As I was compiling a list of greatest romantic comedies/chick flicks earlier today with my sisters and mom, we got into a debate as to whether or not animated Disney films could be included. I scoffed, thinking that an essential element of this gushy genre is a living, breathing hunk-o-saurus to ogle. However, upon further pondering, I realized there was more to that question than meets the MCM. In fact, many of my all-time fave Disney classics have scripts that are solid gold rom-com fodder. Furthermore, what if Disney has been prepping me for my infatuation with these sappy films from the start!
Maybe it’s not the most far-out concept or theory to postulate that Disney writes cheesy romances, but I just never saw the link between Disney animation and romantic comedies so clearly until today. Yet, when a super-stud like Hercules is that kind, compassionate, oh-so-sweet to his lady and muscular, what else are you going to call it?
After careful consideration, here’s my list of the top ten Disney would-be-chick-flicks-if-they-were-live-action animated features.
10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
She is waiting for her prince and he comes and sings with her. He is also great with animals and loves her when all hope is lost. James Marsden as the Prince with Lacey Chabert as Snow.
9. The Little Mermaid (1989)
These two fall in love before they even meet and Eric is so dopily shy (go on and kiss the girl!) yet brave enough to drive a ship through a sea-witch’s stomach. Swoon. Zac Efron as Eric with Vanessa Hudgens as Ariel (yeah, that’s what I said!).
8. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
She is an independent woman with an amazing work ethic and he is a snobbish, spoiled (handsome) prince. Of course, she changes him into a caring, loyal romantic who cares only for her happiness. Johnny Depp as Naveen with Keke Palmer as Tiana.
7. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A tale as old as time—mainly because men have always been beasts and we’ve always thought we can change them. He appreciates her love for literature and rescues her from wolves. Maybe he’s not dreamy throughout, but she gets her hunk in the end. Chris Pratt as Beast with Emma Watson as Belle.
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6. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
She walked with him once upon a dream and Prince Philip is definitely a five-star stud in animation. He dances, he fights dragons and he has no problem with morning breath. Ryan Reynolds as Philip with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen as Aurora.
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5. Hercules (1996)
Honey, you mean hunk-u-les! I’d like to make some sweet music with that boy! He is just the epitome of a great guy: he’s strong, faithful, innocent, loyal, and he trades immortality for love. Awwwww. Chris Evans as Herc with Ellen Page as Meg.
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4. Tarzan (1999)
We women see our men as beasts that need to be tamed. Tarzan embodies that. He was raised by gorillas, but that doesn’t mean he can’t sweep Jane off her feet—literally—with vines—through the jungle. Orlando Bloom as the King of the Apes (Yes, Orlando Bloom) with Leighton Meester as Jane.
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3. Cinderella (1950)
Hollywood already figured this one out by rehashing it 1000 times, but Disney’s is especially endearing for the Prince’s simplicity and faithfulness. Ryan Gosling as the Prince with Hayden Panetierre as Cinderella.
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2. Aladdin (1992)
Al’s absolute infatuation with Jasmine from the first glance is so darn appealing and even when he’s lying to her, his motives are so adorably rom-com. Plus a magic carpet ride to a whole new world—c’mon! Joseph Gordon Levitt as Aladdin with Selena Gomez as Jasmine.
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1. Tangled (2010)
It seems like Disney played into this one intentionally quite a bit with Flynn’s smolder and whatnot, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this film offers some seriously epic chick flick moments. Rapunzel’s innocence makes the evolution of their romance even more awesome. Channing Tatum as Eugene with Emma Roberts as Rapunzel.
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What do you think of this list? What Disney animated movies would you want to see made into a live-action chick flick?
This is a guest post by Jessica Wersky. Jessica is a fast-talking, God-fearing, animation-loving girl from Colorado and currently writes for Animation Fascination.
