Though Disney has had a long history of successful movies, no period was quite as prosperous for the animation studio as the Disney Renaissance, which took place between 1989 to 1999.
Under the control of Walt Disney in the 1930s, ’40s, and ‘50, Walt Disney Pictures created many groundbreaking films including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. However, after the passing of Walt and his brother Roy Disney in 1966 and 1971 respectively, the animation department at Disney began to go downhill.
After creating a series of films that underperformed at the box office (including the failure of The Black Cauldron in 1985, which almost ruined Disney animation for good), it seemed that the studio’s animation department was at risk. Thankfully, Disney redeemed itself in 1989 with the release of The Little Mermaid, and thus, the Disney Renaissance was born.
This era is characterized by its gorgeous animations, Broadway-style music, and popular story adaptions. Though this made for creative success, it also made for financial success.
Take a seat, and get ready to watch the big bucks roll in; Here are how the Disney Renaissance films rank in terms of their worldwide box office scores.
The Rescuers Down Under ($47 Million)
The least successful (and most uncharacteristic) film of the Disney Renaissance is The Rescuers Down Under.
This 1990 film is a sequel to the 1977 animation, The Rescuers, and has the mice of the original film setting out for Australia to rescue a boy from a poacher who plans to capture an endangered bird.
The Rescuers sequel became Disney’s first film to be made fully digitally. While the story could have used some polishing, the visuals were top-notch. This had it bringing in $47 million.
Hercules ($252 Million)
Disney turned the legend of Greek/Roman hero Hercules into an animated musical in 1997. It told of the son of gods who is kidnapped by Hades as a child and raised amongst mortal men. Hercules must take on a set of evil creatures in order to return to his birthplace, Mount Olympus.
The film’s humor, story, and excitement left fans pleased. This had it earning $252 million at the global box office.
The Little Mermaid ($274 Million)
This musical romance kicked off a series of Disney successes after it swam into theaters in 1989.
Loosely adapted from the Danish fairytale of the same name created by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid tells of an undersea princess who hopes to become human. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula to gain legs in exchange for her voice, but if she is unable to kiss the handsome Prince Eric within three days, she is destined to remain a mermaid forever.
The film’s beautiful visuals, memorable songs, and charming story impressed critics. It won Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, all while bringing in $274 million at the box office.
Mulan ($304 Million)
Let’s get down to business!
Though you’ll have to wait a few more weeks for the live-action Mulan to hit theaters, you can revisit the 1998 animated original now. It tells of a young woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight in the Chinese army in place of her aging father.
The film’s themes of duty, honor, and staying true to yourself were new to Disney. The freshness and fun had Mulan earning $304 million in theaters.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame ($325 Million)
While The Hunchaback of Notre Dame was much darker than its predecessors, it still managed to enchant viewers with stunning visuals and interesting characters.
The drama, based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel of the same name, tells of a deformed man named Quasimodo who rings the bells of the Notre Dame cathedral, hoping to one day be accepted by society. He might get the chance after entering the Festival of Fools and meeting the clever Esmeralda.
The film brought in $325 million. A live-action remake is currently in development.
Pocahontas ($346 Million)
Though 1995’s Pocahontas has a controversial history, it was nonetheless visually impressive and full of show-stopping songs. The box office score also proves its appeal, with the film taking in $346 million.
The romantic drama tells of a Native American woman and Englishman who fall for each other after the Susan Constant arrives in the New World. However, tensions between the Powhatan tribe and the new Jamestown settlers threaten not only the couple’s love but the peace of the land.
Pocahontas scored Best Original Song and Best Original Musical or Comedy Score at the Academy Awards.
Beauty And The Beast ($440 Million)
Beauty and the Beast focuses on a French maiden who exchanges herself for her father, who has been kidnapped by a monster that lives inside of an enchanted castle. Though she is at first upset by her life of captivity, she starts to discover that Beast has a secret past; It’s also not long before Belle and her captor start to fall for one another.
The 1991 musical romance left theaters with $440 million, Best Original Song and Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, and loads of positive reviews. The interesting, romantic, gorgeous story had fans feeling the magic.
Tarzan ($448 Million)
The Disney Renaissance came to an end in 1999 with the release of the animated adventure, Tarzan.
Disney’s 37th animated feature tells of a man who is raised by apes in the jungle. After a group of British explorers arrives in Africa, however, Tarzan starts to reconsider his place in the world — especially after he falls for the creative, sweet, and adventurous Jane.
Tarzan snatched $448 million at the box office. With lots of action, spirit, and a boppin’ soundtrack created by Phil Collins, fans were left impressed. The film took home Best Music, Original Song at the Academy Awards.
Aladdin ($504 Million)
This 1992 musical fantasy follows an orphaned boy living on the streets of Agrabah who comes across a magical lamp. After meeting the genie inside of it, he is granted three wishes that he hopes to use to enchant Princess Jasmine. But will his true identity ruin his blossoming romance?
Aladdin transformed a $28 million budget into a $504 million box office score. With beautiful drawings, compelling characters, and instantly classic song, the story had a lot going for it.
The Lion King ($968 million)
Topping off the list is one of Disney’s greatest animated achievements of all time, The Lion King. This 1994 musical, inspired by the stories of Joseph and Moses in the Bible and William Shapeare’s Hamlet, tells of a lion who must claim his rightful place as leader of the Pride Lands after his evil uncle Scar tries to take control.
The film took home Best Original Song and Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, with many praising the moving visuals and narrative. It nabbed $968 million at the box office.
