When you think of Disney, visions of childhood nostalgia, colorful characters, and timeless stories likely dance through your head. With so many classics to choose from, everyone has their favorites—but what about the best per decade? That’s a debate that stirs excitement amongst Disney enthusiasts everywhere.

Starting in the 1930s, Disney revolutionized animation with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Its success paved the way for future masterpieces, and arguably none have topped it during that era.

The next decade brought us “Pinocchio” (1940), which today is heralded not only as an achievement of its decade but as one of the greatest animated films of all time. Its technical prowess and heartfelt story set a high bar for animation.

As we leap into the 1950s, “Cinderella” (1950) stands out. Resurrecting Disney’s feature film production in the post-WWII era, Cinderella is not just a film; it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire fashion, music, and art.

The swinging 60s gave us “The Jungle Book” (1967). Known for its jazzy soundtrack and memorable characters, this film was the last to be personally overseen by Walt himself, making it iconic in more ways than one.

The 1970s might have seen less triumph until “The Rescuers” (1977) rekindled the magic with its charming story and thrilling adventure—though some argue that “Robin Hood” earlier in the same decade holds that special spark of classic Disney storytelling.

Disney faced a challenging time in animation during the 1980s until “The Little Mermaid” (1989) emerged. It marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance period and brought back classic musical storytelling with a splash.

For many fans, the 1990s are synonymous with “The Lion King” (1994). A massive achievement in animation and storytelling, its powerful narrative about life, loss, and legacy resonated on a global scale.

Entering the new millennium, “Finding Nemo” (2003) made waves as one of Pixar’s finest undersea treasures. With breathtaking animation and heartfelt moments between Marlin and Nemo, it won over both audiences and critics alike.

As we close in on our present era in the 2010s, “Frozen” (2013) broke records—and perhaps even more impressively—gripped popular culture in an unrelenting icy hold. The power of sisterhood along with Elsa’s anthem ‘Let It Go’ became an international phenomenon.

Each Disney movie holds a unique place in fans’ hearts but ranking them by decades spotlights those jewels that have shone particularly bright amidst Disney’s crown. So now we’re left to wonder: What tales will steal our hearts in this current decade? Only time will tell which Disney gem will rise above to represent another era of unparalleled storytelling.