The Decline of Disney’s Music Legacy in Recent Films

Disney has long been known for its iconic musical moments, with films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King featuring unforgettable songs that became anthems for entire generations. However, recent Disney films, including the Snow White remake, have seen a decline in the significance and quality of their musical scores. Part of the issue lies in the shift toward more pop-driven, commercial soundtracks rather than the classic, heartfelt songs that defined Disney’s early music legacy. In the past, composers like Alan Menken and Howard Ashman created songs that not only fit seamlessly into the narrative but elevated the emotional depth of the story. Today, the focus has shifted more toward catchy, radio-friendly hits, which often feel disconnected from the film’s emotional core. In Snow White, for instance, the music fails to capture the magic and emotional weight that made the original’s songs so powerful. The lack of original, memorable tunes has left Disney films feeling less magical and more like just another big-budget spectacle. For Disney to reclaim its music legacy, it needs to return to creating songs that resonate emotionally and help tell the story, instead of simply chasing chart-topping hits that lack the soul of their predecessors.