Best Disney Songs

It has been 100 years of Disney. In those years Disney has released some of the most iconic films of all time. Some of the most memorable moments are the incredible songs. Disney movies have always been famous for their iconic songs. Members of our Arts & Entertainment took a look back at some of the best Disney songs of all time.

“Wild Uncharted Waters” - “The Little Mermaid”

Not enough people acknowledge the stroke of genius that gave Prince Eric an angsty power ballad in the live-action “Little Mermaid” film released earlier this year.

In the animated film, Eric’s character is somewhat one-dimensional. He doesn’t do much besides sail in his ship and show Ariel around the kingdom when she washes ashore.

The live-action film gave Eric a solid backstory, and Jonah Hauer-King’s performance in his song “Wild Uncharted Waters” made the character more compelling.

In the song, Eric sings about a mesmerizing girl who saved him from the shipwreck, when he was “darkness bound” and “almost drowned.”

The scene moves from Eric pacing the shoreline to him hanging from a ship sail with a billowy white shirt on getting drenched by waves.

By the end, Eric vows to find the girl with the siren’s voice, even if it means exploring wild uncharted waters, miles beyond the sea. - Kaitlyn Murphy

“Be Prepared”- “The Lion King”

This Disney villain song reigns supreme, not just among the best Disney villain songs but within the entire realm of Disney music.

Scar's eerie and wicked singing voice is so enticing that it easily pulls listeners into the song and storyline.

The mesmerizing evilness of his voice paired with the haunting backing track makes this song addicting to sing to and play on repeat.

The Lion King’s “Be Prepared” also tells a story channeling the dark charisma and malevolent charm of Scar, turning it into a musical narrative that is both captivating and chilling.

This villain story is spellbinding and unique in its musical form.

There is a nice variety of sing-talking, belting and mid-song conversing. The hyenas joining Scar for the end vocals, especially the final note, truly evoke a sense of power and intensity. - Rachel Fisher

“I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” from “Hercules”

Who said Disney songs can’t be relatable?

From “Hercules,” “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” ranks as one of the best Disney songs of all time.

The film’s steadfast heroine, Meg, sings this after refusing to put her guard down around Hercules, who she realizes she’s in love with.

“My head is screaming ‘get a grip girl’ / unless you’re dying to cry your heart out” could be a line out of an Olivia Rodrigo song if we didn’t know any better.

Not only is this the perfect song when the guy you’re talking to is giving you a massive headache, but it’s also a wake-up call for the anti-hero girls to try showing vulnerability for once (yeah, right). - Adrianna Gallucci

“How Far I’ll Go” - “Moana”

Disney is known for all of the fantastic songs with classics everywhere in the catalog, but the best might be from one of the newer gems in the 21st century from Moana. Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of the best writers of the modern generation, and he created a masterpiece with his musical work in this film.

"How Far I’ll Go" encompasses everything that the movie stands for and is the perfect song for the story. Right at a pivotal moment towards the beginning of the movie, Moana feels held back from her love of the water.

Moana finds her motivation after the death of her grandmother and takes a huge leap of faith in running away from home to find Maui. Along with the timing of the song, the music and the lyrics just hit on a different level.

The best part however is the vocal performance from Auli’i Cravalho. The passion in her voice and the way she makes every word in the song makes the viewer and listener feel emotional in the moment.

"How Far I’ll Go" is a song in the movie and a jam you can listen to just to feel good, which makes it one of the best Disney has to offer. - Adam Sheetz

"Right Here, Right Now" - “High School Musical 3”

"High School Musical" changed Disney Channel original movies forever, but I can confidently say that "High School Musical 3" is the greatest Disney Channel movie ever.

Fans patiently wait with anticipation for the first Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez song of the movie, and that song is “Right Here, Right Now." This song is the most beautiful sound my younger ears ever heard, and this sound is still as magical and mystical as it originally was.

This song holds a lot of power for the plot of the film and also the relationship arc between Troy and Gabriella. Before the love birds start singing they’re talking about their future plans and the uneasy feeling they have towards the future. During the song, the lovers are confessing their desire for each other and their intentions of staying together no matter where they are.

The performance of this song in the movie takes place in Troy’s childhood tree house, which is widely romantic and spectacular. This song holds a soft spot in my heart because it is genuinely the foundation of romantic relationships for my generation. - Grace Bowman

“Go The Distance” - by Roger Bart from "Hercules"

It is the most classic Disney song you could create and it resonates with any sort of demographic of people who are overcoming their hardships to reach their full potential.

The song has very few lyrics which might be a reason to bump it off your favorites list, but that's where the storytelling comes into play. It only needs the lyrics it has to make the message much more powerful and motivational.

The lyrics go into a relatable topic of belonging and finding your place in the world. Hercules feels like an outsider in both of his communities but doesn’t let that stop him from chasing his dreams.

The orchestral bridge that builds up feels like you are finally crossing that hurdle from overcoming your struggles and the trumpets in the second act of the song will bring tears to any person.

It also belongs at the top of the charts for being the most heartwarming part of the Walt Disney World firework show, “Happily Ever After.” - Madison Rush

Kaitlyn Murphy is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu

Rachel Fisher is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email rlf5481@psu.edu

Adrianna Gallucci is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.

Adam Sheetz is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ads360@psu.edu.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology and minoring in psychological sciences. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu

Madison Rush is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.