Top 10 Animated Movie Songs

A good animated movie wouldn’t be complete without the songs.  A classic animated movie usually has several good songs in it.  But only one or two – or, in the case of Tarzan, three – songs would stand out to define the movie.  This kind of songs would even become classics on their own.  They are generally inspiring, moving, and powerful.  They would make your skin crawl and fill your heart with emotion.

yup. a lot of which are from Disney

My top 10 picks, after the jump:

10.) TWO WORLDS, ONE FAMILY (TARZAN)

I love the way the movie started.  The intro scenes were fast-paced and shifted wonderfully to establish the premise of the movie.   And the theme playing in the background greatly helped to build the impact that the intro wants to deliver, which was to prepare the audience for the body of the movie.

9.) IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHER (THE LAND BEFORE TIME)

A song that emotionally builds esprit de corps is perfect for this movie about young dinosaurs who, while being exposed to the harsh realities of life at a young age, found strength from their friendship.

8.) CIRCLE OFLIFE (LION KING)

Another great intro to set the mood for the movie.  As a kid, I was overwhelmed by the dramatic majesty of the scene (all the animals bowing down to Simba as he was being raised by Rafiki) and the song greatly feeds the emotion.

7.) WHEN YOU BELIEVE (THE PRINCE OF EGYPT)

The feeling portrayed in this scene was simply this: after the difficult struggles comes the sigh of the glory of deliverance, and the realization that miracles can happen.  It was easily grasped largely thanks to the song.

6.) JOURNEY TO THE PAST (ANASTASIA)

Can't find a good video of this song's scene in the movie in youtube.  Bummer. Here's a good cover (plus the scene) of the song though.

5.) HERE I AM (SPIRIT: STALLION OF THE CIMARRON)

Very catchy, lifting, and inspiring.

4.) GO THE DISTANCE (HERCULES)

Prior to becoming our high school graduation song (yup, it was), I already loved this song when I encountered it from watching the movie.  A powerful song about the desire for glory and acceptance… and what makes a true hero (“But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part.  For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart.”)   

3.) REFLECTION (MULAN)

This is a good song made very special by Lea Salonga’s superb voice.

2.) A WHOLE NEW WORLD (ALADDIN)

  

As I already mused in a past top ten post, this is one of my favorite love songs.


1.) STRANGERS LIKE ME (TARZAN)

The greatest song montage in an animated movie… ever.  As for the song itself, well, it’s special by its own as well.  Even without the visual scenes, the song is still heart-stirring.  

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

"We are One" (Lion King 2) 

"I See the Light" (Tangled)

"Two Voices, One Song" (Barbie in the Diamond Castle)

"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Lion King)

 "You'll Be in My Heart" (Tarzan)

When not rambling about music or cartoons or both in the "Experimental Theatre", Bernel is rambling about them in "The Bernel Zone"...