When we talk about the soundtracks of animated musical movies, the first image that pops into most people’s heads is Elsa gliding across a frozen palace belting “Let It Go.” Yet there’s a whole treasure trove of 10 fantastic underrated songs from animated films that deserve your attention. These hidden gems may not have snagged the spotlight, but they pack the same emotional punch and lyrical brilliance as the chart‑topping hits.
10 Fantastic Underrated Songs You Need to Hear
10 Brother Bear
Brother Bear hit theaters in 2003, telling the poignant tale of Kenai, a young Native American who is eager to prove his manhood. After his brother is slain by a bear, Kenai’s thirst for vengeance lands him in the jaws of the very creature he hunts, and the spirits of his people transform him into a bear himself. The film’s emotional core demanded a soundtrack that could match its depth, and it delivered spectacularly.
The music was penned by Phil Collins—who also crafted the beloved songs for Tarzan—and among the standout tracks is the soaring anthem “Great Spirits,” performed with powerhouse vocals by Tina Turner. Turner, already a legend on the big screen for delivering the James Bond theme “GoldenEye,” brings her signature grit and soul to the piece, making it a truly unforgettable moment.
9 Tangled
Tangled may sit in the shadow of the colossal success of Frozen, but the film itself is a treasure chest of underrated melodies. It retells Rapunzel’s story with fresh vigor, sprinkling the narrative with catchy numbers like “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” and “I’ve Got a Dream.” While these tunes shine, the film’s true hidden gem is the final duet that captures Rapunzel’s long‑awaited dream.
When the lanterns finally flood the sky, Rapunzel and Flynn glide across a moonlit river, their voices intertwining on the heartfelt ballad “I See The Light.” Performed by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, the song radiates pure magic, yet it often slips under the radar compared to the more ubiquitous hits of its era.
8 The Prince of Egypt
DreamWorks’ epic The Prince of Egypt dazzles with its grand storytelling and a soundtrack that boasts massive hits like “When You Believe,” a duet famously covered by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey that clinched the Oscar for Best Original Song. The film’s narrative follows the harrowing journey of the Hebrew slaves, blending history with powerful musical moments.
Yet the opening number “Deliver Us,” composed by the legendary duo Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz, often flies under the radar. Performed by Ofra Haza and Eden Riegel, the track sets the stage with a stirring vocal that captures the desperation and hope of a people yearning for freedom, making it a true hidden masterpiece.
7 The Princess And The Frog
The Princess and the Frog stands as one of Disney’s most underappreciated gems, reimagining the classic frog‑princess tale through the eyes of Tiana, a hardworking waitress with dreams of opening her own restaurant. The film’s vibrant New Orleans setting is complemented by a lively soundtrack that earned two Academy Award nominations, though both lost to other contenders.
While songs like “Almost There” and “Friends on the Other Side” garnered attention, the track that often slips past casual listeners is “When We’re Human.” This upbeat number bursts with playful banter, opening with the witty line “Enjoy your loneliness, my friend,” and celebrates the joy of becoming human in a way that’s both catchy and heartfelt.
The infectious rhythm and clever lyrics make “When We’re Human” a standout that deserves far more applause than it typically receives, solidifying its place among the film’s most delightful musical moments.
6 Frozen II
Frozen reshaped the modern musical landscape, delivering chart‑toppers like “Let It Go,” which not only swept Grammy and Oscar honors but also spawned dozens of international versions. The sequel, Frozen II, continued the tradition of vocal excellence, adding new songs to an already impressive catalog.
Beyond the powerhouse ballad “Show Yourself,” which earned critical acclaim for its soaring melody, there lies a surprisingly under‑celebrated gem: “Lost In The Woods.” Sung by Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff), the track humorously mirrors the 80s power‑ballad vibe of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration,” complete with a playful nod to Queen, as Kristoff navigates literal and emotional wilderness.
And while fans often reminisce about the cheeky “Reindeer Are Better Than People,” “Lost In The Woods” remains a delightful, tongue‑in‑cheek addition that showcases the sequel’s willingness to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.
5 Mulan
Mulan brings to life the legendary Chinese heroine who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place on the battlefield. Set against the backdrop of the Han dynasty, the film weaves themes of honor, courage, and identity into a dynamic musical tapestry.
Among its memorable numbers—such as “A Girl Worth Fighting For,” “Honor to Us All,” and the reflective “Reflection”—the anthemic “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” stands out. Performed by Donny Osmond and a full chorus, the track underscores Mulan’s rigorous training montage. Interestingly, composer Stephen Schwartz originally pitched a melody titled “We’ll Make a Man Out of You” for a different project, but DreamWorks redirected him to The Prince of Egypt, leading to the iconic title we now celebrate.
4 Toy Story 2
The Toy Story franchise has captured the hearts of both children and adults, with the original film breaking new ground as the first animated feature nominated for Best Original Screenplay and for its beloved theme “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Its success paved the way for three sequels, each with its own musical highlights.
One of the series’ most heartrending moments arrives in Toy Story 2, when Jessie the yodeling cowgirl reflects on being forgotten by her original owner, Emily. The scene is underscored by Sarah McLachlan’s haunting ballad “When She Loved Me,” a poignant melody that perfectly captures the ache of abandonment and has become a timeless tear‑jerker among fans.
3 Big Hero 6
Big Hero 6 burst onto the scene with high‑octane trailers featuring Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark,” setting the tone for a film that melds Marvel’s superhero flair with Disney’s animated charm. The 2014 blockbuster topped box‑office charts and secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Central to its energetic soundtrack is the original song “Immortals,” also performed by Fall Out Boy. Crafted specifically for the movie, the track sold over a million copies, yet it rarely appears on typical “best‑of” animated‑film lists, making it a deserving candidate for greater recognition.
2 Hercules
Hercules entered production in 1992 and finally graced theaters in 1997 as a vibrant musical fantasy. While the film didn’t achieve the same box‑office heights as some of its Disney siblings, its soundtrack featured notable numbers like Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance” and Danny DeVito’s comedic “One Last Hope.”
Perhaps the most under‑appreciated tune is “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),” delivered by a talented ensemble including Susan Egan, Lillias White, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Cheryl Freeman, and Vanéese Y. Thomas. Evoking the classic pop‑ballad style of the 1950s, the song captures Meg’s playful denial of her growing affection for Hercules, adding a charming layer to the film’s musical narrative.
1 Tarzan
When Tarzan debuted, it claimed the title of the most expensive animated film ever made, raking in $448 million worldwide and becoming the second‑highest‑grossing animated release of 1999, trailing only Toy Story 2. Its massive success spurred two sequels, a television series, and even a Broadway adaptation.
The soundtrack, composed by music legend Phil Collins, features the Oscar‑winning ballad “You’ll Be In My Heart.” This tender anthem earned both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the album was recorded in multiple languages—French, Italian, German, and Spanish—to resonate with global audiences. Despite its accolades, the song remains one of the most underrated gems in animated cinema.