The Best Disney Movies of All Time: A Filmmaker's Perspective

Disney has a rich history of producing some of the most memorable and beloved films in the world. When it comes to determining the best Disney movies or scenes, it's a complex task. In this article, we'll delve into both the filmmaker's perspective and global box office success to identify the cream of the crop. Let's explore the top contenders, relying on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Oscar awards as well as the worldwide box office revenues.

Filmmaker's Perspective: Oscars Success

In the film industry, winning Oscars is a significant indicator of a movie's quality and impact. The Walt Disney Company, with its vast portfolio, has produced numerous award-winning films.

Titans in the Sky: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Titanic holds the record for the most Oscar wins (11) and nominations (14). Though not made by Disney, it was co-produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox, which is now fully owned by Disney. Another example is The English Patient, which won 9 Oscars and was distributed by Miramax, a Disney subsidiary until 2010.

Bright Sparks Ahead: The Disney-produced movie with the highest Oscar success is Mary Poppins, which received 5 wins and 13 nominations. It, however, missed out on the Best Picture award. Other notable winners include The Sound of Music, which won 5 Oscars and 10 nominations, and is the top Disney-owned film by the Academy Awards. Nomadland, which won 3 Oscars and 6 nominations, is the most recent distributed Disney project with an Oscar win.

Global Box Office Success

Beyond Oscars, box office revenue is a crucial metric for determining the success of a film. The Walt Disney Company has consistently produced blockbusters that have broken records in the worldwide box office.

Avatar: The Goliath: The highest-grossing movie of all time is Avatar, which stands at $2.845 billion in global box office revenues. Although it is not a Disney production, it is owned by Disney and was part of its 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The Avengers: Endgame, the second highest-grossing film of all time with $2.798 billion, was distributed by Walt Disney Studios, although it was made by Marvel Studios, a fully-owned subsidiary of Disney.

Lion's Return: The Lion King remake: The highest-grossing film made by a Disney-branded studio is the 2019 remake of The Lion King, which earned $1.654 billion. This film not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but also revitalized a beloved classic.

Beyond Box Office: The Power of Franchises

Box office success is just one measure of a film's impact. Sometimes, the most enduring impact comes from the media franchises they launch. Two iconic films come to mind: Star Wars and Steamboat Willie.

Star Wars: The Galactic Empire: The Star Wars franchise, now owned by Disney, has generated massive revenues from films, merchandising, and theatrical releases. It has become a global phenomenon.

Steamboat Willie: Mickey's Legacy: Steamboat Willie, released in 1928, is a historic milestone in animation. It marked the debut of Mickey Mouse and launched the character into iconic standing. This animated short is considered the most iconic Disney film, despite not being a feature-length movie.

Conclusion: Determining the best Disney movies or scenes involves many factors. From box office success to Academy Awards, and the long-lasting power of media franchises, the accolades and impact of these films can be measured in many ways. Regardless of the criteria, Disney's contributions to cinema are undeniable and continue to captivate audiences around the world.