There are a lot of configuration options on this menu system. Some don't work in all browsers, so be sure to test before you rely on them. You can set the script to be standards compliant. You can also set it so that the menu floats relative to another element on the page.
The accordion menu is an application of the Ajax accordion script, that hides text until a link is clicked or some other event occurs. This menu gives an interesting look to your expanding menus - but it's a little harder to configure than some of the simpler ones.
This is a genuine Ajax application, with an XML file required to set the menu. I'm not sure that the XML file adds a lot of value, as many people might find it hard to manipulate - and that's how you set your menu items. It does look really nice, however.
This is another fairly simple menu, but what makes it useful is all the effects it has built-in. It has two different level markers (arrow and plus-sign) and five different effects when the sub-menus load. The colors didn't work when I tried it, but it wouldn't be too hard to change the styles using CSS.
All the information is inside the JS file for this script, which makes it difficult to add more than one script to the page.
Two files and three images to download. This is more of an outlining system than a navigation menu in the usual sense.
If you're looking for a way to build DHTML menus for yourself, the CoffeCup DHTML Menu builder might be just what you need. It's a Windows application that builds DHTML cascading menus - both vertical and horizontal. It's fun and easy to use. You build all the customization into the tool and then generate the code to paste into your HTML.
These menus are built as templates that you can then incorporate into your site. If you want vertical you should get the pop out menu, and if you want horizontal get the drop down menu.
Slightly different menu system, this one slides in from the side when you put your mouse over it. It is similar to some desktop application functionality. This would allow you to hide a long, complicated menu on the side of your page.
This is a simple menu for the top of your Web pages. There is an option for IE users to make the menu static, and stay in view all the time. The colors are very basic (black, white, and yellow) but if you know CSS you can modify them.
