Disney gave us so much in the 1980’s! Which of these Best Disney Movies of the 1980’s is your favorite? In the 1980’s, Disney gave us more hilarious adventures from Herbie, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, a hand drawn sex symbol, and, in the end, entered us into the Disney Renaissance Animation Period.
The Best 1980’s Disney Movies
I am an 80’s baby who grew up with Disney and am now a super fan. These movies made my childhood. Now it is time to share them with a whole new generation!
When it comes to Disney animation in the 1980’s Disney was in their Bronze age and many of the animated movies are totally forgotten except for the few chosen for this “best of” list.
Herbie Goes Bananas (1980)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Everyone’s favorite Love Bug is back, this time in an adventurous and hilarious journey South of the border, in an effort to break up a counterfeiting ring in Mexico.
The Fox and the Hound (1981)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Tod and Copper become wonderful friends. This is unusual because Tod is a fox and Copper is a hound dog. This is a sad movie but I love it, so many touching, teachable moments for kids in this movie.
Tron (1982)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Who else is excited that is now a ride in construction at Walt Disney World to go along side this gem of a movie. When talented computer engineer Kevin Flynn finds out that Ed Dillinger , an executive at his company, has been stealing his work, he tries to hack into the system. However, Flynn is transported into the digital world, where he has to face off against Dillinger’s computerized likeness, Sark, and the imposing Master Control Program. Aided by Tron and Yori, Flynn becomes a freedom fighter for the oppressed programs of the grid.
Tex (1982)
Tex is available to rent or buy on Amazon.
When Tex and Mason McCormick’s mother dies, and father disappears, the two young boys have only one another to depend on. In this amazing coming-of-age tale, the two boys learn about survival, independence, and faith.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Dicken’s classic Christmas Carol comes alive with Mickey and friends. Scrooge McDuck makes a perfect Scrooge who learns the meaning of Christmas from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. This is a Disney movie I watch every Christmas.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Based on the Ray Bradbury novel, two young boys are lured to a seemingly magical carnival, only to discover that it was all created by the evil Mr. Dark. It quickly becomes apparent that Mr. Dark intends to take over the town and will let nothing and no one stand in his way.
One Magic Christmas (1985)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Ginny’s family has fallen on hard times, and she is discovering that she has lost her sense of faith in anything and everything. Santa sends a special angel to make Ginny and her family believe in the Christmas spirit again, but will this be enough to mend her shattered faith?
Benji the Hunted (1987)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
The lovable Benji is back in an exciting story of survival. When Benji finds himself lost in the Oregon wilderness, his one goal is to make it back to his master alive. But when he discovers orphaned cougar cubs, his priorities change dramatically.
Unlike Homeward Bound, the animals are not voiced so younger children may not understand everything that is going on. There is very little talking in this movie at all, but if an adult is there to explain what is going on it is a very adorable, heartfelt movie. So much cuteness!!! Beware there are also some rough scenes of the harshness of the circle of life, you will need some tissues.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Down-on-his-luck private eye Eddie Valiant gets hired by cartoon producer R.K. Maroon to investigate an adultery scandal involving Jessica Rabbit, the sultry wife of Maroon’s biggest star, Roger Rabbit. So many laughs and hi-jinks in this movie. Remember, Jessica isn’t bad, she is just drawn that way.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
Wayne Szalinski is a crazy scientist, always attempting to invent the next big thing. Wayne invents the machine that shrinks objects, only to discover that he forgot to warn his children that this invention actually works.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
This movie is currently on Disney+.
The Little Mermaid ushers us into the beginning of Disney Animation’s Renaissance period where Disney finds their perfect “formula” for producing a box office hit. A princess, a villain with a great sidekick, and stunning music!
The Little Mermaid, Ariel, is the young daughter of King Triton, who has found herself yearning for life on land. Ariel seeks help from the banished and evil Ursula, only to discover that Ursula has been plotting against her and her father all along.
What 1980’s Disney movie is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
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