Who doesn’t remember curling up on a weekend morning to watch Mickey Mouse and his friends get up to mischief? Behind so many of our happiest movie memories is The Walt Disney Company, which has produced hundreds of films over the decades. Here’s our pick of 5 of the best classic Disney movies to watch with the family. Is your favourite on the list?
Walt Disney was reportedly a shy man who battled a lack of confidence in his early years. Along with his brother Roy, he founded the Walt Disney Company in 1923. The very first film he produced was Alice’s Wonderland, a silent black-and-white short that marked the start of an era that has since touched the hearts of millions.
Mickey Mouse came along a few years later — the warm-hearted mouse who’s always ready to help his friends and stand up for what’s right is said to have been inspired by Walt’s own pet mouse. Designed in 1928, Mickey was the star of the first cartoon ever made with synchronised sound. It’s easy to imagine the excitement of that very first screening. Our favourite mouse remains the mascot of the Walt Disney Company to this day.
But enough history — let’s get to the good stuff. Here are our picks for the best classic Disney movies to watch with the family.
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#1. Bambi (1942)
Our number one pick for a family watch is Bambi. A little fawn learns early in life about the harsher side of nature, and through his adventures with friends, he finds the courage to overcome whatever comes his way.
This gentle classic tops our list despite its tough opening scenes, because it teaches children that life doesn’t always give you what you want straight away — sometimes you have to be brave and keep going.
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#2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
This is a must-see for the whole family. Winnie and his friends are always finding themselves in a spot of bother, from eating too much honey and getting stuck in Rabbit’s front door, to searching high and low for Eeyore’s missing tail. Watching them work through each little mishap together never gets old, and children of every age still love this one.
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#3. Hocus Pocus (1993)
https://youtu.be/Mi2JpQgHAQI
This classic follows three witches accidentally summoned back to life, who cause chaos wherever they go while trying to restore their youth. Wherever there’s a talking cat, you know something wild is about to happen. It’s not an animated film, but it’s a brilliantly funny family watch that has stood the test of time.
#4. Brother Bear (2003)
An animated adventure built around brotherly love and respect for the natural world. When the main character does something he shouldn’t, the spirits transform him into a bear as a consequence. The moment of transformation is a real highlight — the colours and sounds are stunning. A genuinely feel-good film suitable for all ages.
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#5. Fantasia (1940)
https://youtu.be/LpKA9n-75tQ
No list of classic Disney films would be complete without Fantasia. Made in 1940, it’s a collection of eight segments set to sweeping classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski. Mickey Mouse appears in one of the best-loved segments as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, with a few magical mishaps along the way.
Its sequel, Fantasia 2000, is also a wonderful watch for the whole family. It keeps Mickey as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice but adds seven new segments, with conductor James Levine leading the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Your own list of favourite Disney movies might look quite different from ours — but one thing they’ll all have in common is the way they touch and inspire us.
What are your favourite Disney movies to watch with your family? Share them with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Disney movie a “classic”?
Generally, a classic Disney movie is one from the studio’s earlier decades of animation and live-action filmmaking that has remained popular with families across generations, often thanks to memorable characters, music and storytelling.
Are these five movies suitable for younger children?
Most of these films work well for younger children, though a couple have moments that can be intense for very young or sensitive viewers — Bambi’s early scenes and some of Hocus Pocus’s spookier moments in particular. It’s worth previewing anything you’re unsure about before watching together.
Where can I watch these movies?
Availability varies by streaming service and region, so it’s best to check your usual provider to see what’s currently available to watch.
Is Hocus Pocus really a Disney movie?
Yes — Hocus Pocus was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and has become a much-loved Halloween favourite for families, even though it’s live-action rather than animated.
More Family Movie Ideas
If this list has you in the mood for more family film inspiration, you might also enjoy our round-ups of classic films to watch with children, timeless family movies for all ages, and fun Disney-themed ideas for kids.
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Not ready to watch tonight? Bookmark this page or add it to your family’s watch list so you’ve got five brilliant Disney picks ready to go whenever you need them.
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