With a company history dating back to 1923, Disney has reigned supreme over family-friendly entertainment for just over a century.
In its 100 years of its operation, the studio has released a myriad of exceptional child-friendly films that span both animation and live-action, from formative classics like Snow White and Pinocchio to more contemporary hits like Frozen, Moana, Star Wars’ Sequel Trilogy, and the various films that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With over 130 films making up Disney’s extensive library, it’s only fair to assume that some of Disney’s past films have fallen by the wayside when compared to the studios’ bigger, more sensational releases. In spite of their relative obscurity, these films possess all the magical qualities that characterize Disney’s strongest efforts. From forgotten gems of the Disney Renaissance to Golden Age anthologies from the 1940s, here are some of the most underrated movies in Disney’s massive filmography.
Christopher Robin (2018)
Growing up comes with its fair share of complications, from adapting oneself to various professional careers to bidding farewell to the responsibility-free nature of childhood. Yet as 2018’s Christopher Robin makes clear, imagination itself remains an integral part of our individual psyche, affording us a unique outlet to contend with life’s daily hardships. A brilliant epilogue for the titular character and his closest Hundred Acre Wood friends, Christopher Robin leaves viewers a renewed appreciation for the boundless joys of creativity, complete with wholesome appearances from Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and – of course – the honey-loving teddy bear, Winnie the Pooh.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
The other Disney movie featuring a magical caretaker who uses her powers to dazzle and delight her young wards, Bedknobs and Broomsticks may occasionally feel like a watered-down rip-off of the studio’s far superior Mary Poppins. In spite of the numerous similarities it shares to its 1964 predecessor, however, this 1971 historical fantasy does a fantastic job melding live-action with atmospheric 2D animation. Propelled by Angela Lansbury as its distinctly super(califragilisticexpialidocious) main star, Bedknobs and Broomsticks is among the greatest live-action Disney films released in the wake of Walt’s death, capturing the signature sense of imagination so often present in Disney’s best films.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
In the early days of the 1940s, Disney’s feature-length films slowly lost favor among wartime weary audiences, resulting in increasingly disappointing financial returns on movies like Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Dumbo. As a result of audiences’ changing tastes, the company elected to produce anthology films throughout the remainder of the decade, ushering in such little-known classics as The Three Caballeros, Fun and Fancy Free, and 1949’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Based on Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows respectively, Ichabod and Mr. Toad strikes a fine balance between light-hearted slapstick in its first half and genuinely spooky chills in its second.
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
A rare sequel that actually surpasses the original, The Rescuers Down Under also remains one of the many unsung films of the influential Disney Renaissance. Transposing its narrative from the clogged streets of New York City to the rugged Australian Outback, The Rescuers Down Under spins an impressive tale about the importance of animal conservation and the wonders that come with a meaningful friendship. Between its simple story, sweeping visuals, and agreeable vocal performances, it’s a fantastic ‘90s adventure film that can be wholeheartedly enjoyed by viewers young and old every time they hit play.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Who would’ve thought a film featuring a miniaturized caricature of Sherlock Holmes could be so thoroughly entertaining? Yet as The Great Mouse Detective makes clear, this lovingly made ‘80s mystery comes packed to the brim with entertaining moments and standout concepts, adequately adapting Arthur Conan Doyle’s armchair detective for children’s animation. If that weren’t reason enough to love it, the film also earns standout praise for having horror legend Vincent Price voice its Moriarty-esque rodent antagonist – a masterful casting decision on par with Jeremy Irons’ Scar in The Lion King, Pat Carroll’s Ursula in The Little Mermaid, and James Woods’ Hades in Hercules.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
If you’re ever looking for a hearty chuckle, look no further than Disney’s painfully underappreciated 2000 comedy, The Emperor’s New Groove. Despite paling in comparison to the critical achievements of The Lion King or Aladdin, The Emperor’s New Groove madcap comedic style leaves viewers grinning from ear to ear throughout. Possessing an anarchic sense of humor reminiscent of a ‘30s screwball comedy or vintage Looney Tunes cartoon, every moment of The Emperor’s New Groove is pure comedic bliss, thanks in large part to the humorous pairing of Yzma and Kronk (two of the funniest villains to ever grace the silver screen).
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
With how many great films saw a release during the Disney Renaissance, it’s not exactly surprising that certain films faded away into the background. Such is the unfortunate fate that befell 1996’s marvelous adaptation, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Evoking a far more adult atmosphere than almost any other Disney film of its era, The Hunchback of Notre Dame veers towards some surprisingly dark territory in the course of its 91-minute runtime, offering up candid discussions about religious fanaticism, infanticide, and societal alienation. For this reason, it’s a film that continues to hold up as one of Disney’s finest and most unique efforts, standing tall as one of the studio’s most ambitious cinematic achievements to date.
