This Is the Mount Rushmore of Disney Movies

From Walt and Roy Disney's founding of Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923 to the studio's evolution a century later, Disney has amassed one of the most iconic filmographies in history. Narrowing a Mount Rushmore of Disney films is not simply choosing the four best pictures, but the four most groundbreaking and defining works, and this list counts only full-on Disney productions.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs occupies the top spot as the studio’s pioneer. It was Disney’s first feature and became the highest-grossing film of its day; more importantly, it was the first American animated feature and the first cel-animated feature, the film that helped animation revolutionize the industry.

The Lion King stands out as a near-perfect animated masterpiece, inspired by Hamlet and West African folklore. In just 88 minutes it delivers some of Disney’s most iconic songs and a philosophically resonant story about growing up, balanced with memorable characters and timeless animation.

United States

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