The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a 1996 American animated musical drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation for Walt Disney Pictures and based on the 1831 French novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. It is the 34th Disney animated feature and directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. It was released on June 21, 1996, during the Disney Renaissance era.

Why It's Great

 * 1) Of all the animated Disney films, it is by far one of the darkest, featuring mature themes such as infanticide, lust, damnation, genocide, and sin. How this movie managed to avoid getting a PG is beyond anyone's guess
 * 2) The animation is gorgeous, and the overall scope of the film beautifully captures the look of how big it is
 * 3) Unique for an animated Disney film, it also covers the subject of heartbreak as the protagonist does not get the girl
 * 4) Frollo is one of the most unique Disney villains; despite claiming to be a man of God, he does a lot of horrible things throughout the movie, but justifies it every time as he claims it is the Lord's will
 * 5) Esmeralda is definitely one of the best characters
 * 6) The soundtrack is beautiful, with "The Bells of Notre Dame" and "Hellfire" being especially memorable
 * 7) It teaches how to see the good and in people, regardless of how they appear