Top 10 Best "I Want" Songs in Disney Movies

Top 10 I Want Songs in Disney Movies

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 I Want Songs in Disney Movies.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the best songs sung by Disney protagonists that express their deepest desires.

Which of these I Want songs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

#10: “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
“Cinderella” (1950)

Cinderella is fast asleep, and tries her hardest to stay that way. Of course, the little birdies flying around make it difficult! But she has a good reason for wanting to hit the proverbial snooze button: she was in the middle of an enchanting dream! She actually insists on keeping the details to herself. After all, how else can she ensure it comes true? Instead, she graces us with this soothing tune. She truly feels that her dreams of happiness will someday become a reality if she simply keeps the faith. Cinderella’s steadfast optimism despite her awful home life is inspiring, to put it mildly. This romantic and soft song is full of hope for better days ahead, and we can’t help but hum along!

#9: “How Far I'll Go”
“Moana” (2016)

Ever since Moana was a child, she’s had a special bond with the ocean - much to her father’s dismay. However, she’s taught that as the next chief, she should stay on the island. Yet Moana knows deep down that she has to explore the ocean in order to be a successful leader. “How Far I’ll Go” is the outward expression of her longing to see what lies beyond her home. As her grandmother understands, it’s her destiny to set sail in order to save her people. Thanks to this invigorating number, we understand Moana’s need to venture beyond the reef. Though she is initially unable to leave, she succeeds during the song’s emotional and exhilarating reprise.

#8: “Into the Unknown”
“Frozen 2” (2019)

The Frozen movies are full of poignant songs. Who could forget Anna’s energetic rendition of “For the First Time in Forever”? With this I Want song, she expresses a desire to break out of isolation and find love. Of course, Elsa also turns heads with “Let It Go”. But that’s a tune during which she embraces her powers. Her true “I Want” moment comes during “Frozen 2” with “Into the Unknown”. As a new mystery calls to Elsa, she tries to ignore it. But ultimately, she can't pretend the voice isn’t there. More importantly, this song makes it clear that she doesn't actually want to. Her gut is screaming that she needs to embark on this journey of self-discovery. Luckily, she listens despite her fears.

#7: “Almost There”
“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

This “I Want” song focuses on Tiana's dream of having her own successful restaurant called Tiana’s Place. It’s one she shared with her father as a kid, and she’s carried it with her throughout the years despite his passing. As she stands in the location she hopes to transform, she sings about the hard work she’s putting in to make her vision a reality. Thanks to this jazzy song, we see Tiana’s Place come to life in her mind, and understand exactly what it is she’s striving for! Of course, her journey ends up being a little more complicated than she anticipated, but it all works out in the end.

#6: “Belle (Reprise)”
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

With “Belle”, we get an introduction to the monotonous "provincial town" the titular character and her father live in. This song makes it obvious that Belle does not fit in. Nor does she want to! Then, the track’s mesmerizing reprise gives us a personal account from Belle herself about what she wants from life. It’s certainly not to marry Gaston or live a predictable life! Rather, she longs to experience the world in all of its vast glory. In other words, our protagonist dreams of a story that rivals the gripping tales from her novels. She just wishes she could find a partner who appreciates that about her.

#5: “I Just Can't Wait to Be King”
“The Lion King” (1994)

Simba is eager to one day be king and do things his way. And he possesses a confidence and enthusiasm that is unique to children. At this moment in time, he feels unbeatable. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” is an energetic and youthful number that highlights Simba's state of mind perfectly, especially in contrast to Zazu’s skepticism! The mixture of self-assurance and naiveté found in this number is perfectly indicative of one’s younger years. Not to mention that it makes the exciting melody impossible to get out of your head! This cheerful and upbeat song does a great job of illustrating precisely who Simba is, and what his ambitions are.

#4: “Go the Distance”
“Hercules” (1997)

Hercules is a misfit. His strength, which could be a great asset, is made fun of because it makes him different. Of course, he doesn't yet know it's because he’s a god. “Go the Distance” is a striking song about his search for a place where he’ll be welcome, not cast aside and shunned. So his parents tell him the story of how they found him, and send him off with their full support. As he sings about feeling like he's destined for something greater, Hercules heads to the temple of Zeus. Once there, he learns the truth and sets out to prove that he’s a hero. This passionate I Want song - and its fiery reprise - superbly symbolize his journey to find himself.

#3: “Reflection”
“Mulan” (1998)

Mulan is grappling with the role society expects her to fulfill, afraid to be herself because she wants to be a good daughter. “Reflection” is all about the inner turmoil that exists within her as a result of this disconnect. Through this stirring song, we see that she is desperate to break free. Mulan doesn’t want to act a certain way simply because that’s how girls are traditionally supposed to behave. Rather, she wants to live her life authentically so that she can eventually recognize the person she sees in the mirror! “Reflection” perfectly encapsulates this inner conflict with its elegant lyrics and poignant music. It’s definitely a timeless classic!

#2: “Out There”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

Frollo's goal is to make Quasimodo believe that society will mistreat and reject him. He’s certainly convincing as he tears Quasimodo down at the start of the number to ensure he stays put. Luckily, Frollo is not the hero of this story - and this is Quasimodo’s “I Want” song. No matter how many times his “master” speaks of the dangers of the outside world, Quasi can't shake his desire to leave the tower. As we see with “Out There”, he just wants one day of freedom to experience the joy and laughter that the Festival of Fools has to offer. This empowering performance represents the culmination of these feelings over a lifetime of isolation. The ardor in Quasimodo’s voice is moving to say the least!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“When Will My Life Begin”, “Tangled” (2010)
Rapunzel Is Alive, But Wants to Live

“Strangers Like Me”, “Tarzan” (1999)
Tarzan Needs to Know More About Humans

“I'm Wishing”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
Snow White Dreams of Her Prince

“One Jump Ahead (Reprise)”, “Aladdin” (1992)
Aladdin Feels Misunderstood & Longs for Change

“Just Around the Riverbend”, “Pocahontas” (1995)
Pocahontas Needs to Take a Chance

#1: “Part of Your World”
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

Ariel’s fascination with people is far reaching. But when her curiosity causes her to miss an important concert, her father puts his foot down. He staunchly forbids her from ever returning to the surface of the sea. To be fair, he’s convinced it’s dangerous! Thus, Ariel heads to her cavern full of the human items she cherishes and belts out “Part of Your World”. All the “thingamabobs” and “dinglehoppers” in the world won’t quench her thirst for a taste of life ashore. She is tired of being sheltered, and yearns to explore the wonders on land. Ariel certainly makes an alluring case for why she wants to be part of the human world with this magical song. She’s nothing if not a curious dreamer!