If there’s any justice in this world, "Let It Go" from Frozen will take home the Oscar for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards tomorrow night, becoming the 13th Disney song in history to win a coveted gold man. Beginning with the magical Pinocchio tune “When You Wish Upon a Star” in 1940, Disney has racked up Best Original Song trophies for nine animated films and three live-action movies over the last 74 years. While all of these songs are obviously winners, we’ve ranked the dozen Disney tunes in order, based on songwriting merit and overall catchiness, with bonus points for childhood nostalgia. Check out the songs below, then watch the Oscars March 2 to see if “Let It Go" from Frozen becomes lucky number 13!
12. "If I Didn’t Have You" (Monsters, Inc.)
This catchy tune by Randy Newman is very sweet, but the 2001 song, which played during the movie's ending credits, ain't no "Colors of the Wind." More about that one later. Sorry, Sulley and Mike.
11. "We Belong Together" (Toy Story 3)
Another Randy Newman hit, "We Belong Together" snagged the Oscar for Best Song in 2010. It's upbeat and fun, but when it's going up against seven decades of classic Disney songs, the tune just can't compete.
10. "You’ll Be In My Heart" (Tarzan)
Fifteen years after it won the Oscar in 1999, this earworm by Phil Collins is still in our heads. Gorgeous lyrics, catchy chorus, it's a hit. But we've heard it so many times on the radio over the last 15 years, we need a little break.
9. "Man or Muppet" (The Muppets)
The most recent Oscar-winning Disney song, this understated 2011 track written by Bret McKenzie is definitely the wild card—but it gets extra points for originality and a Jim Parsons cameo.
8. "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" (Song of the South)
The movie has been shelved by Disney, but thanks to the magic of YouTube, we can relive this legendary 1946 song featuring music by Allie Wrubel and lyrics by Ray Gilbert, bluebirds included.
7. "Chim Chim Cher-ee" (Mary Poppins)
Mary Poppins is nearly 50 years old, but it's still a jolly holiday each and every time we listen to this track. Together, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke can do no wrong.
6. "Under the Sea" (The Little Mermaid)
Written as an homage to "The Beautiful Briny Sea" from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, "Under the Sea" is the first Disney song Alan Menken won an Oscar for...but definitely not the last, as you will see below.
5. "Colors of the Wind" (Pocahontas)
Featuring the gorgeous vocals of Broadway vet Judy Kuhn, "Colors of the Wind" easily nabbed the 1995 Oscar. Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz provided the lyrics for this sweeping gem, while, you guessed it, Alan Menken wrote the music.
4. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (The Lion King)
This song was originally written as a duet between Timon and Pumbaa, but we're glad Simba and Nala get in on the action, too. For this delightful love song, Elton John and Tim Rice snag the number four spot away from Menken.
3. "A Whole New World" (Aladdin)
There's one reason this song beats out "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" for the number-three slot, and that reason is Lea Salonga. The Tony winner is spectacular as Princess Jasmine alongside Brad Kane as Aladdin. See them recording the song here!
2. "Beauty and the Beast" (Beauty and the Beast)
Guess how many takes it took Angela Lansbury to record this song? Just guess. ONE TAKE! Also, she made everyone in the studio cry, because she's Angela Lansbury and that's just how she rolls.
1. "When You Wish Upon a Star" (Pinocchio)
It was a tough race, but this definitive Disney song just can't be beat. We dare you not to listen to this song without getting goosebumps and feeling five years old again.
Do you agree with our favorites? Tell us in the Facebook comments below!