1
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid
Ursula’s villain song is iconic for a reason—not only is packed with deliciously clever and evil lyrics, it’s also catchy as hell. It’s impossible to listen to it without wanting to sing along, which is probably why it usually makes an appearance on karaoke night.
2
“That’s How You Know” from Enchanted
Enchanted was both a parody of and a live-action homage to Disney animated films, music included. Thanks to elaborate choreography, a Central Park backdrop, and Amy Adams’ charming performance, “That’s How You Know” made Enchanted fit right into the Disney canon.
3
“Supernova Girl” from Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
Yes, Disney animated movies have a history of show-stopping songs, but we can’t forget about all the bops given to audiences by Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs for short). Over two decades later, and “Supernova Girl” is still just as catchy as it was in ’99.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
4
“When She Loved Me” from Toy Story 2
I don’t care how old you are, it’s impossible to listen to this ballad about a toy’s owner outgrowing her and not sob your eyes out. And, no, it’s not just because it’s sung by Sarah McLachlan…though that doesn’t hurt.
5
“What Dreams Are Made Of” from The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Hey now, you didn’t think we would make a list of iconic Disney songs without mentioning “What Dreams Are Made Of,” did you? There was a time when this song was inescapable. If you’re a millennial, I guarantee you know this song even if you haven’t seen The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
6
“The Climb” from Hannah Montana The Movie
It’s hard to believe that one of Miley Cyrus’ most iconic hits was actually an original song released for Hannah Montana The Movie. In many ways, the track set Cyrus up for mainstream fame post-Disney stardom, and, yep, it’s still a classic.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
7
“I2I” from A Goofy Movie
“I2I” could legitimately be a pop hit, and though it’s not one of the best known songs to come out of a Disney animated film, it still deserves a spot on this list.
8
“Agatha All Along” from WandaVision
Marvel is technically owned by Disney, making the surprise WandaVision hit, “Agatha All Along” eligible for a spot on the list of best Disney songs. The song is undeniably catchy and went viral mid-pandemic shut down, inspiring memes, TikToks, and, most importantly, a Trap remix.
9
“Surface Pressure” from Encanto
What happens when you get Lin Manuel Miranda to write songs for a Disney movie? The best Disney songs you’ve ever heard, that’s what! This song definitely has the most Hamilton-esque vibes out of everything in the movie, and TBH, I can’t get enough.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
10
“Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog
You might recognize this song from TikTok, and if you didn’t know it was originally from The Princess And The Frog…surprise! Now you do! And the whole thing is 100 percent worth a listen.
11
“Reflection” from Mulan
Anyone else throw this song on and (way too loudly) sing along when they need to have an emotional main character moment?? Your neighbors will definitely hate you, but it’s worth it.
12
“Streets of Gold” from Oliver and Company
I’m just gonna say it, Oliver and Company might be the most underrated Disney movie out there, and “Streets of Gold” has got singing dogs, ’80s pop vibes, and a catchy tune. What more could you possibly need?
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
13
“Breaking Free” from High School Musical
Alright, so High School Musicalmiiight not be what you think of when you picture a classic Disney movie BUT it still counts. HSM is packed with banger after banger, and it all started with “Breaking Free.”
14
“Nobody Like U” from Turning Red
Did we expect to get an early 2000s boyband song from a Disney movie released in 2022? No. Are we glad we did? OH yes!
15
“Cruella De Vil” from 101 Dalmations
Find me a Disney villain more iconic than Cruella De Vil…I’ll wait! This song might have come out *gasp* more than 60 YEARS ago, but it’s still one of the most recognizable bops the House of Mouse ever released.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
16
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto
17
“How Far I’ll Go” from Moana
Newer Disney movies LOVE having their princesses sing a powerful ballad, and this one from Moanais one of the most moving they’ve ever produced.
18
“Let It Go” from Frozen
If you don’t know every word to this song by now, have you been living without an internet connection, or…? Never forget, it took home the Oscar for Best Original Song after a stellar performance by Adele Dazeem.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
19
“Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid
Anyone who’s ever felt out of place can relate to Ariel’s desire to be part of the human world. (Who’s gonna tell her that it’s not so great up here at the moment tho?)
20
“A Whole New World” from Aladdin
Everyone (myself included) is obsessed with this song. It even won an Oscar in 1993, ’cause Disney really knows how to make award-winning hits.
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Laura is a NYC-based freelance writer. When she’s not binging the latest true crime docu-series, she’s obsessing over all things Harry Styles, RHONY, and John Mulaney. You can follow her on Instagram @lauraehanrahan
