By Conner Tighe
Decades after their release, Disney movies continue to dazzle my ears with beloved melodies. When these tracks come up, it’s difficult not to sing along. Here I’ve outlined some Disney classics everyone is sure to remember.
“Tale As Old As Time”; Beauty and the Beast (1991)
We all know the story of Prince Adam’s (Robby Benson) tragic transformation as a beast reclusing himself along with his castle staff in Beast’s Castle. The familiar track has been covered numerous times by artists like Celine Dion/Peabo Bryson, Ariana Grande/John Legend, and more. Actress Emma Watson later wore the iconic yellow dress in 2017’s Beauty and the Beast.
“Once Upon a Dream”; Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Princess Aurora’s (Mary Costa) whimsical personality vulnerability is best explained in Disney’s “Once Upon a Dream.” Aurora befriends local wildlife after growing up in a secret cottage with the three fairies Merryweather (Barbara Luddy), Flora (Verna Felton), and Fauna (Barbara Jo Allen). When she runs into Prince Phillip (Bill Shirley), the three fairies realize there may be hope for Aurora’s curse planted on her by the evil fairy Maleficent (Eleanor Audley).
“Why Should I Worry”; Oliver and Company (1988)
Disney’s take on the classic story Oliver Twist stars Cheech Martin (Tito), Joey Lawrence (Oliver), Bette Midler (Georgette), and Billy Joel as Artful Dodger, who starts off the film with the classic “Why Should I Worry.” When Oliver is abandoned on the streets of New York City, he befriends a group of outcasts led by Dodger. But when a debt is to be paid by a loan shark, Oliver’s newfound life flips upside down.
“Go the Distance”; Hercules (1997)
Who can forget Disney’s classic take on Greek mythology? Released in ’97, Disney’s Hercules stars Danny DeVito (Phil), Susan Egan (Megara), James Woods (Hades), and the late Rip Torn (Zeus). As Hercules (Tate Donovan) decides to search out Philoctetes, “Phil” trainer of the gods, he finds the courage to burst out in song, proclaiming his determination to win back his immortality again to reunite with his family on Mt. Olympus.
A Whole New World”; Aladdin (1992)
Hidden outside the city of Agrabah lies a lamp, but not just any lamp, a lamp of wonder. When young Aladdin (Scott Weinger) and his monkey Abu (Frank Welker) become trapped in the Cave of Wonders, they unknowingly release Genie (Robin Williams) from his prison. Little does Aladdin know, there’s more to royalty than fancy palaces and servants at your beckoned call.
“Almost There”; The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Anika Noni Rose lends her vocal skills as soon-to-be Princess Tiana, a young woman in New Orleans dreaming of opening her Louisiana-style restaurant. Disney’s take on the classic tale is sweet, sad, and full of excitement as Tiana and Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos) seek to turn themselves back into humans with the help of friends they meet along the way.
Images: Vulture, Oh My Disney, Decider, Geeks + Gamers, That Old Picture Show, CinemaBlend
Featured Image: Disnerd Movie Challenge