Disney Plus gives you access to all the wonderful animated movies from your childhood and the most recent animated films. It also has phenomenal franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. But which are the best Disney Plus movies for kids?
These classic Disney movies have a special place in all our hearts, and it’s only right to show our children just how special they are. So for your next family movie night, sit down and watch one of these great Disney Plus movies for all ages.
9. Aladdin (1992)
Forget the 2019 remake. For true Disney magic, you have to watch the 1992 original. Robin Williams as the genie is unforgettable.
I watched the original when I was 12 and to this day consider the character one of Disney’s best. Even now watching it with young nieces and nephews, the movie is relevant. A strong-minded Princess and an image-conscious Aladdin come together with a poignant message of substance over style.
That message is well masked behind non-stop, family-friendly humor, which makes Aladdin a timeless classic for adults and kids alike.
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8. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Everything with Disney seems to be getting a reboot. One of the first to get that treatment was Beauty and the Beast.
The new 2017 version is a good live-action retelling, but with a more modern story that might be too scary for a pre-10 audience. Meanwhile, the original animation is perfect for all ages.
Plus, the original Lumière, who helps spark the flame of love between Belle and the Beast steals the show. Who would have thought a candle could be so funny?
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7. Mulan (1998)
Like in most Disney movies, it’s the comedy sidekicks that kids fall in love with. Mulan is no different.
Eddie Murphy voices the disgraced dragon Mushu and is hilarious. Throughout the movie, Mushu and Cri-Kee’s antics are the highlight, with Mulan’s defiance and ascension ending in an emotional scene with the Emperor.
Every character, from the wacky soldiers to the outspoken grandmother, is endearing. Sadly, Disney’s Mulan live-action reboot was nothing like the animated classic.
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6. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
My daughter loves llamas. All her friends love llamas. Based on what she’s shown me on YouTube, everyone loves llamas, so Disney was way ahead of the curve on this one.
The Emperor’s New Groove is about a spoilt Prince getting turned into a llama. As funny as the llama and Jon Goodman’s Pacha are, it’s the villainous sidekick Kronk that hogs the limelight. The character is so dimwitted that he’s lovable.
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5. Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Extra-terrestrial fugitive taught the meaning of family and love by a little kid. How very Disney! Somehow they combine the ridiculous into characters we all end up caring about.
That is Disney’s magic, and there is no better example than Stitch. An angry alien dedicated to causing havoc, who ends up acting like Elvis, it sounds weird and yet the montage scene in the movie is one of Disney’s best. If you need a sci-fi recommendation, this is one of the top Disney Plus movies for kids to boost some nostalgia.
4. Hercules (1997)
Hercules isn’t as funny as other movies on this list, but is still one of the best Disney Plus movies for kids. The villain Hades, voiced by James Woods, has two bumbling assistants. Unfortunately, they never quite reach the usual Disney standard — which isn’t a problem because Hercules has one of the better stories.
Redemption and betrayal are among the poignant themes explored, and Hercules’ conflict and love story feed those concepts with unique Disney flair.
Plus, if you love Disney songs, Hercules has some of the best. Only The Jungle Book and The Lion King have consistently better musical numbers.
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3. The Jungle Book (1967)
Forget the 2016 remake done by Jon Favreau. I love that guy but it isn’t 1/10th of the original. The original was for everyone, evident in the ridiculousness of Baloo, the elephants’ parade, and Kaa the snake.
All these elements were designed to appeal to a younger target audience. Disney also went all-out in creating a villain that is both terrifying and appropriate for kids. Shere Khan the tiger feels like a precursor to The Lion King‘s Scar.
What stands out most about The Jungle Book is its music. My mother sang its songs to me, and I did the same for my daughter. The Jungle Book is by far one of the most special Disney Plus movies for kids.
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2. The Lion King (1994)
The 2019 Favreau remake of The Lion King is pretty good. It’s not as good as the original, but if you can’t watch a classic Disney animation, the 2019 movie is great.
I’ve chosen the original, though, because of its suitability for younger children. It has a star-studded cast including Mathew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and the legendary James Earl Jones. That man has the greatest voice in movies.
Not only is the story, cast, and comedy top-notch — The Lion King has the best songs, delivered by the rocket man himself, Elton John. Just try to avoid the sequels — they aren’t anywhere near as good.
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1. The Little Mermaid (1989)
If I could, I would have just left one name here: Sebastian. This little crab not only makes The Little Mermaid the best Disney Plus movie for kids but also makes it one of the most memorable Disney movies.
It’s ridiculous what Disney animators and story writers can achieve. Sebastian the crab is one of the best characters Disney has ever made — and they have quite a list.
Plus, The Little Mermaid has one of the catchiest songs going, “Under the Sea.” Check it out now, and see if you don’t end up singing along.
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