The Disney Renaissance

The Little Mermaid

Nov 17, 1989

Based on the 19th century fairy tale by Hans Chritian Andersen, the Little Mermaid is the first film in the Disney Renaissance. It follows the story of a young mermaid named Ariel who yearns to explore the surface world. This film features such memorable songs as "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World." In 1990 the film won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, "Under the Sea, " and Best Score.

The Disney Renaissance

Period: Nov 17, 1989 to Jun 18, 1999

The Resucers Down Under

Nov 16, 1990

Arguably the least popular film in this list, The Rescuers Down Under is a sequel to the 1977 film The Rescuers. It follows the exploits of two mice as they aid a young boy in the Australian outback.

Beauty and the Beast

Nov 22, 1991

A tale as old as time as the song goes. This film is a timeless story of love and finding the beauty within as a castle full of enchanted furniture push their master to woo a beautiful woman named Belle. This picture holds the distinction of being the first animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Though it did not win that category it did win Best Original Song, "Beauty and the Beast," and Best Original Score.

Aladdin

Nov 25, 1992

Otherwise known as Prince Ali, Aladdin comes to us from the Arabic folktale, "One Thousand and One Nights." In this film our "diamond in the rough," along with his nimble sidekick Abu, find a magical genie in the mythical Cave of Wonders. Aladdin uses the genie to make himself a prince so that he can charm the radiant Princess Jasmine, all the while dealing with the evil Jafar. This film also won two Acaddemy Awards, one for Best Score, and the other for Best Original Song, "A Whole New World."

The Lion King

Jun 24, 1994

Let's be honest, this film was the original tear jerker for most of us '90's kids. When Simba asked the lifeless Mufasa to go home with him, even the strongest of us shed a tear. This film took us for an emotional roller coaster that led us from sadness to repdemption as Simba defeats his murderous uncle to become the rightful king of Pride Rock. Like it's predecessors The Lion King won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

Pocahontas

Jun 23, 1995

This motion picture taught us all how to paint with the colors of the wind as we witnessed the love story of Pocahontas, the daughter of a chief, and John Smith, a tough Englishman. Though much of this film is taken out of historical context it is still a beautiful story that tells us that peace is possible, and that love a powerful motivator. This film also won the Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, "Colors of the Wind."

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Jun 21, 1996

One of the darkest Disney films to date, this adaption of Victor Hugo's classic work makes us all question where true beauty lies and the real meanings of virtue. Quasimodo is a mishapen man who yearns to be accepted and loved and he finds that in the gypsy Esmerelda, though not quite in the way he pictured. The film features such memorable songs as "God Help the Outcasts" and "Hellfire."

Hercules

Jun 27, 1997

A story about finding where you truly belong, and about strength of heart, Hercules comes on the scene in a flurry of gospel truths and buns of bronze. In this film Hercules strives to go the distance as he trains with the satyr Phil to become a true hero. Along the way he falls for Megera, a mysterious and captivating young woman, and battles his uncle Hades, God of the Underworld. Herc shows the audeince that a hero is forged not only in the battles he wins, but through loyalty and love.

Mulan

Jun 19, 1998

This heartfelt story follows the brave actions of Mulan, a young woman who goes off to war to save her father in ancient China. With the aid of the wise-cracking dragon Mushu, Mulan is eventually able to defeat the Mongol Shan Yu and win the heart of her captain, Li Shang. The hit song "Reflection" emphaizes the movie's theme of being yourself and the power that comes from accepting the real you.

Tarzan

Jun 18, 1999

Last but not least comes the vine swinging adventure of Tarzan, a man raised by gorillas who falls for the intelligent Jane Porter. The film is based on the character by Edgar Rice Burroughs and is one of many adaptions of the the ape man. The Academy Award winning song "You'll be in my Heart" by Phil Collins, imparts the film's message that love is a universal language.