I love Disney movies, and Mulan holds a special place in my heart. The mix of action, drama, and unforgettable music makes it stand out from other animated films of its time.
The musical soundtrack from Mulan features some of Disney’s most powerful and inspiring songs that blend Chinese cultural elements with modern pop styles.
These tunes have stood the test of time since the movie’s 1998 release, and I still catch myself humming them today. Here’s my list of top 10 favorite Mulan Songs ranked from 1 to 10.
1. Reflection
I can’t help but feel moved every time I hear “Reflection”. It’s such a powerful song that really captures Mulan’s inner struggle.
Lea Salonga performs this emotional ballad in the movie right after Mulan’s disappointing meeting with the matchmaker. The song perfectly shows how she feels torn between being herself and meeting her family’s expectations.
I love that Christina Aguilera also recorded a pop version of the song that became really popular. Her powerful vocals gave the song a whole new life outside the movie.
The lyrics and melody were written by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, and I think they did an amazing job. Every line hits home, especially when Mulan asks who she sees staring back in her reflection.
This song has stuck with me since I first saw the movie. It’s one of those Disney songs that makes you feel something deep inside, no matter how many times you hear it.
2. I’ll Make a Man Out of You
I can’t think of a more iconic training montage song than “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”. Every time I hear those opening notes, I get pumped up and ready to face any challenge.
Donny Osmond’s powerful vocals make this song extra special. I love how he switches between the stern captain’s voice and the more melodic chorus. The lyrics about being “tranquil as a forest, but on fire within” always stick in my head.
I think what makes this song so great is how it builds up the energy throughout the training sequence. We watch Mulan and the other recruits go from complete beginners to skilled warriors, and the music perfectly matches their journey.
The training montage works amazingly well for both kids and adults. I still catch myself humming this tune when I need motivation at the gym or facing a tough task.
Even today, I can’t help but sing along with lines like “mysterious as the dark side of the moon.” It’s just one of those Disney songs that never gets old.
3. Honor to Us All
I love how this traditional Chinese song from Mulan sets up the cultural expectations that Mulan faces. The matchmaker scene where this song plays is one of my favorite parts of the movie.
The song features amazing vocals from Beth Fowler, Marni Nixon, and Lea Salonga. I think Nixon and Salonga especially shine as Grandmother Fa and Mulan.
This upbeat tune was created by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel for the film. I find myself humming along every time I watch the preparation scene where the village women get Mulan ready.
I’ve noticed the song perfectly captures the pressure Mulan feels to bring honor to her family by being the perfect bride. The lyrics about being “a perfect porcelain doll” really drive home the strict expectations placed on young women in that society.
4. A Girl Worth Fighting For
A Girl Worth Fighting For is one of my favorite lighthearted songs from Mulan. The playful tune comes at a perfect moment in the movie, right before things get really serious.
I love how the song shows the different soldiers sharing their ideas about their perfect future wives. The contrast between their traditional views and Mulan’s perspective adds a clever layer of humor to the scene.
The song features memorable performances from Harvey Fierstein, James Hong, Jerry Tondo, and Lea Salonga. Each character brings their own personality to their verses, making the whole song feel natural and fun.
What makes this song special to me is how it mixes comedy with deeper themes. When the soldiers sing about wanting a girl who thinks they have no faults and is a major find, I can’t help but smile at the irony since they’re singing to Mulan herself.
The sudden serious ending of the song, when they discover the destroyed village, creates one of the most powerful mood shifts in any Disney movie.
5. True to Your Heart
I love this upbeat pop song that plays during Mulan’s end credits. 98 Degrees and Stevie Wonder performed this catchy tune together, creating a perfect blend of boy band charm and Wonder’s legendary vocals.
The lyrics remind me of Mulan’s journey to be true to herself despite what others expected. The message about following your heart and trusting your instincts really connects with the movie’s themes.
I always find myself bobbing my head when I hear the energetic opening lines about destiny and letting your heart guide you. The rhythm is infectious, and the harmonies between 98 Degrees and Stevie Wonder work surprisingly well.
The song has a different feel from the rest of the soundtrack, bringing a modern pop sound to close out the film. I think it was a smart choice to save this style for the credits rather than putting it in the main movie.
6. Written in Stone
I really love learning about deleted songs from my favorite Disney movies, and “Written in Stone” is one of the most interesting examples from Mulan.
Stephen Schwartz wrote this beautiful song for the scene where Mulan joins the army, replacing the moment we see in the final film.
The song came from Schwartz’s deep research – he even recorded traditional Chinese music in village shops during a trip to China with the creative team.
Sadly, the song never made it to the final movie. Schwartz had to leave the Mulan project due to his work on The Prince of Egypt for DreamWorks. The song got cut along with another one he wrote called “China Doll.”
I find it fascinating that Schwartz has said this is “one of his favorite songs” he’s written. While I love the final version of Mulan, I can’t help but wonder how different it would’ve been with this song included.
7. Like Other Girls
I love this underrated gem from Mulan II where the three princesses Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei sing about wanting freedom from their arranged marriages and strict royal lives.
The song’s message really speaks to me – these princesses just want to live normal lives like regular girls. They dream of doing simple things like wearing comfy clothes and eating what they want.
The three performers – Judy Kuhn, Beth Blankenship, and Mandy Gonzalez – bring so much personality to each princess’s part. I especially enjoy how Ting-Ting starts off resistant but eventually joins her sisters in expressing their shared wish for freedom.
For fans of the movie, you can find this song in the Disney Princess Sing Along Songs collection. There’s even a punk cover version by Atomic Kitten that plays during the end credits, which gives the song a totally different vibe.
8. Keep ‘Em Guessing
I love discovering deleted songs from my favorite Disney movies, and this one is a real gem. Keep ‘Em Guessing was meant to be Mushu’s introduction song in Mulan, where he gives advice about keeping her identity secret.
Eddie Murphy recorded this catchy tune as Mushu, and I think it would have been perfect for showing off his character’s personality. The song’s all about teaching Mulan how to act like a male soldier without getting caught.
Before Eddie Murphy’s version, Billy Porter actually recorded a demo of the song. While I’m sad this song didn’t make it into the final movie, I can still enjoy it as a fun bonus track on special editions of the film.
I think the Disney team really liked this song too. They wanted it to help explain who Mushu was as a character. Even though it didn’t end up in the movie, I’m glad they preserved it for fans like me to discover later.
9. Lesson Number One
I love how this energetic song from Mulan II kicks off the sequel with such a fun training sequence. The tune features Mulan teaching local children important life lessons through martial arts.
The lyrics focus on balance and opposing forces like earth and sky, day and night, sound and silence. Mulan uses these contrasts to explain both fighting techniques and deeper life wisdom to her young students.
Lea Salonga’s voice brings so much charm to this musical number. I especially enjoy the back-and-forth between Mulan and the children as they learn to be “hard like a rock” yet quick like her blade.
The melody is super catchy, and I often find myself humming it when I need motivation. It’s one of those Disney songs that perfectly blends an important message with entertainment value.
I think it’s a perfect opening song that shows how Mulan has grown into a respected teacher while staying true to her playful spirit.
10. Loyal Brave True
I love how Christina Aguilera performed this powerful ballad for the 2020 live-action Mulan. She brings such emotion and depth to every note.
The song speaks to me about staying true to yourself while honoring your duties and promises. It fits perfectly with Mulan’s story of finding her own path while serving her family and country.
The songwriting team included Billy Crabtree, Harry Gregson-Williams, Jamie Hartman and Rosi Golan. I think they did an amazing job capturing the themes of the movie in both the lyrics and melody.
I especially appreciate how the song blends modern pop with traditional Chinese musical elements. It creates this beautiful bridge between the classic story and today’s audience.
When I hear this song, I’m reminded of how the end credits version wraps up the movie’s messages about courage, loyalty, and authenticity in such a moving way.
Impact of Mulan Songs on Popular Culture
The songs from Mulan have left a lasting mark on entertainment and music, inspiring countless covers and adaptations. I’ve noticed these songs appearing everywhere from social media to TV shows.
I keep hearing “Reflection” pop up in singing competitions and talent shows. It’s become a go-to song for contestants who want to show off their vocal range and emotional depth.
Disney’s version of Mulan brought these songs to mainstream audiences in a big way.
I’ve seen “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” used in so many TikTok challenges and YouTube covers. It’s amazing how many people know every word by heart! The song has become a popular choice for workout playlists and motivational videos.
Even Broadway stars and professional musicians have covered these songs. Christina Aguilera’s version of “Reflection” is probably my favorite – it helped launch her career and showed how these songs could work outside the movie.
K-pop and J-pop artists often perform their own versions of Mulan songs too, showing how the music crosses cultural boundaries.
Disney’s 1998 animated Mulan features songs by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel have become modern classics. I think they did an amazing job creating memorable tunes that still feel fresh today.
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