Disney movies and great music go hand-in-hand. We all love the catchy dance tunes and over-the-top group numbers. But some of the most iconic are the songs that move audiences to tears. These six Disney songs will tug at your heartstrings every time they play.
1. “Remember Me” — Coco (2017)
Coco tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who wants to be a great musician. There’s just one problem—his family thinks music is evil. Eventually, Miguel ends up in the Land of the Dead on the night of Día de los Muertos to right the wrongs of his ancestors. The film’s most memorable moment is when he returns to the land of the living, where he sings “Remember Me” to his great-grandmother, whose memory is failing. The tender guitar lullaby underscores the importance of keeping the memories of our loved ones alive.
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2. “You’ll Be in My Heart” — Tarzan (1999)
Rocker Phil Collins composed the score for 1999’s Tarzan, and he famously gave it everything he had. The film has one great song after another. One standout is “You’ll Be in My Heart.” This tender ballad takes place as Kala the gorilla adopts an orphaned human infant and names him Tarzan. The other gorillas aren’t happy about the decision. “You’ll Be in My Heart” encompasses love, grief, and defiance as Kala stands firm in her decision to love her new baby despite the challenges that face them.
3. “When She Loved Me” — Toy Story 2 (1999)
Toy Story 2 came four years after the original film. It featured an all-star cast, including Holly Hunter as tough cowgirl doll Jessie. The movie packs an especially emotional punch in a scene where Jessie remembers her previous owner, Emily. She had once been Emily’s favorite toy, but the girl eventually lost interest in her, leading to Jessie’s cynical worldview. “When She Loved Me” is performed to heartrending perfection by Sarah McLachlan.
Experience the enchanting melodies of Sarah McLachlan’s tour! Secure your tickets now for the captivating 2024 tour and indulge in her soulful performances.
[RELATED: 4 Disney Songs You Didn’t Know Were Written by Grammy Winners]
4. “God Help the Outcasts” — The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is pretty dark for a kids’ movie, handling topics like racism, ableism, murder, and abuse. But its soundtrack? Phenomenal. One of the best songs is “God Help the Outcasts,” sung by Esmeralda as she seeks sanctuary in Notre Dame Cathedral.
In a humble and heartfelt prayer, she exhibits more genuine faith than Judge Frollo and remembers that God is supposed to be a friend to the outcasts of society. You don’t have to share the characters’ beliefs to be moved by this beautiful song.
5. “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” — Frozen (2013)
Frozen sparked a colossal craze when it came out in 2013, primarily because of the dynamic soundtrack. It helped that the film featured a stellar cast who gave terrific musical performances. It starts off strong with the song “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” which follows the two main characters, sisters Anna and Elsa, as they grow up. The outgoing Anna can’t understand why her sister hides away from her, so she tries to reach out to her over the years. The song culminates with the sisters, now grown, grieving together over the sudden death of their parents, but still estranged.
6. “Best of Friends” — The Fox & the Hound (1981)
Anyone who was a child when The Fox & the Hound was released probably remembers feeling slightly traumatized by the song “Best of Friends.” It follows domesticated fox Tod and hound dog Copper growing up together and becoming friends. Copper’s owner is frustrated by their friendship since he plans on raising him as a hunting dog. As the song continues, Tod and Copper are forcibly separated and made to forget one another. Even adult viewers will be moved by this song about the sometimes harsh realities of growing up, and how prejudice is learned, not innate.
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