In anticipation of the release of Disney’s Tangled this Wednesday, I have put together a list of what I think the top six Disney Animated Classics are, number one being the best of them all. (I could rant forever about Disney, so I’ve limited myself to just six.) As a disclaimer, I must say that all of the animated classics are absolutely amazing, each in its own way, and this was extremely difficult.

6. Bambi (1942)

Bambi has to be one of the most underrated Disney classics. Yes it’s very sad, and maybe it introduces the idea of death to children a little too soon (I just thought Bambi was abandoned the first time I saw it). But it is SO deep—the message of growing up and accepting a great destiny at such a young age is developed so well throughout the story. I’ll admit I tear up every time I watch the “forest fire” scene and Bambi has fallen and must summon the strength and will to get up again (so symbolic, AHH). Plus the characters are so lovable in their great resemblance to children.

5. The Little Mermaid (1989)

Okay. I hate that she falls in love with the prince after seeing him for just 10 seconds and I cringe every time she says that God awful line, “Daddy, I love him!”. Even Snow White interacted with her prince more…Aside from that, though, The Little Mermaid made the childhood of millions of children and will always be remembered. Alan Menken gave the world a musical experience never to be forgotten—everyone loves Sebastian and his jams, as well as Ariel’s Part of Your World and even Ursula’s Poor Unfortunate Souls. This is the film that made every little girl want to be a mermaid.

4. Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin has to be the one film with the best looking leading couple, although that’s just my opinion. The “whole new world” of Aladdin is truly magical, with the AWESOME genie played by the talented Robin Williams, a magic carpet, a palace, the princess—all the works. The story is extremely well developed too, balancing a ton of lovable characters and their needs, all of which are satisfactorily fulfilled in the end. How could you not fall in love with the poor boy and his heart of gold (not to mention the killer abs, face, hair…) and want him to get the girl, even if he is lying (and did I mention HOTTT)? Plus Menken strikes again.

3. The Lion King (1994)

This was my favorite as a child. The Little Mermaid made other kids want to be mermaids, but I watched The Lion King and dreamt of being a lion. I am saddened to list this only as number three because it is one of the best films I have ever seen and I never grow tired of watching it. This too is another film to be enjoyed at all ages. Love the characters, story, music, animation…

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

This film should be a model for all other films to follow. It is storytelling perfection. My only qualm—please name the prince!! Again, Menken shares beautiful music with the world. (Okay, I shouldn’t say this, but if you really want to laugh the next time you watch this film, pause it every time Maurice/Belle’s horse is on the screen. His eyes are ALWAYS humongous, it’ll crack you up if you’ve never noticed before.)

1. Robin Hood (1973)

Oo-de-lally! One of the best films ever made. The characters, dialogue, music—every aspect is entertaining to its fullest. Robin Hood is a timeless classic. Prince John is the best villain ever created, and definitely adds to the film’s timelessness as there are many not unlike himself ruling different parts of the world every year. The best kind of romance is that of lovers who once were and who are reunited again, and that’s just what Robin Hood entails. And the chase scene after Robin Hood wins the archery contest will never cease to make us roll on the floor in laughter. “Ah-hah, ah-hah!”

What do you think is the number one Disney animated classic?