From The Lion King and The Little Mermaid to Aladdin and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney has given us countless unforgettable classics that have shaped childhoods around the world. These animated films have become timeless staples, filled with memorable characters, enchanting music, and magical stories. Now, Rotten Tomatoes has ranked the top 10 best Disney animated movies based on critical acclaim and audience appreciation, a list that will surely spark nostalgia and maybe a few surprises.
Topping the ranking is the 1940 classic Pinocchio, boasting an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This timeless tale of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy remains one of Disney’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant works, praised for its beautiful animation and heartfelt story.
The film was adapted from The Adventures of Pinocchio, a children’s novel written by Italian author Carlo Collodi. The story first appeared in serial form in an Italian children’s magazine in 1881, before being published as a book in 1883.
Over the years, Pinocchio’s tale has been retold in various forms, including a second Disney adaptation released in 2022, a live-action remake starring Tom Hanks as Geppetto and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio which also came out in 2022 and is an award-winning stop-motion animated musical.
Following closely behind on the list is Zootopia from 2016, with a 98% rating. This modern film blends vibrant animation with a timely message about bias and social harmony, all wrapped up in a slick buddy-cop mystery.
Third place goes to 101 Dalmatians which came out in 1961 and has stood the test of time. The film offers a charming story and of course, an unforgettable villain, Cruella De Vil.