This year, The Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary. After 100 years, the company has a strong reputation for excellence and magic. Whether it’s a theme park attraction or the latest animated film, Disney can make it shine.
However, lately, many people seem to think Disney has hit a box office slump. Newer releases like Wish (2023) and The Marvels (2023) haven’t performed as well as the company planned. Fans are accusing Disney of poor quality, pushing agendas, or being too “woke” for audiences.
So today, we’re throwing it back and looking at some past underrated Disney movies. We all talk about popular films like The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. But these are longtime classics that many Disney fans forget, even though they’re filled with nostalgia and fun. Join us today as we rank the top 12 underrated Disney movies that you forgot about.
12. The Brave Little Toaster
Starting out strong at number 12, we have The Brave Little Toaster (1987). This animated classic directed by Jerry Rees definitely qualifies as an underrated Disney movie. Based on the original novel, this film follows the adventures of Toaster, Blanky, Radio, Lampy, and a vacuum cleaner named Kirby as they attempt to reunite with their owner. This film is not currently available on Disney+; however, the film’s two sequels are.
11. Flubber
Robin Williams was always a fan favorite, but do you remember his role after he starred as Genie in Aladdin (1992)? Just five years later, Williams returned with Disney to star in Flubber (1997). This classic live-action film is whimsical and funny, as Professor Philip Brainard discovers Flubber, and then together they try to win back his ex-fiance after missing his own wedding.
Currently, you can find a hidden easter egg paying homage to Flubber at Disney World in EPCOT. Keep your eyes out for Professor Philip Brainard’s office in Journey into Imagination with Figment.
10. The Pacifier
While Vin Diesel is known for his starring role in The Fast and The Furious franchise, we love him in The Pacifier (2005) just as much. Vin Diesel portrays an ex-navy seal who meets his match as a nanny. His mission is to protect the Plummer children, uncover their father’s secrets, and learn how to change diapers. Many people forget about this Disney movie, but it earns a spot in our top 12 underrated Disney movies.
9. The Reluctant Dragon
If you’re a longtime Disney fan, you will remember this classic animated movie. The Reluctant Dragon (1941) includes a classic storybook feature based on Kenneth Grahame’s story, portrayed as Robert Benchley takes a trip to Walt Disney Animation Studios. As Benchley attempts to pitch the story to Walt Disney, he learns about the animation process and studios.
8. Treasure Planet
One of the best Disney movies that makes the list of underrated films is Treasure Planet (2002). This Disney film features the voice talents of stars like Emma Thompson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Martin Short, and Brian Murray. In addition to gorgeous animation, this film features adventure and excellent music.
7. Bridge to Terabithia
Though it may leave you a little weepy, many people have forgotten about Bridge to Terabithia (2007). This movie was made by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media. Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and Zoey Deschanel star in this imaginative classic.
6. The Great Mouse Detective
Heading back a little further, we find the thrilling and fun mystery film The Great Mouse Detective (1986). This animated film was directed by Disney legends Burny Mattinson, John Musker, Ron Clements, and David Michener. Basil, the great mouse detective (or Sherlock Holmes) of his generation, takes the case of his career tracking down the missing toymaker.
5. The Emperor’s New Groove
In 2000, Disney gave us a sassy and fun movie featuring David Spade (Emperor Kuzco), Patrick Warburton (Kronk), and Eartha Kitt (Yzma). The Emperor’s New Groove is a great feature that many forget about when recalling their favorite Disney movie.
4. Cheaper By The Dozen
This movie may be one of the most forgotten Disney movies, but it’s a fun, family-friendly film. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003) stars Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Hillary Duff, and Alyson Stoner. This heartwarming movie follows the Baker family of fourteen as they take on the challenges of everyday life as a family.
3. Oliver and Company
Oliver & Company (1988) ranks third on our list, a delightful animated classic following Oliver, Dodger, and their four-legged friends through the streets of New York City. A fair warning that if you watch (or rewatch) this film, it’s very likely that the song “Why Should I Worry” will get stuck in your head for days. This musical story is filled with Disney charm and catchy songs; it is an underrated film for sure.
2. A Goofy Movie
The race gets close as we near the top of our list of the top underrated Disney movies. Coming in second is a movie that became a quick favorite after release: A Goofy Movie (1995). One of two fantastic films in the franchise, directors Kevin Lima took a classic Disney character and brought us along on the father-son bonding trip of a lifetime. Though this film may be less forgotten, I may always consider it underrated compared to the hype it deserves.
1. Meet The Robinsons
Now, I’m not trying to start a fight, but in my opinion, the top underrated Disney movie is Meet the Robinsons (2007). Although it’s not as classic as some of the features on our list, this Disney animated feature captured audiences. Unfortunately, it’s often forgotten when it comes to Disney parks and merchandise, but today, we’re giving it the credit it deserves. Walt Disney Studios knew what they were doing with this one; they even hid some fun easter eggs throughout the film.
This post is originally appeared on Disney Dining.
