Every Disney Movie In The ‘Renaissance Era’ In Order

Even to this day, there's no statement truer than Sebastian's "Ariel, the human world is a mess." Louder for the people in the back. The Little Mermaid is a delightful fairytale, veiling an even darker story about agency and how people often treat their daughters as opposed to their sons. I always cry like a baby at the end when Ariel says bye to her dad, but beyond that, it's a nuanced tale of how to compromise in a relationship.

For many people, Prince Eric was also their first animated crush, and while a lot of times critics feel that Ariel lost too much of her identity at the end, it's actually a fascinating account of how she makes a choice that's right for her. Kids movie or not, it's one of the best features there, with incredible music, gorgeous animation, and a solid narrative through and through. It's especially perfect for people who love anything pertaining to the ocean, as it's stunning in how it captures the sea.

Of all the movies in the Disney Renaissance era, Rescuers Down Under is undoubtedly the most underrated. Countless people still don't even remember it exists, and it's a shame because it's lovely on so many levels. The story itself isn't all that unique, but it's still so gorgeously animated and wholesome that it's perfect for the whole family.

While some themes can be a bit mature, it's still one that's appropriate for all ages. As a sequel, while it's not as groundbreaking or memorable as The Rescuers (1977), it still provides all the right entertainment and a worthy follow-up that ensures the heart and characters are all intact with another thrilling adventure. If you want something that's super cute and features a location we don't always travel to in fiction, look no further.

Like The Little Mermaid, people often love to criticize Beauty and the Beast for how it diminishes the princess's strength when she chooses love in the end. Don't even get me started on the bigger and more wild critics that attempt to make Beauty and the Beast sound more toxic than it is, when it's one of the most thought-provoking movies to explore genuine kindness and the importance of spreading it.

Belle's bookworm spirit is formidable for those of us who grew up to be giant nerds because we also had our noses stuck in a book when we were kids. Beyond this, Beauty and the Beast still features the single most romantic Disney song ever in "Tale as Old as Time," while the library scene is quite literally gift goals in every way. Frankly, if you ask me, all men should learn from the Beast.

Narratively and visually in every way, Aladdin is a standout. And while the focus here is on the male character as opposed to the princess, so much of Jasmine's journey is what shines when we examine how women are often trapped in this era. They don't need "rescuing" per se, because let's be real—she can take care of herself—but the love stories matter, too. 

For the longest time, Aladdin was also one of the more underrated Disney movies with less and less merch, but its growing popularity has been a welcome change. Perfect for the people who love an opposites attract romance, Aladdin and Jasmine are one of the best pairs, while the late Robin Williams delivers the most iconic performance in his voice work for the Genie.

The Lion King feels like everyone's favorite Disney movie, and rightfully so, because its version of a Hamlet retelling is near-perfect. Personally, I'm an even bigger fan of The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998) because Simba is in his dad era, plus the forbidden romance between Kovu and Kiera, hit hard. Still, The Lion King is a brilliant showcase of grief and an achingly realistic story of how to navigate through it.

It might not be appropriate for more sensitive kids, but it's still a gorgeously animated feature to eventually introduce to everyone, too. As an account of unexpected friendships, love, and loyalty, there's nothing quite like it in Disney's archives and there's a reason it's so profoundly revered by most people.

Pocahontas features the actual best Disney soundtrack of all time, and I will hear absolutely no arguments about this. No song makes me weep the way "Colors of the Wind" does, and there's nothing quite like the journey the titular character goes on to protect her land. As one of the more serious animated movies that tries to address how Americans took Indigenous peoples' lands, two paragraphs simply aren't enough to describe how momentous the film was growing up when it came to understanding the history.

If you've watched Avatar (2009) and have somehow never seen Pocahontas, or you haven't watched it in a while, rewatch it now because no animated feature compares, narratively and visually. It's a triumph, and the best Disney film from the Renaissance era. 

Funnily, after watching Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Story (2025), I had the urge to then immediately rewatch The Hunchback of Notre Dame. If you're in the same boat, I highly recommend doing the same. Thematically and visually, everything about the movie glistens as one of the strongest showcases of corruption and power, disguised under a fairytale lens to make it more palatable for kids. 

Though, really, it's also one of the darker stories like The Lion King that might not be suited for sensitive audiences until they're a bit older. Quasimodo's torture scene is still one that viscerally affects me as an adult. There's something tremendously thought-provoking about every detail in this movie that really cements the Disney Renaissance era as its strongest run.

Greek mythology in general often provides rich and nuanced material to craft beautiful stories that are both engaging and aesthetically pleasing. Hercules is a perfect example, and one that also comes equipped with an incredible soundtrack and a heartfelt story about where strength truly comes from.

Hades is the last best villain we've had until we later get introduced to the sinister ways of Mother Gothel in Tangled (2010), but it's lovely and gorgeously stylized, with colors that make it stand out even beyond the story's strength. It’s perfect for kids who want to dive into a bit of mythology through a more easily accessible storyline. It also feels like one of the more underrated gems that deserved far more praise back when it initially aired and now, too. 

Mulan is one of the most emotional films in Disney's Renaissance era, because, like The Little Mermaid, it paints a clear picture of how women are treated far more differently than men. It's one of the most powerful films to date, with visuals to match its compelling narrative and even more astounding voice work.

On top of the story and its thematic significance, Mushu may be the best sidekick. Truly, ask me how many times I say "dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow" every time I'm pissed off, but if I'm proud, it's always "My little baby, off to destroy people." It's one of the best and most quotable movies, while also being one that's visually so stunning and significant. It’s a must-watch for the whole family, but especially if you're in the mood to feel empowered. 

Coming in a close second with a movie that features one of Disney's most emotional songs in Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart" is Tarzan. And visually, it's also another triumph that showcases exactly how the Renaissance era progressed with more freedom to allow the characters to look different while still maintaining Disney's charm. When we watch them in order, especially the advancement is enormous and so fascinating.

As a movie, Tarzan also shines thematically as a story of friendships that's reflected through various personality types. It's one of the few stories that's especially more poignant where familial bonds are concerned than romantic relationships, allowing it to stand out with gorgeous animation, voice acting, and writing. Perfect for all the little adventurers out there.