Watch order guide · Disney Animated Classics

How to watch the Disney Animated movies in order

Updated October 21, 2026 · 16 min read · 20 titles · 28 hours

The Disney animated classics don't share a story, so watch them in release order to see the Disney Renaissance unfold, from The Little Mermaid (1989) to Tarzan (1999) and the experimental films after it.

Titles

20

Films

20

Watch time

28 hours

Box office

$5.29 billion

Avg IMDb

7.2

Disney Animated movies in release order

Here is every Disney Animated title in the order it came out, 1989 to 2004: 20 films.

Disney Animated timeline: movies in chronological order

The same titles in story order, by when they take place, with the year or era each one is set in.

Release or chronological: which order is best?

Release order and story order disagree on 18 titles here. In release order you start with The Little Mermaid (1989); in story order you start with Dinosaur, set in The Cretaceous, which came out 11 years later.

First time through, watch in release order. That is how the twists, returning characters and callbacks were built to land, and later entries assume you have seen the earlier ones. On a rewatch, try story order. It turns Disney Animated Classics into one continuous story and makes the prequels play as setup instead of backstory.

Where to start

Every Disney Animated movie, explained

One entry per title in release order: what it is about, why it matters to the bigger story, who is in it and how it did.

No. 01 · 1989 · Film · 1h 23m · 10th in story order

The Little Mermaid

This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula.

Why it matters: Ariel, and the start of the Disney Renaissance.

Starring

Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, and Pat Carroll

Director

John Musker and Ron Clements

Box office

$211 million on a $40 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.6 · Rotten Tomatoes 92%

No. 02 · 1990 · Film · 1h 17m · 16th in story order

The Rescuers Down Under

A lawless poacher wants to capture a majestic and rare golden eagle, so he kidnaps the boy who knows where to find the bird. Not to worry -- the Rescue Aid Society's top agents, heroic mice Miss Bianca and Bernard, fly to Australia to save the day. Accompanying the fearless duo are bumbling albatross Wilbur and local field operative Jake the Kangaroo Rat.

Why it matters: The Rescuers in the Australian outback.

Starring

Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, and John Candy

Director

Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel

Box office

$47 million on a $38 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.8 · Rotten Tomatoes 85%

No. 03 · 1991 · Film · 1h 24m · 9th in story order

Beauty and the Beast

Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within.

Why it matters: The first animated Best Picture nominee.

Starring

Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, and Richard White

Director

Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Box office

$425 million on a $25 million budget

Scores

IMDb 8 · Rotten Tomatoes 95%

No. 04 · 1992 · Film · 1h 31m · 6th in story order

Aladdin

In the boorish city of Agrabah, kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin and Princess Jasmine fall in love, although she can only marry a prince. He and power-hungry Grand Vizier Jafar vie for a magic lamp that can fulfill their wishes.

Why it matters: Robin Williams' Genie.

Starring

Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, and Linda Larkin

Director

John Musker and Ron Clements

Box office

$504 million on a $28 million budget

Scores

IMDb 8 · Rotten Tomatoes 96%

No. 05 · 1993 · Film · 1h 16m · 15th in story order

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tired of scaring humans every October 31 with the same old bag of tricks, Jack Skellington, the spindly king of Halloween Town, kidnaps Santa Claus and plans to deliver shrunken heads and other ghoulish gifts to children on Christmas morning. But as Christmas approaches, Jack's rag-doll girlfriend, Sally, tries to foil his misguided plans.

Why it matters: Tim Burton's stop-motion Halloween King.

Starring

Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, and Catherine O'Hara

Director

Henry Selick

Box office

$76 million on a $18 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 95%

No. 06 · 1994 · Film · 1h 29m · 14th in story order

The Lion King

Young lion prince Simba, eager to one day become king of the Pride Lands, grows up under the watchful eye of his father Mufasa; all the while his villainous uncle Scar conspires to take the throne for himself. Amid betrayal and tragedy, Simba must confront his past and find his rightful place in the Circle of Life.

Why it matters: Simba's story; the Renaissance high point.

Starring

Matthew Broderick, Moira Kelly, and Jeremy Irons

Director

Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

Box office

$763 million on a $45 million budget

Scores

IMDb 8.5 · Rotten Tomatoes 92%

No. 07 · 1995 · Film · 1h 18m · 17th in story order

A Goofy Movie

Goofy’s teenage son Max is desperate to impress his crush and fit in at school. After well-meaning but ignorant Goofy suddenly whisks him away on a cross-country road trip—messing up Max’s first date plans in the process—Goofy’s old-school parenting and Max’s desire for independence lead to a vacation of hilarious mishaps, as they both learn to see eye to eye and listen to each other.

Why it matters: Goofy and Max on a road trip.

Starring

Bill Farmer, Jason Marsden, and Aaron Lohr

Director

Kevin Lima

Box office

$35 million on a $18 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 64%

No. 08 · 1995 · Film · 1h 21m

Pocahontas

Pocahontas, daughter of a Native American tribe chief, falls in love with an English soldier as colonists invade 17th century Virginia.

Why it matters: Jamestown in 1607.

Starring

Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, and David Ogden Stiers

Director

Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg

Box office

$346 million on a $55 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 58%

No. 09 · 1996 · Film · 1h 31m · 7th in story order

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Isolated in the bell tower of Notre Dame, Quasimodo longs to experience the world beyond the cathedral walls, despite the wishes of his stern guardian, the Judge of Paris Claude Frollo. His first venture into the city leads him to Esmeralda, a fearless Romani woman whose defiance of Frollo's tyranny draws her—and Quasimodo—into his dangerous obsession.

Why it matters: Quasimodo and Notre Dame.

Starring

Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, and Kevin Kline

Director

Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Box office

$325 million on a $100 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7 · Rotten Tomatoes 80%

No. 10 · 1997 · Film · 1h 33m · 3rd in story order

Hercules

Bestowed with superhuman strength, a young mortal named Hercules sets out to prove himself a hero in the eyes of his father, the great god Zeus. Along with his friends Pegasus, a flying horse, and Phil, a personal trainer, Hercules is tricked by the hilarious, hotheaded villain Hades, who's plotting to take over Mount Olympus!

Why it matters: From zero to hero.

Starring

Tate Donovan, Josh Keaton, and Roger Bart

Director

Ron Clements and John Musker

Box office

$253 million on a $85 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 83%

No. 11 · 1998 · Film · 1h 28m · 4th in story order

Mulan

When Imperial China calls one man from every family to defend the empire from invading Huns, a young woman disguises herself as a soldier to take her ailing father’s place. Facing ruthless invaders, brutal training, and the risk of execution if discovered, she must decide who she truly is— and what she’s willing to fight for.

Why it matters: Mulan takes her father's place in the army.

Starring

Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, and BD Wong

Director

Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook

Box office

$304 million on a $90 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.7 · Rotten Tomatoes 92%

No. 12 · 1999 · Film · 1h 28m

Tarzan

Tarzan was a small orphan who was raised by an ape named Kala since he was a child. He believed that this was his family, but on an expedition Jane Porter is rescued by Tarzan. He then finds out that he's human. Now Tarzan must make the decision as to which family he should belong to...

Why it matters: Raised by gorillas; the last Renaissance film.

Starring

Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, and Glenn Close

Director

Chris Buck and Kevin Lima

Box office

$448 million on a $130 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.3 · Rotten Tomatoes 90%

No. 13 · 1999 · Film · 1h 14m · 20th in story order

Fantasia 2000

Blending lively music and brilliant animation, this sequel to the original 'Fantasia' restores 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' and adds seven new shorts.

Why it matters: Animation set to classical music.

Starring

Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, and Quincy Jones

Director

James Algar, Gaëtan Brizzi, Pixote Hunt, Eric Goldberg, Hendel Butoy, Don Hahn, Paul Brizzi, and Francis Glebas

Box office

$61 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.1 · Rotten Tomatoes 80%

No. 14 · 2000 · Film · 1h 22m · 1st in story order

Dinosaur

An orphaned dinosaur raised by lemurs joins an arduous trek to a sancturary after a meteorite shower destroys his family home.

Why it matters: Photoreal dinosaurs; Disney's CG experiment.

Starring

D. B. Sweeney, Alfre Woodard, and Ossie Davis

Director

Eric Leighton and Ralph Zondag

Box office

$354 million on a $128 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 65%

No. 15 · 2000 · Film · 1h 18m · 5th in story order

The Emperor's New Groove

When the self‑absorbed Emperor Kuzco is accidentally transformed into a llama, he must rely on a humble villager to survive the jungle and reclaim his throne.

Why it matters: An emperor turned into a llama.

Starring

David Spade, John Goodman, and Eartha Kitt

Director

Mark Dindal

Box office

$169 million on a $100 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 86%

No. 16 · 2001 · Film · 1h 35m · 13th in story order

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

A young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.

Why it matters: An expedition to the lost city.

Starring

Michael J. Fox, Cree Summer, and James Garner

Director

Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

Box office

$186 million on a $120 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 48%

No. 17 · 2002 · Film · 1h 25m · 18th in story order

Lilo & Stitch

As Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet, wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischievous adopted alien "puppy" of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and ʻohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family.

Why it matters: Experiment 626 in Hawaii.

Starring

Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, and Tia Carrere

Director

Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

Box office

$273 million on a $80 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 86%

No. 18 · 2002 · Film · 1h 36m · 19th in story order

Treasure Planet

When space galleon cabin boy Jim Hawkins discovers a map to an intergalactic "loot of a thousand worlds," a cyborg cook named John Silver teaches him to battle supernovas and space storms on their journey to find treasure.

Why it matters: Treasure Island in space.

Starring

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brian Murray, and Emma Thompson

Director

Ron Clements and John Musker

Box office

$110 million on a $140 million budget

Scores

IMDb 7.2 · Rotten Tomatoes 68%

No. 19 · 2003 · Film · 1h 25m · 2nd in story order

Brother Bear

When an impulsive boy named Kenai is magically transformed into a bear, he must literally walk in another's footsteps until he learns some valuable life lessons. His courageous and often zany journey introduces him to a forest full of wildlife, including the lovable bear cub Koda, hilarious moose Rutt and Tuke, woolly mammoths and rambunctious rams.

Why it matters: A young man turned into a bear.

Starring

Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, and Jason Raize

Director

Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker

Box office

$250 million on a $128 million budget

Scores

IMDb 6.9 · Rotten Tomatoes 38%

No. 20 · 2004 · Film · 1h 16m · 11th in story order

Home on the Range

When a greedy outlaw schemes to take possession of the "Patch Of Heaven" dairy farm, three determined cows, a karate-kicking stallion and a colorful corral of critters join forces to save their home. The stakes are sky-high as this unlikely animal alliance risk their hides and match wits with a mysterious band of bad guys.

Why it matters: Three cows save their farm.

Starring

Roseanne Barr, Judi Dench, and Jennifer Tilly

Director

John Sanford and Will Finn

Box office

$145 million on a $110 million budget

Scores

IMDb 5.4 · Rotten Tomatoes 51%

Disney Animated box office and budgets

The 20 Disney Animated films with reported numbers have grossed $5.29 billion worldwide on about $1.56 billion in combined budgets, roughly 3.4 times what they cost. The biggest is The Lion King at $763 million, 14% of the franchise's total on its own, followed by Aladdin ($504 million) and Tarzan ($448 million).

Measured against what it cost, the best return belongs to Aladdin, which made 18 times its $28 million budget. The weakest was Fantasia 2000 at 76% of its $80 million budget. As a rule of thumb, a film needs about two and a half times its budget at the box office to cover marketing and the theaters' cut.

The best and worst rated Disney Animated movies

Across 20 rated titles, Disney Animated Classics averages 7.2 on IMDb. The top of the list is The Lion King at 8.5, then Beauty and the Beast (8) and Aladdin (8). At the bottom: Home on the Range (5.4) and Dinosaur (6.4).

1. The Lion King8.5 · RT 92%
2. Beauty and the Beast8 · RT 95%
3. Aladdin8 · RT 96%
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas7.9 · RT 95%
5. Mulan7.7 · RT 92%
6. The Little Mermaid7.6 · RT 92%
7. The Emperor's New Groove7.4 · RT 86%
8. Lilo & Stitch7.4 · RT 86%
9. Hercules7.3 · RT 83%
10. Tarzan7.3 · RT 90%

Who appears in the most Disney Animated movies

David Ogden Stiers leads with 4 appearances as Cogsworth and Governor Ratcliffe, ahead of Frank Welker (3) and Corey Burton (3). Counted from each title's top-billed cast.

Disney Animated directors and creators

29 filmmakers have directed or created Disney Animated Classics; John Musker has the most, with 4.

• John MuskerThe Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and Treasure Planet (2002)
• Ron ClementsThe Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), Hercules (1997), and Treasure Planet (2002)
• Gary TrousdaleBeauty and the Beast (1991), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
• Kirk WiseBeauty and the Beast (1991), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
• Hendel ButoyThe Rescuers Down Under (1990) and Fantasia 2000 (1999)
• Mike GabrielThe Rescuers Down Under (1990) and Pocahontas (1995)
• Kevin LimaA Goofy Movie (1995) and Tarzan (1999)
• Eric GoldbergPocahontas (1995) and Fantasia 2000 (1999)
• Henry SelickThe Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
• Roger AllersThe Lion King (1994)
• Rob MinkoffThe Lion King (1994)
• Tony BancroftMulan (1998)
• Barry CookMulan (1998)
• Chris BuckTarzan (1999)
• James AlgarFantasia 2000 (1999)
• Gaëtan BrizziFantasia 2000 (1999)

How long it takes to watch every Disney Animated movie

All 20 titles add up to 28 hours. That is about 15 two-hour evenings, or 3 days of ten-hour binges. The longest film is Treasure Planet at 1h 36m.

Common questions

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