My Top 10 Favorite Disney Moments

    Moments ... some of the movies we re-watch the most are based entirely on moments, and the Disney movies are no exception, as the majority of their animated hits are bursting with powerhouse moments. For this post, I’ll be singling out my 10 personal favorite moments from any of the traditionally animated theatrical pictures from Disney. These are the scenes that either made me respect the art of film-making, or maybe there the emotional moments that got me in the “feels”, or perhaps they’re just the plain exciting sequences that transformed the movie into an experience. Before I begin my countdown, I do have some conditions I need to set in place. Firstly, I won’t be including any action sequences, as that would be too easy. 

Second, I’ll try my best to avoid musical numbers, as that deserves its own list. For me, there’s a difference between musical numbers, and moments that happen to have songs in them. For example, something like “Baby Mine” from “Dumbo” is an emotional character moment that just happens to have a song playing overhead … it’s not a musical number in which everyone sings and dances. Lastly, this isn’t a countdown of the most iconic Disney moments, so don't be to shocked if something like Cinderella's transformation isn't on my list. These are simply the moments that for one reason or another have left an impression on me, and I want to share them. So, with all that addressed, here are my 10 favorite scenes from Disney’s animated classics.

#10 "Simba’s Presentation" from ...
“The Lion King” 

It’s the beginning of a new day, all the animals of Africa graze across the landscape, and are joining to pay respect to the new born Lion prince Simba. I think most would agree their favorite scene of the whole movie is the opening “Circle of Life” sequence, which to this day is one of my top 3 favorite opening sequences to any animated movie. Like, everything from the distant sounds of animal’s herd over a black backdrop, to that magnificent sun-rise, to the sweeping shots of animals crossing the plains of the pride Lands, to baby Simba’s presentation … all leading to that awesome title card … it’s just an extraordinary sequence. Honestly, this whole opening could have been packaged as its own little short film, and I would have been satisfying.

#9 "The Eagle Flight" from ... 
“The Rescuers Down Under” 

After rescuing a giant eagle from a poacher’s trap, a boy named Cody accidentally finds himself plummeting to certain doom from a huge mountain side. Out of compassion, the mighty eagle rescues the boy, and takes him to her nest. Rather than simply arrive at the destination, we’re treated to a lengthy and detailed flight over the plains of Australia’s outback’s on the wings of this Eagle … and it’s nothing short of breath taking. There’s something inherently beautiful and magical about experiencing flight in film, and animation especially simulates flight in a way that … for lack of better words … makes my spirit sour. However, even on the grounds of a flight sequence, there’s so much detail, and so many levels covered in this one scene alone. We have some awesome shots of the eagle flying through the sky, P.O.V shots of the boy hanging in the air, a really unique moment involving water skiing, and cap everything with an epic dive off a waterfall. More then anything, it's sequences like this that make movies feel like an experience, rather then a disposable adventure. When it comes to fight scenes from Disney, both “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin” have some iconic moments, but this eagle flight is a whole different kind of beast, and it's my favorite overall. The backgrounds are great, the energy is high, and the occasional first-person perspective helps simulate both the illusion and feel of flight perfectly. Also, keep in mind, this was back in 1990, almost two decades before movies like “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Avatar” made effective use of 3D flight scenes.  

#8 "Descending into the Mysterious Darkness from ...
“The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” 

Unlike all the other moments on my list, this scene has nothing to do with warm feels, or inspirational themes … instead, the strengths of this sequence come from its chilling atmosphere and mood. Seriously, no other Disney moment makes me feel as submersed as this creepy walk in the woods. It’s Halloween night, and as Ichabod slowly ventures back home, it slowly builds to his frightening confrontation with the Headless Horseman. Here’s a rare case in which I find the build-up even more rewarding then the payoff, and it still thrills me as an adult. 

Unlike the over the top monster designs of Snow Whites venture in the dark forest, or the creatures from Fantasia’s Night on Bald Mountain, this sequence keeps the designs simple, and only sparingly shows creepy imagery ... that way it really pops when something appears on screen. I’ll never forget that awesome image of the full moon, and what looks like an evil hand closing around it. This scene of Ichabod riding by himself in the woods is one of the strongest, creepiest, and most atmospheric scenes to ever be experienced in an animated movie. We’ve all had times when we've felt dismal, frightened, and alone in the dark … we hear strange sounds, and we get a scary feeling that there’s something lurking in the shadows. You try to convince yourself that it’s just the wind or an animal, but you don’t know for sure. Never before has that feeling been captured so well on screen then in this moment. We see him begin to panic at the sounds of frogs, owls and crickets, and all while the narrator gives frightening detail of how the forest seems to close in behind him, and consume him whole. This scene is almost like a simulation, putting you in his place, and making you feel the fear, adrenaline and anxiety that something evil or dangerous might be out there waiting to strike. As a child, I could never watch this scene by myself, and it’s personally my favorite spooky sequence from any family picture.

#7 “We’ll always be friends forever” from ...
“The Fox and the Hound” 

Disney is well known for having just as many sad moments in their animation as they do joyful, but a sad scene can be just as beautiful, and leave just as impact-full an impression as something cheerful. Speaking personally, there are only two scenes from Disney that have made me cry … and continue to make me cry on repeat viewings. The first is the “Baby Mine” lullaby from “Dumbo”, and the second is the ending from “The Fox and the Hound” … oh boy, that ending. As kids, Tod and Copper were the best of friends, and made a solemn promise to be friends forever. Unfortunately, the two grew-up to become enemies, one a Fox who needs to protect his wife, and the other a hunting dog aiming to avenge the fatal injury of his father figure. At the climax, there’s barley anything recognizable of the two pups left, and the two find themselves at each-other’s throats. However, after a terrifying bear attack, the two take turns rescuing one another, and share a subtle, quiet moment of solidarity with one another. Without exchanging a single line of dialog, they manage to look past all the anger, the hate, and both finally see their old childhood friends deep within. Just as the film closes, the two both look off to the horizon, and remember their treasured promise … that they’ll always be friends forever. This ending couldn’t be simpler, but it’s so mature, and conveys so much by showing so little … and it continues to bring me tears every time I watch it.
        

#6 "The Lovers Depart" from ...
“Pocahontas” 

War is declared between Indians and Settlers, with two lovers from each side caught in the crossfire. Just before the slaughter ensues, Pocahontas makes a daring sacrifice to rescue one John Smith, which in turn brings peace to the two factions. The downside is that John finds himself at the receiving end of a bullet, and is forced to leave. Now, most Disney movies end with our main couple together, but this is more like the “Casablanca” of Disney films, in which the couple is forced to go separate ways. There's still the lingering hope that one day they’ll meet again, but even if they don’t, we still have the satisfaction that both their lives are now more complete thanks to the experience they shared together. So, it’s a fine mix of beauty and sorrow, and it’s something that’s always made this ending stand apart from all the rest. The whole ending scene with Pocahontas running out to the cliff side to see John Smith sail-off is a thing of beauty ... gorgeously shot, triumphantly scored, and it leaves me with chills every time I see it. Say what you will about “Pocahontas” as a mixed Disney picture … the ending is still one of my favorites the studio has ever produced.

#5 "The Sunrise" from ... 
“Fantasia” 

Most would look back on “Fantasia” and probably remember Micky Mouse casting spells on the cliff-side with the most fondness, but my favorite scene is a little more subtle. The final short of “Fantasia” was one of the most expensive moments in the history of animation, as it's one unbroken tracking-shot through the woods, leading to the sun rising over the hills ... which meant using one hell of a long strip of paper to pull it off. Proceeding this was the intense and freighting “Night on Bald Mountain”, with ghoulish creatures, and the malevolent Chernabog over seeing everything. What follows next is the main reason this segment remains my favorite in all of “Fantasia”. Once dawn approaches, Chernabog and his army are defeated by the ringing of church bells, and we follow a profession of robbed people walking off into the distance, all while singing a familiar chant. Josh Grobans immortal song “Ava Maria” has always been a thing of beauty, and it lends itself perfectly to what I consider one of the most powerful moments featured in an animated production. Every time I watch this scene, I honestly get a little choked-up inside. The animation is warm, comforting, and the scene just leaves me feeling touched. Following after the over the top nature of “Night on Bald Mountain”, this part could have easily been just as over the top, with quires of angels filling the sky, and sacred imagery all around, but instead they play it simple, and it just leaves the bigger impact as a result. In fact, this was originally going to end with a close-up on a stain glass window of Merry in a church, but it was changed at last minute to a sun-rise to serve as something universally symbolic. There’s admittedly nothing quiet as wholesome as the beginning of a new day, and the hope that comes with it. After this, the image of a sun-rise or sun-set would be a common staple repeated is several other animated Disney movies. The most notable being the previously mentioned opening to “The Lion King”, which begins with a sun-rise

#4 "The Tale of a Man and a Monster" from ...
“The Hunchback of Notredame” 

Next to “The Lion King”, my favorite opening in all of Disney … in all of animation for that matter … is the opening “Bells of NotreDame” sequence. In this opening, we’re given the detailed backstory of the deformed baby named Quasimodo. We see see his mother give her life to protect the baby from the wickedness of Judge Frollo, then the villain takes him in as a surrogate son, for Atonement on his soul … and it’s all conveyed in musical form. This is the classic method of musical-storytelling in peak form, and it’s something that Disney had never really done before. It’s not a traditional song number with characters singing about themselves, or their interests … instead it’s this really Gothic and tragic tale, conveyed through a mighty quire, and some truly haunting visuals. The opening shot alone is sensational, and it’s paired with my favorite opening musical notes of any musical. It’s just an epic sequence, and a powerful opening to my personal favorite animated Disney movie.   

#3 "Mulan makes her Choice" from ... 
“Mulan” 

It’s the story of a girl who sets off to war, to safe guard her family, and discover that she’s someone worthy of honor. Without question, my favorite scene of the whole movie is the moment when Mulan makes her choice, and leaves home to join the army. This is visual story telling at its most inspiring, as every shot, visual and transition in this moment is a work of art, and conveys a hundred words. I love that Mulan doesn’t even need to speak a single line of dialogue … we just see her sitting there in the rain, she’s looking at the silhouettes of her parents in the window, her damp hair has her face framed in a box, which illustrates how boxed-in the character is, and then with one swipe of the hair … she’s made her choice, she’s going out there, and Jerry Goldsmith’s riveting music track gives me chills all over. If individual scenes could win an Oscar, this would be one of them.

#2 “You’ve Got the Makings of Greatness in You” from ...
“Treasure Planet” 

Of all the important morals, and life lessons conveyed in Disney’s animated line-up, nothing has hit a personal cord with me quiet like this speech from “Treasure Planet” … a severely underrated gem from Disney animation. Young Jim Hawkins is a punk with nothing to live for, and sees no future for himself. Ever sense his father walked out on his family, he’s never had a role model to show him the way. While on a quest for treasure, Jim meets one John Silver, who basically tells him he doesn’t need a role model, he already has all the gifts and drive to make a great man of himself. In doing so, John ends up becoming the very father figure the boy needed, and Jim takes his words to heart … and chooses to direct his future into something worthwhile. Where as many of the studio’s films have encouraged viewers to follow their dreams, this film takes it a step further and says … “take your life in a direction … and stick to it”. No matter what troubles or obstacles you face, you’ve got the makings of someone great, and if you allow your gifts to shine … you’ll rattle the stars. It’s a statement I took to heart at a very young age, and it’s something that I feel many young viewers can connect to.     

Before I reveal my number one favorite Disney Moment, here are some honorable mentions …

Becoming a True hero from “Hercules”

Snow Whites Revival from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”

The Crystal Calls from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”

Ballroom Dance from “Beauty and the Beast”

The Transformation from “Brother Bear”

#1 “Nature Takes Shape Again” from ...
“Fantasia 2000” 

Rich themes of life, death and renewal are explored in the final short of this Fantasia sequel, and the payoff is something that left a permanent impression on my childhood. After accidentally unleashing a hellish Firebird, it gives chase to the Goddess of nature, and lays waste to her valley in the process. Once the ashes fall, there’s a mature quiet moment with the Goddess slowly coming back to life, and looking in dismay at the death that surrounds her. Her compassion however breath’s new life to the environment, and soon, the forest grows a new … possibly even mightier than before. 

This is personally my single favorite moment from any animated picture I’ve ever seen. The visuals of this forest growing back from the aches is breath taking, the music is triumphant, the build-up is grand, and there’s so much beauty to this on a thematic sense … like, whenever there’s death, there’s always new life ready to start the cycle again. I can’t even do this ending justice … it’s just a powerful moment that’s always connected with me, and it’s easily my favorite ending of any animated Disney production. The final shot alone is so aww-inspiring that I want to recreate it as an oil painting and frame it on my wall. It may not be one of the most famous or iconic scenes from Disney, but it’s the one that’s touched me, and inspired me the most, and it continues to do so all these years later.  

The End