Best Animated Movie Soundtracks

There’s something about animated films that just sticks with us. The stories are timeless, the visuals unforgettable, but often it’s the music that keeps echoing long after the credits roll. From lullabies we sing to our kids to soundtracks we still blast in the car, these are the top 10 animated film soundtracks that defined generations and continue to inspire today.

10. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

“The Tale as Old as Time” isn’t just a lyric, it’s the truth. Beauty and the Beast won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the entire soundtrack feels like a Broadway show. From the rousing “Be Our Guest” to the haunting title ballad, it’s pure Disney magic.

9. Coco (2017)

Coco is a love letter to family, culture, and music itself. Michael Giacchino’s score weaves beautifully with songs like “Remember Me,” which has become a modern Disney classic. This one hits especially hard because it’s about legacy, memory, and connection across generations.

8. Aladdin (1992)

Alan Menken gave us classics like “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me,” with Robin Williams’ Genie stealing the show. The soundtrack was equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, and it remains one of the most singable in Disney history.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Verse proved that animated soundtracks don’t have to stick to Disney formulas. Post Malone and Swae Lee’s “Sunflower” became an anthem, and the soundtrack blended hip-hop, pop, and experimental beats that perfectly matched the movie’s energy. It’s as cool as it is groundbreaking.

6. Moana (2016)

Lin-Manuel Miranda brought his signature style to Disney with Moana. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” hit every note, from inspirational ballads to dad-joke energy courtesy of Dwayne Johnson. It’s empowering, fun, and one of Disney’s strongest modern soundtracks.

5. Shrek (2001)

This one broke the mold. Instead of traditional orchestral scoring, Shrek leaned on a killer pop soundtrack: Smash Mouth’s “All Star,” Rufus Wainwright’s “Hallelujah,” and The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” It was cheeky, modern, and set the tone for how soundtracks could blend humor with heart.

4. Frozen (2013)

Love it or hate it, Frozen shaped an entire generation. “Let It Go” became an instant classic and a karaoke challenge we’ve all lost at least once. The soundtrack is packed with Broadway-quality songs that turned family movie nights into singalongs.

3. Toy Story (1995)

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is basically the anthem of the ’90s. Randy Newman’s quirky, heartfelt soundtrack perfectly captured the magic of childhood toys and friendships. Simple, catchy, and endlessly replayable, just like Buzz and Woody’s adventures.

2. Tarzan (1999)

Phil Collins didn’t just write the Tarzan soundtrack, he owned it. Tracks like “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Two Worlds” weren’t just background songs, they became radio hits. Collins famously recorded them in multiple languages so kids around the world could feel them. Even now, it’s impossible not to sing along.

1. The Lion King (1994)

Few soundtracks are as iconic as The Lion King. Elton John and Tim Rice delivered unforgettable songs like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” while Hans Zimmer’s sweeping score gave the African savannah real weight. For many, this was the first CD we owned, and now it’s the one we share with our kids.

Final Thoughts

Animated films are more than entertainment. They’re the songs we grew up with, the ones we pass down, and the ones that sneak back into our heads when we least expect it. Whether you’re belting “Let It Go” in the car or tearing up to “Remember Me,” these soundtracks prove one thing: great music never grows old. Which soundtrack makes your top 10? Drop your pick in the comments, or better yet, share the one your kids won’t stop playing on repeat.