Originally Posted by
Kossage
My choice would be The Lion King, although several other Disney Animated Classics come quite close.
TLK has interesting characters, many of whom are given good character development. Simba is a likable protagonist and the whole trauma aspect builds up some great drama. Timon and Pumbaa serve as funny sidekicks and never become annoying. Rafiki is in a league of his own with his wisdom and funny antics, and Nala works as the love interest of the hero. Mufasa himself is one of the defining characters in the film and manages to establish himself into the hearts of the audience during the time that is given to him. And of course the villains of TLK are some of the most hysterical and sinister ever in Disney films: the hyenas provide laughs and can be quite scary at times, and Scar himself easily becomes one of the best Disney villains ever with his wonderful machinations.
The voice actors in both Finnish and English versions rock, and the songs in both languages are catchy and manage to keep the plot moving instead of hindering it. All the songs by Elton John and Tim Rice work very well and none of the songs becomes annoying. The score is by far one of Zimmer's best efforts (and one of the few of his scores that doesn't hurt my ears), because it offers nice bits of melodrama mixed in with real orchestra, synthesizers, big choral presence and also gives us some African feel with the inclusion of Lebo M. The score has many themes and motifs and sounds just magnificent (the stampede scene will always be one of the defining score moments in this film for me), but it also shows a tender side and yet relentlessly builds up to the climax.
The animation in TLK is just spectacular and perfectly mixes computer-enhanced animation with traditional animation. The opening of the film (the whole "Circle of Life" sequence) is even today one of the most powerful and stunning openings in any animated film with its beautiful visuals, wonderful accompanying song as well as the emotional aspect found within. The stampede scene, as mentioned before, is one of the most memorable scenes as well as the ghost appearance in the clouds. And obviously the final battle between Simba and Scar is just spectacular with all the effects creating a spectacular duel. The grand effects are just one aspect of the film, though: the subtle moments have been animated wonderfully, and each character comes to life with his or her own movements, facial expressions and such. If you don't believe me, go and watch carefully how e.g. Scar is animated and how subtly he changes his expressions and shows his character with simple-looking and yet surprisingly sophisticated movements.
The story itself has some nice twists and gives us some morals without preaching, and the whole thing is just very moving. The concept of death and childhood trauma are discussed in the film and naturally taking one's place in the circle of life. Although there are some big memorable moments in the story, many of the smaller, symbolic ones are touching too, e.g. the scene when Simba steps into his father's pawprint.
All these aspects contribute to the fact that for me The Lion King is the best Disney animated film so far. :)