11. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949): Ending this seven year period of “package films” (movies comprised entirely of a certain number of short films), The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad has remained, like the rest of the “package films” from this era, more under wraps than its other animated Disney brethren. Don’t let such a status dissuade you from catching this film though; this is a fine hour and a half of Disney filmmaking. While the two stories depicted couldn’t be farther away from each other in terms of tone, they both contain some exemplary instances of animation and character design (particularly in the nicely animated character of Mr. Toad). An unexpected delight, this is one of the few Disney features that provides both laughs and screams. Grade: B+

12. Cinderella (1950): I don’t get this movie. I just really, really don’t get it. What’s so special about Cinderella? Is it the underdog story? The animation? The music? Beats me, as even after several viewings the fim has left no impression on me, aside from how the voices of all the mice in the film become the vocal equivalent of nails on a chalkboard after only five minutes. In fact, it’s interesting to note that the 34-minute Wind In The Willows segment from Ichabod and Mr. Toad seems to have more depth than this supposedly epic tale that has twice the running time. An overrated film, this is easily one of the weakest animated features made under Walt Disney’s watch. Grade: C

13. Alice In Wonderland (1951): Frankly, I admire individual pieces of Alice In Wonderland more than the actual film itself, but this animated feature does a remarkable job of translating Lewis Carroll’s work to an animated format. Things remain episodic throughout, but the characters encountered are remarkable ones, and are easily some of the more unforgettable creations Disney has ever devised. I wish there was more characterization to our title character, as she doesn’t get to do much in her own story, but her escapades in this breathtaking fantasy realm are certainly some of the most remarkable ever created by any animation studio. Grade: B

14. Peter Pan (1953): Both Peter Pan and Alice In Wonderland make up a remarkable duology of sorts for Disney Animation; both feature title characters that are extremely dull and unlikable, yet both are surrounded by some wonderful supporting characters. Since the whole affair rests a bit more on the protagonists shoulders than in Alice, things are more dull here, since Peter Pan isn’t really a well developed person to base a movie on, not to mention that there are long stretches of activity that are dull in both pace and tone. Yet, folks like Captain Hook and Tinkerbell are nothing short of riveting to watch and perhaps solely for that fact, Peter Pan remains an easily watchable, if unmemorable, film. Grade: B-

15. Lady And The Tramp (1955): When it comes to household pets, I’m a dog guy, so it’s inevitable that this tale would resonate with me. Yet, I feel there’s more occuring here than merely the ultimate tale of a dog’s life; Lady And the Tramp may have one of the finest cinematic romances ever depicted. A remarkable script has it’s two leads having a realistic and wonderful relationship that constantly engages the viewers and gets them wrapped up in their predicaments. Nearly 60 years later, this is one movie that never fails to amaze me with it’s humor, animation and mature take on relationships. Grade: A

16. Sleeping Beauty (1959): Proclaimed to be an epic effort worthy of all the richest acclaim in the world upon it’s initial release, Sleeping Beauty was unlike anything to come prior to it, and until many years afterwards, following it. Depicted in widescreen and containing some of the most beautiful animation put to screen, Sleeping Beauty almost manages to live up to it’s over the top praiseful adjectives. Much of the films success can be attributed to the films prince; full of charisma and charm, he’s the first Disney prince to have a personality and it makes the film better ten-fold because of it. Thanks to this characterization, the films hauntingly stunning finale, involving one of my favorite dragons ever, becomes one of the best ever seen in cinema. Truly, Sleeping Beauty is an amazing masterpiece. Grade: A

17. 101 Dalmatians (1961): Hey, more Disney animation mutts! Like the ones found in Lady And The Tramp, these positively perfect profound purebred puppies are a succesful lot, all of them containing personality, memorable dialogue and some terrific character animation. But lest we forget, it’s Cruella DeVille who truly steals the show here, her deranged obsession with those poor hounds being effective at making her a memorable antagonist. While I wish the supporting cast was a little more than just ways for the plot to conveniently move, 101 Dalmatians is still fantastic entertainment. Grade: A-

18. The Sword In The Stone (1963): My childhood recollection of this film boils down to a single synonym word: dull. Further rewatches prove that that statement, while over-simplistic, is admittedly accurate. While some OK songs, animation and laughs are found in it, I doubt anyone can truly label the film anything other than a diversion that’s more likely to make you sleepy than feel the emotions of wonder and joy other Disney animated features inspire. Some of that can be attributed to shallow characters, or perhaps to it’s over leisurely pace that stunts any dramatic depth. Whatever the reason, this is a bit of a pathetic entry in the Disney legacy. Grade: C-

19. The Jungle Book (1967): There’s very few movies that shape the very fundamentals of us as individual human beings, but I wouldn’t hesitate for even a second to place The Jungle Book as one such film. Every single second of this movie is brimming with genius filmmaking, characters that are insanely lovable and some of the greatest music crafted by us as a species. The best part is the second meaning the film has for older viewers; the film’s characters and settings provide the perfect backdrop for a coming of age story, of a boy learning the consequences and responsibilities of becoming a man.

It’s fitting that this was the last animated movie to be overseen by Walt Disney (he didn’t live to see the final product) as it exemplifies everything he stood for; quality filmmaking made for audiences of all ages. Such a classification, and so much more praise, deserves to heralded towards The Jungle Book, an animated movie that all other cinema wants to be like. But they can never learn to be, like someone as perfect as The Jungle Book. Grade: A+

20. The Aristocats (1971): the passing of Walt Disney would throw the entire Disney corporation into nothing short of chaos, as every division struggled to fully live up to the legacy that had come before it. As the animation division geared up for life after Walt, this feature about cartoon felines (What? Were animated dogs too expensive this time around?) attempted to be the next classic Disney feature. It doesn’t quite hit those heights, but it’s still a reasonably pleasing film, surprising since the public reaction to it since then has been muted acceptance at best. While recycling elements like actor Phil Harris as Thomas O’ Malley (the man who had just voiced Baloo) feel out of place, the film overall does a fine job entertaining, especially in it’s iconic musical number Everybody Wants To Be A cat. Grade: B+

Next week: Numbers 21-30, in which the biggest flop in animated Disney history occurs, Billy Joel becomes a hound and a tale as old as time brings back Disney animation.