How to Watch Disney Animated Movies in Order

It is finally time for you and your family to sit down, relax, and enjoy a movie on Disney+ before your bustling vacation. You want the family to be well versed in all of the Disney Classics so that when you get to the parks you can understand all of the rides, and movie references, and sing along to the songs. The best way to go is to figure out how to watch the Disney animated movies in order!

The question is, how do you watch Disney animated movies in order? Is it best to just pick a movie and get started? Should you move from newest to oldest films? Or, should you go the opposite and start with the oldest to see the Walt Disney Film magic get better and better as the years go on?

We vote for the last option of watching all the Disney animated movies in order! Starting with Walt’s incredible workings on the Disney Animated classics all the way to Disney’s newest releases will allow you and your family to have an appreciation for how much the Walt Disney Company has grown over the last 100 years.

Now that you have decided to watch theDisney animated movies in order, how do you know which ones to watch when? Well, we here at Mickey Visit have that list ready for you! So, keep the list bookmarked, grab your popcorn, and get the film rolling.

What Films are Included in the List (Disney has a ton of different categories on Disney Plus!)

The Disney animated movies in order list is what Disney labels as its animated classics. The list does not include any direct-to-video sequels, Disney Pixar productions, or Disney-adjacent studios (like when Disney purchased Marvel).

Disney Movie Classic List

The Classics can be broken down into 7 different eras of films. Through our list we have broken the films into the eras for you, so after you finish watching all 62 classic films, you can decide for yourself which era Disney did best.

The Golden Age (1937-1942)

The Golden Age is aptly named because this is the era that started Walt Disney’s journey in film. These first 5 films are truly iconic and have lasted in the minds and memories of every Disney fan.

With that being said, let's get into our list of Disney animated movies in order!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Snow White is the first Disney Animated Classic released in 1937.

The film tells the story of a classic Princess named Snow White who is trying to escape from her evil step-mother (who has turned into a witch) and finds a cozy cottage with the 7 Dwarfs. Unfortunately, she eats a poison apple and only true love’s kiss can save her.

Snow White has many attractions and characters throughout the parks. One of the most popular rides at Disney's Magic Kingdom is Seven Dwarf's Mine Train. This is one of the most iconic films on the Disney animated movies in order list.

Pinocchio (1940)

The film, Pinocchio, follows a living puppet, and his cricket (and his conscience), Jiminy Cricket. Pinocchio wants to become a “real boy.” The famous Disney song, “When You Wish Upon A Star” comes from this classic film as well.

Fantasia (1940)

Fantasia is a unique Disney film in that it doesn’t feature a single narrative story, instead relying on the narrative to be told through classical musical selections and stunning images. The most iconic scene from the film is the Sorcerer Mickey section with the brooms. Disney still uses the Sorcerer Mickey in the theme parks today.

Dumbo (1941)

Dumbo is an iconic symbol in the Magic Kingdom park. The film focuses on Dumbo who realizes he is different because of his huge floppy ears. His best friend Timothy the mouse, helps him understand this makes him unique and Dumbo becomes the only flying elephant.

You can ride your own Dumbo Elephant at Magic Kingdom.

Bambi (1942)

Bambi is a film that many can relate to as Bambi grows up learning lessons about life, love, and loss with his best friends Thumper and Flower. The film is most known for the tragic scene of the loss of Bambi’s mother. It is hard not to shed a tear.

The Wartime Era (1942-1949)

After World War II broke out, Disney was working with limited resources and a lower budget but still wanted to bring entertainment to the world during a difficult time. The films in this era are classified as packages because the studio focused on collections of shorter animated stories.

Saludos Amigos (1943)

This animated comedy was released in 1943 and features Donald Duck and Goofy traveling South of the Border. Donald encounters a stubborn llama and “El Gaucho” and Goofy gets to live out his dream of being a cowboy.

The Three Caballeros (1944)

The Three Caballeros is a family friendly musical released in 1944 featuring Donald Duck in one of his greatest adventures. This film mixes live action and classic Disney animation.

The plot follows Donald after he receives a magical collection of gifts exploring a fantastical musical journey with his Latin American friends Joe Carioca and Panchito to guide him.

If you want to experience the wit of these three friends together, make sure to visit the Three Caballeros ride in the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT. This hidden gem is a great one to watch in your quest to watch the Disney animated movies in order.

Make Mine Music (1946)

Make Mine Music follows a similar style of Fantasia in that music plays a large role in telling the story presented on the screen. The 1946 film features a collection of musically charged animated shorts and classic cartoon hits.

Fun and Fancy Free (1947)

This 1947 release is a special one as it is the last time that Walt Disney voiced Mickey Mouse. The film features Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Jiminy Cricket, who you may remember from Pinnochio.

The film tells the two timeless classics Bongo and Mickey and the Beanstalk. This film also features a combination of animation and live action.

Melody Time (1948)

Another Disney musical, released in 1948 is Melody Time. This film features 7 clasica stories, including Johnny Applesead and Pecos Bill. With so many stories, including one with Donald Duck and his antics, there is something for everyone in the family.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1950)

This Disney film features two different films. The first is about Mr. Toad, a wealthy and reckless sportsman who drives his friends into worry. Then meet Ichabod Crane in the Disney retelling of the “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

The Silver Age (1950-1967)

The Silver Age features many films that are iconic throughout the world of Disney today. For instance Cinderella was released during this time as well as Sleeping Beauty and they both have their own castles at Walt Disney World parks. Alice and Peter both have their own rides in Magic Kingdom and Lady and the Tramp has a restaurant!

Cinderella (1950)

The second iconic Disney Princess movie released in 1950 was Cinderella. A story of a mistreated girl whose Fairy Godmother helps her turn into a beauty, meet the Prince, and dash away losing her glass slipper all before midnight. The Prince must search high and wide to find her before they are able to have their Happily Ever After.

You can see Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Join Alice on her fantastical adventure as she falls into the topsy-turvy world chasing the White Rabbit. Along her journey she encounters the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Tweedledee & Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and faces the Queen of Hearts.

You can meet Alice in EPCOT and ride the Tea Cups in Magic Kingdom if this movie becomes one of your favorites!

Peter Pan (1953)

Peter Pan tells the story of Peter, Wendy, the lost boys and of course the iconic Tinker Bell. A Disney class for everyone in your family, the adventures that take place in Neverland will have the adults feeling like they never grew up and the kids wishing to fly and defeat Captain Hook.

This is also the theme of a ride that has one of the longest waits in Magic Kingdom when visiting, but you get to see the scenes from the movie in a flying boat ride, so it is definitely worth it! We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Lady and the Tramp is an adorable movie featuring the adventures of a cocker spaniel named Lady and a mutt named Tramp. Watch these two pups fall in love in this animation classic released in 1955.

Today you can visit Tony's Town Square Restaurant and dine in the ambiance of the movie.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

The third Disney Princess film to be released was the story of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. The story follows an evil and jealous fairy named Maleficent and the curse she cast on the kingdom’s princess Aurora. The three Good Fairies try to save Aurora as they raise her as their own, but when Aurora pricks her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep, only brave Prince Phillip and the Fairies can help to save her.

The Sleeping Beauty Castle is the center point at the Disneyland Park. We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

After Cruella de Vil steals Pongo and Perdita’s puppies, the search is on to find them before it is too late. Join all of the tail waggin creatures as the search ensues.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Released in 1963 was The Sword in the Stone. With the help and guidance of the wizard Merlin, Wart may be able to become England’s greatest king. This adventure-filled quest for an unlikely hero culminates as Wart tries to pull the enchanted sword out of the massive stone. While many brave knights have been unable to succeed, it is up to Wart to see if his training has paid off.

Today, you can even try to pull the sword yourself at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

The Jungle Book (1967)

The last movie released in the Silver Age is The Jungle Book. Explore the wild side along with Mowgli as he journeys into the jungle and learns the way of life from Baloo the bear, the wise panther Bagheera, and the crazy orangutan King Louie. But the jungle isn’t without danger as Mowgli must escape from Shere Khan the tiger and Kaa the sneakiest snake.

The Bronze Age (1970-1988)

The Bronze Age are the movies directly following Walt Disney’s death in 1966. It is classified as a transition era between old and new. The Disney company began to diversify during this time not only focusing on movies, but television and theme parks as well. There was a lot of experimentation involved and classical tales were avoided.

The Aristocats (1970)

The Aristocats was the first movie released during The Bronze Age in 1970. This musical comedy follows a family of aristocratic cats in Paris that must team up with an alley cat to save the family fortune after they were kidnapped.

Robin Hood (1973)

Robin Hood, his trusted companion Little John, and his devoted band of merry men steal from the rich, Prince John, and give to the poor of Sherwood Forest. This true classic brings the themes of bravery, courage, and friendship to the forefront of this memorable music filled animation.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is the last film where Walt Disney was personally involved in the planning of the animation. Watch Tigger, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, and more characters from the Hundred Acre Wood come alive on your screen in their hilarious tales. We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

The Rescuers (1977)

The Rescue Aid Society must spring into action after receiving a plea for help from an orphan named Penny. Bianca and Bernard set out to save Penny from Madame Medusa and her alligator henchmen.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

The Fox and the Hound was released in 1981 and was one of the most expensive Disney Movies, but is a beloved classic. A little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family and quickly befriends the hound puppy, Cooper. The two go on many adventures until Copper learns that his role as a hound is to go on a hunt for his best friend.

The Black Cauldron (1985)

Four years later, 1985, The Black Cauldron was released. The movie is based on a series of books and was planned to mirror the books in a series of movies; unfortunately that didn’t happen. The animated movie is set in the mythical land of Prydain during the Early Middle Ages and focuses on the evil Horned King who wants the Black Cauldron. Taran, the pig keeper, Eilonwy, the young princess, Fflewddur Fflam, the bard, and Gurgi, a wild creature, are intent on destroying the Cauldron.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

The Great Mouse Detective was a box office hit. In this animated, animal version of Sherlock Holmes, Basil of Baker Street must help a little mouse girl rescue her father who was abducted by a peglegged bat. His investigation leads to an even larger plot against the Crown itself.

Oliver & Company (1988)

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens’ meets animals in this Disney Classic. Oliver, a cat, joins dogs Dodger, Tito, and their pals for an epic movie of surviving on the New York City streets. Oliver and Company was released in the fall of 1988 and became a heartwarming classic for many.

The Disney Renaissance (1989-1999)

This era is incredibly important to me. These are the movie classics that I grew up with! 90s kids will know exactly what I mean.

The Renaissance era is named because Disney returned to its roots and adapted classic fairy tales to animated films. Disney could not stop putting out amazing films.

The films in this era are immensely popular still today and have many references throughout the theme parks world wide.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

The timeless classic, The Little Mermaid was released in 1989 and has won many awards for its musical score. The film follows Ariel, a free-spirited mermaid princess as she wants to become part of the human world. She must make a deal with the villain Ursula to gain her human legs and make the prince fall in love with her without her voice.

We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list, The Littler Mermaid has a large presence at both US Disney Parks!

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

The Rescuers Down Under released in 1990 is the first sequel that appears on this list. On the Rescue Aid Society’s next mission, they must brave the Australian Outback to save a young boy named Cody and the lovely eagle Marhute from a poacher who will stop at nothing.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The 1991 release of Beauty and the Beast invites viewers to be guests at the enchanted castle as Beast must learn to fall in love or forever remain as a Beast. Independent and headstrong Belle is taken captive and through a lot of trial and error, the two become friends, but will it lead to more? The first animated feature film to be nominated for Best Picture in the history of the Oscars is a beloved classic for all to enjoy.

You can even watch a live retelling of Beauty and the Beast at the Hollywood Studios Stage Show in Walt Disney World.

Aladdin (1992)

Released the next year was Aladdin, another award winning animated classic for its music. Viewers join the street rat Aladdin and his monkey Abu as they try to navigate life in Agrabah when a stranger approaches them to get a magic lamp. The Genie (voiced by Robin Williams) appears out of the lamp, grants Aladdin’s wish to be Prince Ali, and Aladdin spends the rest of the movie trying to prove himself worthy of the princesses hand.

The Lion King (1994)

Taking place on the Savannah, this classic tale of a lion learning about the circle of life and his place in the animal kingdom is a heartwarming tale. Spawning sequels and television show spin-offs, this animated classic is one of breathtaking animation, a phenomenal soundtrack, and emotional twists and turns.

Pocahontas (1995)

The Disney animation studios took many historical liberties with the animated classic Pocahontas. Despite the deviation from the truth, the animated movie follows Pocahontas, her pals Meeko and Flit, and the guidance of Grandmother Willow when English settlers arrive on the shores of the Americas. What will transpire when Pocahontas meets John Smith and the two try to change history.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

One of Disney’s darkest movies is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dealing with torture, religious persecution, lust, and genocide, the animated movie is based on Victor Hugo’s novel. Quasimodo must leave the solitary safety of his bell tower to find his friend Esmerelda, the gypsy. He must save the day and save the city and along the way realizes that people can be more than they appear.

Hercules (1997)

Loosely based on Greek Mythology, Hercules combines musical theater and comedy in this animated film released in 1997. Hercules must go on a quest from zero to hero with his trainer Phil to try to return home to Mount Olympus. Unfortunately, Hades has other plans and uses Pain, Panic, and Grecian beauty Meg to help stop him.

Mulan (1998)

The fate of China rests in Mulan’s hands as she must save the emperor from the Hun army. How did she get here? Well, to save her father from fighting for the Imperial Army, she disguises herself as a soldier named Ping. Along with her funny guardian dragon Mushu and a lucky cricket named Cri-Kee, Milan must fight for the respect of her fellow warriors and Captain Shang. Ultimately her skill, bravery, and creativity lead to her restoring her family’s honor.

Tarzan (1999)

One of the last movies released in the 1990s was Tarzan. As Tarzan is raised by apes, his two worlds collide when humans arrive forcing Tarzan to choose to be a part of the animal world he was raised in or the civilized life that Jane and her father promise. Terk and Tantor, Tarzan’s childhood friends, and Jane, the new affection of Tarzan’s life, make the decision difficult for Tarzan who is split between the two pieces of himself.

Post Renaissance Era/ Experimental Era (1999-2009)

The films in this era are just as good as the previous one; however, the films were split due to the new computer generated artwork instead of hand-drawn images that were used in the films. The films during this era focused on family, growth, and search for identity.

Fantasia 2000

A continuation of the classic Fantasia by Walt Disney, Fantasia 2000 features sights and sounds, innovative blends of music and animated imagery on the screen. With more collections of captivating scenes Fantasia 2000 fulfills the work-in-progress that the original Fantasia always was. We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

Dinosaur (2000)

Released in 2000 but set 65 million years ago, Dinosaur tells the story of Aladar who is separated from his own kind and raised by a family of lemurs. However, when a meteor shower destroys their home, Aladar and his family must move with another herd of dinosaurs. Aladar makes friends and enemies along the way to safety as they encounter food and water shortages, carnotaur attacks and more.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

Emperor Kuzco is self-centered and self-pleasing. When Emperor Kuzco gets turned into a llama by his advisor, Yzma, and her henchman Kronk, he must form an alliance with a peasant, Pacha, to overcome their differences as they embark on an adventure to get Kuzco turned back into a human. Kuzco must learn a lot about himself and others if he is going to be successful.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

What starts as an expedition of the lost city of Atlantis, led by historian Milo Thatch and a highly qualified crew of archaeologists and explorers becomes a protection mission to save Atlantis through teamwork and friendship.

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

An unlikely friendship formed between a girl and an alien leads to many adventures as each learns the true meaning of friendship, love, loyalty and ‘ohana. This movie is one of the few set in America, specifically Hawaii.

Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002 as well, this science fiction film features a teen, Jim Hawkins, who finds the map of a great treasure hidden by a space pirate. He sets off in a large space ship with some friends on his quest, meeting friends and enemies along the way.

Brother Bear (2003)

Kenai, an impulsive boy, is magically transformed into a bear, and until he learns some valuable life lessons, he must literally walk in another's footsteps. Throughout his journey, he is introduced to a forest full of wildlife, including bear cub Koda, moose Rutt and Tuke, and more!

Home on the Range (2004)

Three cows and their farm friends must save their home from a greedy outlaw. These animals must form unlikely alliances if they are going to save their home. This animated comedy for kids focuses on the true meaning of working together for the common good.

Chicken Little (2005)

The studio’s first animated film made in 3D digital format, Chicken Little, was an incredible success at the box office. When the sky actually begins to fall, Chicken Little and his friends must save the planet from an alien invasion and prove that the world's biggest hero is a little chicken.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Lewis is a brilliant young inventor who sets off on a time-traveling quest with Wilbur Robinson to save the future and find his birth parents.

Bolt (2008)

Bolt, a dog, is the star of the biggest show in Hollywood along with his co-star, human, Penny. The only problem is, he thinks it's real. After he's accidentally shipped to New York City and separated from Penny, he must harness all his “super powers” to find a way home.

The Revival Era (2009 – Present)

The Revival Era is when Disney added even more princesses to the Disney Cannon. Disney focused on what they did successfully in the past but with a current vision. Frozen, Moana, Tangled, and Tiana from Princess with the Frog are just a few of the heavy hitters in this era. Over 10 years later and little kids (and really adults now) are still singing Let it Go!

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Disney puts a modern twist on the classic tale The Princess and the Frog by setting the story in New Orleans. As Prince Naveen is turned into a Frog, he hopes that a kiss from Tiana, a hardworking woman dressed as a princess will allow him to turn back. Unfortunately, all it does is turn Tiana into a frog too. Follow Naveen and Tiana as they teach each other a little something about life on their adventure to turn back human.

There are two new rides opening, one at Disney World and one at Disneyland, in 2024 based upon the adventures of Tiana and Naveen.

Tangled (2010)

After Flynn Rider steals the crown from the Kingdom of Corona, he goes on the run and stumbles upon a lonely tower where he finds Rapunzel who has been in this tower with her “mother” for the past 18 years. After letting down her hair and convincing Flynn to take her to see the floating lanterns for her birthday, the two of them embark on an adventure where Rapunzel learns a little more about herself.

Winnie the Pooh (2011)

Owl sends the whole gang on a wild journey to help Eeyore after he loses his tail. The gang must also save Christopher Robin from the mysterious Baksun. In the end, it turns out to be a very busy day for the group. We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

When Ralph is tired of being left out and playing the bad guy in his video game, he ventures to find another game where he can prove himself and ends up meeting another character Vanellope von Schweetz who doesn’t feel as though she has a place in her own game. The two unlikely characters ultimately help each other find their rightful places.

Frozen (2013)

Perhaps Disney’s biggest hit is Frozen. The story focuses on Princess Anna’s journey to save both her sister, Elsa, and her kingdom of Arendelle that Elsa placed in an eternal winter. With the help of Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf, Anna proves the real meaning of true love can help to thaw anything.

Frozen has many attractions throughout the Disney Parks, including international Disney parks.

Big Hero Six (2014)

Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. Unfortunately, a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo. Hiro turns Baymax and his diverse group of friends into a band of unlikely heroes to try and save the day.

Guests can step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California to meet Baymax and Hiro.

Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia is an animated comedy-adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case. Unfortunately, she has to partner with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery.

Moana (2016)

In order to restore the Heart of Te Fiti, Moana must venture into the open ocean against her father’s wishes to save her island. Can Moana restore the heart and return the voyage back to Motunui? Only with the help of Maui and belief in herself will Moana be successful.

Moana now has her own attraction at EPCOT that you can visit when you go to theme parks.

Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

The second sequel to make it onto the classics list is Ralph Breaks the Internet. Rejoin your favorites Ralph and fellow misfit, Vanellope, as they risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a part to save her game, Sugar Rush. They are forced to rely on other characters from the internet to help them be successful in their journey.

Frozen II (2019)

Eight years after the first Frozen animated feature, Frozen II was released. Join Elsa as she tries to figure out the truths about the past as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle. The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll face a dangerous but remarkable journey.

Raya and The Last Dragon (2021)

Taking place in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons used to live together in harmony, but when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. 500 years later, that same evil has returned. Raya, a lone warrior, must track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. On her journey, she learns that trust and teamwork are important as well.

Encanto (2022)

Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, but not just any ordinary place. They live in a magical house, in a vibrant town, called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel. Mirabel must find her place in the family as the Encanto starts to crumble around the family.

You can now meet Mirabel at Walt Disney World in Magic Kingdom.

Strange World (2022)

Strange World is an original, action-packed comedy adventure. We are introduced to three generations of the legendary Clade family as they attempt to band together and navigate an uncharted, treacherous land beneath their world.

Wish (2023)

Disney’s newest animated feature is Wish. It was just released in theaters in November of 2023. In “Wish,” Asha makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community. Through the film, she proves that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

You can now meet her at EPCOT in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We had to include this one in our how to watch Disney animated movies in order list.

All Disney Movies

Were there some Disney Animated Movies that you thought should surely be on the list above? We miss them too. Unfortunately, there are 818 current films that Disney has either created, owns the rights to, or worked on through their other companies, and it would take ages to list them all. However, D23 has a full list on their website linked here.

Plan Your Next Disney Trip

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Also read our other Disney articles to make sure you are prepared for your next Disney trip:

1. 10 Disney Movies You Have to Rewatch Now With Your Kids
2. 10 Can’t Miss Disney World Rides Based on Movies
3. Another CLASSIC Disney Attraction Getting Movie Treatment
4. What to Watch on Disney Plus: 50 Shows and Movies to Watch Now
5. Every Time the Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Reference the Disney Ride That Inspired Them