If you're a 90s kid (which if you're reading this on your phone, you very well might be), then you're already aware how awesome your childhood was. We had Bopits, Saturday morning cartoons, Oreo cereal and that ball thing with a rope you attach to your ankle to jump over (I forget the name). Among all of that awesomeness, we had our beloved VHS tape collections, and most of those movies were probably Disney ones. What would our adulthood nostalgia be like without our favorite characters in sweeping musical numbers we all know by heart? I have repeatedly acknowledged the love and devotion I have for those films, however, there are some AMAZING animated movie-musicals outside of the Disney cannon and my childhood would not have been the same without them. Those movies had some kick-ass songs too so here's to a few of the under-appreciated ones from the greatest decade of all time.

1. This is My Idea - ( The Swan Princess, 1994)


I'm going to be completely honest with you on this one. Did this movie deserve an Academy Award? Probably not. (It didn't by the way, just trying to make a point..ish..) Anyway, what I'm really getting at is that whether or not this whole movie was the best animated movie ever is up to you personally. However, this song was the sweetest one in the movie because I loved watching those two lovebirds grow up and eventually fall for each other in this sequence. Even though their arranged marriage is more than disturbing to me, watching the song has always been a little cathartic in a weird way.

2. Batty Rap - (Fern Gully, 1992)

I'll be the first one to tell you this rap is not on par with Eminem, but it's ROBIN WILLIAMS. I love him so much and if anyone tells me otherwise they can take a seat! My passion aside, this song is actually pretty legit in that it gives a comedic point of view to the sad (and very real) practice that is animal testing. Not-so-fun fact: there's a much more adult/disturbing extended version of the song that digs deeper through the issue. Hey, you gotta laugh to keep from crying right? **Cries anyway because of animal testing and the fact that Robin Williams was perfect in every way**

3. Let Me Be Your Wings - (Thumbelina, 1994)

On a much-needed lighter note, this whimsical number takes you away on the tiniest and most adorable adventure all under 3 minutes! The animation is pretty spectacular and the lyrics are sweet in their poetic way of letting someone know you'll always be there for them. Also, who didn't kind have a weird crush on fairy prince, Cornelius? Those thick ginger locks infatuated my 7 year-old-self for longer than they should've.

4. Once Upon a December - (Anastasia, 1997)

If I knew how to waltz, believe me, I'd join in because this song is so beautiful. I've always marveled at how the music and lyrics somehow were able to convey Anastasia's feelings about memories that were just out of her reach. Even at a young age I really felt for her. Still, to this day, I get a little choked up every time she dances with her father.

5. When You Believe - (The Prince of Egypt, 1998)

Regardless of your faith, this movie is an achievement in all aspects of filmmaking. The animation is lovely, the story is wonderful and if you go to the movie's IMDb page you'll see that the cast is top-notch. All other parts aside, the songs are amazing, especially this one. First of all, it's sung by two of the story's powerful and strong women. More importantly, It's uplifting and universal message is one everyone should hear. Sample lyric: "Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill." Need I say more?

6. I Stand Alone - (Quest for Camelot, 1998)

Whether you see this song as an ode to the introvert in all of us, a break-up song, or just a cool way to tell people to kindly get out of your face, its flexible nature is just one reason why it's amazing. We can all agree that Garrett is a bad-ass that doesn't let his blindness get in the way of living his life, even if it is a solitary one. This song is about being content with yourself, and not needing anyone to guide you through life; and if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that any song about self-love will always be dope to me.