Top 10 Best Songs from the Mulan Franchise

#10: “(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls”

“Mulan II” (2004)

This early-aughts sequel to “Mulan” left much to be desired, to put it mildly. Soundtrack-wise, though, it’s not so bad. “Lesson Number One” as an opening fits the themes and musical character of the first movie quite well. An even better showcase is this number sung by Princesses Ting-Ting, Mei, and Su, about to be married off in loveless political alliances. “Like Other Girls” is memorable and upbeat, with a solid harmonic blend. It’s also a nice change to have these princesses longing to be like other girls rather than the opposite.

#9: “Blossoms”

“Mulan” (1998)

Yes, we all know the songs by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel. But we need to give kudos to Jerry Goldsmith’s score. Blending elements of traditional Chinese music with Western classical idioms, Goldsmith’s “Blossoms” follows Mulan’s solo seamlessly into the next scene. Here, Mulan’s father Fa Zhou supports his daughter after her disastrous meeting with the matchmaker, quirks and all. When the draft arrives to conscript Zhou, Goldsmith’s score returns to the more muscular imperial theme. Whether delicate as falling blossoms or grand, the score exemplifies the film’s themes of masculinity and femininity perfectly.

#8: “The Burned-Out Village”

“Mulan” (1998)

One of the most shocking scenes in the film is this one. The comical “A Girl Worth Fighting For” is abruptly interrupted when the army stumbles upon a devastating scene. The invading Huns have massacred a humble village, leaving no one alive. The only thing left is a small doll. Beginning with eerily thin strings, Goldsmith’s score turns to spine-chilling horror and then solemn, wordless grief. When the imperial army, including Shang’s father, is also found to have perished, the score swells with a pained sense of doom. The tragic impact of war has never been more effectively musicalized.

#7: “Loyal Brave True”

“Mulan” (2020)

This live-action remake was plagued with controversy on almost all fronts. One of them was its decision to eschew the beloved songs from the 1998 film. Yikes. A new end credits ballad, “Loyal Brave True,” was written, however, by producer Jamie Hartman, Billy Crabtree, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Rosi Golan. Sung by Christina Aguilera, the ballad is surprisingly lyrical, with soft emotional heft even with Aguilera’s powerhouse vocals. The use of the Chinese guzheng is not badly done, either. Though not as good as the standout hit, “Reflection,” it’s nevertheless a nice complement to it. It should have gotten a nomination for Best Original Song at the very least.

#6: “True To Your Heart”

“Mulan” (1998)

The end credits song for the original film, however, was a much livelier number. Also written by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, the single was performed by American band 98 Degrees and Stevie Wonder. With its upbeat celebratory feel, it was a fitting ending number for the film’s happy ending. Critics did point out, however, that the track doesn’t go as well with the other tracks on the soundtrack, either the Wilder-Zippel numbers or the Goldsmith score. No matter: It’s a bop. Raven-Symoné even recorded a version for the 2004 “Ella Enchanted” soundtrack, with that distinct early aughts Disney Channel sound. The nostalgia is invigorating.

#5: “Mulan’s Decision”

“Mulan” (1998)

Perhaps the best piece of Goldsmith’s score, you know it the instant you hear it. After an explosive fight with her father, Mulan broods outside in the pouring rain, watching her parents’ aged silhouettes in the house. The minute Mulan decides to take her father’s place in the army, the score goes from a mournful eastern score to an epic orchestral melody complete with ‘90s synthesizer. The shift when Mulan cuts her hair is also a great touch. The effect is memorable, exhilarating, and downright badass. For score and animation synergy, it doesn’t get much better than this.

#4: “A Girl Worth Fighting For”

“Mulan” (1998)

Whichever way you look at it, “Mulan” is a pretty heavy story. So its moments of comic relief, particularly Eddie Murphy’s performance as Mushu, are very much welcome. Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po try to rouse their fellow soldiers’ spirits with a song about the kind of girl they think is worth fighting for. The lyrics by David Zippel are fun, witty, and in character for the three amigos. There is also the additional comic irony of a mortified Mulan trying and failing to act as one of the guys. It’s a pity it did not receive a proper ending, but it was fun while it lasted.

#3: “Honor to Us All”

“Mulan” (1998)

Opening numbers in Disney films have a high bar to clear. Fortunately, “Mulan” meets it without struggle. In this scene, Mulan’s mother and grandmother prepare Mulan for her important meeting with the matchmaker. With its delightfully lilting melody and pointed lyrics, “Honor to Us All” is the perfect introduction to “Mulan”’s very gendered world. It doubles as a sly parody of traditional gender roles for women and foreshadowing of Mulan’s not-so-traditionally feminine actions later in the film. Although never released as a single, “Honor to Us All” was popular enough to be certified Gold by the RIAA. An honor indeed.

#2: “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”

“Mulan” (1998)

Quick, what is the most popular song from “Mulan”? Chances are, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” would be your answer. Led by Captain Li Shang during a training montage, the song’s martial sound is appropriately badass, with a memorable chorus. A counterpart to “Honor to Us All,” the lyrics are likewise a clever send-up of military hypermasculinity. That Mulan is a woman disguised as a man adds an extra layer of irony. Also, Jackie Chan voiced Shang for the Cantonese dub. How cool is that? Certified three times Platinum in the States, it’s definitely one of the most beloved songs from the film and a source for parodies.

#1: “Reflection”

“Mulan” (1998)

When it comes to pure songwriting, however, nothing beats this hit. Of course, “Reflection” was heavily promoted by Disney, released as a pop single by Christina Aguilera with her soaring vocals. But Lea Salonga’s beautiful voice and pristine diction is unmatched for the actual film version. Short but powerful, Mulan laments her inability to be the “perfect bride” and bring honor to her family. Critically acclaimed and a massive hit, especially for Aguilera, the song was even included in the 2020 soundtrack, one of the few songs from the 1998 film to be included. For anyone who has ever struggled to fit into strict gender roles and societal expectations, “Reflection” especially hits hard.

Which is your favorite song from “Mulan”? Let us know in the comments down below!