Movie & Disney Father-Daughter Dance Songs

Some of the most popular movies to choose coincide with your favorite Disney song choices from childhood – think "When You Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio, or even wedding songs from other Disney movie wedding favorites like Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, The Lion King, Toy Story, and so many more. Other movies include popular wedding music as well, whether for your father-daughter spin, your walk down the aisle, first dance, or the wedding songs chosen for your cocktail hour or wedding reception.

To help you and your dad choose a tune for your special dance at the wedding, we’ve gathered together songs used in popular motion pictures that would work perfectly for a father-daughter dance – Disney movies included! One way to add more sentiment is by picking a tune from a movie you and your dad enjoyed together, which is why many of the below are from children’s films. Though you're no longer a child, of course, this will be a special dance with the first man you loved – make it special and make it personal to you both. The most important thing to note with any dance music choice is that it invokes the familial love between you and your father on the day you're getting married.

Below, you'll find some of our favorite father-daughter dance songs from movies, including your favorite Disney films:

"You've Got a Friend in Me" - Randy Newman, from Toy Story
A perfect song for especially close relationships between father and daughter, this wedding song shows you can always count on your best friend – your dad. If your father was your biggest fan growing up, this Toy Story favorite will make for a very special moment in your life and likely bring some of your guests to tears. It's also a popular choice for a number of real weddings featured on InsideWeddings.com!

"My Girl" - The Temptations, from Father of the Bride
This tune may seem like a cliché, but it's a classic for a reason. One of the most popular songs on this list, "My Girl" is a great option for everyone, regardless of your relationship with your father throughout your upbringing. Not to mention the scene it’s used in showcases the touching bond between a father and daughter, which is why so many people love including this song in weddings – especially for a special dance!

"Learn Me Right" - Birdy and Mumford & Sons from Brave
The film may be more about a girl’s relationship with her mother, but the sentiment of the song still applies. Plus Merida’s father was always very supportive of her, so it's a unique choice that you won't see at many weddings. If you want a song that hasn't been featured in many real weddings but still has lyrics that may be personal to your relationship, it's a great option for your first dance or even your walk down the aisle.

"Prettiest Girls" - Pharrell from Despicable Me 
Perhaps most apt for a father with multiple daughters, this number shows how Gru changes for the better following the adoption of his girls. It's another one of those song ideas that won't be overplayed at multiple weddings, but it still offers a great alternative to some of the more popular first dance options like "Butterfly Kisses" or a song from The Lion King or Tarzan.

"Somewhere Out There" - Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram from An American Tail
In the movie, this song represents the feelings of a separated brother and sister, but it can work for any family member – especially if you’re moving far away after the wedding. It's also a great option for military weddings when you'll soon be stationed far from home. As with any wedding ideas, it's important to choose options that are personal to you while wedding planning, and the lyrics from this sweet melody could make for the perfect option for a bride getting ready to make a big move or life change.

"Circle of Life" - Elton John from The Lion King
The version used in the Disney classic may seem like too much of a novelty, but the rendition by Elton John strikes the right tone for weddings of all styles and themes. If you and your dad love Elton John, consider having your wedding band or DJ create a medley of this version and another song you both love by the talented performer. As we've said before, make it your own! You want to look back on your wedding-planning process and know that just as much thought went into these special details as your selection of wedding dresses. It's your wedding – keep that in mind throughout the planning process, and your guests will love the personalization and background behind each of your wedding ideas!

"Sunrise, Sunset" - Cast Recording from Fiddler on the Roof
Particularly fitting for Jewish weddings, this melody about watching your children grow up is relatable for parents of any faith. It's a great way to show the people you love how much they mean to you, making it a selection for special events as one of the most classic songs – wedding included!

"Remember Me This Way" - Jordan Hill from Casper
As much of a father-daughter movie as a ghost movie, Casper has more resonance for single dads. If your dad was truly your best friend and the first man you ever loved – as is the case for many women, this touching wedding melody makes for a beautiful soundtrack to your spin with your father.

"You'll Be In My Heart" - Phil Collins from Tarzan 
The song may be meant from the perspective of Tarzan’s mom, but with the vocals of Phil Collins, it’s still a lovely choice for a father to sway to with his daughter. There's a reason why this one by Phil Collins is on almost every list of wedding songs in this category!

We hope you and your dad choose a song that's absolutely perfect for your relationship – whether it's an option on this list or these options helped inspire another selection, we know that this special moment between father and daughter will bring tears to your eyes – and those of your guests! It's such a special part of a wedding, so take care in choosing an option for your wedding day that you'll cherish for years to come. And don't forget to have your photographer capture this sincere moment! A framed professional photo of this special time also makes for a great Father's Day gift after the wedding and definitely a great addition to your wedding photo album.

If you love the idea of using songs from movies in your wedding, see our suggestions for your first dance. Discover popular tunes for father-daughter dances used in real weddings here.