Top 10 Best Disney Movie Monologues

#10: An Awkward Situation “Maleficent” (2014)

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“Maleficent” twists the story of “Sleeping Beauty” to tell things from the antagonist’s perspective. Angelina Jolie was perfectly cast as the “Mistress of All Evil,” looking the part and making audiences empathize with one of Disney’s most ruthless villains. In this scene, an uninvited Maleficent arrives at the christening of Princess Aurora, newborn daughter of King Stefan, her former love who betrayed her. Maleficent, her horns, and her impossibly sharp cheekbones are the center of attention as she approaches the throne. Her demeanor is cheery, but the tension is unmistakable. And the king will soon regret ever crossing her. “Maleficent” got us to root for the villain, or at least to see that “good” and “evil” aren’t always cut-and-dry.

In this scene, from Disney’s lively and moving take on the “Rapunzel” story, the long-haired princess pleads with her captor, Mother Gothel, to let her save the dying Eugene. Throughout the film, Rapunzel displays tremendous bravery. But her willingness to give up everything to save the one she loves is the bravest act of all. Eugene also knows the meaning of sacrifice, allowing himself to die so that Rapunzel can avoid further torment. Of course, this being a Disney fairy tale, everything ends happily ever after. But this speech still shows how much these characters care for each other.

#8: Mia’s Speech “The Princess Diaries” (2001)

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There were plenty of Disney princesses before the release of this movie. But few are quite as relatable as Mia Thermopolis, the awkward teen who learns she’s royalty. It's not a completely smooth transition from clumsy to regal, but in the end, Mia's confidence has reached new heights. At the Genovian Independence Day Ball, a rain-soaked Mia, wearing clothes not exactly fit for a princess, takes the stage, and nervously begins speaking. She brings up her initial plans to abdicate the throne. But she’s realized what a difference she can make for the world through her new royal status.

#7: Ralph’s Introduction “Wreck-It Ralph” (2012)

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Before “Wreck-It Ralph,” we weren’t really thinking about the feelings of villains in arcade games. But this monologue changed our perspective a bit. Ralph, the burly antagonist of “Fix-it Felix, Jr.,” tells his support group that he’s a “bad guy.” But it’s not that Ralph means any harm or that he doesn’t have a heart. He addresses his insecurity of how he's perceived compared to the game's hero, wishing that he could be the hero for once. Delivered with pure vulnerability by John C. Reilly, Ralph’s speech should resonate with anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood. And he’s soon able to prove that a hero can come from anywhere.

One of the best things a monologue can do is show how much a character has evolved over the course of a story. When we first meet Dory, it’s clear that she’s very forgetful. But in this scene, when all hope seems lost, she’s, well, still forgetful. But she’s also gained new resolve and a sense of belonging through her journey with Marlin, with whom she’s pleading not to leave. Ellen DeGeneres’ fantastic performance turned what might have been a mere comic-relief sidekick into one of Disney’s most well-rounded characters, fish or not. Dory might not remember things too easily, but we’ll never forget this scene.

#5: Moana of Motunui “Moana” (2016)

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When you have something important to say, you tend to rehearse it over and over again, trying to get it just right, even if perfection isn’t possible. And that’s precisely what Moana does, when she sets out on her crucial, island-saving adventure. Bravely navigating the treacherous waters to confront the demigod Maui, Moana recites her speech to the point of literally being able to do it in her sleep. The practice pays off when Moana comes face-to-face with Maui, and she lets her fury be known. Of course, the arrogant demigod isn't exactly in a place to admit fault, at least not at this point in the movie.

Upholding tradition is largely considered a virtue. However, sometimes it’s necessary to push back against tradition and listen to your heart, or in this case, a bear who happens to be your mother. When Scottish princess Merida returns to the castle with her mother, war between the clans seems imminent. Merida, who's been trying to avoid her impending marriage to a suitor, is ready to announce her change of heart. But her mother convinces her to hold onto her initial conviction, and so she’s able to convince the clans to change their archaic rules about marriage. Kelly Macdonald’s passionate delivery is empowering for the character, the clans, and countless viewers. And it shows that being brave is about more than just wielding a weapon.

#3: Biggest Fan “The Incredibles” (2004)

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“The Incredibles” wasn’t just another animated triumph for Disney and Pixar. It also showed they could tell a superhero story that rivals any live-action one. And no superhero is complete without a great supervillain. When Mr. Incredible is first overwhelmed by the diabolical Syndrome, he learns this isn’t their first meeting. Syndrome is really Buddy Pine, once an idealistic youth who grew jaded after his hero gave him the cold shoulder. In one speech, delivered with full intensity by Jason Lee, we understand exactly what Buddy’s motivations are and the pain he’s been harbouring. We know he’s the villain, but his complexity keeps this animated character from ever feeling cartoonish.

Few things are scarier than a villain who can convince people they’re actually a hero. As Quasimodo’s caretaker and captor, Judge Claude Frollo manipulates the titular hunchback by filling his head with lies about the state of the world outside the cathedral. But Frollo’s influence weakens as Quasimodo befriends Esmeralda, who has to fight off Frollo’s advances(x-ref). After Quasimodo helps Esmeralda escape, Frollo blames Quasimodo for the fires that he himself is responsible for. But it's not just the furious bellowing that makes Tony Jay's performance as Frollo so unsettling. It's when he dials things back, doing his best to convince Quasimodo that he has his best interests at heart. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Someone Worthwhile, “Mulan” (1998) A Great Moment of Literal Self-Reflection We Have to Try, “Zootopia” (2016) A Speech That Makes Us Want to Change the World for the Better Telling Stories, “Up” (2009) A Great Villain Reveal People of Agrabah, “Aladdin” (2019) Jasmine Shows What It Takes to be a True Leader Walt Disney’s Childhood, “Saving Mr. Banks” (2013) Tom Hanks Embodies the Heart of Disney’s Founder

Anton Ego might not hold any royal titles or possess any advanced weaponry, but he still wields tremendous power. As a food critic, Ego lives up to his name, seldom holding back with his cutting remarks. But after being served an astounding plate of ratatouille from the unlikeliest of sources - a rat - Ego pens a write-up that isn’t so much review as it is a reflection on the nature of art and criticism. Without ever going into depth about the dish or the chef, Ego poignantly observes why no one should be counted out when it comes to making something great. Legendary actor Peter O’Toole gives gravitas to every line, making us believe there’s a heart beneath even the coldest of exteriors.