Top 10 Disney Animated Classics that shouldn’t be forgotten.
We all have our favourite Disney Film, From Beauty and the Beast to Tangled, everyone enjoys at least one. However somewhere along the line, films do get forgotten and Disney Animated Classics are no exception. Join me for my top 10 Disney Films that you should go and watch now!
10 – Tarzan.
Name a 90s Disney Film! Chances are you screamed The Lion King, Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast. Maybe you have a favourite from the era and shouted that one out instead, Mulan or Hercules Maybe? Well one film that it is outrageous how often it gets missed out is Tarzan. The film is really funny and has some deep moments. Where this film gets forgotten is those that have come before it were so big and so great that this one seemingly doesn’t feel as good. With a great cast and some hilarious animals, don’t you think it is time to give Tarzan another chance?
9 – Chicken Little
Based on a Folk tale, Chicken Little is actually not Disney’s first attempt at the story. Originally a short made as part of the War Effort, Chicken little is as fresh today as it was when it was first told thousands of years ago. The story revolves around a young chicken who creates panic when he claims the sky is falling. Brought into the 21st century with some added Sci-Fi, this film is so funny and deserves more attention than it gets.
8 – Robin Hood
This film does have a huge cult following, just as The Rescuers and Oliver and Company, but you never hear of it in anyone’s favourites list. The story doesn’t live up to some of the great Disney Animated films but it is by no means rubbish. So next time you see it on Netflix or in a shop, pick it up or put it on. You will have such a good time and I promise you, it will be a charming film you were glad you watched.
7 – Oliver and Company
The second best grossing film of the 1980s, Oliver and Company was seen as the rise back to success of the Disney Animated Classic. It has great songs and a strong story, so why isn’t is seen as a must watch Disney film today? Well it got over shadowed. A year later The Little Mermaid was released and suddenly it was all about the red haired princess, Further success came in the early 1990s and the film was always noted as a stepping stone to that era.
6 – Meet The Robinsons
Prepare yourself for a hidden film that you will question why you have never watched it before. The film has a brilliant bad guy, genuinely funny moments and some really sad parts. The film is a Thank You to Walt Disney but most importantly it is a must see. The best moments are with the villain and keep you eyes peeled for some Walt Disney references.
5 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
In the mid 1990s, this film was a success but because it was released so soon after the giants that were The lion King, Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin, the film is often seen as a bit of a failure. But it shouldn’t be seen that way, there are some really great moments but this is definitely a film for an older audience. There are plenty of adult references that wouldn’t make much sense to young children.
4 – The Rescuers
The story of two mice that try to rescue a kidnapped orphan is everything you need to feel sad and happy at the same time. With underwhelming music, this film suffers from feeling slow but actually it is action packed with some tear jerking moments. Madam Medusa should be up their with some of the greatest villains, after all she doesn’t care if the toddler drowns and has two pet alligators.
3 – The Sword in the Stone
This film never gets the attention it deserves, however one of its characters are one of the best known of a certain era for Disney. Before the renaissance of the 1990s, Merlin was seen as a fun magical being. His image could be seen throughout parks and merchandise but the film is rarely mentioned. There isn’t a lot of songs and the plot is more subtle than some later releases but it is fun. Merlin steals the show and the female Squirrel remains one of Disney's most saddest moments.
2 – The Emperor's New Groove.
In the early 2000s, Disney Animation was losing its way. With the release of Ice Age and Shrek from Rival companies and Pixar steaming ahead, The Emperors new Groove was often overlooked in favour of the other films. There was also some turbulence with the production of the film so Disney may not want to show that this film is better and more profitable than it could be. The humor is the est of any Disney film and would match its contemporaries at its time. It stands up as a really good story even today. There are few songs in this film despite it originally going to be of the same level as The Lion King. But don’t let that worry you, kids will love this, adults will love this, even a Llama will love this film.
And Now for the Number one spot. This film has fairies, magic spells, an awful villain, witches, a princess and a fluffy little Dog-Creature.
1 – The Black Cauldron
I am not going to lie, this film isn’t for kids. The horned king is a scary character and we actually see him die. We witness the flesh be torn from his bones and he dies. The film is based on two chronicle books and is a really good re-imagining of them both. There is humour in the film but with the overwhelming about of gruesome is definitely the theme. This is not your usual Disney film and when I have urged people to watch it, they have been shocked at what they have seen.
So do you agree with my list, should I have included Brother Bear or Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Was I wrong to put The Black Cauldron First? Let me know.
As always you can find facts about all of these films on my Twitter page, I try to never overlook a film.