Disney has produced lots of movies with songs that became popular hits whether it’s “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, or “Let it Go” from Frozen.

They have also created great songs that get little attention from the general public. 

Below are my top 10 picks for my favorite underrated Disney songs in no particular order.

1: “Out There” – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

This song is sung by the main character, Quasimodo. He is expressing how he has been forced to isolate himself from the public but wants to go out.

What I love about this song is its melody and beauty. I also admire how Quasimodo yearns to get to know everyone else, despite his distorted physical appearance. He even runs across the tower’s exterior through waterways and little gates. That could symbolize freedom.

2: “Go the Distance” – Hercules 

During this number, Hercules is longing for a place where people will love him and not fear him. He will do anything to get there.

Aside from the lyrics and the memorable imagery, such as when Hercules rides Pegasus after reuniting with him for the first time in years, the melody and mood are absolutely beautiful and emotionally attractive. I almost cry about how pretty this song is.

3: “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” – The Lion King

Simba is excited about being king of Pride Rock someday. He brags about his prospective privileges as a king to Zazu, who will not accept his desires at the moment.

This song is, perhaps, my favorite Disney song. It’s catchy, upbeat, and fun overall. I snap my fingers when this song plays.

4: “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” – Lilo and Stitch

After a rough day, Nani’s boyfriend, David, takes her and Lilo out surfing. Unlike the previous 3 on the list, this song is not sung by any of the characters. It is sung in the background by a group of singers.

The tune is so exotic, which makes it fun. I especially admire how it plays during such breathtaking moments, such as when Nani and Lilo are swimming underwater. It just makes me want to go under the ocean too.

5: “Why Should I Worry?” – Oliver and Company

The movie, itself, is pretty forgotten, despite how Billy Joel was in it. And he did the voice of Dodger, who sings this song after he decides not to help Oliver the kitten.

It is not only catchy and upbeat, but it also sounds like a pop song, something that was unusual for Disney movies back then. But that’s not the reason this movie is underrated.

6: “Dig a Little Deeper” – The Princess and the Frog

When Tiana and Naveem meet Mama Odie, she tells them that they have to focus on what they need. Then she sings this song.

It has a jazzy tune and tempo with a Creole twist. Other parts I like about this song is what happens in this scene. A detail that stands out to me was when Mama Odie was looking for something, she took out the magic lamp from Aladdin. Disney does this a lot–sneak in characters or items from their other movies.

7: “Poor Unfortunate Souls” – The Little Mermaid

After King Triton destroys Ariel’s grotto, the heartbroken girl goes to Ursula, who claims that she can turn her into a human. Ursula sings “Poor Unfortunate Souls” to reveal how she “helped” past merfolk get what they wanted.

This song is dark, suspenseful, and dramatic. I will admit, though, that although the version done in the original animated adaptation of The Little Mermaid brought in those effects on me, the live-action remake was more dramatic for me. Maybe it was because Ursula sang louder during certain parts of the song.

That being said, both versions are good.

8: “Just Around the Riverbend” – Pocahontas

After Powhatan tells Pocahontas that the river is steady, she sees that it actually isn’t. So, she sings the song as she boats down the water.

This song suggests how things can change, but in good ways. It is catchy and dramatic at the same time. Watching Pocahontas navigate across big waves is also exciting. There is also the scene where she lets her canoe fall down a waterfall, but then she survives. And the waterfall is smaller. It’s cartoon logic.

9: “Everybody Wants to be a Cat” – The Aristocats

While lost, Dutchess and her 3 kittens meet Scat Cat, who is part of a cat band. He performs the song, “Everybody Wants to be a Cat.”

This song has a jazzy and catchy tune. There is also one moment where Dutchess gets a solo and sings in a traditional French melody. That part was beautiful. Even O’Malley says it. He even reminds me of when Baloo said it in The Jungle Book during the musical number, “The Bare Necessities.”

Fun fact: O’Malley and Baloo were voiced by the same person, which was Phil Harris.

10: “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” – Mulan

After Mulan manages to enter the soldier’s camp as a guy going by the name, “Ping,” General Li Shang sings this song to train the men for the battle between them and the Huns.

Aside from being catchy, it has a military-prep tune and mixes both Eastern and Western music. Its up-tempo and tune are what I like best about it.

Conclusion

As with any entertainment company, some songs will become big, popular hits while others will be forgotten or underrated. The many underrated Disney songs that currently exist won’t be the last.

But there will always be people who enjoy them.

Do you agree with my picks? Let me know in the comments if you’d like.