Happy Friday! Right now, I am listening to my "Disney Iconic Love songs" playlist (yes, I actually have that on Spotify). Disney musicals are known for their love songs, and they have some of the catchiest, most beautiful love ballads out there. So of course I had to create a ranking of the top ten Disney love songs out there. I decided to only include songs that made it into the movies (so unfortunately, Frozen 2's outtake "Get This Right," which is a total bop, will not make the list).
Me when listening to my "Disney Iconic Love songs" playlist.
Photo Retrieved from Sweety High.
10 "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King
Don't yell at me! I know, I know, I know. I'm not saying I don't like this iconic, well-loved song. I do! But for some reason, it always felt overrated to me. I can objectively see that it is a beautiful song, but subjectively, it's one that I'd be more inclined to skip on my playlist.
9 "That's How You Know" from Enchanted
A slightly unconventional love song pairs with the slightly unconventional Enchanted, but both the song and the movie are great nonetheless. This isn't as direct of a love ballad as some of the others, but it's a true bop, and Amy Adams is a stellar singer. However, it isn't a duet nor is it a proclamation of love, so it ranks a little lower than the others.
8 "I'm Wishing/One Song" from Snow White
I think the music in Snow White is vastly underrated. It's slower and much different than the Disneyfied bops we hear now, but the music is very beautiful. "I'm Wishing/One Song" is a lovely and romantic song, one that I think should be appreciated much more. However, it's not very dynamic, and on par with the entire movie, there's not a lot of personality and character to it.
7 "Something There" from Beauty and the Beast
Equal parts love song and story device, "Something There" shows the transformation of the Beast's character while also demonstrating the shift in the relationship between him and Belle. It's a beautiful song that is effective on both fronts, and it's the favorite Disney song of my mom and one of my best friends (shoutout to Doris and Kaitlyn). However, this one doesn't cinch it like the others. I can't put my finger on why, but the lyrics don't move me as much and the tune isn't as catchy as some of the others.
Beast feeding the birds is forever an iconic part of the movie.
Photo Retrieved from Disney Fandom | Something There.
6 "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" from Hercules
As much as I would love a duet between Hercules and Megara, our fierce heroine kills it with this song. The background vocals of the Muses kick the song up a few notches, and like all the songs in Hercules, you'll have a hard time getting this catchy tune out of your head.
Iconic Megara belting with the iconic Muses
Photo Retrieved from Disney Fandom | I Won't Say I'm in Love
5 "Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast
One of two love songs on this list to not be sung by the love interest/main character, "Beauty and the Beast" won the Oscar for "Best Original Song," and it's clear why (Fun fact: Beauty and the Beast set a record for most nominations in a category with three songs being nominated for best original song). Angela Lansbury delivers a beautiful, slow ballad that pairs perfectly with the ballroom dance. The lyrics are equally stunning and capture the essence of the film. The only downside to the song is that, as melodic as it is, it's not exactly one that gets stuck in my head or I feel the need to play over and over.
The ballroom dance is just as visually pleasing as the song is musically pleasing.
Photo Retrieved from Fandom | Beauty and the Beast
4 "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid
Like "Beauty and the Beast," "Kiss the Girl" is sung by a side character rather than the leads, and while it may slightly lessen the overall romantic tone of the song because of it, no one can deny the catchiness of the song. Despite Ariel and Eric not singing, the song still achieves romance through its lyrics, visuals, and tone. It really is a blessing The Little Mermaid got Samuel E. Wright to voice Sebastian because he significantly contributes to the movie, especially when it comes to music
3 "Once Upon a Dream" from Sleeping Beauty
The thing you have to understand about "Once Upon a Dream" is that this song, and just this song, catapults the ranking of "Sleeping Beauty" in my favorite movie lists up a few ranks. I love it, absolutely love it, and the top three songs overall are so close that the margin between them is super thin. "Once Upon a Dream" is peaceful and lovely both visually and musically, much like the rest of the movie. I know that some people find it kinda weird, and I totally get that. But to me, this song has always been dreamy (hah) and beautiful, and I guess the inner romantic in me comes out whenever I listen to it. There is one reason why this song is number three and not number two, and I'm sure you'll guess it once you see number two.
I love the artistic tones throughout Sleeping Beauty, especially in"Once Upon a Dream."
Photo Retrieved from Disney Fandom | Once Upon a Dream
2 "A Whole New World" from Aladdin
Yep—"A Whole New World" beats out "Once Upon a Dream" purely because it's from my favorite movie. Aladdin has (obviously) managed to rank in the top tier, but yet again, it's been beaten out by a different movie—and this time it's not Beauty and the Beast! There are so many reasons to love A Whole New World. It's beautifully written and accompanied by stunning visuals. It's one of the most romantic songs to exist—ever—and it matches the characters' wishes. The bonus of the magic carpet only adds to the song. In every form of Aladdin—original animated movie, Broadway musical, and live-action movie—"A Whole New World" manages to stun visually and musically.
We owe it to the Magic Carpet for helping birth "A Whole New World."
Photo Retrieved from The Phantastic.
So what song could possibly beat "A Whole New World," which is from my favorite movie, a winner of an Oscar, and regarded by many as the best Disney love song ever?
1 "I See the Light" from Tangled
Tangled is one of my favorite Disney movies, and while there are a plethora of reasons why (Mother Gothel's villainy, Pascal's cuteness, etc.) "I See the Light" is one of the big ones. Besides being beautifully written, the song perfectly captures the character development and relationship of Rapunzel and Eugene. The movie's light and sun motif come into play here with layer upon layer of meaning, which is only furthered by the visuals. And while we are speaking of the visuals, can we talk about the beauty of animation that shines through in this scene? It's no wonder why lantern festivals were popularized after Tangled; it wasn't just the success of the movie but the stunning shots of this song. The song is a masterpiece on all fonts, and I truly cannot find one fault with it. Sorry, Aladdin. Tangled has got you beat with this one.
Excuse me while I go watch "I See the Light" and get way too emotional over it.
The visuals alone make "I See the Light" beautiful and romantic.
Photo Retrieved from Genius Lyrics.
Did any of my controversial ranks shock you? Which song would you rank as number one? Leave a comment or shoot me a message, and don't forget to check out the Instagram @genielampofstories for more Disney content!
Until later, have courage and be kind.
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