So, how do I create a list with so many great contenders? Well, before I go any further, I want people to know that as a child, I may have had different favorite Disney movies than most of you. And that's OK. Everyone is wired differently, and I seriously doubt anyone will have the exact same list as me. This is just a personal list (that was pretty difficult to make).
As I shaped the list, I looked closely at the Disney movies that "defined" me as a child. Ones I watched over and over again, or songs that I found myself singing over and over again through either CDs or VHS tapes. As a result, some of the more "popular" Disney movies may not have as strong of a presence in my list as others (and some that may not be considered popular today by some may appear). Also, because I looked more at movies and songs from my childhood, this also means more recent Disney movies (from the 2010's decade, for example) aren't considered nearly as much; though I promise that does not rob them of any of their merits at all.
So, enough exposition....Let's get started:
#10: Why Should I Worry? (Oliver and Company, 1988)
Performed by rock and roll legend Billy Joel (The Piano Man), Oliver and Company's entire soundtrack has sadly been overlooked (which also featured performances by Bette Midler and Huey Lewis). It's a shame, because this tune is irresistible. From a body-swaying beat to an appealing and unique 80's sound (and even a brief rap), it's really hard to not find this song memorable. This was a song I rewound over and over again on the VHS tape to dance around to as a 4 and 5 year old. And today, its' still the song that comes to mind first whenever I think of this movie (a lifelong favorite too by the way). Why this hasn't caught on like other classic Disney songs is still baffling to me honestly.
#9: Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
A terrific showstopper in its own right, this Oscar-nominated tune has a lot going for it. Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury's memorable performance, a French-inspired melody with a theatrical backdrop, and a few gently humorous moments, Howard Ashman does a fantastic job writing a Broadway showtune for an animated film. Of course, the most memorable part is the ending, when it all comes to a smashing finale. Talk about a way to make a cursed castle inviting.
#8: I Just Can't Wait To Be King (The Lion King,1994)
My personal favorite song from this Disney classic was one I listened to more than any of the other songs on the soundtrack. Like the entire Lion King soundtrack, this song combines African tunes with some theatrical/pop sounds. The scene in the movie itself is pretty memorable too, with some truly striking animation. Add in a singing voice that's not too far from a young Michael Jackson and a few scene-stealing moments from Zazu (Rowan Atkinson), and you have a song that is insanely fun to listen to and sing along to.
#7: Reflection (Mulan, 1998)
It is admittedly short to a degree, but profoundly effective. Lea Salonga proves she's one of the best in this business by delivering this "I Want" song. With this tune, we feel for Mulan as she struggles to fit in with her peers and try to bring "honor" to her family. A strong voice, sweeping instrumental (with Asian themes), and a powerful ending make this song a stand-out not just in the (otherwise mixed) Mulan soundtrack, but also in the 90's Disney catalog.
#6: That's How You Know (Enchanted, 2007)
Here's something interesting....I didn't watch Enchanted until Dad brought the DVD home when I was a teenager. Yet, this song has stuck with me since. And now I know why. This song is an essential marriage of old-school and new-school Disney. There's an old-fashioned 40's and 50's feel to the lyrics, with a more 90's/2000's sound. From Amy Adams' irresistibly charming performance to a memorable opening (with a bongo drum/calypso accompaniment) and ending, its' pure Disney magic. The scene in the movie is also the most memorable, with nods to classic Disney dance sequences, Broadway dance sequences, with all of it mixed with an inviting NYC cultural vibe. :)
#5: Belle (and its' reprise, Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
As a child, I was mesmerized by the singing voices of Ariel and Belle. That might be part of the reason why I have this on the list. But, as far as intro numbers go, there's probably not one that's as effective as this one. The ending in particular is unrivaled in the Disney catalog. The reprise is just as great, with a feel and delivery that echoes The Sound of Music. Paige O'Hara is absolute dynamite in her performance, and the song memorably introduces several other characters without losing focus on the one character the song is supposed to be about (a testament to Howard Ashman's writing). Belle was also an Oscar nominee for Best Original Song, and its' not hard to see why.
#4: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (Mary Poppins, 1964)
Out of the entire Mary Poppins soundtrack, there is probably no more memorable song than this one. Featuring the biggest word you've ever heard, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke succeed in holding our attention with laughs and smiles with this old-fashioned ditty. For anyone who has seen the movie, its' hard to not forget this word as well as this song.
#3: A Whole New World (Aladdin, 1992)
The best song from this musical is one I've listened to on VHS tape and on CD since I was 3 or 4. Terrific and memorable vocal performances (by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga), an amazing rising instrumental and thrilling moments make this the best love song in the Disney catalog. The scene in the movie is fantastic in itself too, with great animation and an overall heartwarmingly sweet feel. Alan Menken and Tim Rice truly were an amazing match to make this song work.
#2: Part of Your World (and its' second reprise, The Little Mermaid, 1989)
The entire soundtrack for Little Mermaid is pretty great, but for me, the one song that always stuck with me was this tune. From a magical musical melody that sticks in your head, to a hauntingly-beautiful vocal performance from the incomparable Jodi Benson, its a one-of-a-kind song that I don't think will ever be replicated. The second reprise (not so much the first with Eric on the beach) is just as if not even more memorable, with a final note that always gives me chills (well, also the rock scene in the movie itself gives the same feeling too).
#1: Out There (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996)
For me, however, there may not be any Disney song with as much significance to my life as this one. The first book I read as a young child all the way through was Quasimodo's Busy Day, and every time this song came on, I would always get excited to hear him sing. I don't know what connected me to this movie or this song, but perhaps maybe I found some of myself in Quasi. As someone who had psychological/developmental disabilities as a child, I related to him in being different and so badly wanting a sense of normalcy in my life and in everything around me (its' still something I can relate to today). But even so, Out There is a two-part song that just sticks with you. It's the kind of Broadway number most musicals would kill for. The first part is the villain causing the hero to beat himself up, with the second part being a triumphant affirmation that one day Quasimodo will accomplish his dreams. Tom Hulce's stirring performance, some of the best instrumentals in Disney history, great animation in the scene itself, and a spine-chilling ending make this not just one of the most impressive Disney songs, but perhaps the best one they've created, period.
Before I go, here are some honorable mentions that were considered, but fell short (prepare yourself, there's quite a lot...)
Let it Go (Frozen)
For the First Time in Forever (Frozen)
How Far I'll Go (Moana)
Touch the Sky (Brave)
Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
I See the Light (Tangled)
When Will My Life Begin (Tangled)
Mother Knows Best Reprise (Tangled)
Feed the Birds (Mary Poppins)
A Spoonful of Sugar (Mary Poppins)
Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid)
Once Upon a Dream (Sleeping Beauty/Maleficent)
Friend Like Me (Aladdin)
Circle of Life (The Lion King)
Be Prepared (The Lion King)
Everybody Wants to Be a Cat (The Aristocats)
Perfect Isn't Easy (Oliver and Company)
I'll Make a Man Out of You (Mulan)
Life's a Happy Song (The Muppets)
