One of the most successful periods of history for Walt Disney Animation Studios occurred from 1989 to 1999 in what would become affectionately known as the "Disney Renaissance." Taking well-known fairy tales from around the world, Disney turned them into critical hits that were nominated for multiple Academy Awards every year.
Some of the most popular Disney films of all time occurred during this decade, beginning with The Little Mermaid in 1989 and continuing with Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and more. Each film introduced dozens of memorable characters that have become beloved by fans ever since.
ARIES - ALADDIN
A humble thief from the bustling kingdom of Agrabah, Aladdin had the resourcefulness and imagination to think beyond his stature. It allowed him to undertake a grand adventure to the Cave of Wonders and experience the magic of the lamp.
Like many Aries, Aladdin relied on his charisma and quick-thinking to stay one step ahead of trouble. His adventurous spirit couldn't up the opportunity to use the lamp for himself, but deceiving Jasmine exposed his selfish recklessness.The only way to redeem himself was to free the Genie.
TAURUS - TARZAN
Reclusive and sheltered in his jungle habitat, Tarzan had a wariness for outsiders who came to his home with strange ways and foreign customs. Only his inherent curiosity helped build a bridge between two worlds.
Tarzan was known for being cautious and apprehensive with strangers, but once he opened up he was a loyal, patient, and loving Taurus. He was protective of his family, and determined to make them feel safe from intruders, which occasionally made him inflexible.
GEMINI - MULAN
Mulan struggled with upholding her family honor and breaking with tradition to serve in the Emperor's army. Her adventurous spirit eventually allowed her to succeed at both, without sacrificing her principles.
Like a true Gemini, Mulan was able to use her adaptability to spring into action and assume her father's place serving the Emperor. Though some would call her actions reckless, her quick-thinking proved to be just the sort of cunning China needed to defeat the Huns.
CANCER - POCAHONTAS
If it weren't for the inquisitive and ionate Pocahontas, her tribe might never have made peace with the English settlers who came to the New World. Her bravery and selflessness made her an iconic figure in history.
Pocahontas, like many Cancers was comionate, and felt a deep connection to her natural surroundings. She had great empathy for the wildlife of her home and was protective of it. When her guarded heart felt free enough, she threw caution to the wind and marveled at its colors.
LEO - SIMBA
A rebellious lion cub who became king of the Pride Lands after the sudden death of his father, Simba wasn't ready to step into the deep pawprints of Mufasa until he'd walked a mile in his own.
As a cub, Simba espoused all the most abrasive Leo traits like being bossy and patronizing, but as he matured he became as generous and warm-hearted as his father. He truly embodied the lion's sign when he proudly returned home and freed his subjects from Scar's tyranny.
VIRGO - SEBASTIAN
King Triton's trusted adviser, Sebastian the sea crab became the warden for Triton's favorite and youngest daughter Ariel due to his diligence and meticulous attention to detail. Being a spy for the king didn't ingratiate him too well to the rebellious princess, however.
Like many Virgos, Sebastian often let his over-analysis of a situation turn him into a worry wart. He constantly fussed over Ariel's choices, from going to see Ursula to cavorting with a human prince. Sebastian had to learn to be less critical and more open-minded in order to find inner peace.
LIBRA - LUMIERE
Once a faithful servant in the prince's castle, Lumiere was turned into a candelabra by a witch's spell. That didn't stop him from continuing to be a hopeless romantic and a true showman!
Charming and urbane like many Libras, Lumiere was the first to welcome Belle into the castle and show her around despite the Beast's express disapproval. Incredibly flirtatious and self-indulgent to a fault, he was known to fall under the spell of anything or anyone he considered beautiful.
SCORPIO - BEAST
Once a handsome but spoiled prince, he was turned into a hideous beast when he refused to let an old woman in from the cold. She cursed him to remain inside his castle with an enchanted rose, with no access to the outside world until Belle arrived.
Mysterious and magnetic, there was something about the Beast that drew Belle to him despite his anger problems. As a Scorpio he had a dynamic personality that ranged from tender to formidable and secretive to stubborn. Whichever side she saw of him, one constant remained - his love for her.
SAGITTARIUS - GENIE
Despite spending ten thousand years cooped up inside a small magic lamp, when the Genie was released by Aladdin in the Cave of Wonders, he sprang to life with a larger than life personality.
Like a true Sagittarius Genie was independent, fun-loving, and had a fantastic sense of humor. He shot straight with Al and expected to be treated with the same respect. His enduring optimism paid off when Al eventually did right by Genie and freed him.
CAPRICORN - PHIL
Philoctetes was a trainer of heroes in Ancient Greece, and despite his misgivings became the mentor of the mighty Hercules. He had a sour disposition that bellied a truly noble heart, and an ability to see greatness in others.
Phil fully embodied the horned goat sign Capricorn when he ambitiously sent Hercules to combat increasingly dangerous foes, hoping to increase his own notoriety. In the process, his pessimism diminished, and he began to see Hercules for what he truly was - a hero.
