Top 10 Hauntingly Beautiful Songs in Disney Movies
#10: “Baby Mine” “Dumbo” (1941)
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As far as fictional parents go, Mrs. Jumbo is definitely among the best. She’s never afraid to protect her child Jumbo Jr. – aka Dumbo – which unfortunately leads to her getting chained up. When she’s briefly reunited with her adorable baby, she instantly consoles him despite the fact that she’s also facing incredibly difficult conditions in solitary confinement. We only see her trunk as this melodic lullaby plays, but it doesn’t matter because her love and heart are heard through the music. As she cradles and caresses a teary Dumbo, “Baby Mine” assures him that he’s perfect as he is. The pair’s linked trunks, juxtaposed with the slow beat and comforting lyrics, cuts through the metaphorical noise in a resoundingly lovely way.
#9: “Sally’s Song” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
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What do you get when you enter the world of Halloween Town? Musical numbers that’ll send chills down your spine, of course. Jack Skellington notably helps us understand how a nagging desire for change is tormenting his thoughts through his lamenting. Even more moving, though, is Sally’s self-titled tune. She sings it after Jack heads off to take over Christmas despite her efforts to prevent him from doing so. It’s extremely vulnerable, as she expresses her fear that terrible things are coming, while mourning a romantic relationship she worries will never be. Actress Catherine O’Hara’s delivery is, of course, perfect, nailing the character’s quiet and despondent tone. The result is a poignant number that stays with listeners long after it’s over.
#8: “I See the Light” “Tangled” (2010)
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Just when we thought Rapunzel’s story couldn’t be refreshed, Disney came in and proved us wrong with “Tangled.” In this film, the Princess dreams of seeing the lantern show, which she doesn’t initially know is put on by her parents. With some help from Flynn Rider, she makes it there, which is where this duet comes in. The hopeful lyrics and riveting music perfectly capture the significance of Rapunzel being among the floating lanterns. At the same time, the number shines a spotlight on how she and Flynn are starting to see each other in a new, romantic light. Surrounded by an exquisitely lit sky, the emotion in the song is palpable, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in how magical it feels.
#7: “Reflection” “Mulan” (1998)
When we picture Mulan, we think of the iconic warrior she becomes. But her journey isn’t a simple one. She doesn’t fit the mold society has created for women, as evidenced by her horrible appointment with the matchmaker. That encounter understandably leaves her feeling low. She vocalizes her pain through this vividly revealing song. The lyrics tell the story of how she’s afraid to embrace her inner-self, spurred by a belief that she wouldn’t be good enough for her family. Our hearts break watching Mulan, partly because her rendition is striking, but also because many of us have been there. Let’s just say our mirrors reflect teary faces back at us whenever we hear this one!
#6: “You’ll Be in My Heart” “Tarzan” (1999)
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Sometimes, it’s possible to find a glimmer of light amid unspeakable darkness. That’s exactly what “You’ll Be in My Heart” is. The number is borne out of immense tragedy, as Kala’s baby gorilla and Tarzan’s human parents’ lives were cut short. Having lost their nearest and dearest, the surviving duo find solace in each other. This heartwarming song puts the pure, wholesome, and unconditional love a mother has for her kid front and center, touching us deeply. Kala creates joy despite all her pain after adopting Tarzan. The transition to Phil Collins’ voice as we see the new family bonding only adds to the moment’s impact, letting us know we’re in for an emotional ride.
#5: “Dos Oruguitas” “Encanto” (2021)
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“Encanto” is chock-full of mesmerizing songs. “Dos Oruguitas” is a quiet, sentimental number that describes two caterpillars blossoming into butterflies whose paths diverge, though their love persists. It elegantly transports us back in time, playing over a montage of Pedro and Abuela Alma’s relationship, his tragic death, and the miracle that followed. When the action shifts back to the present, Abuela and Mirabel sweetly embrace while the tune resumes, building in intensity in a heavenly manner. The visuals, melody, and lyrics come together seamlessly, and the result is both stunning and gutting. A symbol of the Madrigal family history and Alma and Pedro’s unbreakable bond, the song always tugs at our heartstrings. Thanks to “Dos Oruguitas,” we keep our eyes peeled for butterflies.
#4: “The Next Right Thing” “Frozen II” (2019)
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We all knew Elsa could hit us in the feels with her ballads. “Frozen II” proved that Anna could, too. When it seems her big sister and Olaf have passed away, she’s obviously devastated. What follows is a raw moment, where her usual upbeat attitude takes a backseat as she puts gripping words and music to the concept of grief. “The Next Right Thing” is all about putting one foot in front of the other as you mourn, and just trying to make the right decisions through the anguish. Encapsulating determination, strength, and excruciating pain all at once, the soft instrumentals and Anna’s trembling voice infuse the song with more emotion than we can handle. Excuse us, we have something in our eyes…
#3: “Remember Me” “Coco” (2017)
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“Remember Me” and “Coco” are synonymous at this point, and for good reason. Of course, there’s Ernesto de la Cruz’s version, but above all, it’s Héctor’s gorgeous lullaby for his daughter Coco. It explains that though they may not always be together physically, they’re linked as long as they think of one another. With him having passed away and her losing her memories, it becomes the last thread that can connect them. To help Coco remember, Miguel (her great-grandson) sings it to her once more. His rendition is overwhelmingly beautiful, with the audience feeling each bittersweet guitar chord and word in their bones. The refrain takes on an even deeper meaning as Coco joins in, making us weep. We’ll certainly never forget this captivating track.
#2: “When She Loved Me” “Toy Story 2” (1999)
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If there’s one thing the “Toy Story” movies know how to do, it’s wreck us emotionally. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the second film, when we learn where Jessie the cowgirl comes from. This sorrowful number accompanies past images of the toy and Emily, who once cared for her. Ultimately, of course, the latter character grew up. We can feel Jessie’s suffering through Sarah McLachlan’s pensive vocals, which complement the soft melody perfectly. The song holds a sense of love lost that’s difficult to bear, raising the story’s stakes, and adding depth to the character and world. Needless to say, we all wanted to tell our old childhood toys that we’ll always love them after hearing it. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Someone’s Waiting for You”, “The Rescuers” (1977) A Touching Reminder to Keep the Faith Even When Things Seem Bleak “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)”, “Moana” (2016) Gramma Tala Helps Moana Realize Exactly Who She Is & It’s Downright Moving “Goodbye May Seem Forever”, “The Fox and the Hound” (1981) This Bittersweet Track Makes an Already Painful Parting Even More Difficult to Process “Colors of the Wind”, “Pocahontas” (1995) The Deep Connection Between All Forms of Life Has Never Sounded More Poetic “Beauty and the Beast”, “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) It’s a Tale as Old as Time, a Song as Enchanting as Rhyme
#1: “God Help the Outcasts” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
What do you do if you’re forced to claim sanctuary in a church to avoid persecution? If you’re Esmeralda, you pray for help through the most awe-inspiring song imaginable. Disgusted with Claude Frollo and the townspeople’s treatment of marginalized people, she longs for the oppressed to be allowed to live free and peacefully. So she asks a higher power for help through this soul-stirring hymn, placing the focus on those less fortunate than her. The rousing orchestration and her transcendent voice combine, evoking an intensely visceral reaction that always has us reaching for the tissue box. Honestly, listening to “God Help the Outcasts” feels like a spiritual experience in and of itself, which tells you everything you need to know.
