Though Disney has released many popular movies over its lifetime, the entertainment company is doing better now than ever before. Because of this, we thought it was time to look back at its greatest films of the last decade. To do this, we’ll be turning to the scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The review aggregation website has assigned every theatrically-released Disney film a percentage rating based on the positive and negative reviews of critics. Those with the highest Tomatometer Scores, released between 2010 and 2019, will be showing up here.
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that we’re including all films released under the Disney label in this lineup. That means films created by Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli are all fair game. With that said, it’s time to grab some popcorn, take a seat, and enjoy the greatest Disney hits of the 2010s.
Winnie The Pooh (91%)
The Winnie the Pooh franchise received a new theatrical release in 2011. Thankfully, this comedy musical had just as much as character and charm as the early series installments.
The film combined multiple narratives that take place in Hundred Acre Wood. While Eeyore searches for a new tale, Owlbelieves that Christopher Robin has been kidnapped, and Pooh scouts out honey.
The lighthearted, nostalgic feel of the film left critics satisfied.
Finding Dory (94%)
The sequel to Pixar’s Finding Nemo swam onto the big screen in 2016. This time around, the blue tang of the original, Dory, searches for her parents at the Marine Life Institute.
Finding Dory extended its original narrative in a way that didn’t feel tacked-on or unnecessary. Rather, the funny and thoughtful story expanded the characters of the original while adding a few surprises along the way.
Incredibles 2 (94%)
Though it took several years for the 2004’s Incredibles to get a sequel, a follow-up film finally arrived in 2018.
In this superhero sequel, the Incredible family attempts to incorporate back into society alongside their powers. While Elastigirl is recruited to take down a mysterious villain who deems himself the Screenslaver, Mr. Incredible is left to care for a curious Jack-Jack, a homework-frustrated Dash, and a love-struck Violet at home.
The high-stakes action and inventive humor had this one coming out almost as entertaining original.
The Secret World Of Arrietty (95%)
The Secret World of Arriety tells of a tiny teen girl whose family has hidden in a suburban home. However, after Arriety ends up becoming friends with the normal-sized Shawn who lives there, she and her parents are put at risk.
This 2010 Japanese fantasy was applauded for its detailed visuals and soulful story, characters that had become synonymous with Studio Ghibli productions.
Moana (96%)
Moana sees a Polynesian princess journeying across the ocean to save her people. Along the way she teams up with a disgraced demigod named Maui, who helps her navigate the sea and its mysteries.
The film’s formulaic narrative worked by adding in layered characters and twists. Additionally, the vivid visuals were impossible to ignore.
Coco (97%)
Based on the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, Coco tells of a boy who dreams of becoming a famous musician. The problem: His family has a strict ban on music. This sends young Coco on a journey into the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s roots and chase after his passion.
The rich scenery combined with a thought-provoking narrative and themes made this one a Pixar success. Unsurprisingly, Coco swept up the Best Animated Feature award at the Oscars.
Toy Story 4 (97%)
Toy Story 4 entered theaters in 2019, extending the story of Woody and Buzz a little further. In the final installment, Bonnie’s toys head on a family road trip. The problem comes when Woody gets sidetracked trying to save her newest handmade toy and in addition to rescuing Forky, he’s forced to figure out his own place in the world.
The high-quality visuals were reason enough to watch the film. Combined with a humorous and heartwarming story, Toy Story 4 added new life into the series. It left the most recent Academy Awards with the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Toy Story 3 (98%)
The first of three Disney movies to score a high 98% is the third installment in the Toy Story series. This film had Andy’s toys arrive at Sunnyside Daycare after attempting to escape the trash. Though the gang is excited by the prospect of being played with again, being that Andy is much older and will soon head off to college, it’s not long before they learn that the play is controlled by a revenge-driven teddy bear.
Toy Story 3 expertly mixed comedy and adventure. The genuine, emotional ending helped bring the story to a satisfying close. Like its sequel, Toy Story 3 won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.
Inside Out (98%)
Pixar’s Inside Out also did well among critics for relaying a creative narrative about an 11-year-old girl, who must move from her Midwestern home to San Fransisco after her dad gets a new job. Rather than focusing on the outside world, Riley’s story is told by the five emotions running her mind on the inside.
In addition to being beautifully animated, the adventure was full of smart humor and inventive themes. It took Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
Zootopia (98%)
The final Disney hit to top off the list is none other than 2016’s Zootopia. This comedy tells of a small rabbit who becomes the first of her kind to join the police force. While the other animals don’t take her seriously, she believes she’ll be able to prove herself by solving a mysterious case. This frustratingly means taking along the sly con-artist fox Nick Wilde, however.
The pop-culture references, fast-paced narrative, and insightful social themes had this one earning its stand-out status. Yes, it easily claimed Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
