While Walt Disney Animation Studios is known for its musicals, its musicals are known for featuring well-crafted “I Want” songs. This particular type of tune is known for occurring in the first act of a musical. The song establishes the protagonist’s deepest desires and hints at the adventure to come. Because of these songs’ prevalence (especially in the films produced during the Disney Renaissance), we thought it was time to rank the best of the Disney “I Want” songs.
In this list, we’ll be considering any song that occurs near the beginning of an animated Disney musical. The main character must sing it, and the lyrics must express a desire for a better life or a wish for something greater.
Before we get started, we’re shouting it out to the “I Want” songs that won’t be making the lineup. These include “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, “When Will My Life Begin” from Tangled, “I’m Wishing” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, “For The First Time In Forever” from Frozen, and “I Wonder” from Sleeping Beauty. Yes, these are all incredible, but our space is limited.
Though we don’t have any strict ranking criteria, we’ll be focusing on the emotional impact, story prevalence, and overall composition of each musical number. With that said, here are some of the greatest Disney “I Want” songs around.
“Go The Distance” (Hercules)
Disney’s 1997 Hercules utilizes the “I Want” song to skip along with the narrative. Hercules knows he doesn’t belong, and midway through “Go The Distance,” he learns that his parents found him abandoned as a baby. He then spends the rest of the tune journeying toward the Temple of Zeus where he hopes to find answers.
The song’s lyrics emphasize the “champion” themes throughout the film, and the building music helps lead to an emotional conclusion.
“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella)
This wish song occurs near the beginning of 1950’s Cinderella. The whimsical melody sees the lead heroine believing that her life will get better despite the unfortunate circumstances she finds herself in.
“A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” helps establish Cinderella’s optimistic outlook and suggests a brighter future, as viewers can see the castle outside her window as she hums to herself. The soft orchestral accompaniment and sweet vocals make this one a classic.
“How Far I’ll Go” (Moana)
In 2016’s Moana, the titular princess hopes to explore the world outside of her island. Though Moana ponders this idea at the beginning of the “How Far I’ll Go,” she sets sail on the sea by the end.
Moana’s wish ballad continues to gain momentum throughout its entirety; It even moves up a key for an emotional conclusion. With spirit and adventure, “How Far I’ll Go,” expertly establishes Moana’s core desire.
“Just Around The Riverbend” (Pocahontas)
“Just Around the Riverbend” utilizes metaphor to establish Pocahontas’ hope to take her own path. Even though there’s an easier road ahead, she’d rather take a risk and explore a world she creates.
The song is full of energy and wonder. The vocals are soaring, while the imagery cleverly reasserts Pocahontas’ desire for something more.
“Into The Unknown” (Frozen II)
While Frozen’s “Let It Go” might be considered an “I Want” song by some, “Into the Unknown” more accurately fits the description. After all, this sequel song has Elsa realizing that she is being called — not just literally, but figuratively — to the world outside the kingdom’s walls.
“Into the Unknown” helps develop Elsa as a character; While she at first denies the voice she hears, she eventually embraces it full-heartedly. The lofty vocals and building orchestral arrangements are reminiscent of the “I Want” songs in earlier Disney hits.
“Out There” (Hunchback Of Notre Dame)
“Out There” is arguably one of the most moving “I Want” songs. While many of Disney’s heroes and heroines are hoping to turn their average lives into great ones, Quasimodo wants to transform his miserable life into an average one. After all, in 1996’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, he lives under the cruel captivity of his master, Frollo.
Though Frollo opens the number by telling Quasimodo that he has to stay inside, Quasimodo juxtaposes this order by dreaming of life among the people. The passion in his voice and music make this one impactful.
“I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” (The Lion King)
The Lion King’s “I Want” song is unique in that while Simba is excited about becoming the ruler of the Pride Lands during the tune, but his desire gets snuffed out later, after his father is killed. “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” makes the impact of Mufasa’s death much bigger when put next to it.
Though this use of the “I Want” song within the movie is smart, the tune remains bouncy and exciting on its own. Simba’s fantasy tune shows his perceived invincibility through witty lyrics and a wild beat.
“Belle” (Beauty And The Beast)
Not only does “Belle” tell us what Beauty and the Beast’s heroine wants in life; It also introduces one of the two main characters and establishes her ordinary world: a poor, provincial town.
This “I Want” is lyrical magic, showing us the multiple perspectives of the townspeople, a potential love interest, and Belle herself. Its charming, lively, and an excellent story set-up.
“Part Of Your World” (The Little Mermaid)
If any one song on this list defines the “I Want” song, this is it. After all, Ariel literally sings, “I want more” in this one, describing her wish to live on land.
The vocals are dreamy, the lyrics are curious, the instrumentation is enchanting, and the melody is memorable. While many “I Want” songs end with a powerful declaration, this one ends with Ariel realizing both figuratively and literally how out of reach her dreams are. This adds depth to The Little Mermaid’s leading lady.
“Reflection” (Mulan)
Topping off the list as the best “I Want” song out there is “Reflection” from 1998’s Mulan.
“Reflection” balances themes of family honor and individuality as Mulan struggles to accept her role in society. While many “I Want” songs are upbeat and lively, this ballad is much more intimate and reflective—the powerful vocals and romantic music balance the uncertainty that drives “Reflection’s” lyrics.
