10 Great Disney Movies You Forgot Existed

by

It’s true that Disney is famous for creating some of the most remarkable animated films ever made. However, there are hidden treasures from this studio that often go unnoticed. Going all the way back to 1937 with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Walt Disney and his animation team proved the skeptics wrong by successfully producing a full-length animated movie that captivated audiences.

Subsequently, the studio solidified its status in Hollywood folklore, experiencing ups and downs after Walt Disney’s passing, a revival during the Disney Renaissance, and a transition to computer-generated films. Throughout this journey, they produced timeless classics such as Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Of course, due to a rich history spanning over many years, some titles may not receive as much attention as the more celebrated classics. Even though these films might not be as well-known among fans or rank high on studio lists of top productions, they are still filled with Disney’s enchanting magic and deserve recognition from an audience.

10. Melody Time (1948)

Directed By Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, And Jack Kinney

Melody Time showcases Disney’s creative animation prowess at a time when fewer people were watching animated films and there were fewer enthusiasts revisiting them. The film is from an era in Disney’s history where short stories were joined together to form a full-length feature.

In simpler terms, “Melody Time” weaves together a collection of shorts that are accompanied by tunes from the era’s folk music and popular songs. Unlike its less polished predecessor, “Make Mine Music”, “Melody Time” stands out as a more refined and remarkable assortment. It boasts an exceptional short centered around the legendary figure, Johnny Appleseed, that is truly awe-inspiring.

It’s regrettable that Disney package movies, known for their lengthy narrative films, have fallen out of style lately. Instead, feature-length movies are now captivating viewers with more thrilling tales. Nevertheless, Melody Time serves as an excellent demonstration of how Disney used these shorts to innovate and evolve their creative process.

9. The Sword In The Stone (1963)

Directed By Wolfgang Reitherman

Disney’s fondness for timeless fairy tales ultimately prompted them to adapt the tale of King Arthur into ‘The Sword in the Stone’. This family-oriented journey chronicles the growth of young Arthur under the tutelage of the wise and kind sorcerer Merlin, who guides him towards becoming one of England’s most distinguished knights.

The film became a hit at the box office upon release, yet it’s often considered a less prestigious Disney production. Although its plot isn’t as straightforward as some later masterpieces, its free-flowing structure (which is frequently criticized) was common for that period.

Nevertheless, this movie continues to be one of the most delightful adaptations of King Arthur, boasting engaging characters and entertaining scenes. The spellbinding clash between Merlin and the wicked Madame Mim ranks among the underestimated highlights in Disney’s cinematic history.

8. Dinosaur (2000)

Directed By Ralph Zondag And Eric Leighton

In a groundbreaking step, Disney’s “Dinosaur” was the pioneering film to delve into the realm of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), aiming to rival the increasingly popular Pixar productions. The story unfolds as we follow a group of endearing dinosaur characters on their trek through uncharted territories, in quest of a fresh habitat while navigating the myriad perils that lurk en route.

The dinosaur struggled to adapt to modern technology when trying to narrate a story that might have been complex for its younger viewers. Without any catchy musical numbers or an engaging pace, the dinosaur movie felt more like a film for adults rather than children, yet it lacked the necessary appeal for either group. However, this film, with its grand scale, was prematurely overlooked.

Despite significant advancements in CG animation since its release, the level of detail in this Disney movie’s world remains breathtakingly impressive. For animation enthusiasts, it still stands as a must-watch masterpiece that often gets overlooked.

7. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Directed By Hendel Butoy And Mike Gabriel

Although The Rescuers, an underappreciated Disney movie, wasn’t widely recognized, it still garnered a sequel over a decade later. In this continuation, we find our brave rodent heroes, Bianca and Bernard, reappearing on the scene. They are part of a clandestine animal organization dedicated to rescuing lost children from across the globe.

Instead of being a rather ordinary adventure film, The Rescuers Down Under turned out to be a remarkable and thrilling movie that delivers an impressive, bold, and exciting experience. Regrettably, due to its reputation as a forgotten gem, The Rescuers Down Under has often been overlooked, with some people assuming it’s one of Disney’s direct-to-video sequels.

The film showcases some of the most breathtaking animations that were part of a Disney production during that period, particularly during the aerial scenes. Additionally, it manages to make the situations seem genuinely high-stakes and intense, which can be overpowering for some younger audience members.

6. The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad (1949)

Directed By Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi, And James Algar

While some viewers might recognize certain scenes from “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad,” many may not be aware that it’s a full-length film. This feature is another compilation movie from Disney, but unlike some others, each segment holds its own value, even though one might be more popularly known.

In this scenario, Disney blended together two timeless tales, “The Wind in the Willows” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” with a dash of their signature magic. Unfortunately, these combined films didn’t achieve the success that Disney anticipated and are often remembered more for specific scenes rather than as cohesive productions.

In my humble opinion, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” is an exceptional piece of animation that seamlessly intertwines two captivating tales. The soothing narration by the legendary Bing Crosby and Basil Rathbone serves as a harmonious bridge between these stories. First off, the endearing animal characters from “The Wind in the Willows” set the stage for an enchanting beginning, filled with laughter and warmth. Then, “Sleepy Hollow” takes center stage, delivering a chilling tale that continues to be a beloved Halloween cartoon tradition, keeping viewers on their toes until the very end.

5. Winnie The Pooh (2011)

Directed By Stephen Anderson And Don Hall

Although Winnie-the-Pooh debuted at Disney back in 1961, it was only in the 21st century that he starred in his first full-length movie, but it didn’t receive significant recognition. In this new adventure, Pooh and his longtime companions like Piglet and Tigger were seen in the Hundred Acre Wood. The film harkened back to a classic style by presenting a collection of delightful tales featuring these beloved characters.

Even though Winnie the Pooh received positive critic reviews, it signified the conclusion of an epoch for Disney, being the last film so far that employed traditional animation by the studio. Although the shift towards digital animation was already underway, the relatively low box office revenue of Winnie the Pooh was perceived as a shift in audience preferences for animated films.

Without a doubt, “Winnie the Pooh” is an ideal film to honor Disney’s past, offering a delightful mix of enchanting visuals, wholesome entertainment, and cherished personalities. Certain moments evoke nostalgia for a bygone age, while others push boundaries with creative narrative twists. It serves as a splendid tribute to this timeless character.

4. The Aristocats (1970)

Directed By Wolfgang Reitherman

In comparison to 101 Dalmatians, The Aristocats is frequently perceived as a more relaxed and less daring tale. While their storylines share some resemblance, both revolve around the kidnapping of beloved felines by their wealthy owner’s envious butler. The cats then navigate through the city streets with guidance from a street-smart cat companion.

Instead, one could rephrase it as follows: The premise primarily serves as an introduction to Disney’s take on a timeless hangout film genre. This movie places more emphasis on creating its unique atmosphere than crafting a captivating narrative. In this aspect, it delivers delightfully, offering a relaxed and enjoyable family-friendly experience. Moreover, it represents the last full-fledged production that Walt Disney personally contributed to.

Among the enduring aspects of the animated film “The Aristocats” is its music, which stands out with its jazzy tunes deviating from the usual style in Disney musical productions. In truth, “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” continues to be one of the most hummable Disney songs ever created.

3. Oliver & Company (1988)

Directed By George Scribner

The Little Mermaid is often considered the start of Disney’s renaissance period, but it was actually preceded by Oliver & Company, which hinted at progress. This film is a loose interpretation of the timeless Charles Dickens story, ‘Oliver Twist,’ and tells the tale of a street-smart dog who mentors a young cat living as a stray in New York City.

Truly, the enchanting allure of The Little Mermaid seemed to overshadow Oliver & Company in the hearts of many. While it may not have evoked the same level of charm as that sea-bound tale, there was an undeniable joy in witnessing Disney revisit a more down-to-earth narrative – much like Lady and the Tramp or 101 Dalmatians – offering us a glimpse into their urban stories.

Following a brief lull in catchy tunes in Disney films, “Oliver & Company” too offered some noteworthy songs. A significant part of this can be attributed to Billy Joel providing the voice for the charming and suave canine character, Dodger.

2. The Black Cauldron (1985)

Directed By Ted Berman And Richard Rich

This classic Disney animation, “The Black Cauldron,” is typically recalled as one of the bleakest Disney animated films produced. The story unfolds as a band of heroes embarks on a mission to safeguard their realm from a malevolent overlord aiming for dominance. It represents Disney venturing into the realm of sword and sorcery narratives.

The flop of “The Black Cauldron” at both the box office and among critics might have marked a pivotal moment in Disney’s history, ushering in a new era for their films. Interestingly, the grim elements that made it unsuitable for younger audiences are partly responsible for its enduring popularity over time.

I must admit, this production didn’t garner widespread popularity or maintain consistent visibility among viewers. Yet, its unique aesthetic and distinctive tone set it apart, almost as if it weren’t a Disney movie at first glance. This sense of originality makes it feel like an extraordinary and daring endeavor from the legendary studio, sparking curiosity and interest among fans who are eager for more of this innovative project.

1. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Directed By John Musker, Ron Clements, Dave Michener, And Burny Mattinson

It was inevitable that Disney would eventually create its own spin on the timeless tale of Sherlock Holmes, and that’s exactly what they did with the film “The Great Mouse Detective.” This captivating story follows Basil of Baker Street, a brilliant mouse detective, as he unravels a wicked scheme orchestrated by the malicious Ratigan.

In a similar vein to “Oliver & Company,” “The Great Mouse Detective” was a fantastic Disney film that perhaps arrived slightly ahead of its time. It was also a more modestly scaled production compared to some of the timeless classics, lacking the grandeur often associated with them. Nevertheless, this movie is filled with humor, suspense, and entertainment value, making it a strong candidate for a franchise that didn’t quite take off as expected.

Among Disney heroes, Basil might be the least recognized for his value, given that he relies on his sharp wit as a remarkable ability, yet maintains an amusing air of arrogance without becoming unappealing. On the other hand, Vincent Price’s Ratigan emerges as a standout Disney villain, delivering one of the most captivating Disney villain songs and performances.

Read More

2025-07-06 17:53