Disney/Pixar Theme Songs Ranked
Spotify list to follow along: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/15qVd5c1gEDCM0lhRakrhk?si=nQd-7kh6S-2GOL391xKJvg. So yeah I like Disney (my AV's a pooh, what did you expect, honestly), yet they have a very hit or miss history when it comes to their theme songs. Here's my ranking of (almost) all the classics and pixar movie theme songs ranked in order. |
| 57 |  | Michael Giacchino
Zootopia
Try Everything
Feels like Disney had no idea what to do for a theme song. It doesn't particularly fit the movie, it's not memorable in any way and I actively dislike it. |
| 56 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Where the Dream Takes You
They went one step to far with another r&b song to encompany their latest movie. Unlike Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast though, this song, like its movie, was a big step down in every way. The song is boring and I even forgot it excisted in the first place. |
| 55 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Meet the Robinsons
Another Believer
The early 2000's saw Disney dive in quality after their quality streak in the 90's. The music reflexts this with some of the least memorable scores supporting some of their least memorable movies. |
| 54 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Chicken Little
One Little Slip
At some point Disney decided it would be a good idea to have some pop songs by renounded artists to give the movie some extra appeal. Unlike Shrek, which used actually memorable songs that are now more connected to the movie than to the artists, this just fell flat on its face, not unlike the movie. |
| 53 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Great Mouse Detective
The Great Mouse Detective
Another really unmemorable one, although I have to admit I haven't seen this movie in a very, very long time. The quality is there, but it's very fleeting and I'm not a fan. |
| 52 |  | Randy Newman
A Bug's Life
The Time of Your Life
Pixar clearly tried to mimic 'You've got a Friend in Me'. It's getting close to blatantly copying their own music even. The movie was a lot of fun, but this doesn't really fit the movie all that well, and neither does it capture the same magic as Toy Story's amazing score either. |
| 51 |  | Henry Jackman
Wreck-It Ralph
Wreck-It Ralph
the movie was a lot of fun, but the soundtrack was pretty lackluster. Not outright bad like the music from the sequal was, but nothing special either. |
| 50 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Dumbo
Main Theme
Ehh, it's OK I guess. It's not memorable by any stretch, but unlike most of the ones lower on this list, this one actually fits the movie. |
| 49 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Peter Pan
The Second Star To The Right
I love this film, but it would've really benefited from a better theme song imo. This one is at least pretty memorable and the harmonies fit the time period. I feel like they could've done so much better though. |
| 48 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Treasure Planet
I'm Still Here
This one suffers from the same problems as Atlantis does. In contrast to Atlantis' theme song though, I feel this one is a little more memorable and they at least tried to do something slightly different. It has nothing to do with the movie though let's be honest. This could've been the theme of at least 10 disney movies. |
| 47 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Good Dinosaur
Homestead
I've only recently saw this movie for the first time, and liked it quite a bit better than I expected. This theme is a little meh though. The song itself is fine in terms of quality, but again it doesn't particularly fit the movie all that well and neither is it very memorable. The piece itself being of a higher quality elevates it a bit though. |
| 46 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Bambi
Love is a Song
One of the most memorable songs from the early days. It's pretty obvious that Disney just rehashed what worked in the early days though, at least when it comes to the music. It ticks exactly the same boxes as the ones from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio do. |
| 45 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Fox and the Hound
Best of Friends
This song warms my heart. It's a simple loveletter to friendship from one of the movies that portrays that bond the best. It could've been used in quite a lot of Disney movies though. |
| 44 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Cinderella
A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Quite a memorable one, even though it's not one of the first that come to mind when thinking of Disney Themes. It's quite outdated though. |
| 43 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Tangled
When Will My Life Begin
Just a sweet happy pop song. Don't think it'll have a long livespan and it's not that interesting to begin with, but I don't actively dislike it like some of the others. |
| 42 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Dinosaur
Inner Sanctum / The Nesting Grounds
One of my least favorite Disney movies of all time. The story is overdone, the animation aged horribly and the music was okey but nothing out of the ordinary. This main theme holds up as quite a nice piece of classical music and it deserved a better movie imo. |
| 41 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Moana
How Far I'll Go
Frozen was a windmill slam hit and one of the reasons was its soundtrack. With the followup Vaiana Disney tried to hold on to the same formula, and for the most part it payed off. The score fits the movie like a glove, and the main theme is pretty memorable but is in fact one of the least interesting songs from the movie sadly. |
| 40 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Sleeping Beauty
Once Upon a Dream
The timeframe in which Sleeping Beauty takes place makes the music used for it fit better. It's good, not great though. |
| 39 |  | Henry Jackman
Big Hero 6
Immortals
For once I feel like the collaboration with a big name artist actually payed off in some way. The song is a little less safe and makes sense with the futuristic setting of the movie and the subject matter. Not saying this is perfect by any means, but we've seen this fall flat on its face far more often than we've seen it work. |
| 38 |  | Michael Giacchino
Inside Out
Bundle of Joy
Inside Out is probably my favorite Disney movie from the last decade, maybe even two. The score fits the music perfectly, even though it's clearly taken a backseat in regards to some earlier classics. It's there to serve the movie though, so even though it's not all that memorable on its own, it's still perfect for the movie |
| 37 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Pinocchio
When You Wish Upon a Star
That melody is so memorable to me. It's not my favorite disney movie, and the music is pretty outdated, but it is full of atmosphere and it fits the beginning of the movie perfectly. |
| 36 |  | Michael Giacchino
Ratatouille
Main Theme
Ahh, Parieh. Movie is as french as it gets and the main theme reflects that. I can't help but feel that they could've done more with it though. |
| 35 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Bolt
Barking at the Moon
Country music for a movie about a dog crossing all over the states. Flavorwise it gets full marks. It kinda ends there though, the song is incredibly safe and not all that interesting other than the asthetic. |
| 34 |  | Randy Newman
Cars
Opening Race
This is the first where I feel like there's only one Disney movie the song could belong to. You can already see the full stadium as the cars line up. Fantastic score, but not one that I can sing the melody to. |
| 33 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Oliver & Company
Once Upon a Time in New York City
The movie was a hot mess and nearly bankrupted Disney, but the score is a much overlooked gem with multiple great songs. The main theme fits the movie very well and even though it's a little outdated, it works well without the movie. |
| 32 |  | Michael Giacchino
Up
Up Theme
Up's theme is perfect for the movie. And while it doesn't really do anything especcially interesting or groundbreaking, it is very recognizable and goes perfectly with the film. |
| 31 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Lilo & Stitch
Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride
Making an actual authentic Hawaiian theme would've been a stretch to hope for, so Disney did the predictable, use some Hawaiian stereotypes to make something that fit the movie as well as it could. It's pretty memorable and not a bad song, but I feel they could've done so much more with it. |
| 30 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Rescuers Down Under
Main Title
I think few people might actively recognize this one, put I personally have very fond memories of this one. It's short and sweet and I love it. |
| 29 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Coco
Remember Me
Coco was a fantastic movie (though I didn't love it as much as others judging by IMDB). I don't remember much from the score tbh and didn't recognize this song all that well, but I can't deny it's the perfect song for the movie. |
| 28 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Heigh-Ho
For a second there I didn't know what to use from the OG. But then ofcourse I remembered this little gem. I think I know this song better from the trailer on old Disney VHS tapes than from the actual movie. |
| 27 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Princess and the Frog
Dig a Little Deeper
The film was such a breath of fresh air and together with Bolt reinvigorated Disney as a whole after the dissapointment of the movies of the early 2000's (let's be honest here, only Lilo and Stitch and maybe Brother Bear were up to par). This is a wonderfull little gospel song sung by an old woman that was just great for the movie. |
| 26 |  | Patrick Doyle
Brave (Original Soundtrack)
Touch the Sky
I have a big soft spot for Scottish/Irish uptempo folk songs. There's just something about it that's very cinematic for me, which obviously goes incredibly well with a movie taking place in ancient Scotland. The song itself isn't particularly great or special, but it works. |
| 25 |  | Michael Giacchino
The Incredibles
The Glory Days
Part super hero movie theme, part James bond score, it captured pretty perfectly what the film was about. Just let someone hear this song and they'll get it. It's not as memorable as the Mission Impossible or James Bond Theme, nor fills you with excitement the way the Avengers theme manages to, but other than that it's a hit for me. |
| 24 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Lady and the Tramp
Bella Notte
Like the Aristocats, It's instantly recognizable and could only have fit one movie. Unlike the Aristocats theme though, it just doesn't fit the movie like a glove the way the other one did. It's perfectly acceptable, but 'Who let the dogs out' would not have fit worse here let's be honest. |
| 23 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Emperor's New Groove
Run Lama Run
The Emperor's New Groove was pretty damn hilarious, and the theme catches the whimsicalness of the film pretty well. |
| 22 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Alice in Wonderland
Mad Tea Party / Unbirthday
The combination of silly and, let's be honest, slightly creepy is captured amazingly well in this little song. The happy melodies played and sung just slightly (or more than slightly at points) off key are both happy and disturbing. |
| 21 |  | Thomas Newman
Wall-E
2815 A.D.
Wall-E fights with Inside Out for the title of best Disney of the last 15 years. Coming out in the same year as Bolt and after the flops that came before (Meet the Robinsons, Chicken Little, Home on the Range) it showed without a shadow of a doubt that Pixar was where it was at at that point in time. Not having a 'song' actually worked a lot in its favour, making the entire thing more mature and serious. It's a perfect post-apocalyptic soundtrack with enough hints of mystery that makes you want to know and see more of the world they created. |
| 20 |  | Randy Newman
Monsters Inc.
Monsters, Inc. (Couldn't find the OST anywhere on sput so no picture sorry)
When you put them all together, it's uncanny how often Disney fall back on the 'safe' soft jazz music that simply worked best on Toy Story. I have a soft spot for this movie though and the main theme of the movie is amazing and instantly recognizable. I chose this over 'If I Didn't Have You', because this is just better in every way, shape and form. |
| 19 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Brother Bear
Look Through My Eyes
Not the only one where the theme is better and more memorable than the movie. This is also one of the only ones (if I'm correct) that actually ended up in the hitcharts. I'm not a big fan of Collins (more of a Gabriel guy here) but the song is well put together and fits the themes of the material it had to work with. |
| 18 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Aristocats
Les Aristochats
Now we come to the heavy hitters. This one was perfect and not safe. Making it a French chanson was a shot in the bull's eye and anyone who's ever seen the movie will know the theme, because it's just damn catchy. They only reason it's not higher on this list is because there are so many absolutely great ones yet to come. |
| 17 |  | Thomas Newman
Finding Nemo
Nemo Egg
The underwater theme. Full marks on fitting the movie here. Simple piano melody with a few strings, but it captures the idea of the big open ocean looked at through the eyes of a little fish better than almost anything else they've done. |
| 16 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Robin Hood
Whistle Stop
When your theme becomes a meme 40 years after the fact you know that you're in the immortals territory in terms of timelesness. It's a wonderful little tune that everyone can whistle and is, lets be frank, more memorable than the film it came with. |
| 15 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Frozen: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Let it Go
Yet its this high up. It might be the most popularly acclaimed song Disney ever put together guys. It's become a meme used more for ridicule, which is a shame because I do think this song deserves quite some credit. It's modern, but still pretty timeless and yes its cheesy as fuck, but it's also well sung, with a great orchestration and structure. |
| 14 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Aladdin
A Whole New World
When you look at it from a distance, this pop/soul song doesn't fit the arabian theme at all. Yet this has been so engraved into the minds of the populous that it doesn't even matter. This was the time where the songs were actually written to describe what's going on in the movie (later disney movies with famous music artists take note). We all know it, it's just a timeless classic. |
| 13 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Hercules
Go the Distance
The epic theme completing the heroic tale in ancient Greece. It fits perfectly and again, it actually details what's happening in the movie. This one might not be as memorable as a Whole New World or Be Our Guest, but for my money it's the better song musically. |
| 12 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh
If you've seen a Pooh movie and don't recognize this theme there's something wrong with you. It's pretty impossible to think about Pooh without thinking about it. And yes I know, my AV's a big, fat Pooh so yeah my personal preference on this is sky high, but I do feel that it's one of Disney's better theme song. |
| 11 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Toy Story
You've Got a Friend in Me
C'mon guys, hands up if you thought this wouldn't make top 15? Ye thought so. It just ticks all the marks. The quality is there, it fits the movie perfectly, its timeless and instantly recognizable. |
| 10 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Pocahontas
Colors of the Wind
Colors of the Wind was such a windmillslam hit that I truly believe it's one of the main reasons that this movie did so well and remains memorable to this day. It touches perfectly on the message of the movie and does so maybe better than any other. |
| 9 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Jungle Book
The Bare Necessities
I can sing along with this song in both English and Dutch. Stonecold classic, 'nuf said. "Look for the, bare necessities, the simple bare necessities" |
| 8 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Mulan
I'll Make a Man Out of You
We've reached the real heavy hitters. The biggest of the big. This one might not be on everyone radar, but it's absolutely one of my favorites. The militaristic drums and easy singalong fits the theme like a glove. It's memorable and just a plain fucking awesome song. That a capella part near the end gives me goosebumps every single time. |
| 7 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Tarzan
Two Worlds
Most of these song in the upper echalon are really interchangable when it comes to their place. It's undeniable that this is one of Disney's best though, even though I'm not a big fan of the movie itself. It scores full marks across the board and worked even better in a life setting. |
| 6 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Little Mermaid
Part of Your World
I had a lot of trouble picking a song to represent the Little Mermaid. Under the Sea was my first take as it's arguably the most famous, yet as with Beauty and Beast, I think the main theme of the movie represents the movie better and bring me to the atmosphere of it more so than it's actual theme 'song'. |
| 5 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Cruella De Vil
The best theme song for a main villain, maybe in cinema alltogether. Everybody who's ever seen it, no matter how long ago, knows this song. It's catchy as all hell and the bluesy melody just makes you want to sing along with it. |
| 4 |  | Alan Menken
Beauty And The Beast OST
Prologue - Beauty and the Beast Theme
I could've picked from a full array of songs when it comes to Beauty and the Beast. From the wonderfull Gaston to the biggest hit of the movie Be Our Guest, but in the end I chose the Beauty and the Beast theme. I love the others, but I love this simple theme more. The piano and violin melody is so incredibly perfect for the movie. It's absolutely magical, mysterious and full of foreboding. For my money, it's one of the best theme's Disney has ever done, so I just couldn't pass it. |
| 3 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Bells of Notre Dame
Arguably the most overlooked Disney theme of all time. It's by far the most epic soundtrack Disney ever created and fits the more mature themed movie, that is also quite an overlooked gem if you ask me. It is my personal favorite Disney theme, and that last crescendo reaches to heaven. |
| 2 |  | Soundtrack (Disney)
Fantasia
A Night on Bald Mountain
I don't know if it's fair to put a song from a renowned composer on here that Disney just used to create animation onto, but it can't be denied that it's absolutely fantastic and works on every single level. It's a classic in Disney's extended scores, but also just a classic in music in general. |
| 1 |  | Hans Zimmer
The Lion King
The Circle of Life
Yes, of course this is the number one, didn't anyone really expect anything different? Memorable: show a random person the first 0.3 second of the song and my bet is they'll know which movie it goes to. Quality: I can not listen to this song without getting goosebumps all over. Timeless: Yeah, songs 26 years old and still topical. Fits the movie: It's the main message of the movie in one 4 minute song. Personal preference: full marks. The deserved number one. |
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