Animated films are responsible for bringing so many different kinds of stories to life, and are responsible for so many iconic cinematic moments cherished by children and adults alike. For those of us who love music and musicals, some of Hollywood’s all-time best earworms can be found within this medium, appealing to viewers of all ages. These singalongs and show tunes have stood the test of time—film buffs and even the most casual fans can point to so many scenes that have spelled movie magic, whether it’s Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba head-bopping across a log or SpongeBob’s Patrick Star posing in fishnet stockings and heels.
The animated films of the last few decades have dealt with everything from fairy tales to family trauma, from falling in love to making the world a better place. And when it comes to family-friendly fare, there’s often truly memorable music to be found, be it a revamped classic or an original number, giving these movies a chance to prove that they’re as rich in epic tunes as any live-action musical.
Below, I’ve rounded up the eleven of my favorite animated movie moments that are sure to spark a dance party! From The Little Mermaid to Hotel Transylvania to Encanto, these stirring showstoppers and goofy, feel-good gems are guaranteed to get you moving…
The Lion King, “Hakuna Matata”
Timon and Pumbaa taught Simba their mantra and things have been jolly in the jungle ever since. “Hakuna Matata,” built around a Swahili phrase originating from East Africa (which translates to “no problems” or “no troubles,” or as the song puts it, “no worries”) turned young and old moviegoers into lifelong fans who couldn’t stop shaking their tail feathers or singing along.
Madagascar, “I Like To Move It”
This upbeat number from 2005’s Madagascar is a cover of the ‘90s earworm by Reel 2 Real. The boisterous nighttime antics of King Julien (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen) and his legions of lemurs is a riot by any standards. It certainly got the stranded (and skeptical) crew from the Central Park Zoo to bust a move, not to mention audiences worldwide.
Tarzan, “Trashin’ The Camp”
Tarzan landed both the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song (“You’ll Be In My Heart”) in 2000, and the rest of the soundtrack is equally dazzling. “Trashin’ The Camp” turns the moment Tarzan’s gorilla clan discovers Jane’s campsite into a toe-tapping tune complete with horns, rhythmic scat singing, and inventive, kinetic visuals. Their highly amusing antics as they turn various objects into musical instruments (and implements of destruction) make for a swinging good time.
Hotel Transylvania, “The Zing”
“It was a thing called a Zing and I wanted to sing,” Johnny (Andy Samberg) rhymes, describing the exhilarating feels that come with true love after falling for Count Dracula’s daughter, Mavis. It’s silly and fun and goofily romantic, and you can’t help but boogie to the catchy lyrics—or the bouncy rap breakdown by none other than “The Undead King” himself (Adam Sandler).
Shrek 2, “Holding Out For A Hero”
The Fairy Godmother’s now classic cover of “Holding Out For A Hero” in Shrek 2 is the stuff of animated movie magic. Performed by Jennifer Saunders, this cover of Bonnie Tyler’s epic power ballad neatly sets the stage the film’s emotional climax as Shrek, Fiona, and Prince Charming square off, each hoping to finally secure their happily ever after.
Happy Feet, “Boogie Wonderland”
In 2006’s Happy Feet, starring Elijah Wood and Robin Williams, Warner Bros struck gold with yet another nostalgic throwback cover, “Boogie Wonderland.” The disco-lite classic practically demands that you groove along as Mumble woos Gloria (Brittany Murphy), her heartsong blending artfully with his tap-dancing, joyously in sync at every step.
The Little Mermaid, “Under The Sea”
You’re probably already singing along here, as Sebastian links up with a “hot crustacean band” to let Princess Ariel in on some timeless wisdom, Calypso-style, in one of the all-time great Disney showstoppers. She doesn’t listen, of course, but “Under the Sea” remains a spectacular showcase of Caribbean sounds and a wonderful excuse to shimmy across your living room.
Encanto, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Allow me to break the cardinal rule (and break into my off-beat bachata): it’s time to talk about Bruno! This bubbly blending of Latin musical styles sparked the most viral animated movie moment in recent history, earning instant earworm status from its TikTok fame and even got a live-action Megan Thee Stallion remix at this year’s Oscars. With music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this ensemble number performed by Encanto’s amazing cast is officially the biggest chart-topping Disney song ever, surpassing former hits like Frozen’s “Let It Go” and Aladdin’s “A Whole New World.”
Trolls, “Can’t Stop The Feeling”
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is pure sunny pop perfection written and recorded by Justin Timberlake for the Trolls soundtrack. JT (who stars as the voice of Branch, and is also the film’s executive music producer) knew just what to do for the movie’s climax, serving up the perfect tempo to trigger shoulder shrugs and hip sways, irresistible to even the most miserable Bergens and audiences alike.
Lilo & Stitch, “Burning Love”
As if the ending to Lilo & Stitch wasn’t heartwarming enough (I’m not crying, you are!), the final scenes of this Hawaiian big screen hit were set to classic rock n’ roll by the King. If you can’t sit still as Wynonna’s rousing rendition of the Elvis tune provides the soundtrack for the mischievous Stitch’s antics as he builds a new life with his found family, then you aren’t alone!
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, “Goofy Goober Rock”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yIy9vjg-hjc
Who’d have known that under his friendly, wholesome fry-cook image, our porous, yellow protagonist was a fierce rock guitarist? SpongeBob’s amped-up shredding in this Twisted Sister-inspired anthem not only saves the citizens of Bikini Bottom from mind-control, but the solo is sure to inspire air-guitars and headbanging from fans of all ages.
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That’s my list of personal favorites, but obviously there are a ton of amazing animated musical moments to choose from. Would you pick some songs from older movies, or different movies altogether, or even different songs from some of the films mentioned above? Let us know which covers and original songs would make your own list, and why…
Sasha Lee is a freelance journalist and writer based in Jamaica. She has seen every episode of The Golden Girls at least five times and her work has appeared in a variety of online publications. You can connect with her on Twitter @ohsashalee
“Why Should I Worry” from Oliver and Company, performed by Billy Joel.
“It’s Tough To Be A God” from The Road to El Dorado, performed by Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh.
“Zero to Hero” from Disney’s Hercules, performed by Lillias White, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Cheryl Freeman, and Vanéese Y. Thomas.
“Time To Be Awesome” from My Little Pony: The Movie, written by Daniel Ingram and Michael Vogel.
“How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, performed by Auliʻi Cravalho.
These are all on my “uplifting” playlist, for when I need some energy/optimism.
Friend Like Me – Aladdin
Be Our Guest – Beauty and the Beast
ETA
Honorary Mention
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – Mary Poppins
Oh come on…. How on earth can you leave out Bear Necessities from The Jungle Book?!?! You’ll be earwormed for life.
Everyoe of a certain age was introduced to classical music by, “Kill the Wabbit, kill the wabbit.”
@5
There’s also “The Rabbit of Seville
#1 It’s probably been more than 20 years since I’ve had a thought about Oliver and Company let alone seen it, but I can immediately remember that song. Good pick.
Eye to Eye from A Goofy Movie, definitely one of my favorites!
And two from Ferngully, one with Tim Curry being his best evil self, and the other with Robin Williams rapping!
Toxic Love
Batty Rap
“Be Our Guest” always does it for me.
“The Morning Report” (biggest punstorm this side of Xanth) and “Chow Down,” though they might not count, as they’re only in the stage version of The Lion King, which is even more fabulous than the film.
“If I’m Gonna Eat Somebody (It Might as Well Be You)” from Ferngully.
*waves freak flag*
No South Park Bigger Longer and Uncut? Blame Canada got an Oscar nod. Kyle’s Mother is a Bitch, in all of its various incarnations, is certainly irresistible….Viva la Resistance!
The Bear Necessities from the Jungle Book (the original 1967 version).
AlanBrown @@.-@. That was the case for me.
Gotta love “I’ve Got a Dream” from Tangled.
AlanBrown@@.-@ – oh yep. And the Barber of Seville.
It’s interesting that so many of these choices are existing songs used as needle drops. I personally prefer original songs tailored for the films. (The Tarzan choice is pretty dark, considering the story.)
The only one of these on my list is “Under the Sea”, and I echo the love for “Bear Necessities”.
Some of my favorites:
The cheekily meta self-aware number A Place Called Slaughter Race (From “Ralph Breaks the Internet”).
The delightful and hilarious I’ve Got A Dream from Tangled, matched by the equally humorous number Mother Knows Best by the astonishing Donna Murphy.
Dwayne Johnson is not the singer Murphy is (but then few people are), but You’re Welcome from Moana is absolutely charming.
Just this morning we were watching the new blind Chihuahua explore the room and we spontaneously simultaneously started singing What’s This? from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Personal favorites:
Froze Heart the opening song from Frozen
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride from Lilo & Stitch
La Llorona from Coco
We Know the Way from Moana
I hated that camp song in Tarzan. It spoiled the whole mood of the movie for me.
For my list, I’ll have to add the last song scene in Turning Red, I Won’t Say (I’m in Love) from Hercules, Shake It Off from Sing.
“Worthless,” from the Brave Little Toaster lives rent-free in my head. Less as an earworm, and more because I can’t get over how much thought was put into the little vignettes we get about each terminally despondent car…
It has to be “Shiny” from Moana or “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast. Villains always get the best songs.
Oh man as somebody still obsessed with most Disney/animated musicals (and am so glad they seem to be getting back to musical roots)
1)A friend and I used to constantly belt out Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid, along with Poor Unfortunate Souls.
2)I am mildly obsessed with Show Yourself from Frozen II, particular the structure of the song that pulls in the All is Found motif and then climaxes spectacularly with a true sense of self empowerment.
3)A more obscure choice that I loved as a kid – Dreams to Dream from Fievel Goes West
4)Once Upon a December from Anastasia
5)I See the Light is probably one of my absolute favorite Menken ballads.
6)Hellfire from Hunchback of Notre Dame (really all of the music)
7)Another somewhat obscure one that is one of my favorite Sherman Brothers compositions, but the little song at the end of the Jungle Book from the girl at the river. It’s in such an interesting key/melody.
Oh – and Gotham City Guys from Lego Movie 2 which, aside from being a fairly fun sendoff of the various iterations of the Batman mythos, also samples the Elfman Batman theme to hilarious effect.
(I really love Everything’s Not Awesome from that movie as a general coming to terms with life song, haha, especially as that also pulls in the ‘this song will be stuck in your head’ motif towards the climax)
“Up, Down, and Touch the Ground” from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and “A Rat’s Paradise” from Charlotte’s Web. I always adored Pooh and Templeton, and the charm songs where they earn the honorary House Manderly badges I mentally give them have a special place in my heart.
“Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog wasn’t very memorable for me overall, but I readily turned some parts of it into a summation of the park ranger work I was doing at the time.
“Big Moon Rising” in the adaptation of Soul Music (Discworld) is irresistible by design.
I don’t generally have a great memory or attention span for musical pieces without lyrics, but Fantasia got a few of them sufficiently embedded in my mind that I would recognize them anywhere and smile at the memory. “Rite of Spring,” certainly, and “Nutcracker Suite.” I feel bad for loving Fantasia’s “Rite of Spring” adaptation so much when the man who composed the music hated it (as E.B. White hated the animated adaptation of Charlotte’s Web), but…dangit, I do love it.
These are not bad mentions, no, not at all…
By the way, what is your favorite number from Yellow Submarine?
Uhh….. when do you think we are going to get a big prog rock animated film? It’s just, I think of the two Sing movies, and I can’t stop thinking, what if they included a couple covers of classic prog in there? I’m the kind of person who values musical playing as much as singing…
Both “Yellow Submarine” and “When I’m 64” from Yellow Submarine. The first movie soundtrack I ever owned!
”Where No One Goes” from How to Train Your Dragon 2 really conveys the feeling of the movie.
”Sugar Rush” from Wreck it Ralph and “Welcome to Duloc” from Shrek always make me grin when I hear them.
”Arrierty’s Song” from The Secret World of Arriety. I have six different versions on my phone.
But on the more mainstream front, every song from both Beauty and the Beast and Moana, the only 2 Disney movies I have the soundtracks to.
@@.-@ and @5 : The ‘kill the wabbit’ one is entitled “What’s Opera, Doc?” and considered by many – including many animators – to be the greatest Warner Brothers cartoon ever made, and among the greatest animated cartoons ever made, if not the greatest one period. Even the Library of Congress thinks so, it’s the first cartoon they added to the National Film Registry. I’m inclined to agree – I can’t not crack up everytime I so much as picture that fat white horse! “Rabbit of Seville” is a lot of fun too, though! Those are far from the only cartoons from that era to use classical music, though, a number of the Merrie Melodies series in particular did. A roundup of the classical WB stuff here: https://www.classicfm.com/composers/liszt/cartoonist-how-generation-learned-classical-music-bugs-bunny/
Along with Fantasia, of course! Disney had their own competitor shorts, too: the Silly Symphonies series. One of which is the classic “Skeleton Dance”, which has since cut up and mashed up to go with “Spooky Scary Skeletons” and then dance remixed, and any version is a spooky season favorite! On that note… there needs to be so much more love for The Nightmare Before Christmas on here!
And personally, if I have to pick a musical number from The Little Mermaid, it’s “Poor Unfortunate Souls”, hands down!
Most of my favorites come from the movie Coco. La Llorona was mentioned above. Remember Me is another gem. But the one that resonates the most with me is Proud Corazon. I lost my dad about a year ago, and the lyrics “Our love for each other will live on forever” are a comfort. So is the animation from that final scene, with generations of the same family celebrating in multiple dimensions.
can we get some deep cut appreciation for the Quest for Camelot soundtrack?? literally every single one of them lives rent free in my brain for at least a week every time i watch it. is it a Cinematic Masterpiece(TM)? maybe not, but 1) ‘i stand alone’ is a banger and a half and beautifully animated, 2) the thirty seconds of reprise we get of it later in the movie STILL manage to win my ‘most devastating reprise’ award (challenged only by the ‘remember me’ flashback reprise + eleventh hour miguel-and-mama-coco reprise from coco because HOLY HELL), 3) watching gary oldman chew the scenery during ruber’s evil beat poetry number is objectively a damn DELIGHT, and 4) the DRAGONS. i am utterly convinced that devon and cornwall have magic that works by the same rules as their flight, and they use it EXCLUSIVELY to manifest immersive theatrical illusions for musical numbers.