Ever found yourself humming a catchy tune long after the credits rolled on a beloved cartoon movie? You're not alone! Cartoon movie soundtracks have a magical ability to stay with us, transporting us back to childhood memories and sparking pure joy. From soaring anthems to quirky, toe-tapping numbers, the best songs from cartoon movies are more than just background noise; they're integral parts of the storytelling experience, often enhancing emotions and adding layers of depth to the narratives. This list dives into the ultimate collection of unforgettable tracks, carefully curated to celebrate the brilliance and lasting impact of music in animation. Whether you're a nostalgic adult rediscovering your favorites or a young viewer discovering classics for the first time, get ready to sing along to some of the most iconic and beloved songs ever composed for the animated screen. Prepare for a nostalgic journey through the best songs from cartoon movies – a soundtrack to your childhood (and maybe even your adulthood!).
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sunflower |
Post Malone Swae Lee | Solo | 2B+ |
| 2. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! | Justin Timberlake | TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2B+ |
| 3. Happy | Pharrell Williams | G I R L | 1B+ |
| 4. Just Sing |
Justin Timberlake Anna Kendrick | 419M+ | |
| 5. Under the Sea | Samuel E. Wright | 367M+ | |
| 6. Let It Go | Idina Menzel | 317M+ | |
| 7. I See the Light |
Mandy Moore Zachary Levi | Disney Summer Songs , Vol. 2 | 131M+ |
1. Sunflower
Sound: "Sunflower" boasts a mellow, feel-good hip-hop beat perfectly suited for a lighthearted cartoon atmosphere, creating a vibe that's both catchy and relaxing.
Vocals: The smooth, complementary vocals of Post Malone and Swae Lee create a harmonious blend ideal for a youthful audience, enhancing the song's overall approachability.
Emotional Impact: Its upbeat tempo and positive lyrics make it an uplifting addition to any cartoon soundtrack, generating a sense of joy and optimism perfectly fitting for animated storytelling.
2. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! (Justin Timberlake - 2025)
Upbeat and Infectious Melody: CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!'s relentlessly positive melody perfectly captures the exuberant energy of animated films, making it instantly memorable and impossible not to tap your feet to.
Justin Timberlake's Vocals: Timberlake's smooth yet powerful vocals deliver the song's uplifting message with infectious enthusiasm, adding a layer of sophistication that elevates it beyond typical children's movie fare.
Pop Culture Impact: Its use in the *Trolls* movie solidified its status as a modern-day cartoon classic, and its continued popularity speaks volumes about its timeless appeal.
3. Happy (G I R L - 2025)
Uplifting Melody: Happy's infectious melody is instantly recognizable and incredibly effective at creating a joyful, feel-good atmosphere perfect for a cartoon soundtrack.
Positive Lyrics: Pharrell Williams' lyrics focus on simple, universally relatable themes of happiness and positivity, making it easily understood and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
Broad Appeal: The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a fantastic choice for injecting energy and fun into any animated sequence, ensuring it remains a memorable part of the viewing experience.
4. Just Sing (Justin Timberlake ft Anna Kendrick)
Vocal Synergy: Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick's voices blend beautifully, creating a harmonious and uplifting sound perfectly suited for a cartoon's whimsical atmosphere.
Upbeat Tempo: The song's catchy rhythm and infectious melody are highly memorable and get stuck in your head—ideal for an animated film soundtrack.
Emotional Resonance: "Just Sing" evokes a sense of joy and togetherness, aligning with the feel-good spirit often found in animated movies.
5. Under the Sea
Catchy Melody: "Under the Sea" boasts an incredibly memorable and upbeat melody that instantly gets stuck in your head, perfectly capturing the joyous energy of the underwater world.
Samuel E. Wright's Vocals: Wright's powerful and charismatic vocals bring Sebastian the crab to life, adding a layer of personality and charm that makes the song even more appealing to both children and adults.
Nostalgia Factor: This classic tune evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for many, reminding listeners of their childhood and the magic of Disney animation. Its enduring popularity solidifies its place as a beloved cartoon movie song.
6. Let It Go (Idina Menzel - 2025)
Vocal Performance: Idina Menzel's powerhouse vocals are simply breathtaking, conveying Elsa's emotional journey with raw intensity and vulnerability.
Memorable Melody: The soaring melody is instantly catchy and unforgettable, perfectly capturing the feeling of letting go and embracing one's true self.
Cultural Impact: "Let It Go" transcended its origins in *Frozen*, becoming a global phenomenon with its empowering message resonating with audiences of all ages.
7. I See the Light (Disney Summer Songs , Vol. 2 - 2025)
Vocal Harmony: Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi's voices blend beautifully, creating a heartwarming and magical duet that perfectly captures the film's fairytale atmosphere.
Memorable Melody: The tune is instantly catchy and uplifting, making it a song that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Its simple yet effective composition ensures its appeal to audiences of all ages.
Emotional Resonance: "I See the Light" evokes a sense of wonder and burgeoning romance, perfectly complementing the pivotal scene in *Tangled* and solidifying its place as a classic animated film song.
8. Zero (Imagine Dragons - 2025)
Sound: Imagine Dragons' "Zero" with its driving beat and anthemic chorus, possesses a powerful and uplifting sound perfectly suited to the energy of many cartoon movie soundtracks.
Emotional Impact: The song's message of overcoming adversity and embracing individuality resonates deeply with the themes often explored in animated films, making it an emotionally impactful choice.
Vocal Performance: Dan Reynolds' soaring vocals add a layer of passion and intensity, further enhancing the song's suitability for a climactic scene or a montage sequence in a cartoon movie.
9. Sky Full of Stars
Uplifting Melody: Sky Full of Stars boasts a soaring, anthemic melody perfectly suited for a triumphant cartoon moment, evoking feelings of joy and wonder.
Driving Rhythm: Its powerful, driving beat provides an energetic backdrop that would easily energize any animated sequence needing a boost of excitement.
Broad Appeal: Coldplay's widespread popularity makes this a great choice for a cartoon soundtrack aiming for a broad family audience.
10. Everything is Awesome (2014)
Upbeat and Catchy Melody: "Everything is Awesome" boasts an undeniably infectious melody that perfectly captures the exuberant energy of a cartoon film soundtrack.
Memorable Lyrics: The simple, repetitive lyrics are incredibly effective, making them easy to sing along to and instantly memorable for young audiences, embedding themselves in the minds of viewers.
Perfect for Animated Films: Its playful tone and positive message make it the ideal anthem for celebrating the joy and wonder often depicted in animated movies.
- 11
Real Gone
Sheryl Crow
2024
12Holding Out for a Hero
Jennifer Saunders
2004
13Circle of Life
Elton John
1994
- 14
A Whole New World
Disney,Lea Salonga,Brad Kane
1992
15Hakuna Matata
Nathan Lane,Ernie Sabella,Jason Weaver,Joseph Williams
1994
16Le Festin
Camille
2007
17You've Got a Friend in Me
Randy Newman
1995
Toy Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
18Reflection
Disney,Lea Salonga
1998
- 19
Heavy Metal
Don Felder
1981
20Something That I Want
Grace Potter
2010
Wish (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition)
21Be Our Guest
Jerry Orbach,Angela Lansbury, Chorus
1991
22Accidentally in Love
Counting Crows
2004
23Learn Me Right
Birdy,Mumford & Sons
2012
Wilder Mind (Deluxe)
24Life's a Happy Song
Amy Adams,Jason Segel,Walter
2011
25You Can't Take Me
Bryan Adams
2002
Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (Music From The Original Motion Picture)
26Darling I Do
Landon Pigg, Lucy Schwartz
2010
27Colors of the Wind
Judy Kuhn
1995
The Little Mermaid Special Edition
- 28
They'll Soon Discover
The Shins
2004
- 29
Bug Hunt - Noisia Remix
Skrillex
2012
