The Five Best Disney Movies Of The 80s

Hey there, fellow Disney lovers! You know, sometimes you just crave that classic Disney magic, right? That feeling you get when a familiar song starts playing, and suddenly you're transported back to simpler times. Well, today, we're taking a little trip down memory lane to the totally tubular 80s! Yep, the decade of big hair, neon colors, and some seriously awesome Disney flicks.

Now, picking just five is tougher than trying to explain the plot of Tron to your grandma. But after much deliberation (and maybe a few nostalgic singalongs), I've narrowed it down to the absolute cream of the 80s Disney crop. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's dive into some 80s Disney goodness!

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Alright, let's kick things off with a true game-changer. When The Little Mermaid splashed onto the scene in 1989, it pretty much saved Disney animation as we knew it. Before Ariel, the studio was, shall we say, treading water. But this movie? It was a full-blown renaissance!

And Ariel! Oh, Ariel. Such a relatable princess, even if her main desire was to ditch her fins for… well, feet. I mean, who hasn't felt like they didn't quite fit in somewhere? Plus, she had the voice of an angel (and Ursula had the voice of pure, glorious evil – which is just as important, let's be honest).

The music in this movie is just chef's kiss. Seriously, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman were wizards. "Part of Your World"? Instant goosebumps. "Under the Sea"? Makes you want to throw a spontaneous beach party. And "Kiss the Girl"? Pure, unadulterated Disney romance.

And let's not forget Sebastian! That sassy crab was the MVP. "Under the Sea" wouldn't be half as iconic without his frantic, yet fabulous, leadership. He's basically the ultimate wingman, trying to keep a naive mermaid from making terrible life decisions. We all need a Sebastian in our lives, don't we?

Then there's Ursula. The ultimate Disney villainess. So camp, so dramatic, so iconic. Her "Poor Unfortunate Souls" number? A masterclass in villainous charm. She's the kind of villain you can't help but admire, even as she's trying to steal a girl's voice and a kingdom. She’s the queen of dramatic entrances and even more dramatic exits.

What makes The Little Mermaid so special is its sheer energy. It's vibrant, it's funny, it's romantic, and it has a heroine who’s not afraid to chase her dreams, even if it means making a deal with a sea witch. It’s the perfect blend of fairytale charm and genuine heart. It truly set the stage for the Disney Golden Age that followed.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Okay, so maybe The Little Mermaid gets all the glory for kicking off the Renaissance, but let's give some serious love to this often-overlooked gem: The Great Mouse Detective! This movie is a masterpiece of animation, mystery, and miniature rodent detective work.

Set in Victorian London, we follow the brilliant Basil of Baker Street (who, yes, is a mouse) as he investigates the disappearance of a toy maker. It's basically Sherlock Holmes, but with more whiskers and less tweed. And honestly, who wouldn't want to see a tiny mouse sleuth solving crimes? It’s adorably brilliant!

Basil himself is such a captivating character. He’s sharp, witty, and has this incredible deductive reasoning – all in a tiny mouse package. He’s the kind of detective who notices the smallest details, which, in his world, is saying a lot. Plus, his eccentricities make him incredibly endearing.

And his sidekick, Dr. Dawson! He's the Watson to Basil's Holmes, a slightly more grounded and perhaps a bit more easily flustered companion. Their dynamic is fantastic, and Dawson’s narration provides a wonderful anchor for the audience as they follow Basil’s every move. He's the perfect voice of reason in a world full of charmingly quirky mice.

The villain, Professor Ratigan, is another standout. He’s not just a bad guy; he’s a charming bad guy. He’s sophisticated, he’s menacing, and he has this wonderfully menacing laugh. He’s the kind of villain who truly believes he’s the best, and he’s not afraid to let everyone know it. His "The World's Greatest Criminal Mind" song? Pure villainous theatre!

The animation in this film is simply stunning. The attention to detail in the mouse-sized world is incredible. From the intricate gears of machinery to the dimly lit streets of London, it all feels so real and immersive. It’s a testament to the animators’ skill that they could create such a believable world from such a unique perspective.

The Great Mouse Detective is a perfect blend of thrilling mystery, engaging characters, and beautiful animation. It’s a movie that’s smart enough for adults and exciting enough for kids, making it a true 80s Disney treasure. It proves that sometimes, the greatest adventures come in the smallest packages.

The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Okay, technically this one just sneaks into the 90s, but it feels so much like an 80s movie in spirit and production that I'm counting it! The Rescuers Down Under is an absolute delight, a sprawling adventure set in the vast and wild Australian outback.

We rejoin our favorite tiny heroes, Bernard and Bianca, as they travel to Australia to rescue a young boy named Cody, who has been kidnapped by a ruthless poacher. And this poacher, McLeach, is seriously menacing. He’s the kind of guy who probably enjoys kicking puppies in his spare time. A truly despicable villain!

The animation in this film is breathtaking. The landscapes of Australia are rendered with such incredible detail and vibrant colors. You can practically feel the heat and hear the calls of the exotic wildlife. It’s a visual feast, and it’s a huge step up from the animation of the early 80s. This is where Disney started getting seriously good again.

And the characters! Bernard and Bianca are as charming as ever. Their bumbling, yet utterly sincere, attempts to be brave and heroic are incredibly endearing. You can’t help but root for them. Their love story, while subtle, is also really sweet. They’re the definition of a perfect team.

Then there’s Cody. He’s a brave little kid who has a special connection with the animals. His bond with the majestic eagle, Marah, is particularly heartwarming. It’s a reminder of the importance of protecting nature and the creatures that inhabit it. He’s a little hero in his own right.

We also get introduced to some fantastic new characters, like Joanna, McLeach’s ill-tempered, yet somehow lovable, goanna. She’s the perfect comedic foil to McLeach's villainy, and her antics provide some much-needed levity. She’s the kind of sidekick you wouldn’t want to mess with, but secretly find hilarious.

The Rescuers Down Under is an epic adventure with a powerful message about conservation and courage. It’s got thrilling action sequences, heartwarming moments, and some genuinely funny characters. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to tell grand stories with the smallest of heroes. A truly underrated masterpiece!

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Now, we’re getting into the early 80s, and this one is a bit of a tear-jerker, but in the most beautiful way. The Fox and the Hound is a story about unlikely friendship, societal expectations, and the bittersweet realities of growing up.

It tells the story of Tod, a young fox, and Copper, a hunting dog, who form a deep bond as cubs. They’re inseparable, frolicking and playing together without a care in the world. It’s the epitome of childhood innocence.

But as they grow older, their natural instincts and the expectations of their respective worlds start to pull them apart. Tod is meant to be a wild fox, elusive and clever, while Copper is bred to be a hunter. It’s a heartbreaking look at how sometimes, the world just doesn’t want certain friendships to work.

The animation in this film is gorgeous. The woodland creatures are brought to life with such care and detail. You can see the individual hairs on their fur, the expressiveness in their eyes. It's a testament to the animators' dedication to capturing the beauty of nature.

What makes this movie so powerful is its emotional resonance. It tackles themes of prejudice, conformity, and the pain of losing a friend in a way that’s incredibly poignant. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

And the supporting characters are fantastic! Big Mama, the wise old owl, is a wonderful mentor figure. And Amos Slade, the gruff but ultimately decent hunter, provides a complex human element. Even Widow Tweed, Tod's adoptive mother, is full of love and compassion.

Despite its sad moments, The Fox and the Hound is ultimately a story about the enduring power of connection. It shows us that even when life tries to push us apart, the bonds we form can still hold a special place in our hearts. It's a beautiful, moving film that deserves all the praise.

Oliver & Company (1988)

Last but certainly not least, we have Oliver & Company! This is basically Disney’s take on Oliver Twist, but with a whole lot more canine charisma and New York City swagger. And honestly, who doesn't love a good musical, set against the backdrop of a bustling city?

We meet Oliver, a scrawny little kitten, abandoned and alone on the streets of New York. He’s got no home, no family, and is just trying to survive. It’s a tough start for our little feline friend.

He soon falls in with a gang of streetwise dogs led by the charismatic Dodger (voiced by the legendary Billy Joel, no less!). There’s also the gruff but loyal Tito, the gentle giant Cheech, the sassy Rita, and the nervous but sweet Francis. This crew is pure gold!

Their adventures through the gritty streets of New York are filled with humor, heart, and some seriously catchy tunes. The animation captures the energy and chaos of the city perfectly, making you feel like you’re right there with them, dodging taxis and sniffing out scraps.

The music is a major highlight. With songs by artists like Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, and Bette Midler, it’s no wonder this soundtrack is so memorable. "Why Should I Worry?" is an absolute bop, and Bette Midler’s rendition of "Once Upon a Time in New York City" is pure magic.

The villain, Sykes, is suitably menacing, and his two Dobermans, Roscoe and Desoto, are terrifyingly effective henchmen. They provide a real sense of danger for Oliver and his newfound family.

What I love about Oliver & Company is its unexpected charm and its ability to balance heartwarming moments with gritty urban realism. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, even when you’re small and seemingly insignificant. It proves that family isn’t always about blood; sometimes it’s about the friends you make along the way.

So there you have it, my top five Disney movies from the totally awesome 80s! Each of these films brought something unique and wonderful to the Disney legacy, and they continue to bring joy to audiences of all ages. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering these gems for the first time, I hope this little trip down memory lane has brought a smile to your face.

Because in the end, that’s what Disney is all about, isn’t it? Creating stories that capture our imaginations, make us laugh, make us cry, and remind us of the magic that exists in the world. So, go forth and rewatch your favorites! Let the 80s Disney magic wash over you, and remember that no matter how old you get, there’s always room for a little bit of happily ever after. And who knows, maybe you'll even start wearing leg warmers again. No judgment here!