Summary

With a wave of their creative wand, Disney’s brilliant minds transform literary gold into timeless film wonders that transport audiences to worlds beyond their wildest dreams. Buckle up for a whimsical adventure as we venture through the best seven Disney movies that owe their captivating existence to the wonder of books.

RELATED:Best Disney Pixar Shorts, Ranked

Fromfairy tale castlesto surreal rabbit holes, these tales prove that when literature meets cinema, it’s a storytelling spectacle. Grab your popcorn and let the pages of these classic tales unfold on the silver screen, where dreams take flight and happily ever afters are just a wish away.

7The Lion King (1994)

In a savannah far, far away, where lions rule with Shakespearean panache, The Lion King roars to life. Drawing inspiration from the immortal Hamlet by the Bard himself, this animated masterpiece stars Simba, a young lion cub destined for greatness.

Embracing themes of responsibility, leadership, and a dash of Hakuna Matata, Disney’s The Lion King proves that even kings need some friends to find their way. As we watch Simba’s journey from a carefree cub to a brave leader, we learn that facing our past and embracing our true destiny is what truly makes us kings of our own destinies.

scene from the lion king with Mufasa, Rafiki, baby Simba, and Sarabi

6Beauty And The Beast (1991)

Once upon a French fairytale, a beautiful Belle found herself trapped in a beastly embrace. Borrowing from Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s beloved 1740 story of the same name, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast waltzes its way into our hearts.

RELATED:Best Disney Movies Inspired By Theme Park Attractions

With captivating musicand enchanted household objects, the film reminds us that true love goes beyond appearances and can even turn an arrogant prince into a loving partner. As Belle teaches us to look beyond the surface and see the beauty within, the Beast’s transformation reminds us that genuine love and kindness have the power to break even the most profound curses.

5Alice In Wonderland (1951)

Disney’s animated extravaganza takes inspiration from the whimsical rabbit hole of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, an 1865 literary gem that has captivated generations with its nonsensical charm and profound philosophical undertones. The movie version takes us on a psychedelic odyssey through a world where cats grin, mad tea parties are all the rage, and size is just a matter of perspective.

Grab your teacups and embrace the madness as Alice teaches us that sometimes, the best adventures happen when we embrace our curiosity. This topsy-turvy wonderland urges us to question the norms and revel in the absurdity of life, encouraging us to explore new possibilities and embrace our uniqueness.

Belle from Beauty and the beast gazing at The Beast.

4Cinderella (1950)

In the land of fairy godmothers and glass slippers, Cinderella dances into our list with grace and elegance. Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale Cendrillon laid the groundwork for this timeless and enchanting Disney adaptation.

The film version magically serves up a rags-to-riches story. Amid pumpkin carriages, wicked stepsisters, and a glittering ball, Cinderella’s tale reminds us that with a sprinkle of hope and some catchy tunes, dreams can come true for everyone.

Alice from Alice in Wonderland smiling at humanoid flowers

As we root for Cinderella’s triumph over adversity, we learn that kindness, courage, and a little bit of Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo can transform any life into a fairy tale of its own.

3Peter Pan (1953)

Second star to the right and straight on to Neverland! J.M. Barrie’s eternal childlike wonder in Peter and Wendy is the inspiration behind Disney’s animated frolic with the eternally young boy who never wants to grow up.

RELATED:Games To Play If You Love Disney Movies

Cinderella having her apron tied on by two blue birds

With pixie dust, mermaids, and a dastardly Captain Hook, Peter Pan transports us to a place where imagination runs wild and the allure of never growing up tugs at our hearts. As Peter and his Lost Boys teach us the joy of cherishing our inner child, we also learn the importance of family, friendship, and the magic of believing in the impossible.

2Mary Poppins (1964)

Practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins comes flying out of the pages of P.L. Travers' books and into our lives. This unique blend of live-action and animation introduces us to the enchanting nanny who adds a spoonful of sugar, a lot of magic, and a dash of adventure to the Banks family’s lives.

With her carpet bag full of wonders anda heart full of wisdom, Mary Poppins reminds us that even the most ordinary days can be extraordinary. Through whimsical escapades and heartfelt life lessons, Mary Poppins teaches us that finding wonder in the mundane can turn any task into a grand adventure.

Peter pan flying in the sky with Wendy and her siblings

1Tarzan (1999)

Swing through the lush jungles and vine-surf your way to adventure with Tarzan, the animated adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan of the Apes. Burroughs' timeless adventure, published in 1914, brings to life the wild and untamed spirit of the jungle and the human heart’s enduring quest for belonging.

In Disney’s adaption, Tarzan’s journey to discover his human heritage is a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, heart-pounding excitement, and a dash of jungle romance. This Disney delight teaches us that family comes in all shapes and sizes, even if your best friend is an elephant or a cheeky meerkat.

Mary Poppins looking into the mirror at her reflection

As Tarzan embraces his differences and bridges the gap between worlds, we are reminded of the strength of diversity and the power of acceptance in forging unbreakable bonds.

Tarzan and Jane talking at the shoreline