stunning visuals of any Disney film to date.” (Chrisopher Orr, The Atlantic)
A fan favorite and our ThinkFives choice for #1!
Opened: November 23, 2016
Rotten Tomatoes Fan Ratings: 95% Critics – 89% Audience
Voices
- Auliʻi Cravalho
- Dwayne Johnson
- Rachel House
- Temuera Morrison
- Jemaine Clement
- Nicole Scherzinger
Honorable Mentions
- Coco
In Disney/Pixar’s vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, an aspiring young musician named Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions. - Zootopia
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a comedy-adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case – even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. Bring home this hilarious adventure full of action, heart and tons of bonus extras that take you deeper into the world of Zootopia. It’s big fun for all shapes and species!
Summaries based on profiles from movies.disney.com
What is your favorite Disney family movie?
What about Meet the Robinsons? Such an amazing movie with a wonderful message: “Keep Moving Forward”! Plus, there’s a fantastic scene in which the characters celebrate failure as on opportunity to grow and learn!
Raya and the Last Dragon is a great movie to watch as well as Onward.
I love Up. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time ❤️
Inside Out is phenomenal!