I would be lying if I didn’t say that it was a heck of a decade for Walt Disney Studios. The decade showcased how well the acquisitions of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel Studios paid off along with the continued resurgence of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Studios’ live-action efforts. The 2010–2020 era of Disney will definitely be remembered.
2010: Toy Story 3
Runner up: Waking Sleeping Beauty
The third Toy Story film was a home run. I just loved the story and how it ended. The characters are just top-notch. The runner up Waking Sleeping Beauty is a fantastic documentary about the group of creatives who led Disney into the Disney Animation Renaissance.
2011: The Muppets
The Muppets is a charming, emotional, and zany watch. The film marks the return to the big screen for The Muppets, and the film has quite an impact. The story is heartwarming and the ending will never not give me chills.
2012: Wreck-It Ralph
Runner up: The Avengers
Boy, this was a tough decision. I gave it to Wreck-It Ralph just slightly due to how unique the film was. It showed how well Walt Disney Animation was breaking out of its bubble and how the Pixarian ways were rubbing off on the studio. The Avengers marked the first major crossover within the MCU. It would lay the groundwork for what Marvel would accomplish years later.
2013: Saving Mr. Banks
Runner up: Frozen
Frozen remains a big part of our pop culture. Yet, Saving Mr. Banks is just as good as it gets for classic Disney films. Tom Hanks embodies the role of Walt Disney extremely well, and the backstory behind the production of Mary Poppins is intriguing. Frozen cemented itself as a major franchise player for Disney. The original film was another home run for the revitalized Walt Disney Animation Studios.
2014: Guardians of the Galaxy
Runner up: Big Hero 6
So, many people have tried to replicate Guardians of the Galaxy-esque style since its premiere. Guardians of the Galaxy became the first organic Disney-Marvel IP to do well without an initial following. Marvel took a major risk on a group of characters that the average person wouldn’t know. Guardians influence is evident in the MCU and filmmaking today.
Big Hero 6 is the runner-up as it was an awesome (underrated) animated film that really pushed Walt Disney Animation out of the comfort zone of the classic “princess or adventure” stories.
2015: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Runner up: Inside Out
Star Wars: The Force Awakens marked the return to a galaxy far far away. The film introduces us to a new crop of characters while bringing back legends like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and C-3PO. The Force Awakens created a new generation of fans.
Inside Out was simply a reminder that Pixar is still Pixar. Emotion-filled with top-notch animation makes this Pete Docter film one of the best of 2015.
2016: Moana
Runner up: Captain America: Civil War
2016 was another year that was super tough to decide on. In the end, I feel like Moana was the best that year. Even though Captain America: Civil War is spectacular. Moana showed Walt Disney Animation Studios strayed even further away from its traditional princess tales. The film had catchy songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and an impressive voice cast.
Captain America: Civil War was another crossover within the MCU and the film was a stepping stone that leads to Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Civil War was directed by the Russo Brothers who would go on to direct the next two Avengers films. The film also introduced us to the MCU’s Spider-Man and Black Panther.
2017: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2
Runner up: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 is everything you want in a sequel. It’s bigger, bolder, and does more for its characters and set up for the general MCU than any non-crossover film. You just can’t beat the combination of comedy, music, and action in a Guardians film.
I’ve always been a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. From the attraction to the films, the wonder of seeing Jack Sparrow and pirates in action doesn’t get old. Also, I’ll fondly look back on this film because it was the last film I got to see with my Nana. Even though she ditched me before the post-credit scene. She had seen enough.
2018: Avengers: Infinity War
Runner up: Christopher Robin
Infinity War is just a massive accomplishment. There is so much action and more crossover appeal within Infinity War. Not to mention the ending is a monumental cliffhanger. It was part one of a massive two-part film event that will be hard to replicate. Lines from Infinity War became ingrained into our pop culture.
Christopher Robin is a genuine, heartwarming Disney film. It was a much-needed return to Hundred Acre Wood. Ewan McGregor does a great job playing an older Christopher Robin.
2019: Avengers Endgame/Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Runner up(s): Aladdin/Toy Story 4/Frozen II
I got a tie for first, and a three-way tie for runner up. The year is still fresh in my brain and it will be hard to trace back 2019’s impact for a long time. The obvious winners of this year are both bookends. Avengers: Endgame marked the end of the first true era of the MCU proving the success in the concept of a shared universe. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker marked the end to the Skywalker saga that began with A New Hope. Both films have triumphant tones and are massive productions.
The runner ups include Aladdin, which is a compelling live-action remake of the animated film. Dazzling performances from Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Nasim Pedrad, and Will Smith make this film soar. Will Smith’s Genie has swagger and feels different from the original Robin Williams take. Toy Story 4 serves as another chapter with old friends. Stunning animation and witty lines make Toy Story 4 a reminder of Pixar’s greatness. Frozen II was also a reminder of why Disney Animation is currently enjoying its win streak. Frozen II expands the Frozen universe in new ways while maintaining the heart and the catchy tunes of the original.
2019 is almost over. This decade included some incredible content for Disney. I can only imagine what 2020–2030 will bring us from Disney. As the company keeps moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, the curiosity should lead Disney into a new decade of imaginative storytelling. Because after all, it’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, always.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
