The 50 Greatest Animated Disney Movie Moments, Part Two

 

While this may not be on the par of what will win the Academy Award or who will be the final Survivor, I hope you were looking forward to finding out the "final 25" of this list. So without further ado...

#25 - The Headless Horseman

The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad - 1949

As the spindly hat rack of a man Ichabod Crane makes his way home from the Van Tassels' Halloween party, he succumbs to the ultimate in paranoia. As clouds form into a giant hand, clutching the moon, he is stirred on by the memory of Bram Bones' spine-chilling tale of a horseman who haunts the neighboring countryside in search of a "head to chop." The schoolmaster imagines frogs croaking his name, a crow screeching "Beware! Beware!" (shades of Poe) and mysterious hoof beats in the distance. Seeing that his fears are getting the best of him, he laughs nervously, a laugh that is drowned out by a hideous cackle. The sky blazing fiery red, mounted on an ebony steed, his moonlit blade in one hand and a flaming Jack O' Lantern in the other... The Headless Horseman rides again!

#24 - The Rainstorm

Bambi - 1942

Drip, drop, drip, drop... these are the first sounds we here as this "little April shower" begins. The ballet of raindrops, backed by a melodious storm, is the first time the young prince has seen such an event, and we see it through his awed eyes. As the forest animals scatter for cover, the song segues into a thunderous symphony, illuminating the wonders, and dangers, of Bambi's wilderness home. As the skies clear and the dew settles, the scene ends as it began: drip, drop...

#23 - The Wildebeest Stampede

The Lion King - 1994

"It's to die for!" Simba's uncle Scar says of the surprise waiting for him in the bottom of the ravine. A life-threatening surprise is what lays ahead for the future lion king. Rocks rattle on the ground as the hyenas spook a herd of wildebeests into the canyon, on a direct course for the helpless cub. Mufasa arrives to rescue his son, but is trampled by the onslaught of hoofed beasts due to the fratricidal actions of Scar. As the dust settles, Simba plaintively cries out for his father, but there is no answer. When he finds the fallen form of Mufasa, the confused cub nestles up to him, unable to comprehend his tragic loss.

#22 - Jessica

Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 1988

"Got a thing for rabbits, huh?" We are in the Ink and Paint Club and the featured act is about to begin. The curtains part, a shapely leg appears. Jaws drop and eyes pop as what's attached to that leg shimmies into view. Breathlessly cooing her torch song, all eyes in the room are on the buxom Mrs. Roger Rabbit as the spotlight follows her, glinting off her scarlet dress, sparkling like it has a life of it's own. The (human) men in the audience can't stifle their yearning moans. For the first time, a Disney character was overtly, uncompromisingly sexual. "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." You could say that again...

#21 - A Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day

Song of the South - 1946

Uncle Remus (James Baskett in his legendary role) is telling young Jim the tale of Bre'r Rabbit: "Now this here tale didn't happen yesterday, nor the day before. 'Twas a long time ago and in them days everything was mighty satisfactual! The critters they was closer to the folks, and the folks they was closer to the critters, and if you'll 'scuse me for sayin' so ... 'twas better all around. Yes sir, honey, it happened on one of them zip-a-dee-doo-dah days. Now that's the kind of day when you can't open your mouth without a song jumpin' right out of it ... " As Uncle Remus hits the first note of the classic song, blue skies burst from around him as if springing directly from his imagination. Welcome to the land of briar patches, laughin' places and Mr. Bluebird on your shoulder.

#20 - The Flight of the Golden Eagle

The Rescuers Down Under - 1990

Cody has freed Marahute from poacher McLeach's trap. But the wings of the giant bird accidentally knock the unsuspecting boy over the cliff, tumbling down to the river far below. With a flash of golden feathers, the grand eagle plucks him out of the sky and takes him on a journey he won't soon forget. Flying high over the outback, tumbling through the clouds, surfing on the water, it's the ultimate rush for our young hero. Shooting out over the edge of a mighty waterfall, Cody flies into the air on his own, landing safely back on earth with the help of his new feathered friend.

#19 - Tree Surfing

Tarzan - 1999

At the end of the "Son of Man" montage, the now fully-grown Tarzan glides along the treetops, literally surfing on the moss-covered branches like a tree-bound extreme sporter. Everybody has seen Johnny Weissmuller and his ilk swinging through a Hollywood back lot jungle on a prop vine, but only in animation can an ape man actually grip the vines with his feet. The athleticism and grace displayed in the form of Tarzan is a testament to the talent of one of the leading animators of today, Glen Keane, also responsible for Ariel, the Beast, Aladdin and Pocahontas. Tree-surfing is used later in the film, most notably in the baboon chase, but it was the first appearance of this technique that made you sit up and say "Cool!"

#18 - The Sprite

Fantasia 2000 - 2000

Angela Lansbury introduces this final segment of this Fantasia, Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite - 1919 Version", as a "mythical story of life, death and renewal." It is winter and the great elk summons a forest sprite to return life to the snow-covered land. Wispy tendrils flowing behind her, the Sprite sweeps over the earth, abundant greenery sprouting in her wake. But within the desolation of a volcano, she inadvertently brings forth the Firebird, a towering, lava-formed behemoth that proceeds to destroy everything in it's path, reducing the landscape to ash and cinders. The elk reawakens the fallen Sprite, her tears revealing that she still has the power to create life from the lack thereof. Her triumphant rebirth is a wonder to behold.

#17- The Genie of the Lamp

Aladdin - 1992

With a rub of the lamp and a burst of blue smoke, Aladdin comes face to face with the irrepressible Genie. Immediately we are treated to a frantic series of one-liners, visual puns, celebrity impressions, slights of hand, sight gags, and a full-scale, no-holds barred musical number from the pen of Ashman and Menken. Showing off all that he can do for the hapless street rat, the Genie creates a smorgasbord of Middle Eastern delights: dancing elephants, harem-clad camels, a treasure trove filled with gold and jewels, not to mention "a little more Baklava." Brought to loony life by Robin Williams' gonzo performance, at that exact moment the Genie takes a firm hold on the movie with one big blue hand and never lets go. "You ain't never had a friend like me!"

#16 - "Monstro!"

Pinocchio - 1940

After a long underwater trek, Pinocchio has finally located his missing father. Unfortunately, he finds him in the belly of a whale on the bottom of the sea. And it's not just any whale, but the brutally terrifying force of nature known as Monstro. In a daring attempt to escape from within this legendary beast, they start a fire to elicit a sneeze. One very loud "a-choo!" later and they are free... but Monstro is not to happy about it. As the huge sea creature dives over a giant wave, Geppetto and son, frantically paddling, narrowly avoid his deadly jaws, but their raft is reduced to splinters by the crashing of his immense tail. Their only hopes of survival is to make it to the faraway shore, with the monster still in pursuit...

#15 - Maleficent the Dragon

Sleeping Beauty - 1959

"Now shall you deal with me, O prince, and all the powers of hell!" Those immortal words spoken, the evil fairy Maleficent metamorphoses into a vicious winged dragon. Razor sharp teeth flashing, setting the forest ablaze with her fiery breath, she corners Phillip on a narrow cliff overlooking a flaming chasm. Certain death awaits, but, with the aid of the good fairy trio, the brave prince sends his "sword of truth" flying swift and sure, letting "evil die and good endure." The blade pierces the dragon's scaly hide, blood flowing, sending Maleficent tumbling to her doom far below. Safe, Phillip looks down to the black stain that is all that remains of her dark evil.

#14 - The Penguin Dance

Mary Poppins - 1964

In the midst of their Jolly Holiday, Bert and Mary Poppins (the indomitable Dick Van Dyke and the irreplaceable Julie Andrews) stop for a spot of tea in a quaint little outdoor café. Kazoos sound as their penguin hosts toddle out like circus clowns, ready to grant their guests' every whim. Loose-limbed Bert joins the birds in a zany soft shoe (soft flipper?) dance, culminating in a boisterous kickline, all for the gracious applause from the subject of their adoration, one Mary Poppins. It is a joyfully impressive example of combining live action footage and animation. Practically perfect.

#13 - Baby Mine

Dumbo - 1941

Mrs. Jumbo has been imprisoned for protecting her son Dumbo from a bratty circus-goer. In this simple, heartbreaking scene, she is reunited with the young elephant thanks to Timothy Mouse. But the chains that bind her prevent her from seeing Dumbo, she can only cradle her son in her trunk. The sweetly beautiful lullaby "Baby Mine" is heard, as we see the unconditional love of a mother and her child. It is a perfect example of an honest tear-jerking moment, earning every tear shed. Even Timothy can't resist.

#12 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Fantasia - 1940

An imposing sorcerer conjures an image of a spectral bat, his lowly assistant trudging buckets of water dutifully. When his master retires for the evening, the apprentice takes the opportunity to try on his mystical hat and do a little magic of his own. He employs a broom to do his dirty work while he dreams of one day controlling the stars and the planets themselves. When awakened, he finds himself in over his head as the broom has ceaselessly continued it's watery task to overflowing. In a shocking burst of violence, the apprentice destroys his wooden slave with an ax, but he has only increased his plight a hundred-fold, as all the fallen shards are reanimated, creating an army of bucket-toting broomsticks, all blindly carrying on with their mission. Frantically attempting to control the chaos, he is soon swept away by the torrents of water now filling the wizard's chambers. The sorcerer appears, and with a mere outstretch of his arms, dismisses the water back to whence it came. His apprentice, with a meek smile, returns the hat to it's rightful master. This version of Paul Dukas' whimsical orchestral piece "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" has it's inherent charm exponentially increased by the presence of the actor playing the role of the title character: a little mouse named Mickey.

#11 - The Toys Are Alive!

Toy Story - 1995

With the first blink of the cowboy doll's eyes we know that these aren't just ordinary toys here. Director John Lasseter, in a groundbreaking display of computer animation, has revealed to us the secret lives of toys: left alone, they come to life to carry out lives of their own. And complicated lives as well. Woody is the sheriff in these here parts see, and he is in charge of insuring that all the other toys know and understand what it is they are there to do, their reason for existence: to be there for their young owner Andy to play with and make him happy. We meet the neurotic dinosaur Rex, the crass Mr. Potato Head and the loyal Slinky Dog. All are aware of the chain of command in Andy's room and who's in charge, a balance that is about to be upset by the appearance of a certain interstellar space commander.

#10 - Under the Sea

The Little Mermaid - 1989

In what would come to set the standard for all show-stoppers to follow, King Triton's crabby court composer Horatio Felonious Ignacious Crustaceous Sebastian launches into a calypso flavored explanation to Ariel on why it's "better down where it's wetter." From the creative minds of songwriters extraordinaire Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, "Under the Sea" is staged like an elaborate Broadway show tune, filled with dozens of fish, crustaceans, amphibians and all manners of marine life of every size, shape and color joining in for a Jamaican jam session in the middle of this octopus' garden in the sea.

#9 - Spaghetti for Two

Lady and the Tramp - 1955

Tramp has taken his lady out on the town for a moonlit dinner for two at Tony's Italiano Ristorante. Greeted by the proprietor of this humble establishment, they are lavished with the best service in the house and treated to a heaping plate of spaghetti especial. As they dine, they are serenaded to, with accordion and mandolin accompaniment: "this is the night, such a beautiful night and they call it belle notte." Wrapped up in the moment, they inadvertently start eating the same strand of spaghetti, slowly being pulled together in an almost kiss that leaves a blush on Lady's fair features. Tramp tenderly nudges his last meatball to her to compensate for her embarrassment. "This is the night and the heaven's are right for this lovely belle notte... " One of the most innocently romantic moments in motion picture history.

#8 - Hellfire

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1996

Daring. Shocking. Creative. Risk-taking. All these adjectives could apply to this infamous display of Judge Claude Frollo's inner hauntings. Alone in his chambers, Frollo (powerful vocals from Disney villain veteran Tony Jay) laments on his current state, how Esmerelda has created within him this "burning desire" which he cannot control. He sees her dancing form in the flames of the fireplace and can't resist such vulgar temptations of the flesh. Menacingly, red-cloaked figures manifest themselves, sitting in judgment of his sins. He begs for mercy, claiming that "it is the gypsy girl, the witch who sent this flame." He concludes that the only way to be admonished in the eyes of his savior is to destroy the object of his desires, to "let her tastes the fires of hell." Shadows stretch along the walls, beings baring religious icons, taunting him with their piety. Spent, Frollo collapses to the floor, his figure forming a crucified stance.

#7 - Jessie's Story

Toy Story 2 - 1999

By the time you hear of her poignant past, you have already grown to care for this spunky little cowgirl doll. To Jessie, her previous owner Emily was her "whole world." Via Sarah McLachlan's plaintive vocals and Randy Newman's bittersweet song, we are taken back to a time "when somebody loved me (and) everything was beautiful." Over the years, they were inseparable, always there for each other, in good times and bad. But eventually, little girls grow up, and "she began to drift away... I was left alone." Forgotten under the bed, Jessie is finally retrieved by a teen-aged Emily. Jessie is thrilled to finally be held in her arms again, to be loved again "just like it used to be." But instead, she ends up in a roadside charity donation box, peering through the cardboard slot, as her whole world drives away into the distance.

#6 - The Circle of Life

The Lion King - 1994

The screen is black. There is silence, save for a few ambient jungle noises. Suddenly, a massive red sun rises, bringing dawn to a new day here on the savanna as Lebo M's soaring chant begins. All manner of jungle life are progressing on a pilgrimage across the plains. We are carried along to their destination, the majestic Pride Rock, atop which sits their lion king. A strange figure approaches, a baboon, the shaman of this tribe. He and the king share a familial embrace. The object of his presence is revealed, the newborn prince, softly purring in his mother's arms. As his parents look on lovingly, the baboon takes the cub to the ledge and thrusts him up into the air to observe and be observed by the subjects of the kingdom. The clouds part and the sun shines down on this innocent cub, their future king.

#5 - Man in the Forest

Bambi - 1942

Bambi's mother has discovered a bare patch of grass within the snow-covered meadow. As her son grazes, she becomes aware of a disturbing presence in the surrounding trees. Sensing danger, she urges Bambi to run to the thicket, with her shortly behind. A shot rings out as they continue their dash to the safety of the forest. "Run, Bambi, run!" One more shot. Silence. Bambi arrives safely at their home. "We made it mother! Mother?" She is not there. Snow filling the screen in dread, the foal despondently cries out for her: "Mother? Mother?" He suddenly stumbles upon the Great Prince of the Forest. "Your mother can't be with you anymore." Seven words that will change the young deer's life forever. "Come with me, my son" the Great Prince says, as they slowly fade into the whiteness of the snowstorm.

#4 - "Toons!"

Who Framed Roger Rabbit - 1988

A Maroon Cartoon Production: Somethin's Cooking starring Roger Rabbit. This wacky short, cheekily irreverent while still celebrating this classic form, finds our rodent hero charged with the task of keeping an eye on innocent little Baby Herman or "it's back to the science lab for you!" Faced with a barrage of falling pots, flying knives and the powerfully strong suction of a household vacuum cleaner, Roger saves the day, and the baby, before having a refrigerator drop on his head. "Cut!" screams a voice, and suddenly we are on a movie sound stage where the props and set are three-dimensional, shadows play across the cartoon character's faces, Baby Herman starts cursing like a sailor and a live action human director steps in to chastise Roger for "blowing his lines again!" Never before have we seen "real" actors interact with "reel" cartoon characters (hereby dubbed "toons") in such an impressive, exciting way.

#3 - The Queen's Spell

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - 1937

When the Spirit of the Magic Mirror informs her Snow White is still alive, the smug look on the Queen's face turns to fury. Descending to her subterranean lab, where even the rats scurry away from her, she proceeds with her wicked designs. Plotting to "transform my beauty into ugliness", she collects the necessary ingredients for her evil concoction: mummy dust, the black of night, an old hag's cackle, a scream of fright. With a "blast of wind to fan my hate, a thunderclap to mix it well," the Queen swallows her black magic brew. The room swirling, her ebony hair bleaches to a chalky white; her slender hands degenerate into ossified claws, a flash of lightning baring the skeletal bones beneath. With a shrill cry of delight, the Queen reveals her new twisted form: bug-eyed, wart nosed, an old beggar woman's cloak to complete the sinister facade. "A perfect disguise!" she croaks, launching a thousand nightmares for years to come.

#2 - Chernabog Awakes

Fantasia - 1940

It is night on Bald Mountain. There is silence as we pan up to the peaks high above. Moussorgsy's symphony begins as the tallest point of the mountain unfurls to reveal the devil himself, Chernabog. Stretching his shadowy limbs down the to the peaceful village, he raises the specters of the departed from the cemeteries, the gallows, the bloody battlefields below, to perform an orgiastic dance of the dead in the skies, swirling about in blind decadence. All is observed and controlled by this omnipotent puppeteer, these grotesque apparitions reveling in his demonic glory. Flames ignite, harpies soar, evil is unfettered. As this cacophonous bacchanalia approaches a fevered climax, the eventual dawn approaches. Church bells chime in the distance. The spirits descend back into their graves. Chernabog, his sinewy wings wrapping about him, is forced to return to his cold resting place high on the mountain top, forever defeated by these sounds of holiness.

#1 - The Enchanted Ballroom

Beauty and the Beast - 1991

First we see Belle in the dress; this lovely young woman has come along way from that poor provincial town. Then we see the Beast; gone are the tattered rags that represent his torment, replaced by his regal finery. Mrs. Potts sings of this beauty and this beast, this tale as old as time, this song as old as rhyme. We enter with them into the gilded palace ballroom. The camera swoops up to the ceiling, past a spectacularly ornate chandelier, toward a mural of tiny cherubs in the clouds, gazing wistfully down upon the couple below. They begin to dance. Belle gently directs him to the proper stance. Beast, panicked, looks to his servants for encouragement, which he cheerfully receives from Lumiere and Cogsworth. Invigorated by this strange new feeling within himself, the Beast leads his beauty in a magical waltz, reflected in the polished floor beneath them. Belle too is finding "something there", and lovingly places her head on his broad chest, comfortable at last upon finding her own version of the "prince charmings" she has read about in books. We can see their love blossom, how these two outsiders have found within each other someone that can look beyond mere physical trappings, to the true being inside. Someone to love wholeheartedly, unconditionally.

The first time I saw this scene, I literally gasped at it's innate beauty. It perfectly combines everything that is important to create a classic movie moment: character, music, setting, feeling. Angela Lansbury's reassuring vocals, Howard Ashman's simple yet elegant lyrics, Alan Menken's grand melody, the ornate design of the fairy tale ballroom, the characters' interaction with each other. It is pure magic.

As are all of the wonderful scenes represented within this compilation. They take you to far away places, show you the excitement of the imagination. They thrill your senses and inspire your dreams. They have created unforgettable memories for generations, and will continue for many more in the years ahead.

I hope you have enjoyed reliving these 50 Greatest Disney Animated Movie Moments as much as I have.

-- Originally posted April 27, 2001

The 50 Greatest Animated Disney Movie Moments, Part One

Over the years, Disney has been a great source of wonderful, awe-inspiring, tear-jerking, cheer-raising movie moments. Combining every artistic and technical means at their disposal, the Disney filmmakers have created many classic scenes, memorable in their magic, inspirational in their imagination.

They have taken you to fantastic places, from Neverland to Wonderland, Atlantica to Naboombu. We have met immortal legends from American history, Greek mythology and the Arabian Nights; literary figures from the likes of Victor Hugo, Rudyard Kipling and Edgar Rice Burroughs; and classic fairy tale princesses and princes (with a few wacky sidekicks, nefarious villains and fluffy animals thrown in for good measure).

A puppet who wants to be a boy, an elephant who can fly, action figures and cartoon characters with a life of their own... these are the stories that can best be told through the medium of animation, and we have had the pleasure to watch them all unfold.

Through my research preparing for this article, I was humbled by the scope and breadth of my task. To narrow the illustrious history of Disney feature animation down to fifty screen moments was daunting to say the least. (I naïvely thought at first I could do it with twenty-five slots, but that idea was quickly jettisoned as the list grew.)

I knew that I had to enforce some limitations and establish criteria for my choices. After all, this article is for Disney fans, who would all have their own opinions on what should be included in such a list. (Such opinions are, of course, eagerly encouraged and anticipated!)

First off, I limited myself to Disney feature animation. To include shorts, television, video and all other mediums would have been quite an undertaking. Nope, save those for a possible future list. Also included would be so called "non-traditionally" animated films, such as computer animation, stop motion, and live action/animation hybrids. After all, it is still film animation no matter if a pencil was used or not. And to be fair and include as varied a listing as possible, I limited the selections to two scenes per movie.

As for the criteria in which I made my selections, it broke down to five different aspects:

1. Emotional Power: How does the scene make you feel? Joy? Fear? Wonder? Does it make you laugh? Cry? All warm and fuzzy inside?
2. Historical/Cultural Significance: Is the scene historically important, not just in the realm of animation in general (and Disney animation in particular), but in cinematic history as well? Has the scene entered into that vast intangible universe known as "pop culture"?
3. Technical Merit: What animation techniques and technology were used to create the scene, and to what success?
4. Artistic Merit: How well did the scene combine such basic filmmaking tools as writing, music, color, design?
5. And finally, Personal Impact: Any such list would have to take into consideration how the scene effected the writer personally. So yes, it may be weighted a little to personal biases (something writers are know to have from time to time), but this "contest" had a lonely jury of one.

Before I commence with the list itself, I would like to thank all of the filmmakers responsible for the scenes to follow. Animators, writers, directors, producers, actors, singers, composers, musicians, technicians, designers, the list goes on and on, all to numerous to mention here. These talented men and women have all worked together to create these stories and the memories that they inspired.

#50 - The Football Match

Bedknobs and Broomsticks - 1971

The titular bedknob has transported our protagonists to the mythical Isle of Naboombu, a land populated by a zoo-full of anthropomorphic animals. In order to get close enough to snatch the object of their quest, the mystical Star of Astaroth, from King Leonidas (who lives up to his name), Professor Emelius Browne (a game David Tomlinson) has agreed to referee the king's Royal Cup Match. He soon finds out why it is so difficult to find volunteers for this post. It's the king's Dirty Yellows versus the True Blues, and poor Emelius is caught in the hilarious cross-fire of this ragtag menagerie.

#49 - The Wizard's Duel

The Sword in the Stone - 1963

In the high point of this retelling of the Arthurian legend, Merlin the Magician must face-off against wickedly wacky Mad Madame Mim in a battle of wits and magical powers. Transforming themselves into an odd assortment of beasts, Mim gains the lead by changing into increasingly more predatory animals (crocodile, tiger, rhinoceros). Merlin, just trying to stay alive, opts for more timid creatures (turtle, mouse, rabbit). But when he achieves the upper hand, Mim breaks her own rules and changes into a fire-breathing dragon. Merlin triumphs by playing it fair, albeit creatively.

#48 - The Mad Tea Party

Alice in Wonderland - 1951

"How very curious" understates Alice as she happens upon this wild episode late in her adventures in Wonderland. Within this madcap tea party hosted by the indomitable duo of the Mad Hatter and the March Hare (voiced by the incomparable Ed Wynn and Jerry Colonna), she is introduced to the concept of the unbirthday, serenaded by a sleepy Doormouse and unable to drink a single drop of tea. The lunacy escalates when the hapless White Rabbit appears, who watches in horror as the Hatter, who has surmised that his perpetual tardiness is due to his watch being "exactly two days slow", proceeds to pour, slather and dump every conceivable item on the table into the timepiece. Everything, that is, except for the mustard. "Muthtard!? Let'th don't be thilly" he lisps. "Thilly" indeed.

#47 - The King of the Apes

The Jungle Book - 1967

Mowgli has been kidnapped by monkeys and taken to their leader, the "ker-aze-eee" King Louie (scat man Louis Prima). The orangutan, long arms flapping on the ground, informs the man cub "what I desire is man's red fire so I can be like you." The scene erupts into a jazzy revelry of simian brotherhood. Baloo (Phil Harris, in his first of three Disney features), attempting to rescue Mowgli, crashes the party in ape drag. But when the jungle beat gets to him and he is discovered, the mayhem that ensues literally brings down the house.

#46 - Tiny Bubbles

Cinderella - 1950

As her stepsisters screech their way through a chorus of "Sing Sweet Nightingale", we find Cinderella (classically voiced by Ilene Woods), beautifully continuing the song, scrubbing the marble floors below. A soap bubble forms, reflecting her image in itself. It is joined by others, all echoing her sweet soprano, until there is an entire choir of bubbles, filling the screen. In this brief but enchanting moment, the message is clear: beauty begets beauty.

#45 - Pocahontas

Pocahontas - 1995

"She has her mother's spirit. She goes wherever the wind takes her." With those words, we are carried by said wind between the trees, over the river and up the side of a towering waterfall to our first sight of Pocahontas, poised regally at the top. Her stoic beauty, wind blowing through her jet black mane, a bemused look of unbridled joy and contentment playing across her features. No other character has had such an entrance.

#44 - ... And They Lived Happily Ever After

Sleeping Beauty - 1959

Princess Aurora, awakened from her eternal slumber by love's first kiss, is reunited with her loving family and loyal subjects. As Tchaikovsky's "Once Upon A Dream" begins to play, she and her prince actually waltz into the clouds, her dress alternating from blue to pink as fairies Flora and Merryweather continue their sartorial squabble. Fauna sighs "I just love happy endings." Don't we all. This was not the first nor the last "happily ever after," but certainly the finest.

#43 - Birds of a Feather

The Three Caballeros - 1945

In this Latin American travelog, Donald Duck is joined by his old pal from Saludos Amigos Jose Carioca and their newest amigo Panchito for this dazzling fiesta of color. During the hysterical, gag-filled title number, pistols are blazing, sombreros are danced about, guitars are strummed. When Panchito hits his unending final note, Donald and Jose employ every device possible to squelch it: bug spray, fire, hacksaws, cannonballs. Ey caramba!

#42 - Escape from the Cave of Wonders

Aladdin - 1992

"Diamond in the rough" Aladdin has been duped by a disguised Jafar to retrieve the legendary magic lamp from the depths of the Cave of Wonders, a monolithic, tiger-headed sand castle in the deserts outside of Agrabah. Warned not to disturb any of the myriad of treasures within, Aladdin (in a scene right out of Raiders of the Lost Ark), retrieves the humble looking artifact, but not before monkey pal Abu, who can't keep his paws off a nearby jewel, sets off a cataclysmic chain reaction. Snapped out of the air by their newly befriended flying Carpet, our hero is whisked along on an exciting roller coaster of a ride, skimming above boiling lava, dodging falling rocks and navigating a series of twisting catacombs in an ill-fated attempt to escape from the carnage. And you are right there with him on that magic carpet ride.

#41 - Pink Elephants on Parade

Dumbo - 1941

Dumbo and his mentor mouse Timothy unintentionally imbibe in some spiked drinking water that induce hiccupped bubbles taking on the forms of oddly-shaped elephants. Suddenly we are witness to the kaleidoscopic visuals depicting their unfortunate drunkenness. Trumpeting, creepy circus music blares as these "technicolor pachyderms" commence in their wanton displays. Prancing about like harem girls and calypso dancers, chasing each other in motor cars and locomotives, the mayhem builds, the music crescendos, the colors swirl and then... peace as the blackness fades away and the elephants disappear into the clouds...

#40 - This Is What Happens to Boys on Pleasure Island

Pinocchio - 1940

Jiminy Cricket, rejected again by Pinocchio on that paradise for preadolescent pandemonium Pleasure Island, stumbles upon the ugly truth behind the decedent glitz. Smart-mouthed street punk Lampwick finds out too when he sprouts a donkey's ears and tail. Before a terrified Pinocchio, braying for his mama, Lampwick now knows the meaning of "making a jack-ass of yourself".

#39 - The Hydra Battle

Hercules - 1997

In the ultimate "final exam", our boy Herc gets his first taste of glory when he faces the first of many challenges from the dark lord Hades. Having unknowingly released the giant Hydra, the battle is seemingly cut short when the creature swallows the young hero whole. With a quick internal swipe of his blade, Hercules decapitates the beast and escapes from utter doom in one swift stroke. But the victory is short-lived as three more heads emerge in it's place. Sword flashing, heads rolling, he is soon faced with the threat of a dizzying viper's nest that only his godlike strength can overpower.

#38 - Two Worlds, One Family

Tarzan - 1999

In the opening shots of this latest adaptation of the classic adventure, awesome in it's depiction of a living tapestry of shape and movement, you know instantly that you are about to view an oft-told tale in a whole new way; in other words, this ain't your father's ape man. Set to Phil Collins' pounding rock score, the scene juxtaposes the two families (human and ape) in a parallel duality as they struggle to live in this harsh jungle environment, for "danger's no stranger here." When tragedy strikes both camps, in the form of the sleekly menacing Sabor, the survivors are united, these strangers from two worlds, coming together as one family.

#37 - The Egg Travels

Dinosaur - 2000

We have arrived in a prehistoric world, thrillingly realistic due to a groundbreaking mix of computer animated creatures and live action backgrounds. After a vicious Carnatour attack, an orphaned Iguanodon egg commences on a voyage through a breathtaking natural landscape, filled with "terrible lizards" of all shapes and sizes. James Newton Howard's African influenced score adds to the primitive feel as the adventures of Aladar begin.

#36 - This Is Halloween

The Nightmare Before Christmas - 1993

As you enter the portal into Halloweentown, you are immersed in the unique imagination of Tim Burton, home to a motley crew of bizarrely formed manifestations of childhood fears. Pixie-faced vampires glide by, snaggle-nosed witches swoop by on gnarled broomsticks, boogie-men crawl out from under unsuspecting beds, all chanting Danny Elfman's spooky anthem "this is Halloween, this is Halloween". A pumpkin-headed scarecrow springs to life, swallowing a blaze that quickly ignites his body in flames, diving into a nearby fountain to emerge as Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown. "All hail to the Pumpkin King!"

#35 - Be Our Guest

Beauty and the Beast - 1991

"But what is dinner without a little music?" queries the mischievous Lumiere (Jerry Orbach, in full Maurice Chevalier mode), who promptly proves what a little dinnerware can do with a lot of music. The show-stopper that follows outdoes Busby Berkeley in it's sheer exaggerated brilliance. Plates twirl, beer steins leap frog, tea cups tap dance, soup spoons dive into a giant punch bowl à la Esther Williams, all to the incomparably clever rhymes of Howard Ashman's lyrics. In the grand finale, champagne corks popping, a luminous chandelier descends, replete with a tiny kick line of forks. Their audience of one (Belle) graciously offers a well-deserved standing ovation.

#34 - Transformation

Mulan - 1998

Our heroine Mulan has decided to take her frail father's place in the Chinese Royal Army. Stealing away with her father's armor, she takes his sword and cuts off her hair in the ultimate sign of her conviction. To save her father's life, she must perform this dishonorable act, an act that would cost her her own life if her deception is revealed. In this wordless scene, the film's universal theme is apparent: how others see you does not reflect the person you are inside. Mounting her horse Khan, Mulan rides off to face her destiny.

#33 - "Sanctuary!"

The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 1996

Things look pretty grim in Paris: Frollo has set the city aflame, captured Phoebus, chained up Quasimodo and is about to set Esmerelda on fire. The gargoyle trio unsuccessfully attempt to rouse the imprisoned bellringer out of his despair; not until Frollo sets the pyre ablaze does Quasi break free from his shackles, his bells triumphantly chiming in unison, and leaps into action. Swinging down from the cathedral, soaring high above the crowd, he rescues the unconscious gypsy and returns to the safety of Notre Dame. In front of the spectacular Rose Window, the hunchback hoists her skyward and cries "Sanctuary! Sanctuary!"

#32 - The Fairy Godmother

Cinderella - 1950

The jealous stepsisters have just brutally assaulted Cinderella at their mother's bidding, shredding her mouse-made dress. Running out to the comfort of the garden, she is at her lowest: "It's just no use... there's nothing left to believe in... " she sobs. But her wishes are about to be fulfilled as her loving Fairy Godmother (delightfully voiced by Verna Felton) magically appears. Citing that "even miracles take a little time", with a wave of her wand and a bit of "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo", Godmother turns a pumpkin into an ornately appointed coach and Cinderella's rags into a gorgeously glimmering gown. And don't forget those glass slippers. "A wonderful dream come true!"

#31 - Colors of the Wind

Pocahontas - 1995

In this soaring ballad of understanding and acceptance, we view a montage of Pocahontas showing John Smith the wonders and beauty of her homeland. Rich colors and vibrant pastels; imaginative use of shadows and light; Judy Kuhn's haunting vocals and Stephen Schwartz's moving words. All come together in this powerful yet simple message: all things are created in a natural, delicate balance; to upset that balance is to be folly to one's own destruction. "You can own the earth and still, all you own is earth until you can paint with all the colors of the wind."

#30 - The Silly Song

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - 1937

The dwarfs entertain their new house guest with this joyful and, well, silly song. A perfect showcase for these characters and their distinct personalities, each dwarf gets their share of the spotlight: Happy yodels and dances a soft shoe, Bashful (eventually) recites a nonsense verse, Sleepy deals with a pesky fly. The scene is loaded with gags reminiscent of the shorts of that time period, such as Dopey and Sneezy's infamous pas de deux with Snow White. When their dance comes to a hilariously "explosive" end, amid the gales of laughter, our heroine sighs "That was fun!" How right you are, princess.

#29 - Flying to Neverland

Peter Pan - 1953

"All it takes is faith and trust... (and) a little bit of pixie dust... " With these words of instruction (pixie dust provided by Tinker Bell, of course), the boy who never grew up Peter Pan leads the Darling children on a spectacular flight over London. Just like every kid has ever dreamed of, they glide above the clouds, the twinkling lights of the city far below them. Landing on the hands of Big Ben, Peter directs them to take the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning... "Come on everybody, here we go...!!!"

#28 - Part of Your World

The Little Mermaid - 1989

Starting a tradition of "I want" songs for every hero and heroine that followed her, Ariel (multi-talented Jodi Benson) wishes to break free from the depths of the sea and to walk among the humans who's "gadgets and gizmos galore" she has been collecting in her underwater grotto. With her flowing red hair, cascading in the water, she sings of her desire to be "out of the sea, wish I could be part of that world." The moment ends with the little mermaid staring longingly out into liquid space, her dream just above the surface.

#27 - "Anita, Dah-ling!"
One Hundred and One Dalmatians - 1961

You first see a silhouette in the window, then the door bursts open, and there she is. Black and white spiked hair, her face a skeletal mask, wrapped in an over-sized fur coat and trailing green cigarette smoke: it's her. "That devil woman." Cruella de Vil. Posing and sashaying around Roger and Anita's house, poking her bony fingers at a growling Pongo and mocking her hostesses' suburban housewife existence, she zeroes in on a framed portrait of the beloved dalmatian couple, smoke swirling around the image like a target. "Such perfectly lovely coats" she sneers. You know exactly what this woman is and what she wants to do, all in a scant two minute scene. "If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will."

#26 - The Whales

Fantasia 2000 - 2000

In the Disney artists' vision of Respighi's "Pines of Rome", the aurora borealis shines above, and we are introduced to the most stunningly real sea life ever animated. A mother and father whale, with their spunky offspring, majestically rise from the ocean, these huge mammals flying up in the air, into the night sky, their immense shadows gliding across the nearby icebergs. They are joined by the rest of their pod, as they soar over mountain tops and lightning illuminated clouds, bursting through as the music swells and they continue their incredible journey into the heavens above.

Stay "tooned" for the top 25.....

-- Originally posted April 20, 2001