The emotions in movies are completely driven and controlled by music. A skilled composer can incite tears with a melancholy melody or excite our hearts with the thundering drums of an upbeat tune. And some songs are just so catchy, you can't help but add them to your playlists. Here are 10 animated movies with soundtracks that have the power to do all of these things:
1. "Wall-E"
Best Song: "Define Dancing" by Thomas Newman
Nothing can beat a good love song, and even though this soundtrack features "It Only Takes a Moment," it simply can't compare to "Define Dancing," the song that plays as Wall-E and Eve begin to fall in love.
2. "Ratatouille"
Best Song: "Le Festin (The Food Song)" by Camille
Let's all be honest with each other -- we've all made up songs about food before, especially while we're eating. Well, Camille did just that in Disney Pixar's "Ratatouille." This Parisian street cafe song is fun to both sing and eat to.
3. "Over the Hedge"
Best Song: Any Ben Folds Song
No, really. I couldn't pick. They're all wonderful, and I couldn't play favorites this time. "Family of Me" and "Still" always manage to bring me to tears, and "Heist" is upbeat enough to get me out of my Monday blues every time.
4. "Brother Bear"
Best Song: "Great Spirits" by Tina Turner
Ever have those moments when you just need to get in touch with nature? Ever need to just hear Tina Turner's voice? Maybe you don't always feel that second question, but you may still want to be more natural. If that's the case, nothing works better than "Great Spirits."
5. "Meet the Robinsons"
Best Song: "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas
The ending of "Meet the Robinsons" is always a tearjerker, and the song does nothing to help you keep those eyes dry. Always a good song to remind you to be mindful of the little things in life, "Little Wonders" is the song that will touch your heart.
6. "How to Train Your Dragon"
Best Song: "Romantic Flight" by John Powell
If you're ever in need of a song to help spark your imagination or take your focus off of your busy life, this is the song for you. "Romantic Flight" is perfect for initiating daydreams, as a lullaby, or as background music for a nice date.
7. "Shrek 2"
Best Song: "Holding Out for a Hero" by Jennifer Saunders
The first installment in the "Shrek" series had an amazing soundtrack, but it falls slightly underneath its immediate sequel, "Shrek 2." This is partially due to the climactic action-sequence that plays out during the Fairy Godmother's rendition of the classic song "Holding Out for a Hero." Sorry, Shrek, but Fairy Godmother stole your movie here.
8. "Anastasia"
Best Song: "Journey to the Past" by Liz Callaway
Arguably one of the greatest animated movies ever made, Anastasia's soundtrack is one that everyone is sure to love. But while the fan favorite tends to be "Once Upon a December," it was edged out as best song by the inspirational, hopeful, and heartfelt melody of "Journey to the Past."
9. "Emperor's New Groove"
Best Song: "Perfect World" by John Debney
"What's his name?" If you don't know it already, you will by the end of the song. "Perfect World" is the song you need when you're really feeling yourself. Because, really, who can't relate to those moments when you, like Kusco, have an endless amount of confidence? You're killing it, just like those harmonies in the back. (Listen to it again if you don't know what I'm talking about.)
10. "Hunchback of Notre Dame"
Best Song: "Bells of Notre Dame" by Tony Jay
This is my absolute favorite song from my absolute favorite movie. The story the opening song tells is thrilling, enticing, and thought-provoking. The movie made a great choice putting its best song first, and the chills that its ending note gives you will last until the end of the movie.
Didn't see one of your favorite animated movie soundtracks? Or did you have another song in mind for the list above? Leave your movie and song in the comments below!
