From Lion King to Frozen, Disney has produced some of the biggest blockbuster hits in animated film history. There’s something about the magic that Disney films are able to bring every time.
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Not only have they given us timeless classics but they always manage to immerse us in meaningful stories that feature likeable characters that we can’t help but feel attached to.
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But what about some of the studio’s lesser known works? You know, the ones everyone always forgets about?
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As a huge Disney Geek myself, I thought I would recommend some of my favourite underrated Disney films for you to check out for yourself! Especially with the arrival of the newly launched streaming service Disney + in the UK, this is the perfect time to kick back, relax and enjoy some new Disney adventures.
If you are bored of watching the same old Disney movies, why not check out a few of these underrated ones?
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So without further ado, here’s a list of the most underrated Disney films ever. I’ll be counting down to most underrated so make sure you read the whole article to find out who I’ve put for no.1!
15. Hercules [1997]
Disney, HERCULES, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/122601648683/yes-indeed via GIPHY
Down to earth protgaonist complete with his loveable pet. Trained by a sarky and hilarious mentor. Sassy and strong love interest. Villain is a total mood. Musical Muses killing it. Honestly this film is the complete package. Although most people still know about this one, and have probably heard some of its hit songs, it’s definitely not as highly rated as some of the other classics.
Disney, HERCULES, https://www.reddit.com/r/upvotegifs/comments/5yfnpq/hades_approves/ via GIPHY
14. Tarzan [1999]
Besides Phil Collins’ impressive soundtrack, the film tells a heartwarming story of family, love and acceptance in the face of prejudice. After being taken in and adopted by gorillas as a baby, the protagonist, Tarzan, attempts to navigate life as a pseudo-gorilla. The film raises the excellent question of what really separates man from animal, showing them as one in the same through both good and evil characters.
Disney, TARZAN, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/125874656082/were-not-that-different-at-all via GIPHY
13. Big Hero 6 [2014]
Disney, BIG HERO 6, https://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/post/99579973775/watch-the-big-hero-6… via GIPHY
Now this film definitely deserves more hype than it gets! Often overshadowed by its predecessor Frozen, Big Hero 6, shows the superhero journey of five young, innovative students along with an adorable healthcare robot, Baymax. Set in a future alternate reality and hybrid city called San Fransokyo, characters embark on action-packed adventure fighting against a mysterious and dangerous super-villain.
Disney, BIG HERO 6, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/128068555272/rocks-feet via GIPHY Hiro Hamada also gets the honour of being Disney’s FIRST ever bi-racial protagonist!
Disney, BIG HERO 6, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/120363079528/when-writers-block-hits via GIPHY
12. Alice in Wonderland [1951]
Disney, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, http://mtvstyle.tumblr.com/post/84222345238/spring-season-got-me-like via GIPHY
The original animated film, Alice in Wonderland, presents an excitingly vivid and vibrant take on Lewis Caroll’s classic tale. Alice creates a dream world of her own, but soon realises that even in her imagination she still cannot escape reality.The ironic and confusing situations and characters in her own life become a distorted reflection of her fantasy world.
And her curiousity leads her, quite literally, down a rabbit hole of adventure...
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While I love the Tim Burton re-imaginings just as much, the animated original is really quite underrated for its time.
Disney, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, https://giphy.com/boomunderground via GIPHY
11. A Bug’s life [1998]
Disney, A BUG’S LIFE, http://reddit.com/r/reactiongifs/comments/2f91kp/mrw_i_stub_my_little_toe/ via GIPHY
This is one of Pixar’s earliest films, and unfortunately, is one of their most forgotten about films. The film is lighthearted and humorous, while still being inspiring and entertaining. The grasshopper villains are also genuinely horrifying.
This film showcases a story of courage, comedy and imagination. In the face of total social disgrace and everyone’s complete lack of faith in him, the inspiring chracter, Flik, pioneers and transforms a bug’s life for the better of all through his creative inventions and out of the box thinking. Although his journey is not one without rocky paths and obstacles along the way, the main one being that Flik accidentally mistakes a bunch of circus performers as warriors through a series of misunderstandings.
Disney, A BUG’S LIFE, http://disneypixar.tumblr.com/post/128297290152/smooth via GIPHY
10. Fox and the Hound [1981]
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A really cute story about an unlikely friendship found between a fox and hound who are supposed to be enemies. This film is often forgotten about when people list their favourite Disney films, but is definitely worth watching at least once! The ending is pretty tragic but real.
9. Oliver & Company [1988]
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Another animal related film, often overshadowed by similar stories like Lady and Tramp and Aristocats, Oliver & Company presents a lovely friendship between a cat and his owner. Based off Dickens’ Oliver Twist, this animated gem reimagines the story in a lively and interesting world. The film also presents some CATchy tunes. (Oof that was poor)
Disney, OLIVER & COMPANY, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/119117932517/well-always-be-good-company via GIPHY
8. The Sword in the Stone [1963]
Disney, THE SWORD IN THE STONE, http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/the-sword-in-the-stone/images/34501568/title… via GIPHY
Watch this film just for Merlin. Like I’m not even joking he is the biggest troll and is pretty much the closest thing we are going to get to a Disney dUMbLEdORE in every way. So yeah, nuff said.
Disney, THE SWORD IN THE STONE, https://cheezburger.com/5183660544 via GIPHY
7. A(n Extremely) Goofy Movie [1995] [2000]
Disney, A GOOFY MOVIE, http://ihkdotgif.tumblr.com/post/31458660951 via GIPHY
Both ‘A Goofy Movie’ and its sequel ‘An Extremely Goofy Movie’ are two great stories about the relationship between a father and son. The film presents realistic trials between an overbearing and clingy parent and a cool, spontaneous teenager. I know it looks, well gOoFy, but honestly give these films a chance because the plot’s really good and the side characters are really funny too.
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6. Emperor’s/Kronk’s New Groove [2000] [2005]
Disney, EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE, https://yesidreamofdisney.tumblr.com/post/83203075069/welcome-to-the-fam… via GIPHY
Really don’t know why more people don’t know about these movies because this film along with is sequel deserves all the love in the world. A+ for humour. Often breaks the fourth wall and, well who doesn’t love a bit of that? Great characters all round and full development. Features an annoyingly arrogant protagonist who learns to be less obnoxious, basically.
Disney, EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE, https://giphy.com/jesseling via GIPHY
5. Hunchback of Notre Dame [1996]
Disney, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, http://fydisneymisfits.tumblr.com/post/9987619779 via GIPHY
Emotional. Will make you cry. Quasi is the cutest, most adorable character to ever exist. MUST PROTECT. Love the story, the animation, the everything! Humour is pretty great in this one too! I just really hated the way the townsfolk treated Quasi, especially Frollo. There’s a special place reserved in hell for that jerk.
Disney, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, https://disneydreamerdcp.blogspot.com/2012/12/50-day-disney-challenge-da… via GIPHY
4. Brother Bear [2003]
Disney, BROTHER BEAR, http://disney.tumblr.com/post/116489963972/when-someone-is-a-little-chat… via GIPHY
Really deserves far more credit than it gets! Beautiful storyline. Cute animal characters. Features relationships between bros. Excellent character development. Brave, but like the opposite.
3. Atlantis: The Lost Empire [2001]
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Storyline is great. Milo is the adorkable geeky type who sets off on his lifelong mission in search of the lost city of Atlantis. Every character on the crew is really interesting and dynamic. The ship between Milo and Kida is really cute, but also marks the biggest age gap in Disney history!
Disney, ATLANTIS, http://www.gifbay.com/gif/atlantis_was_a_good_movie-129122/ via GIPHY
2. Treasure Planet [2002]
Disney, TREASURE PLANET, http://disappearharunahimawari.tumblr.com/post/126883287848/come-on-roy via GIPHY
Loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, this film follows the epic sci-fi adventure of Jim Hawkins who embarks on the journey of a lifetime in search for a planet filled to the brim with treasure. He sets sail on a futuristic pirate ship sailing through the skies. The 3-D animation is spectacular and really impressive (especially for its time!) Emotional journey and character development. Features father issues and shows men that’s it’s perfectly ok to cry!
Honourable mentions
Before we get to the no.1 spot on the underrated Disney films list, here are some honourable mentions.
Mulan II was another one that had to make it onto this list. While the first Mulan film is rightfully a big hit classic, its sequel is slightly lesser known. The film is still really good regardless, especially with its catchy songs and fun new characters.
Cinderella III, is actually surprisingly really impressive as well! The plot features a scenario in which Cinderella’s wicked stepmother gets hold of the fairy godmother’s magic wand. This leads to some interesting consequences including a reversal of time and the sequences of the first film. We get to empathise a bit more Anastasia and also get to see the more hilariously reckless side of Prince Charming in this film (like how he literally jumps out of a window!)
Now for the no.1 spot…
1. Meet the Robinsons
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The No.1 most underrated Disney film, has to be Meet the Robinsons. A story about an orphan named Lewis, who is always creating new inventions to help make the world a better place. He gets to time travel into a future world and meet some quirky and interesting characters along the way. This film features some good ol’ plot twists and some relatable tragic villains too! The animation is absolutely incredible! Although not a musical, there are some great numbers in this one. But most of all, what makes this film the best is how awesome the plot really is! It inspires you, even through the tough times, to…
KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
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So if you’re tired of watching the same old classics, check out these lesser known Disney animated films!
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