The Little Mermaid (1989)

Title: The Little Mermaid
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: November 17, 1989
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
A mermaid wants to be human to be with her prince.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time for this one.

Where does it take place?
Under the sea....and on land where they understand that you don't reprimand your daughter...

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney princess. I do wonder how old I was since I was one month when it came out...

How did I like this?
I love this movie. The songs are amazing. It truly does feel like a new era of Disney.

Ursula is my favorite villain. BODY LANGUAGE!

Have you seen The Little Mermaid? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Oliver & Company (1988)

Title: Oliver & Company
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Release Date: November 18, 1988
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: George Scribner
Starring: Joey Lawrence, Billy Joel, Cheech Marin


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of 80s movies and animals.

What is this about?
A kitten and a little rich girl looking for love and find each other.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
New York City.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I watched it a lot as a kid.

How did I like this?
It's super cute and the songs are just as catchy as I remembered! It also feels SUPER 80s, since this was the first contemporary setting for these animated films.

I did find myself not caring about the human characters as much as the animals, and the plot connecting them felt forced, but it's unique.

Have you seen Oliver & Company? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Title: The Great Mouse Detective
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Release Date: July 2, 1986
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson
Starring: Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val Bettin


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who can appreciate a weird animal retelling of a classic.

What is this about?
Exactly what the title sounds like, honestly...

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a rainy evening. Or anytime you wish it was a rainy evening.

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I loved this movie as a kid, and it totally holds up.

How did I like this?
This movie is crazy fun. It's funny and kind of creepy and exciting and Ratigan has one of the best villain songs.

Have you seen The Great Mouse Detective? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Black Cauldron (1985)

Title: The Black Cauldron
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Release Date: July 26, 1985
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich
Starring: Grant Bardsley, Freddie Jones, Susan Sheridan


Who would I recommend this to?
If you liked The Sword in the Stone or Quest to Camelot...

What is this about?
Stuff...I honestly don't know.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhh...

Where does it take place?
Somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's the only classic Disney Animation that I'd never seen, sooo....

How did I like this?
Perhaps I would have appreciated it more if I saw it as a kid, but probably not. This did not hold my attention at all.

Have you seen The Black Cauldron? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Title: The Fox and the Hound
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: July 10, 1981
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich
Starring: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey


Who would I recommend this to?
Animal lovers.

What is this about?
A baby fox and a puppy because the best of friends...until they aren't anymore.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you don't mind something sad.

Where does it take place?
The forest somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney, duh. Now because adorable animals.

How did I like this?
I don't understand why Disney would do this to us. It's so freaking sad! It starts out so adorable which just makes that gut punch hurt even more! Why does Tod have to be punished?!

Have you seen The Fox and the Hound? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Rescuers (1977)

Title: The Rescuers
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Release Date: June 22, 1977
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, Geraldine Page


Who would I recommend this to?
Umm...people who already like it.

What is this about?
Two mice rescue a little girl who was kidnapped by treasure hunters.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhh...now?

Where does it take place?
Devil's Bayou.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I saw this as a kid, but I have zero memories of it other than it existing and the diamond, which I didn't remember until I saw it.

How did I like this?
For a movie about pirate treasure and kidnapping, it's not very exciting. I'm sure I was bored by this as a kid, like I am now. It's a good idea, but didn't really work out.

Have you seen The Rescuers? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Title: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Release Date: March 11, 1977
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Sebastian Cabot, Junius Matthews, Barbara Luddy


Who would I recommend this to?
Pooh fans and little kids.

What is this about?
Pooh Bear getting himself into sticky situations.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
The Hundred Acre Wood.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because duh. Now, because I felt like it.

How did I like this?
It's cute, and I didn't realize that the Disney World ride was based on the second story!

The only thing that I remembered from this was the Hephalumps and Woozles.

Have you seen The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Robin Hood (1973)

Title: Robin Hood
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 1973
Genre(s): Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, David Hand
Starring: Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Roger Miller


Who would I recommend this to?
Everybody.

What is this about?
He steals from the rich and gives to the poor!

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want some fun.

Where does it take place?
Nottingham.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney. It's one of my favorites.

How did I like this?
Of the classics, this is my #1. I watched it sooo much as a kid and still love it now. Prince John cracks me up.

Anyone else have a crush on Robin and Marian? Don't be shy.

Have you seen Robin Hood? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Aristocats (1970)

Title: The Aristocats
Rating: G
Run Time: I hour 18 minutes
Release Date: December 24, 1970
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Phil Harris, Eva Gabor, Sterling Holloway


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone with a heart.

What is this about?
A butler tries to get rid of his employer's cats when he learns she's living her fortune to them instead of him.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need some fun.

Where does it take place?
Paris, 1910.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney animals. Now, because it's one my favorites.

How did I like this?
I love this movie and always have. I'm not even a cat person. I just adore Marie and Thomas O'Malley.

And it's a dream of mine to work for a filthy rich woman and inherit her pets and fortune to take care of said pets.

Have you seen The Aristocats? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

The Jungle Book (1967)

Title: The Jungle Book
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Release Date: October 18, 1967
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes jungle adventures.

What is this about?
A boy raised by wolves is suppose to return to the human village before a tiger kills him.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenevs.

Where does it take place?
An Indian jungle.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney. Now, because I wanted to.

How did I like this?
I am surprised by how much I did not remember this movie at all. It has two of Disney's most memorable songs, but everything else? It was like I was watching it for the first time and I didn't like it. I'm pretty sure I liked this movie as a kid, but then again, I have no memories of it.

Have you seen The Jungle Book? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Sword in the Stone (1964)

Title: The Sword in the Stone
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Release Date: June 21, 1964
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi
Starring: Rickie Sorensen, Sebastian Cabot, Karl Swenson


Who would I recommend this to?
People who already like it.

What is this about?
A boy learns magic by turning into different animals, or something.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Uhhh...when you need background noise.

Where does it take place?
England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'd never seen it before. Gasp.

How did I like this?
I don't get it. I'm familiar with the story, but I don't get the movie. Arthur and Merlin just spent 80 minutes turning into different animals, because...

Have you seen The Sword in the Stone? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

Title: One Hundred and One Dalmatians
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Release Date: January 25, 1961
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske
Starring: Rod Taylor, Betty Lou Gerson, J. Pat O'Malley


Who would I recommend this to?
Dog movie people.

What is this about?
An evil woman kidnaps Dalmatian puppies to make coats.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Not when you're menstruating...

Where does it take place?
London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney dogs. Now, because Disney dogs.

How did I like this?
I kept crying. Who steals puppies?!?!

I don't like the beginning though. It just jumps straight to Cruella wanting to buy puppies. There's no build up. But I guess that's why we're finally getting a Cruella movie.

Have you seen One Hundred and One Dalmatians? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Title: Sleeping Beauty
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Release Date: December 25, 1959
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Les Clark
Starring: Mary Costa, Bill Shirley, Eleanor Audley


Who would I recommend this to?
Princess movie fans.

What is this about?
An evil fairy curses a baby to die on her 16th birthday.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever....

Where does it take place?
A faraway land. Probably medieval France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because Disney. Duh. But I always fell asleep.

How did I like this?
I actually managed to stay awake for the whole movie, and I'm pretty sure this was my first time seeing the battle between Maleficent and Phillip, because none of that looked familiar! It was pretty cool though.

Have you seen Sleeping Beauty? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Lady and the Tramp (1955)

Title: Lady and the Tramp
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Release Date: June 22, 1955
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Peggy Lee


Who would I recommend this to?
Every who likes dogs.

What is this about?
A sweet cocker spaniel feels like she's being pushed aside when her humans have a baby.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime is a good time for puppy love.

Where does it take place?
No idea...

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because it's Disney and dogs. Now, because I just like it.

How did I like this?
I absolutely adore this movie. Lady is the cutest!

I feel like this is when Disney animation hit its stride. Minus the racist cat song...which, I admit I do like...but I know it's wrong.

Have you seen Lady and the Tramp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Peter Pan (1953)

Title: Peter Pan
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Release Date: February 5, 1953
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried


Who would I recommend this to?
No one really...watch Hook instead.

What is this about?
A boy who never ages, whisks away a girl and her brothers so they won't grow up.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you're researching something related to it...

Where does it take place?
Neverland and London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
As a kid, because it's Disney. Now...just for this marathon.

How did I like this?
I don't. I don't remember if I liked it as a kid, but as an adult, I feel like I like it less and less. I just don't like Wendy or Peter. But this movie did give us Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, so it's not all bad.

This is another classic Disney movie that has a racism disclaimer before it on Disney+.

Have you seen Peter Pan? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Title: Alice in Wonderland
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Release Date: September 14, 1951
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Haydn


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like trippy movies.

What is this about?
A little girl gets lost in a land of nonsense.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Not when you're high. Trust me.

Where does it take place?
Wonderland.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I know I watched it as a kid, and felt like it was forever long. It's the episodic format. As an adult it's a fun trip.

How did I like this?
This movie is so freaking weird. The Cheshire cat is the best thing about it though. I love Chessie.

It's weird how I do remember all of the movie, but I can never remember how each scene fits together or what order it happens in. Which means I can watch it over and over and not get bored!

Have you seen Alice in Wonderland? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Cinderella (1950)

Title: Cinderella
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Release Date: March 4, 1950
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Romance, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Starring: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald, Eleanor Audley


Who would I recommend this to?
Princess fans.

What is this about?
A young woman is mistreated by her stepfamily then falls in love with a prince.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever. It makes good background noise.

Where does it take place?
France.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's a Disney princess movie.

How did I like this?
It's a good movie, but every time I watch it, it feels like the first time. I don't know why, but I'm always like "oh yeah!" or "I don't remember this" or "that happened?" and I just do not remember this movie at all. I mean, of course I know the general story, but the details of this version just POOF.

The only thing that sticks out are the songs "A Dream a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bippity Boppity Boo."

Have you seen Cinderella? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

Title: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Release Date: January 4, 1949
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Short Film
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: James Algar, Clyde Geronimi
Starring: Bing Crosby, Basil Rathbone, Eric Blore


Who would I recommend this to?
Classic animation fans.

What is this about?
Exactly what the title suggests...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Eh...

Where does it take place?
Sleepy Hollow and somewhere...

Why did I decide to watch this?
I have very vivid memories of watching this as a kid, but not actually paying attention to it. Some things never change...

How did I like this?
This is one of those movies that doesn't age well. I didn't enjoy it as a kid and I didn't enjoy it now. It's simultaneously chaotic and boring.

I do enjoy Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland though. I always make sure to ride it when there.

Have you seen The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?.

Bambi (1942)

Title: Bambi
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Release Date: August 21, 1942
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong
Starring: Hardie Albright, Stan Alexander, Bobette Audrey


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of cute animal movies.

What is this about?
A baby deer growing up without his mom.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need a good cry.

Where does it take place?
The forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's a Disney movie, so duh. I remember watching it as a kid and being really upset by it, but I was obsessed with Flower.

How did I like this?
This one is as cute as it is sad. Disney loves killing mothers. But Bambi, Thumper, Flower and Faline are all adorable little critters.

Have you seen Bambi? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Dumbo (1941)

Title: Dumbo
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Release Date: October 31, 1941
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson
Starring: Sterling Holloway, Edward Brophy, Herman Bing


Who would I recommend this to?
No one, really. Watch the live action instead.

What is this about?
A baby elephant that's stolen from his mother, made fun of, and exploited.

When would be a good time to watch this?
If you're doing a classic animation marathon (like I am) or for research purposes.

Where does it take place?
A traveling circus somewhere...it goes through Florida at the beginning...

Why did I decide to watch this?
Like I said, it's part of my marathon. I don't remember the first time I watch it; I was super little.

How did I like this?
This is one of very few Disney animations that I don't like. I don't know if I liked it as a kid either. The story isn't interesting at all, the songs are boring, and it's kind of depressing. Dumbo, the character, is adorable though.

On top of that, it's racist as hell. Disney+ even has a disclaimer that pops up before the movie.

Have you seen Dumbo? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pinocchio (1940)

Title: Pinocchio
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Release Date: February 28, 1940
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Norman Ferguson, T. Hee
Starring: Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney classic animation fans.

What is this about?
A wooden puppet wants to become a real boy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need some Disney magic.

Where does it take place?
"A quaint little village." Possibly Italy?

Why did I decide to watch this?
I saw it when I was really little, but I watch it every few years just because.

How did I like this?
This is one of those movies that I like more as an adult than as a kid. I just find it utterly charming and the songs are catchy.

It's also crazy to watch this and compare it to modern animation. Pinocchio escaping from Monstro versus any ocean scene in Moana...crazy.

Have you seen Pinocchio? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Title: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Release Date: December 21, 1937
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: William Cottrell, David Hand
Starring: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne


Who would I recommend this to?
Disney fans.

What is this about?
An evil vain queen tries to kill her stepdaughter for being prettier than her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need a quick classic Disney fix.

Where does it take place?
Germany.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I don't remember the first time, but I've watched it several times in my life when I wanted some old school Disney in my life. Like now.

How did I like this?
It's far from my favorite Disney movie, but I always enjoy it when I watch and notice something new each time. Like how everyone should have listened to Grumpy! He's the king of foreshadowing! And Snow White herself is NOT a damsel in distress, she's quite sassy and brave.

Have you seen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?