Disney took a major step in diversifying the representation seen in its animated films just before the new millennium with Mulan. The story, which centers around a young woman in ancient China who fights for her family and her country, was well received at the time and has since become a classic. The family film was bolstered by a beloved soundtrack featuring several original songs that stand as some of the best in Disney history, including “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” and “Reflection.”
Now, more than a quarter-century later, the music is still popular. After charming audiences globally when it was first released, the Mulan soundtrack is, surprisingly, back on the Billboard charts.
Mulan Reenters the Kid Albums Ranking
The Mulan soundtrack has found its way back to the Kid Albums chart, which ranks the most consumed musical projects in America aimed at a young audience. On that tally, Mulan reenters at No. 19. That position marks the title’s all-time high on the list.
A Rare Appearance for a Disney Favorite
Despite being released more than 25 years ago, Mulan has only spent nine weeks on the Kid Albums chart. This frame marks just the ninth time it has appeared on the roster.
Mulan is the only title on the 25-spot ranking that wasn’t present last time around. There isn’t much dramatic movement on the list this week, which is common for the relatively quiet chart.
An Oscar Nomination, but No Win
Mulan was only nominated for one Academy Award, in the category of Best Original Musical or Comedy Score – which speaks to how the music created for the film was recognized at the time. The nomination honored composer Jerry Goldsmith, as well as Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, who were behind the songs that power the soundtrack. That trio ultimately lost to Shakespeare in Love by Stephen Warbeck. At the time, the Oscars did not have a category for animated films, as that field was only introduced in 2001, when Shrek became the first winner.
