Jungle Book tops list as Disney+ launches in UK

With streaming service Disney+ launching in the UK today for £5.99 per month, the most nostalgic Disney films of all time have been revealed. Surprisingly, perhaps, the Jungle Book tops the list, followed by Mary Poppins and the 101 Dalmatians.

New research found that as many as 39 per cent of Brits say that watching a Disney films puts them in a good mood and each generation seems to have its favourite. Results found that 56 to 76-year olds find Bambi and Snow White to be the most nostalgic, compared to Toy Story and Finding Nemo for 18 to 24-year olds.

Topping the list of movies which make us fondly remember our childhood, Jungle Book, which was first released in 1967 follows Mowgli – an orphaned child raised by wolves – and his good friend, Bagheera, the panther.

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name, the film features memorable songs and references including a quartet of vultures mirroring the style of The Beatles who were at the height of their fame at the time.

The study of 2,000 UK adults also saw Bambi, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Mary Poppins appear within the top 10.

The top 40 also featured more modern Disney movies such as Finding Nemo, Enchanted and High School Musical.

James Thomas, home entertainment product manager at LG Electronics, which commissioned the study to celebrate the launch of Disney+, said: “We all had that favourite Disney film growing up.

“Lots of us remember that first time watching it as a child in front of the TV with family or friends.

“Those moments became magical memories that last a lifetime.

“With Disney+ launching on LG TVs from today, children and adults alike will now be able to stream their favourite classics into their living room or discover new films and original TV content from Disney.

“It’s interesting, as well, to see how most generations feel relatively similar about which films take them back and just goes to show how timeless these motion pictures are.”

Around nine in 10 of all adults admit they still enjoy watching Disney films and 88 per cent agreed they are the kind of movies which can be enjoyed at any age – regardless of how old or new the film is.

Among the reasons these motion pictures are so enjoyable include the great story lines, the happy endings and the scores and songs within the films.

As many as 39 per cent also agree Disney films put them in a good mood, while 41 per cent said it makes them think of being a child and nearly half enjoy the characters.

The research also found the favourite characters of each generation with baby boomers, aged 56 to 76, loving Baloo from The Jungle Book and millennials – 25 to 40-year olds – preferring Buzz from Toy Story. Generation X, aged 41 to 55, agree Darth Vader from Rogue One was their most beloved Disney character, whereas Gen Z – aged 18 to 24 – preferred Nemo.

It also emerged 90 per cent of adults love Disney movies so much they’ve watched them on repeat, seeing a single movie at least 10 times. And 11 per cent have watched one of their favourites 20 times or more.

These classics are a comfort for people, as 32 per cent will put one on when it’s raining outside and three-fifths would even go as far to say Disney movies had a big impact on their youth growing up.

James Thomas, from LG, added: “At this time we know lots of people are spending more time at home and looking for new ways to entertain themselves and their families.

“We believe in the power of TV to inspire and offer escapism – with Disney+ there’s now a new way to do that.

“LG Electronics is leading the charge as one of the first TV manufacturers to offer Disney+, alongside the widest range of other streaming platforms on the market, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Rakuten.”

Most nostalgic Disney films according to UK adults:

1. The Jungle Book
2. Mary Poppins
3. 101 Dalmatians
4. Bambi
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Cinderella
7. Beauty and the Beast
8. Lady and the Tramp
9. Dumbo
10. Aladdin
11. Toy Story films
12. Little Mermaid
13. Pinocchio
14. Bedknobs and Broomsticks
15. Finding Nemo
16. Robin Hood
17. The Aristocats
18. Tarzan
19. A Bug’s Life
20. Pirates of the Caribbean films
21. Cool Runnings
22. The Parent Trap
23. The Incredibles
24. The Fox and the Hound
25. High School Musical
26. Frozen
27. Fantasia
28. Mulan
29. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
30. Pocahontas
31. Up
32. Wall-E
33. Hercules
34. The Sword in the Stone
35. Lilo and Stitch
36. The Princess Diaries
37. Cars
38. The Rescuers
39. Enchanted
40. Pete’s Dragon