Beauty and the Beast

It reviews better than it plays — admired more than it is enjoyed.

• “Disney's 30th animated feature, Beauty and the Beast stands at the pinnacle of animated accomplishment, even when weighted against the excellencies of its lineage.”

  Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter · 100

• “It is the most dynamic animated film ever made, and the prance of its camera, the sense of penetration into its action, the brilliantly paced editing pyrotechnics give it a crackle of life far more abundant than any feature that's come before.”

  Stephen Hunter, Baltimore Sun · 100

• “Beauty and the Beast reaches back to an older and healthier Hollywood tradition in which the best writers, musicians and filmmakers are gathered for a project on the assumption that a family audience deserves great entertainment, too.”

  Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times · 100

• “The beautiful title song, performed poignantly by the richly textured voice of Angela Lansbury, makes the case for all lovers to look past their partners' faults and into their hearts.”

  Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune · 100

• “With its strong characters and lively storytelling, animated or not, this deserves its place alongside the cinema greats.”

  Emma Cochrane, Empire · 100