Disney Animated Features

Here are #10-7 in our list of the Top Ten Disney Animated Features. The following list takes into account artistic, cultural, and popular success.

10. The Little Mermaid (1989) After years of treading water, Disney decided to go "under the sea" and create a new version of the popular fairy tale. Breathing new life into animation and taking a cue from Broadway, the Silver Age of Disney was born. And merchandising would never be the same.

9. Peter Pan (1953) Our hearts take flight when Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John soar above the breathtaking vistas of London. Disney's take on the classic J.M. Barrie story included the first ever personification of the character Tinker Bell. She will forever be synonymous with the Wonderful World of Disney television show and the theme parks themselves. Add to that a wonderful, comic villain in the guise of Captain Hook, several wonderful songs, and a pure sense of magic...classic Disney.

8. 101 Dalmatians (1961) Theatrical animation style of the early-'60's took its cue from animated television programs and the fad studio UPA. Dalmatians has the look of those counterparts with its stylistic lines and backgrounds. But no mistaking, it retains trademark lush animation and characters. In fact, the success of this film is due in large part to probably the best villain ever commited to cels...Cruella DeVil.

7. Cinderella (1950) Based on the most famous fairy tale of all-time, Cinderella literally saved the Disney studio. The financial drought following World War II allowed for very little in the way of creativity from Disney. When Walt decided to jump head first into the animated feature again, he chose wisely. The film was a success. It inspired the castle landmark at Disney World and its heroine remains #1 in the hearts of Disney fans everywhere. Walt's favorite piece of animation, of all the things the studio did, was the enchanting transformation of Cinderella from rags to royalty, courtesy of her Fairy Godmother. This is signature Disney all the way.

....Stay tuned next week for #6-4!!!!