Summary

• Pinocchio (1940) introduced groundbreaking animation techniques and imparts timeless wisdom on courage, truth, and selflessness that still resonates today.
• The Fox and the Hound (1981) delivers a powerful message against blind conflict and prejudice, showcasing the enduring lessons of kindness and tolerance in friendship.
• 101 Dalmatians (1961) revolutionized animation with the Xerox process and tells a heartwarming tale of teamwork, courage, and the importance of family, making it a timeless delight.

Disney's cherished classics have aged poorly with contemporary social norms.

The traditional princess tales often confined their heroines to dreams of a prince to rescue them, and movies like Dumbo and Peter Pan contain racial stereotypes. Nonetheless, these nine Disney classics stand as a testament to their ability to transcend time and hold relevance even today.

9 Pinocchio

Released in 1940, Walt Disney's Pinocchio remains a storytelling, animation, and filmmaking masterpiece. The film not only advanced animation techniques by breaking characters out of the frame but also introduced the "multiplane camera" for three-dimensional drawings (via Walt Disney). Beneath these technical marvels, the heart of the movie lies in Pinocchio's journey to becoming a real boy and his father's unwavering love for rescuing him. Pinocchio imparts timeless wisdom like, "Let your conscience be your guide" and "A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face," resonating with lessons of courage, truth, and selflessness that endure to this day.

8 The Fox And The Hound

Released in 1981, The Fox and the Hound is based on Daniel P. Mannix's novel, portraying the unexpected friendship between Cooper, a hound, and Tod, an orphaned fox, despite their natural rivalry. Their bond is tested as Copper trains to be a hunting dog, illustrating the challenges of growing up and losing innocence. The vibrant tale carries a powerful message relevant today against blind conflict and prejudice. The enduring appeal of The Fox and the Hound lies in its heartwarming depiction of friendship, offering timeless lessons in kindness and tolerance.

7 Bambi

Bambi, released in 1942, is famously ed for the heart-wrenching loss of Bambi's mother. However, there is a much deeper meaning to the story. The movie follows the transformative journey of a young fawn named Bambi as he navigates an array of trials, including his obligation to become the Great Prince. He also encounters relentless hunters and must escape a forest fire.

Through Bambi's experiences, the film imparts timeless wisdom that life's challenges can be overcome through the age of time. Bambi is able to move past the death of his mother and continue living his life to the fullest in the regrown forest as he finds strength in embracing change and renewal.

6 The Great Mouse Detective

Disney's 1986 rendition of the Sherlock Holmes tales is The Great Mouse Detective, which remains an underappreciated gem within Disney's animated movies. The movie is centered around the renowned Basil of Baker Street, who embarks on the greatest case of his career when London's master toymaker is kidnapped. The narrative grips viewers throughout, showcasing the riveting dynamic between Basil and Ratigan, the story's Moriarty-inspired antagonist.

The Great Mouse Detective is also a marvel in animation, as it was the first traditionally animated film to use CGI with hand-drawn cel animation in the final sequence inside Big Ben (via Film). The Great Mouse Detective weaves together captivating storytelling and the importance of persistence, family, and working together, solidifying its place among the cherished Disney classics.

5 101 Dalmatians

Debuting in 1961, 101 Dalmatians was adapted from Dodie Smith’s book, which brought a change to the traditional Disney narrative, as it was a contemporary tale. This film marked Disney's adoption of the Xerox process, streamlining animation with illustration transfers going directly onto cellulose acetate—otherwise known as animation cels (via Walt Disney).

Along with the new technology that was utilized in this film, it features one of the most evil villains in Disney's history, Cruella de Vil, a name that is a combination of "cruel" and "devil." It follows Pongo and Perdita's heroic quest to rescue their pups, weaving themes of teamwork, courage, and the importance of family. With heartwarming charm, 101 Dalmatians remains a timeless delight, aligning Disney's creative prowess with meaningful storytelling.

4 Alice In Wonderland

The enchanting 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland captures Alice's journey of self-discovery through the whimsical rabbit hole inspired by Lewis Carroll's novel. Amid encounters with Wonderland's excentric inhabitants, Alice confronts the pivotal question, "Who are you?" She learns from each encounter with the residents of Wonderland and emerges with newfound confidence. The journey's lessons include embracing diversity, not getting stuck in the past, and standing up for oneself. This captivating narrative endures, drawing audiences into Wonderland's allure, allowing them to share in Alice's transformative adventure while resonating with its enduring themes of exploration and self-realization.

3 Hercules

In 1997, Disney interpreted the Greek myth of Hercules, crafting a captivating tale. Hercules is full of intriguing characters, dazzling performances, and a narrative of self-discovery for an outcast yearning to find his purpose. Clever humor resonates with both younger and mature audiences, while the muses ignite electric energy, embodying the role of the Greek chorus. The charismatic villain, Hades, and his witty demon companions add a delightful touch.

Meg is not the typical princess, as she radiates strength and independence with memorable lines like, "I'm a damsel. I'm in distress. I can handle this. Have a nice day." The film culminates in Hercules' selfless act to save Meg, despite knowing he would likely die in the process. The enduring message illustrates how genuine heroes can triumph over adversity and achieve their dreams, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

2 The Lion King

Disney's 1994 masterpiece, The Lion King, draws its timeless essence from its inspiration, William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Diverging from Disney norms, this unique tale unfolds with an all-animal cast, with themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Amidst Simba's coming-of-age journey, the film confronts weighty subjects like loss, betrayal, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Lion King is a true Disney classic, as it tugs at heartstrings throughout the film. Its central message of self-forgiveness and hope resonates deeply, capturing the human experience. The film's enduring appeal lies in its ability to kindle a sense of determination and optimism, compelling audiences to revisit its heartfelt narrative time and time again.

1 A Goofy Movie

Premiering in 1995, A Goofy Movie centers on Goofy's dynamic with his son Max. Seeking connection, Goofy embarks on a cross-country fishing trip with his high-school-aged son. The film captures shifting parent-child dynamics, focusing on their relationship amid change. There is not a traditional antagonist within the film, as the narrative centers on repairing their fractured relationship.

The lack of communication threads through the story resonates with viewers. The film ends with the catchy song "Eye To Eye," which is about truly listening and respecting each other to foster the greatest relationship. Beyond youthful entertainment, A Goofy Movie addresses the challenges of evolving parent-child relationships, making it an enduring Disney gem cherished across generations.

Source: Walt Disney 1, 2, Film