Non-Disney Musicals

Some of the best nostalgic songs that aren't Disney.
On
August 24, 2011

Being in this world, Disney is considered one of the best and most famous animation companies. It's still going decently, strong is an overstatement for the present. Also, I'm a '90s kid who grew up on a lot of Disney. What about other animated musicals from other studios? Even movies that just have one song in them but aren't musicals? If it's not Disney it tends to be easily forgotten by most or mistaken for Disney. So, here are some great songs from animated movies, not all are musicals that aren't Disney.

This is not a top 10 list and these are categorized by type. The categories are: ballads, villain songs, dance/chorus numbers and end credits. It's one per film and I had to limit myself to two max per category. Also, the more obscure ones get picked first. Here goes!

-Ballads-

Soon You'll Come Home-- All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

This song is touching and beautiful. The music in this movie wasn't always the best ever. This song is definitely one of the best in the long since discontinued movie soundtrack. Also, the solo by the child character is not always done well. Sometimes when characters who are children sing they either sound like adults or have annoying, breathy voices. This song makes Anne-Marie sound like the little girl she is flawlessly. (Judith Barsi, Anne-Marie's voice actor didn't sing this song)

Tell Me Lies-- Cats Don't Dance (1997)

This is a jazz ballad unlike most character female solos. That jazz flare to it makes it less generic. Still, this whole movie tends to be unfortunately easily forgotten. It's a strong musical with an interesting plot line. (sorry for the crappy video quality I couldn't find the movie clip and this was the only original cast version I could find on YouTube)

-Villan Songs-

Toxic Love-- Ferngully (1992)
(Broken YouTube Link Removed)
This song isn't particularly threatening but definitely entertaining. Hexxus is such an over the top villain that you can't help but just be drawn to him. Tim Curry has a perfect voice for this character.

In the Dark of the Night-- Anastasia (1997)

This is one of the best villian songs of all time. I know Anastasia isn't particularly easily forgotten but it's not Disney. There are arguably better animated villains than Rasputin but this is a pretty fantastic song either way.

-Dance and Chorus Numbers-

Heaven's Eyes-- the Prince of Egypt (1998)

This song is truly inspiring and the only song in this movie besides "Playing with the Big Boys" that won't make anyone cry. It's more of a solo but it's a dance number and montage at the same time. The hebrew chorus in this song and almost every other song in this movie is a nice, unique feature.
the Wishing Star-- Wakko's Wish (1999)
(Broken YouTube Link Removed)
This is the only direct-to-video full length Anamaniacs movie. It's truly easily forgotten and great for any Anamaniacs fan. Most people just think of the fantastic TV show when they consider Yakko, Wakko, or Dot. Also, this is a musical with some really good numbers.

-Miscelanious-

Bright Eyes-- Watership Down (1978)
(Broken YouTube Link Removed)
Besides that this song is truly depressing, it's an interesting way to illustrate all the death in the movie. This song was performed by Art Garfunkel and it fits perfectly in this beautifully animated movie.

the Spark Inside Us-- the Princess and the Goblin (1994)

This song gets credit because Curtie is a little boy, he sings like one too and not badly. It's also a simple song with simple ideas. It's done well.

-End Credits-

If We Hold On Together-- the Land Before Time (1988)

This is considered by some to be the saddest song in animated history. It's definitely inspirational and touching. Either way, it fits the story really well and Diana Ross has the perfect voice for it.

Flying Dreams-- the Secret of NIMH (1982)

This is one of the best songs of all time in an animated movie. Not only the credits are pretty to look at, the music just makes it beautiful.

Honorable Mentions (any other non-Disney animated movie with at least one memorable song in it)
-Raggedy Anne and Andy: a Musical Adventure (1977)
-the Last Unicorn (1982)
-An American Tail (1986)
-Rock-a-Doodle (1992)
-Once Upon a Forest (1993)
-Thumbelina (1994)
-the Swan Princess (1994)
-a Troll in Central Park (1994)
-the Theif and the Cobbler (1995)
-the Pebble and the Penguin (1995)

So, I hope I didn't forget anything and I hope you liked this. For more music I recommend my Top 10 Sad Songs list.
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