Favorite Childhood Movies – How Many Have You Seen?

Remember that movie from your childhood? How many times have you been thinking about a movie, and when you go to watch it, you can’t remember the title? Here is a list of the best movies, the ones that are classics that you know you should watch, but don’t have time to put your own list together. These are the best old movies on Disney Plus right now.

“My favorite movie is not on your list, and everyone says it is a great movie.” Well, it may not be on the list because is isn’t considered an old movie. What is an old movie? I have only put movies on this list if they are 25 years old or older. This means that a movie had to be made before 1998. Furthermore, I expanded the list to include those movies through the end of 1999. This list will be updated yearly!

I also didn’t include any TV shows. That means that there are no Disney Channel Classic movies or any Disney+ original movie listed. Additionally, there are no Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU Movies) listed either because Iron Man was the first movie, and it was released in 2008. 

If you have Disney Plus streaming service, you don’t want to spend all your time surfing until you all agree on a movie. Use this list to keep track of the best Disney movies you want to watch. These are the best films on Disney Plus. 

The Best Disney Plus Movies – Classic Movies on Disney Plus

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

This first film by Disney is a full-length animated film. While Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the animated classics, it features an evil queen, and so it may be scary for some children. 

Snow White is a princess living with her stepmother, the Evil Queen. Both of her parents have died, and she is a beautiful young girl being treated cruelly by her stepmother. When her stepmother wants her killed, the huntsman cannot bring himself to kill an innocent girl. He tells her to run away, and she ends up living in the forest with a group of 7 Dwarfs. 

Pinocchio (1940)

First, be sure to watch the original Disney version of Pinocchio from 1940. The newer story starring Tom Hanks as Gepetto has a dismal 27% on Rotten Tomatoes and should be forever forgotten.

Fantasia (1940) and Fantasia 2000 (1999)

These two films have very similar styles. Classical music is set to adorable animation. Fantasia stars Conductor Leopold Stokowski, and features the following songs: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, The Nutcracker Suite by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Scorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Kukas, Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky, The Pastoral Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven, Dance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli, Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky and Ave Maria by Franz Schubert.

The Reluctant Dragon (1941)

The Reluctant Dragon is one of my absolute favorites out of all Disney film classics. It begins with a tour of Walt Disney Studios featuring Robert Benchley and ends with a screening of the animated feature The Reluctant Dragon based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. 

Dumbo (1941)

Dumbo features a young elephant, born to Mrs. Jumbo, with enormous ears. He is separated from his mom and ends up in the circus act with the clowns. Eventually, Dumbo learns his ears are his greatest asset.

Bambi (1942)

One of my least favorite of the Disney classic films. Bambi is based on the book Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten. Bambi is a white-tailed deer whose mother is killed when he is still young. However, Bambi makes friends with the other forest animals, including a rabbit named Thumper and a young skunk named Flower.

The Three Caballeros (1945)

Multiple segments make up this film starring Donald Duck and explores South America.

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

This film has two segments. The first segment is based on the book, The Wind in the Willows. Mr. Toad is the owner of Toad Hall and he is near bankrupt. Toad’s friend, Angus MacBadger, is going to help Toad with his finances. 

The second feature is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow which starts with Ichabod Crane in a small town called Sleepy Hollow, New York. This is a classic Halloween tale and features The Headless Horsemen.

Cinderella (1950)

Cinderella is an adaptation of Cendrillon by Charles Perrault. This classic love story features a poor girl and a handsome prince.  Cinderella has lost both her parents and now lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters. She is treated poorly and takes care of the house and her stepmother and stepsisters every whim.

While she longs to go to the ball, she has no clothes to wear, and she is forbidden from going by her stepmother. After her family leaves for the ball, her fairy godmother shows up and magically transforms a pumpkin into a coach, and gives Cinderella clothes and glass slippers to wear. She cautions her to be home before midnight. While running out of the ball, she drops a glass slipper. The prince finds the slipper and says he must marry the girl whose foot fits the slipper.

Peter Pan (1953)

Based on the play by J.M. Barrie entitled Peter and Wendy, this animated film tells the story of the Darling children, Wendy, John, and Michael, who are visited by Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. The children fly to Neverland and experience adventures with Peter and the Lost Boys that include fighting Captain Hook and his band of pirates.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

Based on the book by the same name by science fiction writer, Jules Verne. Starring Kirk Douglas and Jason Lorre.

Old Yeller (1957)

Have you read the book? If not, you should know that Old Yeller is sad. It is about a young boy and a dog in post-Civil War Texas. The dog helps defend the family and the farm against bear, hog, and wolf attacks.

The Shaggy Dog (1959)

Based on the story, The Hound of Florence by Felix Salten (the same man who wrote Bambi). This movie stars Fred MacMurray, Tommy Kirk, and Annette Funicello. Tommy plays Wilby, who gets turned into an Old English Sheepdog.

Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)

Oh, how I love this movie that stars a 29-year-old Sean Connery. Darby O’Gill and his daughter, Katie, live in an Irish town. While Darby wants to catch a leprechaun, he is instead captured by the leprechauns and taken to their home. We watch this movie every year around St. Patrick’s Day.

The Third Man on the Mountain (1959)

I read the book Banner in the Sky, by James Ramsey Ullman years before I ever saw the movie. Since I loved the book, I did expect to love the Disney film version, and I did. This family adventure film involves a young Swiss boy who climbs the Matterhorn.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty is the story of Princess Aurora. At birth, she was the evil fairy Maleficent cast a spell that Aurora would die when she was pricked by a spindle. The good fairy Merryweather changes the curse so Aurora won’t die, but instead will fall into a deep sleep. While her parents ban all spinning wheels from the kingdom, and Aurora is sent to live in the forest with Merryweather, Flora, and Fauna, she still pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep. Only true love’s kiss can break the spell.

The Parent Trap (1961)

Hayley Mills stars as two identical twin sisters, Sharon and Susan, who meet for the first time at summer camp. They soon realize that their parents divorced, and each took one sister. They change places when they return home after camp is over and plot to get their parents back together again.

The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)

When discussing my husband, I compare him to the absent-minded professor. Although I was never left at the altar, I almost expected to be. Professor Ned Brainard is a professor at Medfield College. He loves working in his lab in his garage. However, he accidentally invents a new substance that can change the world. He also ends up leaving his bride-to-be at the altar again!

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

Who doesn’t love Dalmatians? This animated film made Dalmatians a household word. Additionally, Cruella De Vil is the villain we love to hate.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Animated musical fantasy film based on the novel by T.H. White tells the story of Merlin the magician who educates a young Arthur.

Mary Poppins (1964)

The Disney classic film, Mary Poppins, received 13 Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. While it didn’t win in that category, it did win five awards for Best Actress Julie Andrews played Mary Poppins, Best Film Editing, Best Original Musical Score, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee. 

It became the highest-grossing film of 1964. This live-action movie featured sequences of animation. It is the only film that received a Best Picture nomination during Walt Disney’s life. 

The music is upbeat and lively. Furthermore, Dick Van Dyke is great in his role as Bert, the chimney sweep. This is a must-see film.

That Darn Cat! (1965)

Stars Hayley Mills and Dean Jones. A Siamese cat lives with Patti and travels through town each night stealing food. One night, he stumbles upon some bank robbers who are holding a hostage. Can that Darn Cat solve a bank robbery and save the hostage?

The Ugly Dachshund (1966)

Adorable movie about a Great Dean who thinks he is a dachshund. Stars Suzanne Pleshette and Dean Jones.

The Jungle Book (1967) 

Animated musical comedy based on Rudyard Kipling’s book, The Jungle Book. A child is raised in the jungle by wolves and his best friends, Bagheera, a black panther, and Baloo, a bear. Make sure you watch the original Jungle Book from 1967 and not one of the remakes or live-action films. 

Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967)

Stars Roddy McDowall, Suzanne Pleshette and Karl Malden. Based on the book, By the Great Horn Spoon. This film features a butler in love with the lady that is out of his league, the gold rush, and Wild West antics.

The Love Bug (1968)

Amusing movie about a Volkswagen Beetle who follows Jim Douglas home from a car showroom. Herbie has a mind of his own and wants to be race car.

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

Science Fiction comedy starring Kurt Russell and Cesar Romero. Dexter Riley is installing a computer part in the computer lab at Medfield College when he receives an electric shock. He has all the computer knowledge transferred to his brain. 

The Aristocats (1970)

Musical comedy with Eva Gabor. A cat named Duchess and her three kittens, Berlioz, Marie, and Toulouse, live in Paris. 

The Million Dollar Duck (1971)

Dean Jones and Sandy Duncan star in this film about a struggling scientist and a duck. After a lab accident, Albert Dooley is supposed to get rid of the duck, but instead gives it to his son. They son discover the duck lays golden eggs.

Robin Hood (1973)

Robin Hood, Little John and his merry men, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Prince John, and Maid Marian with a twist. These animated characters are all animals and tell the classic Robin Hood – rob from the rich to give to the poor – story with delightful music.

Apple Dumpling Gang (1975)

Gambler Russell Donovan played by Bill Bixby is tricked into caring for a group of orphans. This comedy stars Don Knotts and Tim Conway!

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Starring Sterling Holloway as Winnie the Pooh. Combines Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day (1968), and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too (1974). Features all the beloved characters of Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Eeyore, and Rabbit who all belong to Christopher Robin.

Pete’s Dragon (1977)

Helen Reddy and Mickey Rooney star in Pete’s Dragon. Watch this classic film and not the live-action remake. Set in New England in the 1900s. An orphan escapes from his abusive foster family and finds a dragon named Elliott. 

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones, an archaeologist, and professor at a University. He prefers to find artifacts and treasures. Furthermore, he finds himself steeped in adventures everywhere he does. This first movie features looking for the Lost Ark of the Covenant and keeping it from the Nazis. However, while the Indiana Jones live-action movies are full of adventure, not all of them a family friendly fare. 

Tron (1982)

A video game developer, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), becomes part of his own game. Tron is a sci-fi cult classic.

The Princess Bride (1987)

While not a Disney movie, this classic film features roman and adventure. A young boy is sick and his grandfather comes to tell him a story. Peter Falk is the grandfather and Fred Savage stars as the grandson. He tells the story of Westley (Cary Elwes), who falls in love with Buttercup (Robin Wright), but when he leaves to seek a fortune so he can marry her, his ship is attacked and he is presumed dead. 

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

The head of Maroon Cartoon Studios hires a private detective to investigate why Roger Rabbit is having problems. The rumors are that Roger’s wife, Jessica, is having an affair.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Ariel is a mermaid who doesn’t want to live in the sea. She wants to be where the people are. The Little Mermaid animated film is rated G and suitable for the entire family. While a new live-action version was released in 2023 and has new music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, it doesn’t hold a candle to the original animated movie. 

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

The third film in the Indiana Jones series features the search for the Holy Grail which is the cup of Jesus Christ. Stars Sean Connery as Indiana Jones’ father.

Ariel falls in love with a human named Eric. To become human, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, an evil sea witch. Jodi Benson played Ariel and the catchy songs were written by Alan Menken.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Musical fairy tale about a prince and his household who are transformed by an enchantress. To break the spell, he must love and be loved in return. Belle, who lives in a nearby village, becomes the prisoner of The Beast. Will she be the one to break the spell?

The Rocketeer (1991)

Howard Hughes’s rocket pack lands in the hands of stunt pilot Cliff Secord. This is a good movie featuring plenty of action, mobsters, romance, and Nazi spies.

Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991)

Sonora Webster Carver longs to lead a life of glamour. She runs away to become a diving girl in Atlantic City. Based on a true story.

Aladdin (1992)

Animated musical while tells the tale from One Thousand and One Nights. Features the voice of Robin Williams as the Genie. This classic movie is entertaining and a must watch.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, this film stars Micheal Caine as Ebenezer Scooge. This is the second Muppet movie and features the characters from The Muppet Show including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Story by Tim Burton. This film is considered a cult classic by many. Stars Jack Skellington, as the king of Hallowween Town. He accidentally discovers Christmas Town and wants the residents of Halloweentown to experience the joy. 

The Lion King (1994)

Animated Musical Drama with Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James EarlyJones, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jim Cummings. 

Toy Story (1995)

Starring Tom Hanks, Time Allen, Don Rickles, John Ratzenberger, and Annie Potts. This film by Pixar tells the tale of Andy’s toys that come alive when no humans are around. Woody is Andy’s favorite toy, but trouble brews when Buzz LIghtyear, a Space Ranger toy arrives.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

The Robert Louis Stevenson story of Treasure Island performed by the Muppets

Anastasia (1997)

Although this is not a Disney film, it was acquired by Disney. It was the first 20th Century Fox animated film to be produced by the animated division. The evil sorcerer, Rasputin, played by Christopher Lloyd, puts a spell on the Romanovs, and Anastasia disappears. Also features Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Lesey Grammer, Kirsten Dunst, and Angela Lansbury. 

Hercules (1997)

Zeus and Hera have a son named Hercules. This is his story. Delightful music by Alan Menken.

Mulan (1998)

Based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. Stars Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy as the comical dragon Mushu, Pat Morita, and George Takei. The Huns are invading China, and one man from each family must report to defend their country. Mulan does not want her father, who has already served his country, to go. She reports to duty in his place, posing as a man.

A Bug’s Life (1998)

Ants do the work and the grasshoppers come and take what they have stored up. One ant wants things to be different. Can he change the ants existence?

Other Old Classic Movies on Disney+ 

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

Starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, and Louis Armstrong, this film won three Academy Awards. Set in 1890, Dolly Levi is a well-known matchmaker who comes to New York City. She is looking for a wife for a millionaire, but she wants to marry him herself.

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

The original Star Wars trilogy starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrier Fisher, Alex Guinness, and James Earl Jones. Luke Skywalker is living with his aunt and uncle who are killed. While cleaning on old R2-D2 unit, he uncovers a holographic recording of Princess Leia asking for help. Meanwhile, Darth Vader uses the Death Star to destroy entire planets to annihilate his opponents. Can the Rebel Alliance defeat the evil? Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the stories by George Lucas.

Turner & Hooch (1989) 

Tom Hanks stars as Scott Turner, who is a policeman in California. When his friend is murdered, Scott takes his dog, Hooch, and while they have a rocky start, eventually, the policeman and dog become partners.

Newsies (1992)

Based on the true story of a New York City paperboy strike in 1899.

The Three Musketeers (1993)

The Musketeers are the personal guards of the King of France. The year is 1625, and the Musketeers are disbanded. However, three loyal Musketeers vow to continue to protect the King.

Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)

Richard Dreyfuss is a talented musician that takes a job as a music teacher in a high school. For the next 30 years, he teaches while working on his symphony.

If you have never seen these old classic movies, put them on your must-see list.

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