"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" might seem like an obvious choice for a Disney classics list ... after all, it was the first full-length animated feature. However, there are more reasons it's on the list. First of all, the animation is decades ahead of its time. With layered scenery designs, the audience gets a three-dimensional look and feel. It's also notable for its more terrifying moments. When you watch it for the first time, you may even think that the protagonists aren't going to survive.

The 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap" is the story of two twins separated at birth who meet by chance at summer camp. While you might be wondering why we chose the remake over the 1961 version, the truth is, it's just better. Lindsay Lohan was so convincing as two different characters, that when Jamie Lee Curtis found out that she'd be playing her daughter in the "Freaky Friday" remake, she asked which of the twins she had played.

"Beauty and the Beast" is essential for a few reasons. First of all, we see that someone who seems like a villain might just be misunderstood. We also start to understand that people might challenge your dreams, just because they're different. And not only was this movie a game-changer on the story level, it became the first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

"101 Dalmatians" isn't just a story about dogs. It's a story about dogs who are about to be skinned and turned into a fur coat for an evil woman. What makes this movie a must-watch is the fact that it is completely from the dog's perspective. You learn this in the first five minutes of the movie when Pongo sits at his window and judges the people walking by.

The story of a girl who doesn't want the life that she currently has is a staple in the Disney universe. But Ariel takes it to a new level. She'd do anything to change — including selling her soul. While some may argue it sends the wrong message to young children, it's a must-watch for its iconic soundtrack.

"The Princess and the Frog" might be a newer Disney film, but it is a classic in our minds. Not only do we get our first African American Disney Princess (it only took until 2009, but progress is progress), we also get a little twist on the princess formula itself. Sure, Tiana is a hard worker and ambitious, but (and we'll try not to spoil it for you) it's not as simple as a kiss to take her out of that situation.

Your toys come to life when you're not looking ... and some of them are bad. We all know that "Toy Story 4" was recently released, and if you haven't seen the first three movies, you need to find yourself a copy of the first one to start things off. "Toy Story" is a special kind of Disney movie as it was one of the first to feature flawed heroes that you aren't sure you want to root for.

"The Aristocats" is an important Disney classic to get your hands on (and your eyes) before you die because it has some intense moments that we simply don't see in Disney films anymore. At one point, three kittens are scrambling to find their mother (after being kidnapped and thrown into a river, we might add). This movie is the perfect juxtaposition between sheer terror and finding hope in the most difficult of times.

Here's one that you probably weren't expecting to see on a Disney classics list. This is "The Sword in the Stone." It's about a young boy who doesn't have great prospects, but soon finds that he is meant for something greater. It's a must-watch for those who think that they are stuck where they are. The fates may have something much bigger in store for you.

You don't have to be enemies just because society expects it. As a matter of fact, a fox and a hound can become friends with each other. It doesn't make for the happiest of endings, but it does show us that life doesn't have to be a certain way simply based on traditional beliefs. Everyone should watch this movie again because the message is clear: we can all get along.

"Mary Poppins" was practically Walt Disney's white whale. He worked hard to get the rights to the story, and before he could do so, he had to prove to author Pamela Travers that he was going to treat the characters properly. While "Mary Poppins Returns" is available now, it's essential to watch the original before you die so that you can experience the whimsy of old-fashioned movie-making (rather than CGI).

With the recent release of the live-action version, we put the animated feature "Aladdin" in the classics section. It is a clear rags-to-riches story that was revamped by Disney during a time when all of the villains in children's stories were wealthy people. Not only does it teach us that wealth isn't a bad thing, it also teaches us that anyone can become wealthy (as long as they find a lamp with a magic genie in it).

"The Great Mouse Detective" shows up on our list for several reasons. This is Disney's take on Sherlock Holmes. It has adventure and mystery mixed in with comedy. There is nothing more exigent to children than a toy maker who has gone missing. Lucky for the audience, we have a mouse on the case ... oh, and his name is Basil (gush!). He's smart and witty and he is about tot take down the most evil rat around (Ratigan).

He doesn't want to grow up, and he doesn't have to. Peter Pan is one of those characters that we love watching, but we probably wouldn't hang out with as adults. He's mischievous and he doesn't really take well to authority. However, he does want to show everyone that they can still be playful. That is what makes this movie such an essential Disney classic. We get to watch as our favorite characters grasp onto their childhood spirits — something that perhaps we should all try to do.

Though it was released in 2000, "The Emporer's New Groove" is a classic Disney comedy about friendship and understanding. Not only are the characters dynamic and interesting, they are hilarious. For those who haven't seen it in a while, you should watch it again to see if you can catch all of the adult jokes that you might not have caught as a kid.

What makes "The Jungle Book" so great? Well, it was Walt Disney's last production (as he died while it was being made), and the songs are some of the most iconic and catchy in the Disney library. They're sure to help you forget all about life's worries and strife. The movie follows Mowgli, who was raised by wolves, and Baloo and Bagheera who try to protect Mowgli from Shere Khan.

"Sleeping Beauty" is one of those Disney classics that you just have to watch over and over again to fully take in its intricate backdrops. It also features a wildly awesome villain. These days, we can look back on "Sleeping Beauty" and better understand Maleficent. This is because she actually got her own films. However, if you watch the animated feature before the "Maleficent" movies, you simply think she's an angry and jealous witch.

"Fantasia" changed the game when it came to animation thanks in part to symphonies and classical music that played in the background. The timing was everything for this masterpiece. The movie itself was bold and bright, and each segment had its own story. This was animation turned into art, and it was the first time it had ever been done so grandly.

Walt Disney loved adapting children's books into films, and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" was no different. However, one of the most interesting parts of this movie is its production story. The movie was put into production while Disney was trying to gain the rights to "Mary Poppins," and it was shelved and revisited several times before it was actually released in 1971.

Disney doesn't spare anyone's feelings in "Bambi." Bambi has to learn the hard way that the circle of life is real and unrelenting. That's what makes this such an important classic to see before you die: you have to know that life isn't going to apologize just for happening.

The majority of people reading this know the story of "Cinderella," but we're sure there are some who haven't had the chance to experience the 1950 "Cinderella." In true Disney fashion, this princess sings beautifully, talks to animals and gets what she never dreamed of asking for in the end. She has a kind heart, and therefore, she gets a happy ending.

"Lady and the Tramp" shows us that we don't have to marry within our social status and that our families can be understanding about that. This entire movie is from the perspective of the dogs, hardly showing the faces of the humans, and even calling the humans by the pet names they give each other. If you haven't seen it in a while, check it out again before you see the live-action remake.

If any movie ever inspired children to be good, it was "Pinocchio." This story tells children that all actions have consequences and some of those consequences are absolutely terrible. If you haven't seen this one in a while, it's definitely worth another round ... if for nothing else than to scare the wits out of you again.

The classic tale of "Robin Hood" was retold by Disney. However, with this being such heavy subject material for children, it only made sense to imagine the characters as anthropomorphic animals. This helps lighten things up a bit. Watch it for the juxtaposition between cute animals taking on some of the biggest social issues (that still exist today).

When it comes to Disney classics, it's important to remember this live-action movie. It's about holding family values while you are faced with situations that require extreme bravery and perseverance. A family of refugees washes up on a deserted island, and the rest is history. "Swiss Family Robinson" was based on the book "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss.