After a couple of decades hiding in the shadows, the Mickey Mouse company came roaring back in the 1990s with some of the most classic animated films to ever hit the big screen. Indeed, these amazing 90s Disney cartoons are still delighting children — and perhaps tormenting parents — even all these years later.
The Little Mermaid (1990)
Ariel is a young mermaid princess who longs to explore the human world. When she falls in love with Prince Eric, her father King Triton confronts them and ends up destroying their ship so they can’t leave the ocean. After being saved by some sea creatures, Ariel goes on an epic journey to prove to her father that humans don’t deserve his disdain.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The sequel to the 1977 original, this 90s Disney cartoon follows Bernard and Bianca on another daring rescue mission. This time they must save a boy named Cody who has been kidnapped by an eagle from his home in Australia and taken to a secret hideaway near civilization. On their way through the outback, meeting kangaroos, koalas and other Australian animals along the way.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Belle is a young woman who falls in love with a monster, only to find out he’s actually an enchanted prince under a curse that can be broken by true love’s kiss. When she breaks the spell, they both turn human and live happily ever after.
Aladdin (1992)
This Arabian folk tale tells the story of a young man named Aladdin, who is tricked by his “wicked” uncle into retrieving a magical lamp from an evil sorcerer’s cave. When he rubs it and wishes to be granted three wishes, he gets more than what he bargained for when the sorcerer shows up and tries to take the lamp back.
The Lion King (1993)
This Disney animated film tells the tale of young lion prince, Simba, who is tricked by his evil uncle Scar into thinking that he was responsible for an act against their family’s honor. After running away from home in shame, Simba discovers a wildebeest herd, which he ends up leading.
Pocahontas (1994)
This Disney animated film tells the tale of a Native American Indian girl, who falls in love with an English settler named John Smith and helps him reunite with his fellow colonists. When her father is killed by the troops that Smith was part of, she must decide whether to side with the settlers or her own people.
Toy Story (1995)
This Disney animated film tells the tale of two toys, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, who are brought together by their shared adventures among Andy’s other toys. When they find themselves in a new home without any humans to take care of them, they must decide how to stay together and what it means to be a friend.
Tarzan (1999)
After being raised by gorillas for 18 years, Tarzan is taken back to England where he starts adapting his animal instincts in order to fit into society’s norms. As he learns about the finer points of British etiquette from Jane Porter’s father, Tarzan finds himself torn between his old life and this one.
Mulan (1999)
In ancient China, a war is about to happen and each family must send their firstborn son to serve in the Imperial Army. But when it comes time for Hua Mulan’s turn her father says no because he has five daughters. Mulan disguises herself as a male and takes her father’s place in order to save the other townsfolk from being drafted into war.
Hercules (1999)
The son of the Greek god Zeus is left to die in a remote location because that’s what mortals deserve from their gods. Fortunately for him, he was found by two women who raise him on their own as an adopted son. When Hera discovers he’s alive, she wants to kill him so that Zeus can’t have any more heirs.
(Like 90s Disney Cartoons? Then you might like our article on 70s Disney Cartoons, click here. Or how about Dinosaur Cartoons from the 90s, click here.)
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