Looking back over my childhood I now realise how much of an impact film had on me over the years. From as far back as I can remember, our lounge has always been filled to the brim with Disney DVDs and VHS tapes, from the classics like Sleeping Beauty and 101 Dalmatians to the more swash-buckling Pirates of the Caribbean boxset, an object that I have always held close to my heart. Whether sticking on Cinders to keep my sister and I quiet for a couple of hours or having Ratatouille on repeat over long car journeys, my parents always weaved the works of Walt Disney Studios into my childhood, with the movies almost always keeping me entertained, no matter my age.
Coming up to the official 100 years since its founding, I am here to uncover the highs and lows of the studio, a place where dreams almost always come true. Of course, no commentary on the life cycle of Disney can be complete without a top five but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Walt Disney was a true pioneer, bringing with him the golden age of animation and a new perspective on animated entertainment. From his first feature length film Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to the likes of Moana, there has been huge technological advancement as the characters have become more lifelike over the past century. After recently reading about the sheer complexity involved in creating all 12 hair types and textures in Encanto (2021), it is astonishing to compare the authentic physicality of the characters to what they used to be like pre 2000s. Similarly, more recent representations of diversity have given Disney that extra sprinkle of fairy dust that the studios definitely needed. Absorbing the likes of Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios into its plethora of ownerships, Disney’s expansion is ever present.
Though the magic has always been there, the controversy behind a couple of the older films puts a pretty dark cloud in the seemingly sunny paradise of Walt Disney’s world. A main one for me has to be Pocahontas. Of course the film is great when only looking on the surface, with killer songs blessing our ears and more characters to fall in love with. However, the stereotyping and horrific true story of colonisation and white male power that the film falls back on certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth, as what was once one of my favourites quickly plummeted in my rankings. Racial stereotyping and black face were common elements within the company’s first cartoons, re-emphasising that the world of Disney hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows.
The studio’s obsession with the money-making scheme of sequels and remakes has always been an issue. Though having loved Lily James’ Cinderella in the live-action version, I feel that the process of remaking all the classics really feels like they are scraping the bottom of the barrel, taking away from the excitement of the originals. Additionally, low effort sequels also outline that even the movie making giant is susceptible to missing the mark. Yet I must say that this is not always the case. One of my guilty pleasures has to be the infamous High School Musical saga. Maybe it's just because I grew up watching them and Troy and Gabriella are simply entangled within my upbringing, however, you can always bet on it that the Wildcats improve with each instalment.
And now, what I am sure you have all been waiting for, my top five Disney movies that truly make me think happy thoughts. It was hard enough to rattle my list down to five let alone rank them, so these are in no particular order and may be subject to change if I think about it for too long:
Ratatouille (2007)
The meticulous detail of the dishes at the infamous Gusteau’s never cease to amaze me and leave me craving the most delicious looking vegetables I have ever seen. Of course after making my own ratatouille, I realised that it wasn’t quite worth the hype, but it’s a clever way to get kids to eat their five a day I guess!
Hercules (1997)
With impeccable songs whisking you away into the land of ancient Greece, there is no way anyone can convince me that this doesn't belong. It is a true masterpiece. Being an ancient history student having studied Greek mythology for as long as I can remember does, however, get in the way of certain inaccuracies; nevertheless, the ancient world has always had a place in my heart.
Coco (2017)
It never leaves a dry eye even after watching it to the point of knowing all the words to the biggest bop of 2017, ‘Un Poco Loco’. The score and music is just on point. Nothing else needs to be said apart from that if you haven’t watched it already then add it to your list.
Princess and the Frog (2009)
You’ve got to love a bit of female empowerment and ambition alongside the cutest fire fly I have ever seen and the best jazz-playing alligator in New Orleans. Adding beignets and gumbo to my list of must try Disney food, Tiana has to be up there as one of my favourite princesses to date.
Mulan (1998)
A firm favourite to blow the cobwebs away. Disney never seems to let you down in the music department and the liberating strength of a female protagonist can never disappoint. An action-packed emotive rollercoaster with two cute and loveable animal sidekicks ultimately seal the deal.
Whether you agree with my choices is another question; however, I hope this inspires you to watch any titles that you haven't seen before. Minus the occasional hiccup, Disney has always been the key to my heart. Despite last year's major flops Lightyear and Turning Red, more recent productions promise a future of continued love for the studio, with much needed inclusivity and female empowerment being added to the mix.