While most associate musicals with the thrill of live-action stage and screen performances, it’s important to acknowledge the beauty that is the animated musical. Indeed, these have long held a special place in cinematic history, blending the art of storytelling, design, and song into fully-fledged masterpieces. Because when done right, these films don’t just entertain, they elevate the genre—leaving a lasting mark on audiences with their emotional depth and creative innovation.
From biblical epics to psychedelic trips, sweeping romances to offbeat cult classics, this is a list that celebrates the animated musicals that set the golden tone (and tune). There are a lot, so bare with us. These are simply the ones that wowed us, broke the mold, made us feel, and lingered long after the credits began to roll.
10
‘Yellow Submarine’ (1968)
Directed by George Dunning
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When the music-hating Blue Meanies take over Pepperland, it’s up to Captain Fred (Lance Percival) to cross time and space in his Yellow Submarine to recruit four of music’s greatest rock-warriors: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison (aka The Beatles). Together, these singing saviors must face kooky threats as they try to bring love back into Pepperland before it’s too late.
A psychedelic journey through the whimsical world of Beatlemania, Yellow Submarine is as much a visual odyssey as it is a musical one. Seamlessly integrating iconic tracks like “All You Need is Love” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, the film becomes a sensorial explosion as it amalgamates with kaleidescopic storytelling. Sure, the plot may be a little difficult to extract at times, but this is no ordinary film. This is a piece of art that merges animation and pop music to create a unique cinematic experience of joy and love.
9
‘South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut’ (1999)
Directed by Trey Parker
With their two favorite comedians starring in a new movie, a group of young boys find a way to sneak into the cinema. They all have fun, but they also happen to learn all the obscene phrases, causing all the other children in South Park to watch it for themselves. Parents are left outraged and somehow a war against Canada is suddenly waged.
Boisterous, provocative, and unexpectedly brilliant, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut delivers a riotous blend of satire and song that still hits hard in today’s day and age. Tackling themes of censorship, the film skewers everything from politics to pop culture, all the while unleashing some of the catchiest (and crudest) tunes in animation. No, seriously—Trey Parker and Matt Stone‘s razor-sharp songwriting even earned them an Oscar nod for “Blame Canada”. Better still, when you’ve got Broadway royalty like Stephen Sondheim praising your work, only fools would call this movie anything but a masterpiece.
8
‘Coco’ (2017)
Directed by Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich
Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of nothing more than becoming a famous musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). The only thing stopping him is his family’s generations-old ban on music. But when Miguel mysteriously finds himself in the stunningly colorful Land of the Dead, he, along with Hector (Gael García Bernal)—a charming trickster he meets—go on an adventure to channel his musical passions and unlock the real story behind his family’s history.
Winning two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original song, it’s safe to say that Coco has cemented its place as a modern animated classic—and with good reason. Not only is the film visually stunning and musically genius, but it’s an emotionally powerful celebration of family, memory, and Mexican culture. Indeed, it’s easily one of Pixar’s best films and one that’s extremely hard to get through without shedding a tear.
7
‘Anastasia’ (1997)
Directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman
Years after the fall of Russia’s Imperial family, the Dowager Empress (Angela Lansbury) offers a reward to anyone who returns her beloved granddaughter, Anastasia. Hoping to strike luck with the winnings, two con-men scheme to pass off a fake girl that best resembles the lost princess. Little do they know, Anya (Meg Ryan)—the young amnesiac they choose—just so happens to be the person everyone’s been looking for.
Blending historical fiction with fantastical whimsy, Anastasia is the princess animated musical that easily stands out among the saturated genre made famous in the ’90s. From “Journey to the Past” to “Once Upon a December”, the songs are both haunting and uplifting—traits that only enhance the tragic undertones of the tale. Plus, in addition to the film’s lush visuals, Anastasia also features one of the best sweeping romances of all time, contributing to its enduring appeal and its ability to achieve icon status.
6
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)
Directed by Guy Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Living as a bell ringer atop the cathedral of Notre Dame, Quasimodo (Tom Hulce), a hunchback, dreams of breaking away from his isolated life and living among the free people. Sadly, this proves impossible with the evil Judge Claude Frodo (Tony Jay) keeping a watchful eye over him. But when he participates in the Festival of Fools, a chance encounter with the enigmatic Esmerelda (Demi Moore) changes Quasimodo’s life forever.
Dark, complex, and narratively rich, The Hunchback of Notre Dame stands apart as one of Disney’s most mature and ambitious animated musicals. Inspired by Victor Hugo‘s classic novel, the film tackles themes of lust, prejudice, and identity, with a sophistication rarely seen in such family films. Elevating the grandeur of the gothic architecture and morally intricate characters is the majestic score crafted by the iconic Alan Menken. Between songs like “Out There” and “Hellfire”, emotional stakes reach new heights and become the foundations of this haunting and severely underappreciated masterpiece.
5
‘Aladdin’ (1992)
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
While running amuck around Agrabah, Aladdin (Scott Weinger) unexpectedly meets (and falls in love with) Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). Unfortunately for him, their union is forbidden from the get-go as she must marry a man of high status. Luckily for the young street urchin, his prospects change as he suddenly comes into possession of a magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders—a lamp that happens to hold a fun-loving Genie (Robbie Williams) who can grant three wishes.
With dazzling animation and tons of magical delight, Aladdin is an animated musical that truly transports audiences to a whole new world. Between an iconic love story, unforgettable characters (such as Williams’ beloved Genie), as well as a legendary soundtrack featuring Oscar-winning songs— it’s no wonder why this film has lasted the tests of time. It’s thrilling, it’s adventurous, and it wears its heart on its sleeve. Some would even argue that it’s one of Disney’s “almost perfect” films.
4
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
Directed by Henry Sellick
Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) may be the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, but he just so happens to be bored with doing the same spooky thing every year. Luckily for him, he stumbles upon Christmas Town, where he quickly becomes dazzled by the festive, colorful cheer. Now, he wants nothing more than to share the Christmas charm with the ghoulish residents of Halloween Town—but things don’t exactly go to plan.
Showcasing the stellar art of stop-motion animation, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a film that brilliantly blends the macabre with the whimsical. Indeed, from its unique visual style, imaginative world building, and darkly enchanting songs like “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?”, it’s easy to see why this film has become an enduring cult classic. It elevates the classic fish-out-of-water story line, while also celebrating the beauty of individuality.
3
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)
Directed by Guy Trousdale and Kirk Wise
An arrogant prince is cursed by an enchantress to remain a beast until he can learn to love and earn love in return. Years later Belle (Page O’Hara) enters the Beast’s life as she offers to take her father’s place as his prisoner. And eventually, thanks to the help of Belle’s intelligence and strong-will (as well as a couple of enchanted friends), the young woman helps draw out the true man that hides behind the beast.
As a tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast has often been considered as one of Disney’s crowning jewels—not only because of it being a creative masterpiece, but mainly because it was the first animated film ever nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Of course, no one can fault that decision, as the film is a near-perfect blend of romance, humor, and gothic magic. Plus, with iconic songs written by legends, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it’s a picture that has become firmly entrenched in the pop culture lexicon.
2
‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998)
Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells
Upon discovering his true heritage as a Hebrew, Moses (Val Kilmer), a prince of Egypt, flees his home and his family. Years later, now with his new family and new way of life, Moses has an unexpected encounter with God, who calls him to lead his people out of Egypt as His messenger. Unfortunately, his brother Ramses (Ralph Fiennes) is now Pharaoh and appears to rule the Hebrews with an iron fist.
Retelling the biblical story of Moses, The Prince of Egypt stands as one of the most ambitious and visually striking animated musicals ever made. Its lush animation—grand in scope, yet rich in details—is matched by Hans Zimmer‘s stirring score, which elevates the film’s emotional and spiritual depth. Though featuring fewer songs than other films on this list, each is meticulously placed to map the story’s emotional beats, including “When You Believe”, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The A-List cast seems to be the cherry on top as they all lend gravitas to this powerful narrative of faith, freedom, and identity.
1
‘The Lion King’ (1994)
Directed by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers
After witnessing his father’s murder, at the paws of his wicked uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), Simba (Matthew Broderick) is forced to flee the Pride Lands as a cub. But as years go by, and he reunites with old friends, Simba gains the courage to return to his kingdom, confront his usurper uncle, and reclaim his place as the rightful ruler of Pride Rock.
With the skeleton of a Shakespearean tragedy, this Disney classic transforms a familiar coming-of-age tale into an epic of betrayal, exile, and redemption. Indeed, few animated musicals have matched the cultural and emotional resonance of The Lion King. Its sweeping narrative is only enhanced by its mystic visuals and soundtrack that remain iconic decades later. From Hans Zimmer‘s majestic score to the unforgettable songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, music is not just an accompaniment, but the soul of the film. It’s a truly timeless and universal story, told with tons of heart and spectacle.