Disney movies make you want to wish upon a star and have all your dreams come true. The emotional plots and lovable characters make it hard not to love Disney and Pixar movies. Our generation has grown up on these films and the franchise is ever-expanding, so naturally it’s time we listed our personal favorites. Though this is a difficult list to make, here are our top five must-sees for Disney/Pixar movies.

#5: “Finding Nemo” (2003)

Both funny and emotional, “Finding Nemo” is an incredibly compelling movie about the paternal bond between father and child. It is full of interesting adventures experienced by the main characters as they travel across the ocean. The comedic relief character, Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGenerous), makes the movie worth watching almost as much as the actual plot. Although this is typically a movie for younger kids, we could never get sick of it. This movie is a core memory from our childhood that we will never grow out of. 

#4: “Avengers: Endgame” (2019)

Even if you’re not into Marvel movies, “Avengers: Endgame” is a universally good movie with a lot of action and suspense. The mix of action sequences and emotional moments make this movie appealing to just about anyone. We actually found ourselves crying over the loss of our favorite characters in this movie. Even though most of the movie is relatively gory, it still has a sweet and meaningful ending. It’s unlike other Marvel movies in the way that it’s missing something very specific at the end, if you know what we mean!

#3: “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

“A Tale as Old as Time” makes you want to watch “Beauty and the Beast” on repeat. The original animated movie, released in 1991, captured a plot of growth and love. Iconic characters, such as Lumiere and Gaston, makes this movie so entertaining and funny to watch. The music, the dresses, the romance; it’s got it all! Better yet, Disney released a live-action version in 2017 starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens that is just as precious. 

#2: “Tangled” (2010)

“Tangled” is a movie that simply brings happiness to anyone who watches it. The light-hearted nature of Pascal the chameleon, Maximus the horse and The Ugly Duckling tavern that seems to be full of thugs but actually is full of wishful heartthrobs makes this movie so enjoyable. Not to mention the dreamy Flynn Rider makes this movie worth watching (*cue smolder). Personally, our favorite part of the movie is the growing romance between Rapunzel and Flynn Rider which makes us believe in true love. 

#1: “Princess and the Frog” (2009)

This final choice may be unexpected for some, but “Princess and the Frog” is by far one of the best Disney movies in every aspect of the film. Starting with the setting, it takes place in the lively city and mysterious bayou of New Orleans. The message of the movie sets a great example for young girls to show if you work hard for your dreams you can achieve anything, as shown by Tiana finally running her own restaurant. It also shows positive change in Prince Naveen as he goes from a wealthy snob to a supportive husband and caring person. The best part of this movie is the amazing soundtrack with songs like “Almost There” and “Dig a Little Deeper” that will have you dancing like Mama Odie.

Honorable mention: “Ratatouille” (2007)

Any movie about rats feels like it should be interesting, because what could possibly be so interesting about rats? This movie is about a rat who lives in the country eating trash with dreams of being a cook and his journey to that end. Despite a somewhat silly storyline, “Ratatouille” still poses an important question: What do you do when family stands between you and your dreams? This movie is cute and fun but simultaneously extraordinarily heartfelt.