Whether you’ve watched every single Disney animated movie or haven’t seen any, you’ve likely encountered the music that has become a cornerstone of global culture. Since Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, these songs have taken countless forms, from whimsical tunes about tidying up to powerful ballads about the universal desire for something more. Sung by a variety of characters, from villainous sea witches to swashbuckling pirates, Disney songs have profoundly impacted the landscape of popular music. With the upcoming theatrical release of Moana 2, the 63rd film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the timeless question arises again: What are the most Popular Disney Songs of all time?
Answering such a subjective question requires considering various factors. We evaluated how these songs advance the plot and character development, their musical and lyrical quality, their impact on popular culture, their enduring appeal over time, and that unforgettable earworm quality (we’re definitely thinking of “Let It Go”). We also highlighted some hidden gems that deserve a fresh listen. This list focuses exclusively on songs from the 63 films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, excluding Pixar or Disney live-action movies. You can find a complete list of Disney Animation Studios films here.
It’s important to note that this list is filled with exceptional music. From over 350 Disney songs, these are our selection of the 50 most popular, along with a few honorable mentions that almost made the cut. Each song has significantly contributed to Disney’s global influence, extending far beyond its role as just an animation studio. But only one song can be crowned as the most popular Disney song ever. Let’s dive into our ranking.
50. Everything is Honey – Winnie the Pooh (2011)
Winnie the Pooh’s famous love for honey is brilliantly showcased in “Everything is Honey,” a dreamy song where everything around Pooh transforms into honey. The smooth musical arrangement creates a delightful, dreamlike atmosphere, perfectly capturing Pooh’s boundless joy for infinite honey. The accompanying animation is truly the honey on top.
49. Lost in the Woods – Frozen 2 (2019)
“Lost in the Woods” sometimes gets overlooked amidst the grand, Elsa-led numbers in Frozen 2, but Kristoff’s solo moment is a comedic highlight of the sequel. While Jonathan Groff’s vocal talent was surprisingly underutilized in the first Frozen, this song more than compensates, offering a hilarious and catchy tribute to 80s power ballads.
48. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride – Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Performed by Hawaiian artists Mark Kealiʻi Hoʻomalu and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus, “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” perfectly embodies the charm and spirit of Lilo & Stitch, a Disney animated film that isn’t traditionally a musical. This song is like sunshine in the winter, and in the summer, it makes you want to grab a surfboard and catch some waves. It’s a popular Disney song that celebrates Hawaiian culture.
47. I’ve Got a Dream – Tangled (2010)
“I’ve Got a Dream” answers a question you probably never thought to ask: What do those intimidating-looking patrons at the Snuggly Duckling tavern dream about? This popular Disney song reveals that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone, even burly thugs, has dreams. It’s also a pivotal moment for Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore, who gains confidence in her decision to leave her tower and seek answers about her life.
46. Heigh-Ho – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The cultural impact of “Heigh-Ho” is undeniable. For generations, people have hummed this tune on their way to work. Everyone needs a song to get through long workdays, and “Heigh-Ho,” with its cheerful melody and whistling interludes, makes those days a little brighter. It’s one of the most recognizable and popular Disney songs ever.
45. Best of Friends – The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Pearl Bailey’s warm vocals in “Best of Friends” beautifully depict an unlikely friendship, subtly tinged with melancholy that hints at Tod and Copper’s eventual separation. The simple yet poignant lyrics, “If only the world wouldn’t get in the way / If only people would just let you play,” resonate not just with Tod and Copper but with anyone who longs for simple joys and connection.
44. Strangers Like Me – Tarzan (1999)
Phil Collins truly elevated Tarzan, a vastly underrated Disney film, with his incredible songs. Collins’ powerful cry of “I wanna know / Can you show me” in “Strangers Like Me” is incredibly fun to sing along to, making it an underrated karaoke gem. This song, like the rest of the Tarzan soundtrack, is pure pop perfection. Few artists understand how to create emotionally resonant pop music as well as Phil Collins.
43. You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly! – Peter Pan (1953)
Beautiful harmonies and whimsical lyrics (“He flew!” exclaims Michael Darling in amazement) have kept “You Can Fly!” popular for decades. Set to one of Disney’s most iconic scenes, where Peter Pan and the Darling children soar through the London skies, including a flight around Big Ben, this song captures the magic of childhood dreams.
42. We Know the Way – Moana (2016)
This collaboration between Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foai’i, “We Know the Way,” appears at a crucial moment in Moana. She discovers the voyaging canoes of her ancestors, revealing a forgotten history of ocean exploration, contrasting with her island’s current isolation. The song is uplifting as Moana connects with her heritage, and the lyrics in English, Samoan, and Tokelauan, inspire a desire for adventure. It is a popular Disney song that celebrates Polynesian culture.
41. Out There – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
“Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame has surprisingly become a popular meme format on TikTok, capturing the universal longing to be accepted and to break free from limitations. The song is both hopeful and melancholic: “All my life I memorize their faces / Knowing them as they will never know me” is heartbreaking, while “What I’d dare / Just to live one day out there” is full of longing. The dramatic drums at the end are emotionally powerful.
40. Once Upon a Dream – Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Sleeping Beauty doesn’t give Aurora much screen time, but “Once Upon a Dream” beautifully reveals her romantic and dreamy nature. The unexpected entrance of Prince Phillip, dancing with his cloak as he approaches Aurora, is charming and dreamlike. The song is as whimsical and playful as their first encounter.
39. The Family Madrigal – Encanto (2021)
While “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” became a surprise hit from Encanto, “The Family Madrigal” is arguably more enjoyable. This popular Disney song cleverly uses exposition to introduce the magical Madrigal family, as Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, describes each family member’s unique power while subtly highlighting her own lack of magic. The fast-paced lyrics, vocal acrobatics, and the children’s chorus chanting “What about Mirabel?” make this song incredibly catchy and an ideal introduction to the world of Encanto.
38. Love is an Open Door – Frozen (2013)
“Love is an Open Door” is a clever villain song disguised as a love duet. This funny and sincere number playfully mocks love-at-first-sight tropes in on-screen romances. Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana’s harmonies are perfect, and the humorous lyrics, like “We finish each other’s sandwiches / That’s what I was gonna say!”, underscore the absurdity of Anna and Hans’s hasty engagement.
37. Mother Knows Best – Tangled (2010)
If passive-aggression were a superpower, Mother Gothel from Tangled, voiced by Donna Murphy, would be Disney’s most powerful villain. Alan Menken’s composition for “Mother Knows Best” is intentionally soft and soothing, while Glenn Slater’s lyrics perfectly capture Gothel’s manipulative personality. Lines like, “Sloppy, underdressed, immature, clumsy / Please, they’ll eat you up alive,” delivered cruelly to Rapunzel, powerfully express the dynamics of toxic and unbalanced relationships. It’s a popular Disney villain song that is chillingly effective.
36. Go The Distance – Hercules (1997)
The classic “I Want” song, a staple of Broadway and the Disney Renaissance, is exemplified in “Go the Distance” from Hercules. Hercules, voiced by Tate Donovan, sings about his longing for purpose and belonging as he discovers his divine heritage. The song is emotionally moving, with a powerful melody and soaring horns, embodying the hero’s journey.
35. Cruella De Vil – 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Cruella de Vil is such an iconic villain that she’s the only Disney antagonist to get a song before her onscreen appearance. Sung by Bill Lee as Roger, the lyrics of “Cruella De Vil,” though few, are biting and memorable: “You’ve come to realize / You’ve seen her kind of eyes / Watching you from underneath a rock” is a scathing description. The smooth jazz accompaniment elevates this villain song to another level of cool.
34. Love – Robin Hood (1973)
“Love,” from Robin Hood, surprisingly received an Oscar nomination, though it often flies under the radar. Sung by Nancy Adams, wife of lyricist Floyd Huddleston, this emotional highlight of Robin Hood is a dreamy and romantic ballad that feels like floating on a gentle stream. The lyrics are particularly moving: “Life is brief / But when it’s gone / Love goes on and on.” It’s a popular Disney song about enduring love.
33. The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind – The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
The Great Mouse Detective is an underappreciated gem that played a crucial role in Disney’s revival in the mid-1980s. It features a delightful villain song, “The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind,” where Ratigan, voiced by Vincent Price, is celebrated by his minions. The lyrics highlight Ratigan’s ruthlessness (“Worse than the widows and orphans you drowned”), while his followers jovially praise his evil genius. It’s a campy, silly, and fantastic addition to any Disney playlist.
32. Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat – The Aristocats (1970)
Most Disney songs follow a certain predictable formula, but “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” from The Aristocats breaks the mold. While some outdated racial stereotypes slightly detract from the song, the jazzy, psychedelic, and unpredictable nature of this tune is electrifying. Written by Floyd Huddleston and Al Rinker, it’s both catchy and surprising, showcasing Disney’s creative spark even in the less celebrated 1970s.
31. Can You Feel the Love Tonight – The Lion King (1994)
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” perfectly balances the comedic antics of Timon and Pumbaa with genuine romantic emotion. Watching Simba and Nala fall in love in The Lion King is one of the film’s most emotionally resonant moments, and this song amplifies it beautifully. The Oscar-winning song, written by Elton John and Tim Rice, became a massive crossover hit, and for good reason. It’s one of the most popular Disney love songs.
30. Under the Sea – The Little Mermaid (1989)
The collaboration between composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman was a stroke of genius for Disney, resulting in classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. “Under the Sea,” an Oscar winner, is a prime example, where Sebastian the crab tries to convince Ariel to stay in the ocean. Most importantly, “Under the Sea” is incredibly fun, with witty lyrics like, “When the sardine / Begin the beguine / It’s music to me” and “What do they got? A lot of sand / We got a hot crustacean band.” It is a popular and upbeat Disney song.
29. Friends on the Other Side – Princess and the Frog (2008)
Randy Newman and Voodoo might seem like an unlikely combination, but “Friends on the Other Side” from Princess and the Frog proves otherwise. This popular Disney villain song establishes Dr. Facilier, voiced by Keith David, as a master manipulator, boasting, “I got voodoo / I got hoodoo / I got things I ain’t even tried!” The already excellent song is further enhanced by stunning visuals, culminating in an explosion of color and Voodoo imagery, some of the studio’s finest animation.
28. The Bare Necessities – The Jungle Book (1967)
“The Bare Necessities” is a song about appreciating life’s simple gifts and discovering that they are often full of surprises. Phil Harris’s soothing vocals as Baloo the bear, guide Mowgli to learn a valuable life lesson. Everything about this popular Disney song feels effortless, with trumpets and clarinets creating a calming and joyful atmosphere. In our increasingly stressful world, reminders to enjoy the bare necessities are invaluable.
27. The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
This is one of the most relentlessly cheerful Disney songs ever created. “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers” perfectly introduces Tigger, voiced by Paul Winchell, and all his bouncy, trouncey, ounce, pouncey fun. Tigger’s self-description perfectly matches the song’s energy. It proves that magic can be created in just half a minute. It’s a popular and high-energy Disney character song.
26. How Far I’ll Go – Moana (2016)
“How Far I’ll Go” is a more introspective “I Want” song than most. Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, questions her own desires and her inner conflict between family duty and her longing to explore beyond her island: “What is wrong with me?” she sings. Cravalho’s vocal performance is captivating, conveying wistfulness, hope, and excitement in equal measure. It’s a popular and empowering Disney princess song.
25. Gaston – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Most Disney villain songs focus on evil power, but “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast is unique. It’s entirely dedicated to boasting about Gaston’s muscles and ego, voiced by Richard White. An unapologetic celebration of vanity, Ashman’s lyrics are so catchy you’ll want to sing along, even to lines about spitting: “I’m especially good at expectorating,” Gaston proudly declares. It’s a popular Disney song that is both villainous and humorous.
24. Someday My Prince Will Come – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney’s first true love song, “Someday My Prince Will Come,” remains one of its most successful. Snow White’s high-pitched vocals, sung by Adriana Caselotti, are both technically impressive and emotionally touching. The scene of the dwarfs watching her sing with admiration is incredibly sweet. Despite facing danger and hiding in the woods, Snow White still dreams of the happiness she deserves. It’s a classic and popular Disney princess song about hope and romance.
23. Beauty and the Beast – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Menken and Ashman’s romantic songwriting reached its peak with the title song from Beauty and the Beast. Lovingly sung by Mrs. Potts, voiced by Angela Lansbury, “Beauty and the Beast” is a beautiful, rich ballad about finding love in unexpected places. The song is accompanied by some of Disney’s most stunning animation, seamlessly blending 2D and 3D as Belle and the Beast dance in the ballroom. It’s a popular and romantic Disney ballad.
22. Mine, Mine, Mine – Pocahontas (1995)
“Mine, Mine, Mine” from Pocahontas is an underrated yet brilliant Disney villain song. Governor Ratcliffe, voiced by David Ogden Stiers, is depicted as worshipping capitalism, and his song is filled with ruthless ambition and greed for gold. Stiers’ performance is perfect: smug, arrogant, and ruthless, yet somehow still entertaining. It’s a popular and catchy Disney villain song.
21. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo – Cinderella (1950)
“Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” from Cinderella is almost entirely made up of nonsense lyrics, yet you’ll find yourself singing “Salagadoola menchicka boola” as if it were the most important phrase in the world. Verna Felton, as the Fairy Godmother, delivers a dreamy and charming performance. This popular Disney song showcases her unique charisma.
20. Bella Notte – Lady and the Tramp (1955)
One of Disney’s most iconic scenes unfolds during “Bella Notte” in Lady and the Tramp, as Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti. This is the pivotal moment where they fall in love, and “Bella Notte,” sung by George Givot and Bill Thompson in the style of Italian pop, is crucial to the scene’s impact. The entire film hinges on making the dogs’ love believable, and this achingly romantic song makes it undeniable. It’s a popular and iconic Disney romantic scene and song.
19. Almost There – Princess and the Frog (2008)
While Disney has largely moved away from traditional animation, The Princess and the Frog makes a strong case for a return to 2D animation. Tiana, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, sings a classic “I Want” song, “Almost There,” about her dream of opening her own restaurant. The song launches into an exquisitely rendered Art Deco dream sequence of Tiana’s aspirations. Randy Newman’s work here is top-notch: an optimistic jazz number with hints of melancholy, as Tiana sings of a goal she knows will be incredibly difficult to achieve. It’s a popular and inspiring Disney princess song.
18. I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) – Hercules (1997)
Disney love songs are usually grand and sweeping, making “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)” from Hercules a refreshing surprise. Lyricist David Zippel brilliantly contrasts Megara’s, voiced by Susan Egan, denial of her feelings with the Muses’ excitement about her love for Hercules. The arrangement evokes classic doo-wop, perhaps Disney’s closest approach to Motown. It’s a popular and unique Disney love song.
17. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes – Cinderella (1950)
Cinderella, voiced by Ilene Woods, has every reason to be pessimistic. She’s trapped in her own home, at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Her life is marked by constant mistreatment, yet “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” is filled with radical optimism. “No matter how your heart is grieving / If you keep on believing / A dream that you wish will come true” are lyrics powerful enough to inspire hope in anyone. This song reveals Cinderella’s resilience – she never stops dreaming. It’s a classic and popular Disney song about hope and perseverance.
16. Be Prepared – The Lion King (1994)
“Be Prepared” from The Lion King is chillingly brutal as Scar, voiced by Jeremy Irons, outlines his plan to overthrow Mufasa and seize Pride Rock. Manipulating the desperate hyenas with ease, Scar builds an army using only his bitter wit. Tim Rice’s lyrics vividly depict how vulnerable individuals can be drawn to an evil that promises prosperity, no matter how empty that promise may be. It’s a popular and menacing Disney villain song.
15. Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
“Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast feels tailor-made for a grand Broadway production (which it became in 1994), working perfectly as a lively ensemble piece. Led by Lumiere, voiced by Jerry Orbach, the lyrics are both comical and complex (“Beef ragout, cheese soufflé / Pie and pudding ‘en flambe’ / We’ll prepare and serve with flair a culinary cabaret”). The song’s energy ranges from joyful to frantic and everything in between. It’s so good, it’s almost understandable why Belle is somewhat okay with being a prisoner in the Beast’s castle. It’s a popular and exuberant Disney ensemble song.
14. Friend Like Me – Aladdin (1992)
The Disney Renaissance (1989-1999) saw a surge in popular comedians in key sidekick roles – Eddie Murphy in Mulan, Jason Alexander in The Hunchback of Notre Dame – but none are more beloved than Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin. His most spectacular moment is “Friend Like Me,” a hilarious and plot-driving big-band number where the Genie explains all the ways he can help Aladdin achieve his dreams. It’s a popular and iconic Disney character song.
13. Let It Go – Frozen (2013)
For parents, even the phrase “Let It Go” might trigger a reaction. Despite being played countless times, the truth remains: “Let It Go,” written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is an incredible song. Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, had been told to hide her true self her entire life, but “Let It Go” marks a turning point as she belts out a triumphant anthem about embracing inner power. The arrangement is beautiful, and Idina Menzel’s performance is iconic. It’s an incredibly popular and empowering Disney anthem.
12. Belle – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Belle, voiced by Paige O’Hara, never fit in, her thoughts too grand for her quiet provincial town. Ashman’s lyrics in “Belle” cleverly balance a large cast of characters, efficiently setting up Belle’s daily life and why she feels like an outsider. It’s Broadway-caliber and infectiously establishes Belle as a beloved Disney princess – a voracious reader and dreamer. This song resonates deeply with those who dare to dream beyond their origins. It’s a popular and relatable Disney princess song.
11. Love Is A Song – Bambi (1942)
“Love Is A Song,” the opening credits song from Bambi, is brief but perfectly encapsulates the film’s artistic beauty. It’s heartbreaking yet filled with unwavering hope (“Hope may die, yet love’s beautiful music / Comes each day like the dawn”). It’s a poignant and popular Disney song about love and hope amidst sorrow.
10. I’ll Make A Man Out of You – Mulan (1998)
“Let’s get down to business, to defeat the Huns” begins Mulan‘s “I’ll Make A Man Out of You,” and the energy only escalates from there. Donny Osmond, the singing voice of Li Shang, delivers a powerhouse performance. “I’ll Make A Man Out of You” is one of cinema’s most rousing hype songs, perfectly paired with a dynamic training montage. It’s a popular and motivational Disney song.
9. Baby Mine – Dumbo (1941)
Even in the face of unimaginable cruelty, love persists. In Dumbo, Dumbo finds his imprisoned mother, who comforts him by reaching her trunk through the bars. We see many animals peacefully with their parents, a comfort Dumbo is denied. “Baby Mine,” nominated for an Oscar in 1942, is more than heartbreaking; it shatters your heart. It’s a deeply emotional and popular Disney song about motherly love.
8. When You Wish Upon A Star – Pinocchio (1940)
Written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington, “When You Wish Upon A Star” has become the quintessential Disney song. A snippet has opened every Disney film since 1985. It’s proudly sentimental, and Cliff Edwards’ (as Jiminy Cricket) vocals perfectly suit the earnest lyrics that have come to symbolize Disney’s ethos: “When you wish upon a star / Makes no difference who you are / Anything your heart desires / Will come to you.” It’s an iconic and universally popular Disney theme song.
7. Colors of the Wind – Pocahontas (1995)
“Colors of the Wind” marks a significant shift for Disney princesses. Pocahontas, voiced by Judy Kuhn, challenges John Smith’s ignorance and demands respect, questioning, “But still I cannot see / If the savage one is me / How can there be so much that you don’t know?” Menken and Stephen Schwartz’s song is rhapsodic, accompanied by breathtakingly painterly and experimental visuals. This Oscar and Grammy-winning song is a triumph. It’s a popular and culturally significant Disney princess song.
6. A Place Called Slaughter Race – Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
In Ralph Breaks the Internet, Disney’s most meta film, Vanellope Von Schweetz discovers her true calling in the chaotic video game Slaughter Race. How did a parody song become so genuinely moving? The lyrics by Phil Johnston and Tom MacDougall are both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt (“I’m rhyming / My spirits climbing / As I’m called through this fog of mace / To this place called Slaughter Race”). Everyone desires belonging, and Vanellope finds hers in a world of mayhem. “A Place Called Slaughter Race” masterfully balances parody and genuine emotion, serving as both a powerful “I Want” song and a witty deconstruction of the trope. It’s a surprisingly popular and clever Disney song.
5. Poor Unfortunate Souls – The Little Mermaid (1989)
Pat Carroll delivers a career-defining performance as Ursula, the sea witch, in “Poor Unfortunate Souls”. Ursula is cunning and manipulative, willing to say anything to get what she wants. This song sets the entire plot of The Little Mermaid in motion as Ursula convinces Ariel, voiced by Jodi Benson, to trade her voice for human legs. Carroll’s charismatic performance is irresistible. “Don’t underestimate the importance of body language!” is a line that’s exhilarating to sing in any situation, especially karaoke. It’s campy, vampy, sinister, and addictive. Evil has never been this fun. It’s a massively popular and iconic Disney villain song.
4. Circle of Life – The Lion King (1994)
Has a sunrise ever evoked more magic than in The Lion King? That’s the opening image of the film and of “Circle of Life,” composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, performed by Lebo M. and Carmen Twillie. It has become a defining song for contemporary Disney, an enduring earworm that’s always welcome. The combination of music and animation is spine-tingling. “Circle of Life” is more than just an enticing opening; it’s a sensational, immersive experience transporting you into the heart of the animal kingdom. It’s a profoundly popular and iconic Disney song.
3. Hellfire – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Disney’s darkest film, and “Hellfire” is its darkest moment. This crucial song reveals Judge Frollo’s, voiced by Tom Hulce, motivations – he’s consumed by inescapable lust, a decidedly mature theme for Disney. Frollo laments his desire for Esmeralda: “This burning desire / Is turning me to sin.” Disney often explores love, but “Hellfire” is an explosive, operatic examination of pure hatred and a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy. There’s nothing else like it in Disney history, and the studio has never approached this level of darkness again. “Choose me or your pyre / Be mine or you will burn” might be Disney’s bleakest lyrics. It’s a powerful and unforgettable Disney villain song.
2. Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid (1989)
“I don’t see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad,” Ariel muses before singing “Part of Your World,” a deeply expressive song about the universal yearning to belong. Material possessions offer Ariel superficial pleasure, but she craves deeper connection beyond objects. Ashman’s lyrics are incredibly emotional here, possibly reflecting his own feelings as a gay man living through the AIDS crisis. “Part of Your World” gives voice to the ostracized, a rallying cry for those longing for acceptance: “When’s it my turn / Wouldn’t I love, love to explore that shore up above? / Out of the sea / Wish I could be / Part of that world.” Menken and Ashman’s work defined the Disney Renaissance and shaped Disney memories for many. It’s an exceptionally popular and resonant Disney princess song about longing and belonging.
1. You’ll Be In My Heart – Tarzan (1999)
This Phil Collins ballad, “You’ll Be In My Heart,” became a crossover phenomenon, winning an Oscar and charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Collins’ vocals are deeply emotional (he wrote it as a lullaby for his daughter Lily), and the song’s raw vulnerability and unwavering sentimentality make it incredibly powerful. Collins’ cry of “You’ll be here in my heart” is guaranteed to bring tears, but the bridge, with lines like “When destiny calls you / You must be strong / I may not be with you / But you’ve got to hold on,” is truly heartbreaking. For anyone who’s experienced a deep bond – with family, friends, pets, or lovers – and faced its shifting nature, “You’ll Be In My Heart” is profoundly affecting. It’s sweet, sincere, emotional, and deeply moving. In short, it encapsulates everything that makes Disney, Disney. It is the most popular Disney song, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Honorable mentions: A Whole New World (Aladdin, 1992), Into the Unknown (Frozen II, 2019), Little Wonders (Meet the Robinsons, 2007), Savages (Pocahontas, 1995), Why Should I Worry (Oliver and Company, 1986), He’s A Tramp (Lady and the Tramp, 1955), Little April Shower (Bambi, 1942), In A World of My Own (Alice in Wonderland, 1951), So This Is Love (Cinderella, 1950), Son of Man (Tarzan, 1999).
