Disney’s Renaissance era was a lucrative and highly-influential decade for the beloved animation studio that saw the debut of countless beloved hits. Spanning from 1989 to 1999, the period marked a monumental resurgence in popularity for Disney, with 10 critically-acclaimed features being released during the celebrated era. It also was an extremely profitable time in which the animated hits dominated both the domestic and overseas box office as well as the music charts and award ceremonies.
Many of Disney’s most memorable and endearing characters were introduced during this era, with Robin Williams’ phenomenal performance as the Genie in Aladdin being one of animation’s finest. Fans across the world were absolutely captivated by the tender romance between Belle and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, just like they felt empowered and inspired by the fierce titular heroine in Mulan.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at how well each movie from Disney's Renaissance era was received by critics via the prominent review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes.
10 Pocahontas — 54%
Children across the world sang along as the eponymous heroine in 1995's Pocahontas taught them about the "Colors of the Wind" and the importance of respecting nature, while the animated film also provided a fictional account of the Powhatan woman's life. With a voice cast led by Irene Bedard and Mel Gibson as Pocahontas and Captain John Smith, the musical romanticizes the invasion of the English colonists in 1607 Virginia and the relationship between the two historical figures.
While the film was a box office smash and the soundtrack went on to win two Oscars and a Grammy, critics were harsh over its many historical inaccuracies and believed the screenplay to be weak, resulting in Pocahontas earning the lowest Rotten Tomatoes rating.
9 The Rescuers Down Under — 71%
An often overlooked and underappreciated Disney feature, 1990's The Rescuers Down Under follows Rescue Aid Society duo Bernard and Bianca (Bob Newhart & Eva Gabor) as they set out to the dangerous Australian Outback in order to save a young boy that has been kindapped by a greedy poacher who is determined to catch an elusive eagle.
Serving as a sequel to 1977's The Rescuers, the animated adventure faced some stiff competition upon its release, going head-to-head with Home Alone at the box-office; it would end up earning only $47 million throughout its run. Critics loved its gorgeous cinematography and animation as well as the film's voice performances, but many felt the story was aimless and uninspired, thus weakening its overall impact on audiences.
8 The Hunchback of Notre Dame — 71%
Arguably Disney's darkest and edgiest release during its acclaimed Renaissance era, 1996's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is loosely adapted from the Victor Hugo novel of the same name. The film tells the riveting story of the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, who yearns to break free from his isolation and explore the outside world despite being shunned by society.
With the seriously creepy and downright devious villain Claude Frollo, kind-hearted Gypsy Esmeralda, and delightfully bickering gargoyles Victor, Hugo, and Laverne, the movie is full of memorable characters that truly help propel the bold story forward. The Hunchback of Notre Dame tackled adult themes like sin, genocide, and infanticide, causing some to question whether it was appropriate for children; regardless, it was well-received by both audiences and critics.
7 Hercules — 84%
Inspired by the hero in Greek mythology, 1997's Hercules features a colorful voice cast led by Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, Susan Egan, and James Woods. The film centers on the titular demigod as he learns what it means to become a true hero in order to earn his place with his fellow gods on Mount Olympus.
The endearing tale, in which Hercules goes from a "Zero to Hero" and takes on the god of the Underworld Hades, was lauded for its humor, uplifting message, and its overall fun storytelling, with Woods' performance as the fast-talking, scheming Hades being singled out and favorably compared to that of Robin Williams' in Aladdin. A live-action remake is currently in the works, with fans urging director Guy Ritchie to once again cast Danny DeVito as the perpetually exasperated satyr and Hercule's mentor Phil.
6 Mulan — 85%
Undeniably one of Disney's most empowering and acclaimed films of the Renaissance, 1998's Mulan touts an unforgettable soundtrack full of meaningful hits, a scene-stealing performance by Eddie Murphy, and an emotionally-moving screenplay. The hit film drew inspiration from the Chinese legend of the folk heroine Hua Mulan.
In the spellbinding flick, the brave Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) decides to take her ailing father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army by posing as a man (as women were unqualified to serve), fighting with her fellow soldiers to take on the barbarous Shan Yu with the guidance of her family guardian Mushu. The film's phenomenal soundtrack included endlessly listenable tunes like "Reflection" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You," and has since been described as "one of the most relevant films in Disney history."
5 Tarzan — 89%
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Perhaps most revered for its Oscar-winning soundtrack composed by Phil Collins, as well as its breathtaking visual effects and quirky characters, 1999's Tarzan is the last released feature of the Disney Renaissance era. The film focuses on the orphaned titular hero who was raised by gorillas in a secluded African jungle.
When a group of English explorers arrive in order to study the primates, Tarzan finds himself intrigued by human civilization and the spirited and kind-hearted Jane Porter. Tarzan made a huge splash with moviegoers, earning over $448 million and an "A" audience CinemScore; critics were amazed by the film's lush animation, powerful original songs, and talented voice cast, which included Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, and Glenn Close.
4 The Little Mermaid — 93%
Undeniably one of Disney's most iconic and enduring releases of all time, 1989's The Little Mermaid is a loose adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. The film follows the curious and daydreaming mermaid Ariel as she forbiddingly falls in love with the human prince Eric and makes a deal with an evil sea witch to become human.
Jodi Benson famously provided the vocals for Ariel, belting out the remarkable hit "Part of Your World" in just one of countless toe-tapping tunes to grace the film; the soundtrack would go on to famed Disney composer Alan Menken the Oscar for Best Original Score. The Little Mermaid launched a fan-favorite media franchise that led to a stage musical, direct-to-video sequel, merchandise, and a live-action film adaptation that is set for a 2023 release.
3 The Lion King — 93%
The 1994 animated juggernaut The Lion King took the world by storm with its touching premise, memorable characters, and exceptional soundtrack. The film drew inspiration from William Shakespeare's Hamlet and centered on the adventures of lion cub Simba, as he discovers his true destiny while facing off against his wicked uncle Scar.
The film went on to become the highest-grossing release of the year, raking in over a whopping $968 million and firmly establishing itself as the darling of Disney; its immense success inspired a media frenzy including sequels, thrilling spin-offs, Broadway adaptations, and remakes. The Lion King won two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and four Grammys, with Elton John's smash hit "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" touching the hearts of audiences everywhere.
2 Beauty and the Beast — 94%
The enchanting and beloved 1991 romantic animated musical Beauty and the Beast is undeniably one of Disney's most stunning and exceptional releases, with fans marveling at the engrossing love story between the adventure-seeking village girl Belle and the cursed young prince the Beast.
Cherished for its spellbinding ballroom scene between the two mismatched leads, groundbreaking animation style, and sensational soundtrack and songs, the film garnered universal praise upon its release and nabbed a highly-coveted A+ audience rating by CinemaScore. Beauty and the Beast may be problematic, but it was the first animated movie to ever be nominated for Best Picture, where it ultimately won for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. It remains a deeply admired Disney staple and also helped launch a lucrative franchise.
1 Aladdin — 95%
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The late and great comedy legend Robin Williams helped make 1992's Aladdin the worldwide phenomenon it was, with his impeccable performance as the fast-talking, hyperactive Genie becoming one of Disney's most revered to date. The captivating animated fantasy chronicles the kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin as he finds his luck completely transformed after freeing a magical genie from his lamp, using his three wishes to impress the beautiful Princess Jasmine. Based on the Arabic folktale, the picture marked a shift in animation in which celebrity voice actors provided their skills instead of specifically trained voice performers. Williams' unparalleled portrayal of the Genie helped set the precedent for future creations and voice work.
Aladdin is jam-packed full of entertaining humor, innovative cinematography, engaging storytelling and lauded musical numbers, with songs like "A Whole New World," "Friend Like Me," and "Prince Ali" dazzling moviegoers. Aladdin was a critical and commercial triumph, with the Los Angeles Times declaring it "a film of wonders. To see it is to be the smallest child, open-mouthed at the screen's sense of magic, as well as the most knowing adult, eager to laugh at some surprisingly sly humor."