Annie Koop
As someone who’s always been passionate about film, the movies I loved during childhood remain special and reminiscent to me as an adult.
For most, Walt Disney had a great influence on childhoods across the globe. Whilst the first Disney movie was released 85 years ago (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937), the studio still produces several films each year. I’m sure we all have more than a few favourites from our own childhoods. Here are some of mine!
1. Mary Poppins (1964)
Growing up, my mother was a massive fan of musicals. This meant watching the beloved Mary Poppins many times as a family, and its fantastical elements frequenting the realistic setting was ahead of its time. As someone who grew up in the United States of America, this film romanticised London for me. Musical numbers like “Step In Time” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” are especially enthusiastic about the city.
Julie Andrews stars as the titular character, and she frequented the box television in my childhood home. I think what makes Mary Poppins so exciting is its duality; it’s both relatable and fantastical. Disney is notably great at making children believe that they can experience something magical just as easily as Jane and Michael.
2. Robin Hood (1973)
There’s something about those ‘talking animal’ movies that really resonates with kids even today (Zootopia and Kung Fu Panda are my favourite, more recent examples). Robin Hood was one of the first in that category that I was introduced to, and I loved it. Most Disney movies contain a moral message for children, whether to teach them to be themselves, not judge others, or to follow their dreams.
This film, though, presents a slightly more complex lesson. Robin Hood was the first vigilante most of us were introduced to, and his mission: prioritising those in need even if it meant becoming a wanted criminal. Though Robin Hood was released nearly 50 years ago, its message remains overwhelmingly relevant. And what a fun way to get the idea across!
3. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
This one terrified me as a child. I think it was the gigantic bugs, a big fear of mine at the time. Despite the giant ants, though, the movie’s humour and family theme were what made it such a notable part of my childhood.
Truly, it has every ingredient to a great Disney plot: an exciting adventure, friendship, daunting tasks, and even a little romance. Who wouldn’t want to have their first kiss inside of a Lego block? What an icebreaker that’d be.
4. Aladdin (1992)
We all have our favourite Disney princess classic, and Aladdin is mine (Beauty and the Beast and Mulan follow close behind). While Disney has released live-action versions of a lot of the more classic films, the classics themselves will always hit home for me, and I’m sure that many people who grew up with the older versions will agree.
Something about iconic Aladdin tunes like “A Whole New World” and “Prince Ali” brings an air of warm nostalgia that we all sometimes need.
5. Toy Story (1996)
Rewatching this common favourite, almost 26 years after its release, is interesting, to say the least. The animation stunned audiences and was the first three-dimensional animation in history. Fast forward a few decades and countless other animated movies’ releases (think Moana, or Luca), the shock of Toy Story has definitely dulled.
If the title was a big part of your childhood, though, it likely remains special. Since the story continued with the releases of the second, third and fourth renditions, Toy Story grew up beautifully with the children it was created for. This neat progression is represented by Andy, once a little boy, heading off to college in Toy Story 3. How bittersweet!
6. The Parent Trap (1998)
This live-action family film was an all-time favourite for me, and I try to rewatch it at least a few times a year. Though it was the second rendition (following 1961’s original story by the same title), a large portion of millennials and Gen-Z were introduced to Lindsay Lohan before Hayley Mills.
The Parent Trap’s ‘across the pond’ venture, taking place in both America and the U.K., was quite exciting to a younger me. It highlights Elizabeth’s wealthy life in central London with travelled characters. It also touches on Nick’s more rural lifestyle, located in an aesthetic vineyard in northern California.
The idea that a young girl could go to summer camp, meet her long-lost twin, and travel the world in such a short time was (and is) quite incredible to me. I figure I’m old enough now, though, to get that it’s unrealistic.
7. Ratatouille (2007)
I’m not embarrassed to admit that this movie remains a favourite of mine. Remy’s cuisine-themed adventure in Paris entertains and teaches valuable lessons, too! Linguini, an introvert coming out of his shell? A great example of personal growth. Remy’s defeatist attitude regarding his passion for cooking? He follows his dreams whilst teaching us that no feat is impossible.
Ratatouille‘s focus on family and friendships is important, too. This message becomes clear when Remy fails to balance his family and passions equally. Through his struggle, we learn that this balance is vital to maintaining important relationships.
Though my list could go on and on, these were the most influential on me as a child and I can’t help but encourage anyone I can to watch (or rewatch) these particular titles. What were some of your favourite Disney movies as a child?
Featured image courtesy of pan xiozhen on Unsplash. No changes or alterations were made to this image. Image license found here.
Annie Koop
Student journalist based in London, specialising in entertainment and lifestyle journalism.