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Many of us have become more glued to our TVs with the introduction of Netflix and other video streaming services. But this was a lot different when we were younger. We flocked to Rogers Video and Jumbo Video here in Canada to scour for the latest releases in VHS, VCD or DVD. We got to bump with friends who’d get a first hand of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster or Macaulay Culkin’s hit. And who could forget the additional charges for late returns? I must have paid hundreds of dollars for that.
But my love for movies is quite different from many film buffs out there. I never rewatch movies even if I like them a lot. It’s just part of my movie habit.
These heartwarming Oscar-worthy films (and one had won the award too) are part of my childhood and have somehow influenced my passion for everything beautiful and whimsical. These feel-good animated classics deserve another round of online streaming with a bucket of hot buttered popcorn and the company of Stefan and Maya.
Disney fans may appreciate the live-action version that was released in 2019 but nothing beats the original animated feature film that grossed $500 million more than two decades before that. Disguising himself as the wealthy Prince Ali Ababwa to impress Princess Jasmine through the help of the genie, Aladdin’s story is highlighted by a flying carpet, a dreamy palace, feel-good harem pants, and a kleptomaniac monkey assistant.
If there’s one thing I like about Aladdin, it’s the magic that we see on the couples’ eyes while on the flying carpet. It’s that one moment when we all love to cherish and wish that someday, we’d be sharing “a whole new world” with that special someone.
Classical symphonies played by the Philadelphia Orchestra, ostrich ballet dancers and Mickey Mouse. What could be any better than that? Fantasia was Disney’s most ambitious project back in the ‘40s and it created a legacy that young and old audiences continue to cherish from this masterpiece when it was re-released in 1990 for its 50th anniversary. It’s no wonder why the franchise has grown to video games and live concerts.
Fantasia continues to be on top of most Disney fans’ lists because of its magical and dreamy approach to animation.
Nemo (not the clownfish), is a young boy who liked to sleep a lot and would only wake up to eat and play. Then one day, he was taken to Slumberland and was given the key to the place by King Morpheus. After being warned not to open a door where a coiled dragon was hiding inside the room, he failed to fulfill his promise and released the Nightmare King. Trouble ensues and Nemo is bent on restoring Slumberland’s peace by saving the abducted king.
Not many of us are familiar with this animation though. But I love how the Japanese film producers added the anime touch to the stunning visuals. It also taught me a lesson back then: never lie to my parents, especially when you promised not to eat that pie in the fridge.
Chanticleer, a rooster who crows every morning to raise the sun (yup, you read that right!), was tricked by the Grand Duke of Owls into becoming a rock star. However, he needs to leave his farm to fulfill his dreams in the city. When he obliges, heavy rains flooded the farm and the growing darkness made it easy for the Duke to eat all animals in the farm. To save them from harm, Chanticleer’s friends decided to go on a mission to find him and bring back the sun.
I liked this film so much back then because the writers combined humor and brilliant storytelling together. Although this bombed in the back office, I never had the harsh critiques affect my love for it.
If there’s one father-and-son movie that should leave us a lesson on how wonderful fatherhood is, this should be it. Goofy and his son, Max, embark on a cross-country fishing expedition in the hopes of building a better bond with his boy.
One important lesson I learned is that families can find a lot of ways to spend time together without spending a lot of money. Fancy dinners, first-class airline tickets, posh accommodations in resorts — they mean nothing when compared to an afternoon of “goofing” around with your husband and kids right at home.
Growing up, we have all been in awe of the amazing Disney movies that shaped our childhood. These movies brought us into a world of fantasy and imagination, making us dream of a life beyond our own. Even as adults, these movies continue to influence us by inspiring our creativity and inspiring us to think outside the box.
From the magical adventures of Aladdin to the heart-warming family moments shared by Goofy and Max, these movies have left an indelible mark in our minds. They have taught us valuable lessons about love, friendship and standing up for what’s right while also introducing us to a myriad of different cultures.
As adults, the movies we watched as kids still shape our imagination and remind us of the beauty of life. By using these lessons to guide us in our daily lives, we can create a better future for ourselves and those around us. With these timeless classics, Disney continues to be a timeless source of joy and children of all ages will continue to enjoy its magical stories for generations to come.
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