Top 20 Best Disney Sequel Songs

#20: “Feel Like a Million”

“Kronk’s New Groove” (2005)

We love all things Yzma, and the scene-stealing villainess serves up another entertainingly over-the-top sequence in this direct-to-video sequel. Eartha Kitt hasn’t missed a single step since the original, delivering a musical number that arguably stands out as the film’s highlight. Looking to lure Kronk back into her crooked ways, Yzma conjures up this performance to appeal to his deepest desire of making his Papi proud. Under the wild and theatrical musical she sets up, it’s easy to see why Kronk is tempted back to the dark side. With a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating, the film is far among Disney’s most celebrated offerings, but purely based on Yzma’s performance, it gets a two-thumbs-up from us.

#19: “Wherever You Are”

“Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin” (1997)

Fans follow Pooh and his pals for a heartwarming good time, so it hits equally as hard when things are quite the opposite. Unable to find Christopher Robin, the despondent bear climbs a tree, hoping to catch a sight of his missing best friend. The slow, melancholic tune breaks our hearts the moment it begins, and guided by Jim Cummings’ equally tender voice, it’s hard not to feel a tear in your eye. Even though the “Winnie-the-Pooh” franchise always promises a happy ending, this song almost makes us worry if he and Christopher Robin may be separated for good this time. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the most child-friendly song can sway our emotions when lifted by the power of music.

#18: “Like Other Girls”

“Mulan II” (2004)

Rebellion takes many forms. Where “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” captured Mulan’s defiance in the first film, Princesses Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei express theirs through this catchy number. Desperate for a life where they can make their own choices, the sisters’ inner thoughts begin taking shape and form. Their confidence gradually builds up with each verse, sparking a sense of rebellion. Soon enough, the three are perfectly in sync, bringing years of pent-up hopes and emotions to the surface. While it has a distinct sound, the song’s winning quality mainly comes from the way it highlights their sisterly bond and shared sentiments. The film may be one of Disney’s weakest entries, but this number remains its saving grace.

#17: “Feels Like Home”

“Brother Bear 2” (2006)

Watching a human and a bear fall in love while being followed by a jealous bear cub sounds ridiculous, no matter how you say it. But “Feels Like Home” somehow makes it work. Played during a montage of moments between Kenai and Nita, the song reminds our couple of the bond they shared as children. With its soft, melodious rhythm and feel-good energy, the song is like a warm hug that wraps us in its embrace. Although Koda’s jealousy adds a mixture of humor and tension, the deeper meaning of connection and belonging still rings through. The high-soaring chorus brings its own punch, but we’re already won over long before it arrives.

#16: “Beyond”

“Moana 2” (2024)

As the spiritual sequel to “How Far I’ll Go,” “Beyond” had its work cut out for it. While it might not scale the same heights as the former, the song still sends its intended message. As the titular protagonist finds herself at a crossroads, she wonders if her journey might take her beyond her loved ones for good. The song tells its own story of doubt and curiosity, balancing its pace with themes of growth and resolve. The lack of a big chorus like “How Far I’ll Go” is definitely noticeable, but those who follow its thematic undertones can appreciate what “Beyond” shoots for and how well it resonates.

#15: “Zoo”

“Zootopia 2” (2026)

After delighting us with “Try Everything” in the original, it was only fitting that Shakira returned with something equally as irresistible. Bursting with the same kind of thrill and energy, “Zoo” is a lively, hip-shaking number from start to finish. The song taps into the universal language of fun and movement, encouraging us to let go and lose ourselves in the wild world of Zootopia. Just like the last time, Shakira’s Gazelle never misses a single beat, commanding the stage and uniting everyone both within the story and beyond the screen.

#14: “You’ve Got a Friend In Me/Hay Un Amigo En Mi”

“Toy Story 3” (2010)

How do you reinvent a beloved classic? By making a Spanish cover, of course. While that might not be applicable for every song, it certainly does the job for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Playing into Buzz Lightyear’s Spanish setting during the film, the song takes a funny detour into a whole new territory for the franchise. Under the spell of his new persona, Buzz woos his ladylove Jessie like never before. Although a Spanish version of the song fans know by heart, this version carries a mysterious and exciting quality that makes it unique in its own fun way. Sure enough, it isn’t long before you’ll find yourself dancing to the subtle tunes of “Hay Un Amigo En Mi.”

#13: “There Is Life”

“Bambi II” (2006)

Even the harshest winter gives way to spring. And after braving through the punishing cold, the forest’s residents finally feel the sun’s warm embrace. Following the titular character’s relationship with his father, “Bambi II”’s theme of patience and perseverance comes true with “There Is Life,” which opens the film. It might not be the lush savannah they’re hoping for, but the first rays of the sun are enough to bring everyone together. Much like the scene it accompanies, the track is deliberately restrained, reflecting the idea that all good things come to those who wait. And by the time the film concludes, the reprise is completely worth it, as Bambi and his father’s story heartwarmingly comes full circle.

#12: “I’m Gonna Love You”

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame II” (2002)

It’s absolutely criminal that we never hear Madellaine sing during the events of this sequel. Don’t believe us? One listen to “I’m Gonna Love You,” and you’ll see why. Jennifer Love Hewitt gives it her all in this ballad told from the heroine’s perspective. Playing during the end credits, it gives us a reason to hang around even after the film ends. While the story mainly takes us through Quasimodo’s eyes, the song proves that Madellaine’s love for him burns just as bright. In a film surprisingly light on songs compared to most Disney features, “I’m Gonna Love You” might be the film’s way of saving the best for last.

#11: “Where Do I Go From Here?”

“Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” (1998)

This sequel may be a bit melodramatic for some fans’ taste, but this song represents one of its clearest strengths. With seemingly no direction after losing John Smith, Pocahontas gives voice to her inner pain. In contrast with “Colors of the Wind,” where the world itself seemed to come to life, “Where Do I Go From Here” reflects her deep sense of loss. Equally heartbreaking as it is heartfelt, the track doubles as both a tragic love song and a loss of identity. Its deeper themes are felt later in the film as well. The reprise finds the heroine torn between staying true to her values and living up to the expectations of the new world, hitting all the right notes no matter the rendition.

#10: “There’s a Party Here in Agrabah”

“Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)

Neither sequel to Disney’s “Aladdin” exactly has the magic of the first, but they do have some pretty banger songs. “Out of Thin Air,” a ballad between Aladdin and Jasmine, and “Welcome to the Forty Thieves” come to mind as some of the best numbers from the third movie. But, there’s something undeniably special about “There’s a Party Here in Agrabah.” The song marks the return of Robin Williams as the Genie, seeing as he forwent voicing the character in the second film, “Return of Jafar.” It’s a jazzy opening number celebrating the upcoming nuptials of Aladdin and Jasmine. Williams sings with his signature gusto and pizazz, making this one heck of a ride. A magic carpet ride, that is!

#9: “You’re Only Second Rate”

“The Return of Jafar” (1994)

Speaking of “The Return of Jafar,” this direct-to-video sequel doesn’t have quite the number of great songs that the third movie does, but one in particular does stand out from the rest. Jafar’s big song, “You’re Only Second Rate,” serves as a sort of diss track to Genie. Throughout the song, Jafar pokes fun at Genie’s powers and thwarts his attempts to beat him at every turn, of course emphasizing the fact that Genie is “second rate.” Not only is the narrative structure of the song pretty good, but it’s actually fairly catchy as well.

#8: “As Long As There’s Christmas”

“Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997)

We bet you didn’t even know there was a sequel to “Beauty and the Beast”! It might not go down in the canon of great Christmas movies, but it does have some pretty good songs. “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” takes place sometime in the middle of the first movie, and involves one of the scariest villains known to Disney: a pipe organ by the name of Maestro Forte. He sings a pretty spectacular villain song, “Don’t Fall In Love,” and Belle’s ballad, “Stories,” is sweet, but the beautiful melody of “As Long As There’s Christmas” takes the cake in this movie. The song is a great ensemble number that allows each character to offer up what they love about Christmas, accompanied by a stunning animation to boot.

#7: “I’ll Try”

“Return to Neverland” (2002)

“Return to Neverland,” a follow-up to the 1953 “Peter Pan,” isn’t nearly as good as the original, but even an okay movie can beget a great song. The story follows Jane, the daughter of a now grown-up Wendy, who finds herself in Neverland and meets Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Much like the first movie, the sequel studies themes such as belief and faith, perfectly encapsulated by the song “I’ll Try.” Its lyrics deal with overcoming doubt and learning to live with change – much like Jane has to do in the movie – and are set against a beautiful lilting melody that brings the song to life.

#6: “Junkyard Society Rag”

“Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure” (2001)

“Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure” is an often forgotten part-two, but dedicated Disney fans will know this movie is chock-full of incredible songs. The plot follows Lady and Tramp’s son, Scamp, who longs to be wild and free, meeting and falling in love with a stray dog named Angel along the way. There’s a great “I Want” song in “A World Without Fences,” a love song in “I Didn't Know That I Could Feel this Way,” and a tearjerker in “Always There.” But the showstopper of this film is none other than “Junkyard Society Rag.” In this little tune, the junkyard dogs introduce themselves and their rules in high-energy, ragtime fashion. And it’s a total blast!

#5: “Diggah Tunnah”

“The Lion King 1 ½” (2004)

Every dynamic duo has an origin story, and none is funnier than Timon and Pumba’s. “The Lion King 1 ½” tells the tale of how these two unlikely best friends came to be. No “Lion King” movie would be complete without show-stopping songs, so it comes as no surprise that “1 ½” is full of them – with “Diggah Tunnah” worthy of a special mention. It’s sung by a meerkat colony explaining why they need to dig so many tunnels – and boy is it a lot! The song is not only reminiscent of the whole “Lion King” vibe, but it’s also just so gosh darn catchy you’ll never be able to get it out of your head!

#4: “For a Moment”

“The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea” (2000)

Like mother, like daughter – but the opposite! “The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea” follows the adventures of Melody, Ariel and Eric’s daughter, who longs to know more about the sea even though she’s forbidden to go there. (Apparently, Ariel inherited her father’s parenting tactics, but we digress.) Melody finds out about her heritage and ends up turning into a mermaid. Cue: “For a Moment.” The song serves as an excellent showcase for Tara Strong, the actress voicing Melody, but is also a pretty heartbreaking mother/daughter duet. At different points, Ariel sings with her daughter, admitting her regrets over not telling her about her past sooner. It’s equal parts exultant and melancholic.

#3: “Into the Unknown”

“Frozen II” (2019)

After “Frozen’s” unwaning popularity, we didn’t think there was a chance in Elsa’s ice castle that the sequel could measure up, let alone actually surpass the original. Even the company was worried that the second film wouldn’t be as well-received. Hey, when you have a song as admired as “Let It Go” was, that concern makes sense! Lucky for the creators, “Frozen II” broke box office records. It also didn’t go without some pretty awesome songs. We almost went with “Show Yourself,” but nothing gets us quite as hyped as “Into the Unknown.” Much like “Let It Go,” “Into the Unknown” is a solo song for Elsa, one that allows audiences to belt out to their heart’s content.

#2: “When She Loved Me”

“Toy Story 2” (1999)

You better break out the tissues for this one. In “Toy Story 2,” Woody and Andy are separated when a toy collector takes Woody for himself. After his toy-napping, Woody meets a group of toys all part of a collection based on the TV show “Woody’s Roundup,” including a cowgirl named Jessie. Thinking that Andy has abandoned Woody on purpose, Jessie repeatedly tries to convince him to stay. Eventually, she shares that she too once had an owner, Emily, who gave her away. While Jessie tells the story, a tearjerker titled “When She Loved Me” plays over a montage that’s sure to break your heart.

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

“My Lullaby,” “The Lion King II: Simba's Pride”

The Sequel’s Deliciously Devious Take On “Be Prepared”

“Tip and Dash,” “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea”

An Exhilarating Dive Into Childhood Wonder

#1: “He Lives in You”

“The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” (1998)

One of the better entries in the Disney sequel canon is “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride.” It, coincidentally, also has some of the best tunes in its roster. There’s a beautiful love song, “Love Will Find a Way,” a great number for Rafiki called “Upendi,” and a stellar chorus in “One of Us.” But, just like the first movie, the opening song is noteworthy. “He Lives in You” was written for an album inspired by the original “Lion King,” and then used in the stage musical adaptation. The song works so well and is such a good companion to “Circle of Life,” it’s no wonder they decided to use it again. You know what they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Can you think of any other Disney sequel songs we should’ve mentioned? Sound off in the comments.