The 20 Most Underrated Disney Movies of All Time
No one is a stranger to many of the famed and loved Disney movies like The Lion King, Pinocchio, Hercules, and lets not forget ALL of the princess movies. However, there are some movies that don’t always get an equal amount of spotlight as the more “iconic” ones. Just because they aren’t as widely known or loved, though, doesn’t mean they aren’t incredible in their own rights. Here’s to the 20 most underrated Disney movies of all time!
1. A Goofy Movie (1995)
Goofy can sometimes be overlooked in the swarm of all the princesses and buff heroes of the Disney movie universe, but he is perhaps one of Disney’s most lovable characters (not to mention one of the… goofiest). Who doesn’t love the heartwarming story line of the father-son relationship between Goofy and Max?
2. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Among my favorite Disney movies ever, Meet the Robinsons is full of crazy twists, turns, futuristic landscapes and utter chaos (but in a way that totally works). Its heart is one of humor; a cooky family, an evil villain, and one funny dinosaur with a big head and little arms. Don’t let the hilarity fool you, though, it’ll leave you with utter feels. This is number one of my official, personal, most underrated Disney movies.
3. Aristocats (1970)
First off, there are so many adorable kittens in this movie! The cuteness is off the charts. However, things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows as someone is plotting to kill the cats after it’s announced that they will inherit their owner’s fortune upon her death. It’ll have you laughing for hours and singing for days with its catchy tunes.
4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
This was one of the first science-fiction movies in Disney’s animated repertoire. It follows a man who finds a sacred book which he believes will finally lead him to the lost city of Atlantis. It’s full of action, beautiful scenery and an amazing score.
5. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Pulled out of the archives, The Sword in the Stone is loosely based off of the popular story of the Pendragons and the orphan Arthur on his quest to attain the throne. It has all the elements you love like Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, black magic, and, of course, the sword.
6. Home on the Range (2004)
“Udder” absurdity defines this movie, as a trio of dairy cows turn to dangerous means in order to get money to save their farm from shutting down. With the under-promotion that killed this movie, it’s almost been lost to time.
7. Oliver and Company (1988)
This 1988 film was inspired by Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. It is both heartwarming and hilarious seeing the homeless kitten, Oliver, join a gang of dogs so that he can survive life in the streets.
8. Brother Bear (2003)
I think this is one that a lot of people like but we often forget about it for some reason. Kenai must learn a lesson, and to do so, angered spirits turn him into a bear so that he may learn to walk a mile in another’s shoes (or paws). The animation creates a beautiful outdoor environment and with Phil Collins in charge of the music, you know the score is moving.
9. The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
This movie made everyone watching it simultaneously go “awwww.” In a style much akin to Toy Story, household appliances all come to life. The toaster and four of his friends, a lamp, radio, vacuum cleaner and a blanket, all go on a harrowing quest to find their owner. This wins the top ranking of the underrated Disney movies, young children category.
10. Treasure Planet (2002)
This is one of the largest-scale animated science-fiction movies that Disney has created. Its failure at the box office was a result of bad promotion, but just because it ultimately lost money doesn’t take away from this incredibly-crafted adventure.
11. The Black Cauldron (1985)
This one is set during the Middle Ages, so it’s full of dark imagery, funny names and incredible, fantastical adventure. It features a lowly pig herder and his adventures to save Hen-Wren, the prophesying pig. Starring plenty of animal characters, of course!
12. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
The Great Mouse Detective draws a lot on the stories of Sherlock Holmes. It features Professor Ratigan, the evil rat who always seems to be one step ahead and Basil, the detective who is always on his case. It has many of the same ups and downs as a traditional Sherlock story, and is arguably just as exciting.
13. Dinosaur (2000)
With CGI animation on top of a live background, this one was still relatively new territory for Disney’s animation studios. It has heartwarming friendships and offers an alternative history with the dinosaurs surviving the meteor shower.
14. The Rescuers (1977)
This one will tug at your heartstrings (but also let you laugh a bit). I mean… an underground organization of mice whose goal is to simply help people? Precious!
15. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
This movie scores #1 for the most underrated Disney movies, princess category. The whole movie is simply gorgeous and you fall in love with Tiana and her simple dream of owning the finest restaurant in New Orleans. She’s one of the most relatable of princesses to any hardworking girl, and this movie is just spectacular.
16. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
There’s a reason people forget about this one: it will ruin your life. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful yet simultaneously PAINFUL Disney movies. The characters are so lovable and cute, and the story line is dramatic in the best type of way. If you watch nothing else on this list, watch The Fox and the Hound.
17. Holes (2003)
This is, deservedly, the first fully live action movie on the list. It’s dramatic, funny and heartfelt. The story isn’t overly complex, and it really is just an enjoyable ride. Back before his down-spiral, Shia LaBeouf’s portrayal of the lead character adds the perfect charm to the entire experience.
18. A Bug’s Life (1998)
We all know this movie, even if we don’t appreciate it as much as we should. This is the lovable story of an underdog (or under-ant) who tries everything he can to save his colony from the tyrannical grasshoppers. Fun fact, this is based off of one of Aesop’s fables entitled The Ant and the Grasshopper. So not only is it one of the (most colorful) underrated Disney movies, it’s also technically a classic!
19. Underdog (2007)
Speaking of underdogs… this one doesn’t get the love he deserves! At the height of the anthropomorphic dog movie phenomena, this one isn’t overly dramatic. It’s just fun, plain and simple!
20. The Three Caballeros (1944)
This one is a combo live-action and animation feature with seven different segments Not only is it one of the most underrated Disney movies of all time, it’s chock full of Latin American culture!
What are your favorite and most underrated Disney movies? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
