I think I can see where Major Fatal Moebius is coming from in that those four films are probably the 'cheeziest' disney films, a bit too sort of 'all american wholesome' as it were, but they are still very well made films. There's a lot of emotion in them, even if they are a little cornier than most Disney films.
Here are my current top 10 (like Disney's Divinity's list, mine is constantly changing):
1. Pinocchio - I think if most people were pressured to name the Disney film with the finest quality, the chances are they'd choose one of the 'Fab Five'. And, if then pressured to name the best of the Fab Five, they'd probably name Pinocchio. It feels like a moving Arthur Rackham illustration. The animation is some of the best in any Disney film. It has wonderful villains, who, though they each only make brief appearances, remain memorable. 'The Black Cauldron' is Disney's goriest film, and 'Hunchback' the most 'mature', but Pinocchio is definitely the darkest, most twisted, scariest animated classic to come from the studio. I alway recommend it to people who think that good animation must, by definition, come from Japan. In my opinion, not just the best Disney film of all time, but the best animated film of all time, and currently my favourite film of all time.
2. Bambi - a very close second. This is perhaps the most emotional animated classic; the death of Bambi's mother is one of only two times I have ever shed a tear while watching a film. It's a pity that most only remember it for this scene, though, because there is so much more to the film. It contains Disney's greatest antagonist in the unseen Man, brilliantly represented in the simple musical motif that famously inspired the 'Jaws' theme. It's also artistically brilliant, showcasing Tyrus Wong's sensitive stylings, and Bambi himself is perhaps Frank Thomas' best work.
3. Fantasia - perhaps the most daring animated classic, and also a showcase of variety; one minute we are in hysterics at the Dance of the Hours, the next we are cowering behind our chairs as Chernabog, Bill Tytla's greatest achievement, dominates the Night on Bald Mountain sequence, the best segment of the film. Ave Maria is a beautiful scene to watch, and I remember wondering how the hell they got the trees to move on different planes (now I know, of course!). It's long been rumoured that Walt hated lines, and if any film proves that, Fantasia does; much of the time, light and colour, not outlines, are used to define shapes, really taking the animation to a whole new level.
4. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - a fairly obligitary inclusion on most lists of animated films, many only see it for it's impact. It's suffered, in a way, like 'Demoiselles D'Avignon', in that so much emphasis is placed on its legacy that it is often overlooked as a bloody good film. It also seems to have started the long lasting Disney tradition of being much darker than credit is given for. The Queen is probably the second greatest Disney villainess, and her castle, with it's extravagant upper rooms and Pyranesi inspired catacombs, is one of my all-time favourite movie locations.
5. Dumbo - another emotional moment, my other tearful moment, is the scene we all know about - I don't even need to name it, it's so famous. It is perhaps the best film at depressing you so much in the middle that the climax is orgasmically uplifting. Dumbo is one of the best silent characters created by Disney.
6. 101 Dalmatians - my favourite film that is not in the 'Fab Five'. In my opinion it succeeds where Sleeping Beauty failed - it has a very stylised look but te audience still connects to the characters. The style of the film has always reminded me of the great British caricaturists, many of whom are personal heroes of mine. And, of course, it features Disney's greatest villainess, the eccentric, flamboyant and vile Cruella De Vil.
7. The Sword in the Stone - all good Disney films are memorable for their characters, but this one is always one that I will remember the most. Merlin, rumoured to be based on the temperamental, occasionally grouchy but ultimately well-meaning Walt Disney is probably my favourite Disney character of all time. Archimedes is a wonderfully pompous character, and the moments when this pomposity gives way to states of panic or, in particular, a fit of laughter, are among the highlights of the film. Madame Mim, a woman whose very existence is based on being rotten, was just charming, and the wizard's duel, as many will tell you, is the film's greatest achievement.
8. Robin Hood - again, it's the characters who make this film great. There's Robin himself, Disney's greatest hero, a nimble fighter who, like all of us, wonders endlessly how he is going to confess his feelings to the girl he loves. Memorable characters are created in the film's three villains, who play off one another brilliantly. The feeling one gets from watching the film is that absolutely everyone was having a lot of fun with it. It's just this delightful romp that never fails to bring a smile to my face - without a doubt Disney's funniest film, but also one with very heartwarming characters.
9. The Jungle Book - Another 'playful romp', this one includes some of the most memorable songs and characters Disney has ever created. It is very easy to start girating to the tunes in the film, particularly King Louie's song. This also features the absolutely brilliant Shere Khan, a hybrid of Christopher Lee and John Le Mesurer, who will kill you in three seconds flat but be frightfully polite about it - definitlely one of my favourite male villains.
10. Cinderella - It was exceedingly tough to choose between Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. I eventually went with Cenderella, which is both artistically brilliant and holds together as a story. There are two reasons for this success in the story. One is the mice, through whose pespective it is much more entertaining to present the story. The other reason is Disney's third greatest villainess, the cold and cruel Lady Tremaine.
Runners up, which often creep into my top 10 lists:
Sleeping Beauty
Lady and the Tramp
Hercules
Peter Pan
Fantasia 2000
Aladdin
The Great Mouse Detective
Beauty and the Beast
The Little Mermaid
The Emperor's New Groove
Here's how they rank if given 'points' according to their 1-10 status so far on this thread:
The Little Mermaid: 142
Beauty and the Beast: 141
Aladdin: 96
The Lion King: 80
Cinderella: 77
Sleeping Beauty: 70
Peter Pan: 66
The Jungle Book: 54
Pinocchio: 52
Hercules: 51
101 Dalmations: 50
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 44
Alice in Wonderland: 41
The Hunchback of Notre Dame: 41
Pocahontas: 41
Mulan: 33
Lady and the Tramp: 28
Dumbo: 25
Bambi: 24
The Sword in the Stone: 23
Lilo and Stitch: 16
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: 16
Fantasia: 15
Robin Hood: 15
The Fox and the Hound: 12
The Great Mouse Detective: 11
Tarzan: 11
Atlantis: The Lost Empire: 9
Bedknobs and Broomsticks: 9
The Black Cauldron: 7
The Three Cabelleros: 5
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad: 4
The Happiest Millionaire: 3
Pete's Dragon: 3
Mickey's Christmas Carol: 3
The Rescuers: 2
The Emperor's New Groove: 1
Treasure Planet: 1
And
here's what the wider audience prefers!
Peter Pan