Disney+ is home to a plethora of series, movies, and other related materials from the house of mouse. But even with the presence of all 58 original animated features, Pixar's collection of films, and the likes of both Star Wars and Marvel, the streaming service still adheres to Walt's maxim. It was all started by a mouse.
Disney would be nothing without Mickey Mouse, and they've put some of his best on their site. Here are ten of the best Mickey cartoons currently on Disney+.
Why not start the list with the one that started it all? Steamboat Willie was a first in many senses. It was the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, one of the first features under Walt Disney's new studio, and one of the first cartoons to be synced with both music and sound. True fans of both Mickey and Disney in general should make this a mandatory watch, simply for the historic value of the film.
Yet another toon featuring Mickey and his friends graces the list. This time, Mickey and the gang take a trip to the beautiful beaches of Waikiki, and hilarity ensues.
This short is practically driven by visual gags, from Mickey and Minnie jamming out to some surf music, Goofy trying (and failing) to surf, and Pluto's battle with various sea creatures. It's simple, its classic, and it doesn't need much else.
Mickey seems to play well with others, doesn't he? Especially when a wacky mechanical caravan is thrown into the mix. As with most of the classic cartoons on this list, a lot of humor is based on physical and visual gags. It's also worth mentioning that Goofy brings his slapstick A-game to this short, especially when his corn on the cob meets an electrical socket. Hard to beat visual humor like that.
Before Alice had her Disney debut in 1955, Mickey took a trip to a topsy-turvy world in this classic cartoon adventure. Mickey travels through a dreamy looking glass and has encounters with a living set of living room furniture, a chatty telephone, and even a deck of cards featuring temperamental royalty.
It's definitely one of Mickey's best and more than worthy of a spot on the list.
Mickey's first cartoon in color definitely has more than its fair share of charm, humor, and even a little ingenious wit about it. Not only did the visuals for Mickey and the gang improve with the addition of color, but the use of sound plays a key role in the delivery of much of the film's humor and gags. Throw in an antagonizing Donald Duck for good measure, and it's a practically perfect piece of Animation.
Speaking of antagonistic Donald Ducks, he is at his most annoying in Magician Mickey where he constantly heckles and jibes the mouse while he's trying to perform a magic act.
Being the cool-headed conjurer that he is, Mickey is more than prepared to deal with Donald's delinquencies, that is until Donald manages to get his mitts on a loaded revolver. Watch the cartoon to find out the results.
Easily a favorite amongst many seasoned Disney fans, and supposedly the inspiration for Ghostbusters, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy take a dive into the realm of the supernatural when they work as ghost exterminators. Enter three mischievous spirits and a lonesome old mansion, setting the trio up for a battle of wits against some prankster poltergeists. Who says Halloween is the only time to get spooky and silly?
This sweet slice of '90s Disney featuring not just one helping of everyone's favorite animated rodent, but two! In this adaptation of Mark Twain's story of mistaken identity, Mickey plays both lead roles as both Prince and Pauper. Featuring some classic Disney fun and some serious vocal chops from Ray Allwine as Mickey, it's a great piece of nostalgia for those who just need a double dose of the mouse.
It might be cheating putting this film on the list, a spot on the list can't be denied. While Fantasia's Sorcerer's Apprentice segment is easily another contender, this film takes the spot due to Mickey's presence in over half the final product. This retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk features Mickey, Donald, and Goofy on a mission to rescue a singing harp from a slow-witted giant. Although the segments with Edger Bergen and his puppet pals might be a little jarring, it's still an enjoyable experience.
Mickey and his friends have marched into the modern age with this 2013 series of shorts. Featuring the stylish artwork of Paul Rudish, and more than enough Disney Easter eggs to satisfy even the most hungry of Disney fans. Though the series has a modern twist, each episode draws from traditional Mickey outings of yesteryear to create a beautiful hybrid of classic and contemporary.
