Frozen II

If this list were just a reflection of my own personal tastes and opinions, Frozen II would be #1. I generally consider the two Anna and Elsa movies a duology, a single, inseparable pair, but I’m sure if I ranked them together as #1 someone would call that a copout. So here we are. I’m okay with placing Frozen II here because I do agree with criticisms that the sequel’s worldbuilding is a bit bloated and convoluted. Disney released a documentary on the film’s development that reveals Disney hadn’t fully committed to certain major elements of the film even late into development, and that shows in the vague ways parts of its story conclude. That being said, Elsa’s journey from self-acceptance to finding community is the natural next step following the events of the first film. Frozen expertly subverts the usual Disney Princess tropes, but Frozen II’s exploration of what actually happens next after Anna and Elsa have come together as sisters feels earned. This is punctuated by the stunning soundtrack, gorgeous fall aesthetic, and a willingness to intently dissect who its characters are and consider who they might become. Disney is in sequel mode these days, so we will be getting at least two more Frozen movies. As exhausting as that sounds, Frozen II’s thoughtful examination of its two most iconic modern heroes gives me hope that they will maintain that same care moving forward.