Animated cinema: a place where hand-drawn heroes, CGI creatures, and stop-motion wonders dance to a symphony that stirs the imagination. From the melodic enchantments to the rousing anthems of today’s masterpieces, every frame of animation is underscored by music that touches the heart and fuels our dreams. These are more than just songs — they’re magical echoes of adventure, friendship, and love that reverberate long after the end credits. Strap in for a nostalgic ride as we explore the 25 best songs from animated films, the harmonious threads that weave the colorful tapestry of our cherished animated worlds.
A Melodic Magic Carpet Ride Through Animation
Step aboard this magical journey, where notes paint dreams and melodies craft worlds, as we dive into the heart of animation’s unforgettable songs.
- “Circle of Life” – Elton John
- “Let It Go” – Idina Menzel
- “A Whole New World” – Lea Salonga & Brad Kane
- “Under the Sea” – Samuel E. Wright
- “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Jason Weaver, Rowan Atkinson & Laura Williams
- “Beauty and the Beast” – Angela Lansbury
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman
- “Reflection” – Lea Salonga
- “Colors of the Wind” – Judy Kuhn
- “When You Wish Upon a Star” – Cliff Edwards
- “All Star” – Smash Mouth
- “Hakuna Matata” – Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver & Joseph Williams
- “Part of Your World” – Jodi Benson
- “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” – Elton John
- “How Far I’ll Go” – Auli’i Cravalho
- “Into the Unknown” – Idina Menzel & AURORA
- “Touch the Sky” – Julie Fowlis
- “Belle” – Paige O’Hara & Richard White
- “Try Everything” – Shakira
- “Summer Nights” – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
- “You’ll Be in My Heart” – Phil Collins
- “Remember Me” – Miguel feat. Natalia Lafourcade
- “Friend Like Me” – Robin Williams
- “I See the Light” – Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi
- “Everything is Awesome” – Tegan and Sara feat. The Lonely Island
The Encore
And there we have it, folks—the crescendo in our symphony of animation, a stunning collection of 25 unforgettable songs punctuating countless moments of joy, sorrow, inspiration, and wonder. These tracks are more than just catchy earworms—they are the melodies to our dreams, the scores of our favorite on-screen adventures. Like the timeless tales they accompany, these songs resonate with us, spark our imaginations, and transport us back to animation’s vibrant, spellbinding realms. They remind us of the profound power of music to touch our hearts and elevate the beauty of storytelling. So, the next time you find yourself humming one of these iconic tunes, remember each note is a piece of a wider narrative, a magical thread in the fabric of our shared animated journeys.
John Chiong is a creative writer with seven years of experience writing engaging and informative content for various industries. More so, he has a deep love for music that fuels his passion and creativity. John enjoys all types of music and has a favorite song from every genre. His love for music has greatly influenced his writing.