45 Movies to Watch before going to Disneyland 

These movies to watch before going to Disneyland cover the best films no matter which park you visit, no matter your age; we share the top picks.

There’s something truly magical about stepping through the gates of a Disney park — the music, the storytelling, and that wave of nostalgia that instantly takes you back to childhood. But one of the best ways to supercharge your excitement before your trip is by diving into the movies that inspired the parks themselves.

Whether you’re heading to Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, or planning a bucket-list trip to Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, or Shanghai Disney Resort, watching the right films beforehand brings every castle, ride, and character to life.

From classics like Peter Pan and Snow White to newer hits like Frozen and Encanto, this ultimate movies to watch before going to Disneyland will help both adults and kids feel even more connected to the magic when you finally walk down Main Street, U.S.A.

Grab your Mickey ears, some popcorn, and let’s get watching! 

Movies to Watch before going to Disneyland 

Must-Watch Movies Before Visiting Disneyland Park

Disneyland in Anaheim is Walt Disney’s original park — the one he personally walked through. Every attraction here feels steeped in history, and almost all of them tie back to a movies to watch before going to Disneyland.

1. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

It’s impossible to miss the park’s most iconic landmark — Sleeping Beauty Castle. Watching Aurora’s story before your trip helps you appreciate the details inside the castle’s walkthrough attraction. Plus, the music from the film often drifts through the park, making it feel like you’ve stepped right into the fairytale.

2. Peter Pan (1953)

The Peter Pan’s Flight ride in Fantasyland is one of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions. The flying ships, glowing stars, and gentle storytelling come straight from the film. Rewatch it before you visit and you’ll catch all the hidden touches in Neverland — from the ticking crocodile to Tinker Bell’s pixie dust.

3. Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Disneyland has a unique Alice in Wonderland dark ride you won’t find in many other Disney parks. The whimsical colors and quirky characters make this movie a perfect pre-park watch for families.

4. Dumbo (1941)

Even though the story of Dumbo is emotional, watching it gives extra charm to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. Kids especially love spotting details inspired by the movie.

5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

As Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White is park history. The Snow White’s Enchanted Wish ride retells the story beautifully, mixing nostalgia with modern effects.

Movies for Disneyland’s Adventureland & Frontierland

6. Indiana Jones Series (1981–2008)

Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye is one of the park’s thrill highlights. Watch Raiders of the Lost Arkbefore you go — it’ll make every booby trap and snake pit on the ride feel like a cinematic moment.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean Series (2003–2017)

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies were actually inspired by the ride, not the other way around — but now the two are inseparable. Watching Captain Jack Sparrow’s adventures will make you appreciate all the ride cameos and the mischievous pirate energy around New Orleans Square.

8. The Jungle Book (1967)

This movie helps bring Adventureland to life — from the treehouse walkways to the jungle cruise. Keep an ear out for “The Bare Necessities” — it’s often played by live bands in the park.

Movies for Tomorrowland & Beyond

9. Star Wars Saga (1977–Present)

Whether you’re visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, watching the Star Wars films is a must. It’s incredible how the Millennium Falcon and Batuu feel like they’ve been lifted right off the screen.

10. Toy Story (1995)

Although Toy Story has a bigger presence in other parks, watching it adds to the fun of meeting Woody and Buzz and spotting Easter eggs in rides and parades.

11. Finding Nemo (2003)

Check out Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which reimagines the old submarine ride. Kids love seeing Dory and Marlin “underwater.”

Walt Disney World (Florida)

Walt Disney World is basically the Disney universe turned real — four parks, countless themed lands, and more attractions inspired by films than you could possibly cover in one trip. Here are the movies to watch before going to Disneyland and Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

12. Cinderella (1950)

At the heart of Magic Kingdom stands Cinderella Castle — tall, elegant, and filled with royal details. Watch the movie before visiting so you can spot nods to Gus Gus, the Fairy Godmother, and even Cinderella’s carriage.

13. The Little Mermaid (1989)

Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid is a vibrant ride that tells Ariel’s story. The music is infectious, and knowing the film makes the animatronic scenes even more fun, making The Little Mermaid one of the movies to watch before going to Disneyland.

14. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Between Be Our Guest Restaurant and Enchanted Tales with Belle, this movie feels alive in Fantasyland. Watching it before your visit helps adults appreciate the design, and kids adore spotting Lumière and Mrs. Potts.

EPCOT

15. Frozen (2013)

Norway Pavilion’s Frozen Ever After ride brings Elsa’s icy kingdom to life. Even if you’ve seen Frozen a hundred times, it’s worth rewatching before meeting Anna and Elsa in person.

16. Ratatouille (2007)

At EPCOT’s France Pavilion, you can shrink down to Remy’s size in Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Watching this movie before your trip makes the ride’s storyline and the French setting even more charming.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

17. Toy Story Trilogy

Toy Story Land is an explosion of color and nostalgia. After rewatching Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3, you’ll feel like a toy yourself while riding Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Mania; two of the best rides at Hollywood Studios.

18. Star Wars (Again!)

If you’re heading to Galaxy’s Edge, start with A New Hope (1977) and end with The Force Awakens (2015). The Rise of the Resistance ride feels like stepping into a real-life film set.

19. The Muppets Movie (1979)

The Muppet 3D show is a cult favorite. Watching the original Muppet Movie brings extra laughs and nostalgia.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

20. The Lion King (1994)

From the Festival of the Lion King show to the African savanna in Kilimanjaro Safaris, this movie defines Animal Kingdom’s spirit. The soundtrack alone will have you humming your way through the park.

21. Avatar (2009)

Even if you’re not a sci-fi fan, Avatar is essential viewing before visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar. The floating mountains, glowing forests, and Flight of Passage ride make so much more sense when you’ve seen the film.

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris blends European charm with Disney magic. Watching the right movies before your visit makes the fairy tale even more enchanting.

22. Ratatouille (2007)

This movie has a full ride and restaurant (Bistrot Chez Rémy) dedicated to it. It’s a love letter to Paris — and feels like the perfect pre-trip film to set the mood.

23. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

With its French setting, Beauty and the Beast fits perfectly into the park’s Fantasyland atmosphere. The stained-glass details in the castle are inspired directly by the movie.

24. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Few Disney films capture France’s soul like The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The park’s European architecture mirrors Paris itself, and the soundtrack is one of Disney’s most powerful.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Where Creativity and Detail Shine Brightest

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are known for their immaculate design and storytelling. Watching the right movies will help you appreciate the inspirations behind their rides.

25. The Little Mermaid (1989)

Tokyo DisneySea’s Mermaid Lagoon is straight out of Ariel’s world. Kids and adults alike will be amazed at how perfectly the film’s visuals are recreated underwater.

26. Aladdin (1992)

The Arabian Coast area at DisneySea celebrates Aladdin’s story. Watching the movie makes it feel like you’ve stepped into Agrabah.

27. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

An old-school Disney classic, this movie inspired one of DisneySea’s most beloved rides. It’s a fascinating glimpse into vintage Disney storytelling.

28. Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo and Finding Dory both influence the SeaRider attraction — a motion-simulator ride that takes guests underwater with Nemo and friends.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Where Modern Meets Magical

29. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Shanghai’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is widely considered one of Disney’s best rides ever and is easily one of the best rides in Shanghai Disneyland. Watching the film first makes the storyline and visual effects even more impressive.

30. Tron: Legacy (2010)

Before you climb aboard TRON Lightcycle Power Run, rewatch this neon-soaked sci-fi film. The music, visuals, and speed of the ride are pure adrenaline — and make so much more sense once you’ve seen the movie.

31. Mulan (1998)

Mulan is a point of pride in Chinese Disney culture. Watching it before visiting adds cultural depth and appreciation to shows, parades, and merchandise around the park.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Small But Packed with Magic

32. Frozen (2013)

Hong Kong Disneyland’s new World of Frozen area is spectacular — watching Frozen (and even Frozen II) helps you fully appreciate its scale and story.

33. Iron Man (2008)

The Iron Man Experience puts you right inside Tony Stark’s world. Watching the Marvel films first makes the ride’s tech and humor hit even harder.

34. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Another Hong Kong exclusive! The Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! ride is a blast for Marvel fans — watching the movie helps you follow the storyline as you zap enemies alongside the heroes.

Disney Classics Every Visitor Should Rewatch

Even if you’ve seen them before, these timeless Disney films create the emotional foundation for your entire Disney trip.

35. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

Short and sweet, this is the perfect Mickey-centered film to get in the spirit of the parks — especially if you’re visiting during the holidays.

36. Fantasia (1940)

Walt Disney’s artistic masterpiece feels like walking through the creative heart of the company. Many park parades and nighttime shows borrow visuals from it.

37. Mary Poppins (1964)

While not tied to a specific ride, Mary Poppins captures that classic Disney optimism and imagination — and her presence at parades is pure joy.

38. Encanto (2021)

Newer films like Encanto have become fan favorites. Watching it before your trip gets you ready for meet-and-greets, parades, and those infectious songs you’ll hear around the parks.

39. Moana (2016)

Many upcoming Disney park expansions are inspired by Moana. Watch it to understand the sense of adventure and cultural pride behind its themes.

Bonus Picks: Pixar Power-Ups

Pixar movies have made their way into nearly every Disney park. For a pre-trip Pixar marathon, add these to your list:

• Up (2009) — for that “adventure is out there” spirit.
• Inside Out (2015) — emotional storytelling at its best.
• Coco (2017) — a beautiful tribute to family and tradition, reflected in shows and parades.
• Monsters, Inc. (2001) — especially relevant for Tokyo Disneyland’s Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!
• The Incredibles (2004) — mix of humor, family teamwork, and high-speed action mirrors the energy of the parks.
• Cars (2006) — A must-watch before heading to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. 

There’s something incredibly special about walking into Disneyland — or any Disney park — and realizing you’ve already lived part of the story through the movies.

When you ride through Neverland after watching Peter Pan, soar through the sky on Flight of Passage after seeing Avatar, or sip tea at Bistrot Chez Rémy after Ratatouille, you’ll feel a whole new level of connection to the magic.

Whether you’re a Disney adult reliving childhood dreams or bringing your kids for the first time, these movies bridge the gap between screen and reality. So before you pack your ears and sunscreen, queue up your Disney+ playlist — because the adventure begins long before you step through those gates.