Summary
- The Aristocats is one of Disney's most underrated films, with Marie and "Everybody Wants to Be a Cat" as standout elements.
- Robin Hood's charming narrative and characters make it an unfairly overlooked gem despite reused sequences.
- Treasure Planet, a visual masterpiece, deserves more love due to its unique blend of traditional and digital animation.
Disney has been one of the biggest references in animation since its first films, with many beloved classics like The Lion King, Pinocchio, and Snow White, and many more when looking at its past. However, among the many other movies released by the company since it started in the business, it is expected that some of these titles didn’t reach classic status.
So, among the most underrated Disney movies that deserve more love are those that tried to explore new ideas, from visual techniques to innovative narrative concepts, even featuring settings very uncommon for what the studio usually does. Although initially underappreciated, these movies contain a distinctive charm that, even without classic status, deserve attention for their bold creativity.
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10 The Aristocats
Forgotten Disney Film Features An Iconic Pop-Culture Figure
The Aristocats
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 24, 1970
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Wolfgang Reitherman
As the first feature released after Walt Disney’s death, The Aristocats is one of the Disney films that most deserve renewed attention. Although it bore the burden of proving that the magic persisted after its creator’s passing, its simple, low-drama plot caused it to fade from the wider public’s memory.
The movie’s survival in pop culture rests on two elements: the iconic kitten Marie and the unforgettable song “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat.” Thus, The Aristocats deserves to be remembered for carrying forward Walt’s legacy, maintaining the same level of quality as other successful Disney animations despite his absence.
9 Robin Hood
Movie Presents One Of Disney’s Best Duos On Their Epic Journey
Robin Hood
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 8, 1973
- Runtime
- 83 Minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Wolfgang Reitherman
Inspired by a classic tale, Robin Hood is a Disney film that deserves viewers’ affection. Dividing critics, one of the main issues surrounding the movie is its reuse of sequences from earlier works, where character expressions and dance moves had already appeared in other major studio movie, such as The Aristocats.
Even so, the charm of its narrative and characters elevates it as one of Disney’s finest animations. The bond between Robin Hood and Little John stands out, and the soundtrack is another highlight, with “Love” earning an Oscar nomination. Thus, it has become one of the most unfairly overlooked animations by the wider public.
8 The Rescuers
This Is Another Disney Film Forgotten By Audiences
The Rescuers
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- June 22, 1977
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Wolfgang Reitherman, Art Stevens
- Story By
- Margery Sharp
Blending dark and dramatic elements, The Rescuers is among the best Disney films that deserve more love. The story follows two brave mice who embark on a mission to rescue a young orphan. Steering clear of traditional fairy-tale tropes, the feature relies on its protagonists, who, despite lacking magical powers, become heroes through compassion.
Although acclaimed by critics and granted a sequel, The Rescuers is seldom recalled compared with Disney classics known for grand musical numbers and a magical atmosphere. Its mature tone and touching plot render it timeless, especially for viewers seeking something different from the fairy-tale stories found in the Disney+ catalog.
7 The Sword In The Stone
Disney’s Magical Take On The Timeless Legend Of King Arthur
The Sword in the Stone
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 25, 1963
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Wolfgang Reitherman
- Studio(s)
- Walt Disney Productions
The King Arthur myth has been retold many times, and this adaptation, The Sword in the Stone, is yet another Disney film forgotten by the public. Focusing on its characters’ coming-of-age, the story follows Wart, an orphaned boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery alongside an eccentric wizard, Merlin.
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One of the movie’s biggest hurdles was living in the shadow of later hits such as The Jungle Book and Cinderella, its overall construction made it less memorable than Disney’s most celebrated classics. Even so, the feature upholds a powerful message: true strength comes from knowledge. It also sports stylized artwork and shines in the epic duel between Merlin and Mad Madam Mim.
6 Meet The Robinsons
Thanks To Its Protagonist, This Ranks Among The Best Time-Travel Animations
Meet the Robinsons
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- March 30, 2007
WHERE TO WATCH
Conveying an uplifting message, Meet the Robinsons stands as one of Disney’s finest time-travel movies. The plot follows Lewis, a young inventor who journeys through time and meets the eccentric Robinson family. With its core motto, Keep Moving Forward, paying homage to Walt Disney himself, the film won over a modest but devoted audience.
Although its production encountered several hurdles, the movie merits far more love from fans, chiefly for its intriguing premise. Many of its characters exude charisma, and even if some introductions seem confusing, the themes explored are generally strong, delivering a truly unique experience.
5 Dinosaur
It Is A Timeless Animation, Yet Forgotten By Disney
Dinosaur
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- May 19, 2000
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Eric Leighton
- Distributor(s)
- Walt Disney Pictures
Known as a technological milestone, Dinosaur is one of Disney’s animated features that deserves the public’s affection. With a storyline that explores unity and perseverance, the film follows a dinosaur raised by lemurs who embarks on a journey of survival; the visuals on display are astonishing for an early-2000s release.
Its mature tone sets it apart from the studio’s other animations, even though the emotional depth of its characters and plot makes it underrated. By becoming a technological landmark as one of the first works made with CGI, it represents more than Disney’s freedom to move away from traditional animation: it introduces audiences to a singular and inspiring protagonist.
4 The Fox And The Hound
The Movie Melancholy Kept It From Becoming A Disney Hit
The Fox and the Hound
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- July 10, 1981
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Ted Berman, Richard Rich, Art Stevens
Its mature, complex narrative is what makes The Fox and the Hound one of the Disney animations that deserve more love. The movie offers no princesses, castles, or show-stopping songs; instead, it tackles more genuine themes such as coming-of-age, friendship, and prejudice. Thus, the animation became timeless even as it diverged from the studio formula, which left it less popular.
Refusing to give viewers easy answers, this Disney film presents a harsh truth: no matter how pure a friendship may be, it cannot survive under the world’s oppression. Its melancholy distinguishes it from any other animation, and its production was led by geniuses of Disney’s classic era, including John Lasseter.
3 Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Its Epic Journey Makes It A Disney Animation That Deserves More Love
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
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- June 2, 2001
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
- Studio(s)
- Disney
Although ignored by most people at release, time has proven that Atlantis ranks among Disney’s finest works and therefore deserves far more affection. By blending action with science fiction, the feature delivers a complex storyline and an impressive roster of charismatic characters, from its leads to its supporting cast.
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Yet by straying from the studio’s traditional formula, Atlantis also became a victim of its own ambition, largely because it omits certain hallmarks of classic Disney magic. Even so, the movie stands on a rich plot full of surprising twists that keep viewers engaged through its political and mythological themes.
2 The Black Cauldron
One Of Disney’s Most Memorable Animations
The Black Cauldron
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 24, 1985
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- Ted Berman, Richard Rich
With a darker tone than most children’s cartoons, The Black Cauldron is among the Disney films that deserve more love. As the studio’s first digitally animated feature, its mature themes and somber atmosphere set it apart, winning broader recognition only decades after its original debut.
Despite its gloomier mood, the story shines by highlighting love and friendship among its unlikely, diverse trio of heroes. Taran, Princess Eilonwy, and the creature Gurgi embark on a heroic quest to stop the fearsome Horned King from unleashing the supernatural power sealed within the magic cauldron.
1 Treasure Planet
A Visual Spectacle, This Is The Disney Animation That Deserves The Most Love
Treasure Planet
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 27, 2002
WHERE TO WATCH
- Director
- John Musker
- Studio(s)
- Disney
Celebrated for its beauty and originality, Treasure Planet is the Disney film most worthy of renewed admiration. Despite a high budget and box-office disappointment, critics were largely positive, proving the feature rivals the decade’s biggest hits. It stands as a masterpiece for seamlessly uniting traditional animation with digital innovation.
Its soundtrack is another highlight, echoing the paternal bond between its protagonists. Rebellious teen Jim Hawkins and the charismatic cyborg John Silver lead a heartfelt tale that explores universal themes, charming generations of viewers through a rich, one-of-a-kind adventure. Thus, it remains one of Disney’s greatest forgotten animations.
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