We all have those days where nothing goes our way, when it feels like the whole world is against us and that tomorrow will never come. Here are 20 Disney/Pixar films to restore your faith in humanity and get your mood back on track.
Disclaimer: These are not in order of preference! There's no way I could appropriately rank these gems.
(**Bonus: I've designated the two movies available instantly on Netflix with a double asterisk in case you want to start watching right away.)
1. Lilo and Stitch**
This 2002 movie is new to me (how did I ever live without it??) and it's already one of my favorites. It follows the story of an orphaned Hawaiian girl named Lilo as she struggles to find her place in the world and ends up making friends with a violent alien who it turns out is just looking for his ohana too.
Favorite Quote: "'Ohana' means 'family'. 'Family' means that no one gets left behind, or forgotten." ~ Lilo
Have those tissues ready for a couple heartwarming, tearjerker moments!
2. Tangled
This one never fails to make my day! Tangled is a whimsical fairy tale about a girl who risks everything she has ever known in pursuit of a far-fetched dream. Even the most hardened viewer can't help but get a little warm and fuzzy inside, especially during the lantern scene and the final climactic moments. My heart gets so full when I watch the lanterns rise.
Favorite Quote: "You broke my smolder!" ~ Flynn
3. Mary Poppins
This lighthearted, feel-good film about a magical nanny will have you singing along to the catchy tunes, and may have even helped you down that nasty medicine your mom made you take as a kid. It quite possibly made you reconsider 'chimney sweep' as a viable career option. (It just looks so fun!)
Favorite Quote: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" ~ Mary Poppins
You can say it, but can you spell it?!
4. Mulan
This courageous woman leaves family and future behind in order to save her father from a certain death in war, and with the help of a dragon god saves her country and finds love in the process; what's not to love? And if you are anything like me, you know the words to "I'll Make A Man Out Of You", and you sing it at the top of your lungs every time someone says that opening line.
Favorite Quote: "Did you see those Huns? They popped out of the snow -- like daisies!" ~ Mushu
5. Beauty and The Beast
This tale as old as time stars the lovely village bookworm who surrenders herself into captivity in order to save her ailing father from a monstrous beast. Little does she expect to find true love and break a decades-old spell too.
Favorite Quote:
"Gaston: How can you read this? There's no pictures!
Belle: Well, some people use their imagination."
Favorite love story ever. Oh the feels.
6. The Lion King
After losing his father in a tragic accident, Simba must first find himself with the help of his friends before he can return to his homeland and take the throne back from his scheming uncle. The catchy soundtrack will have you singing your blues away in no time.
Favorite Quote: "Hakuna Matata." ~ Timon
7. Finding Nemo
Although this movie starts out a little dark and sad, it quickly steals your heart as Nemo gets kidnapped and his dad must traverse the ocean to bring him home. Braving sharks and jellyfish, Marlin teams up with a forgetful blue reef fish to rescue Nemo and has crazy adventures along the way. Happy endings always choke me up. That's definitely a tear in my eye.
Favorite Quote: “So, we’re cheating death now. That’s what we’re doing, and we’re having fun at the same time.” ~ Marlin
8. Tarzan**
Prim and proper British researcher falls head-over-heels (literally) for a wild jungle man in this fun film. With an amazing Phil Collins soundtrack, this movie has all the right moves to brighten your day.
Favorite Quote: "I was saved! I was saved by a flying wild man in a loincloth." ~ Jane
9. Cinderella
Quintessential fairy tale where dreams come true despite all odds. We all wish we had a pumpkin carriage, and a fairy godmother to grant our every whim. Just look at that gown! I wish I had her seamstress.
Favorite Quote: "This is perhaps the greatest risk any of us will ever take -- to be seen as we truly are."
10. Hercules
Arrogant demi-god son of Zeus must prove himself worthy to regain his immortality and resume his position on Mount Olympus with the gods, by defeating Hades and the lovely minion Meg, who he ends up falling for. This fun movie is sure to make you laugh out loud.
Favorite Quote: "People do crazy things... when they're in love." ~ Meg
Check out my next 10 warm-fuzzy-movie recommendations here!
