Forgotten Animated Disney Films
Disney films, there are many. The forgotten ones are the early live action ones mostly, closely followed by bad/unnecessary sequels/prequels. The sequels and prequels are often a shameless attempt to cash-in. They are almost never as good or well-loved as the original. I think the only one that got good feedback was Cinderella III: A Twist In Time. Now there are Disney films that are underrated and those that are rightly passed over. Even Disney can't get it right every time. Whilst there are dozens of live action Disney films that seemed to have been forgotten, there are some animated ones that really don't get the recognition they deserve. While I may one day have the time and money to watch and critique all of them (donations are welcome) The ones I have seen are limited. Some big ones seem to be considered to be underrated, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, even The Princess and the Frog. I wish to focus however, on ones that are not only underrated, but often quite unfairly forgotten about.
I have seen most, but not all of these, I will explain why for some. One I have seen that seems forgotten about more often than not is the following.
The Three Caballeros 1944
The Three Caballeros is one of those films that combined animation with live-action. That was still pretty cool back in the 40s, if not an exact art. This is a rare one as it is essentially about Donald Duck, not a member of the Disney family you expect to have his own film. However it is not an origins story or anything like that, it is just that Donald Duck is the only Disney character that features and it is about him celebrating his birthday. Now, while a forgotten film it is not an underrated one. This is very much of it's time. Not an easy story to follow, it is sexist, racist (set in Mexico but nothing but white faces) and confusing. I have only watched this once, I may watch it again one day but it is not one I am eager to rewatch. There is one good thing about this film, the title song. The song itself and the sequence that accompanies it is worth watching. I have always loved it. Remember Disney sing-along songs? It was on one of those. I did see a promo for the film itself at the beginning of one of my many Disney VHS tapes (do not ask me which one I have no idea). Other than this, I never really heard about it. Now I have watched it and it was okay I guess. You are not missing much if you don't have it. Also I'm pretty sure the last part is Donald Duck on a drug trip, I think he took something in Mexico, I can't explain the last sequence any other way. If you want to watch it feel free but if you are not that bothered, rest assured you really are not missing anything. You can watch the title song segment on Youtube after all.
Make Mine Music 1946
Now, I sadly haven't seen this, I do plan to one day. A wartime film it is a little like Fantasia in it's structure. Lots of segments put together to make a film. I do remember seeing a trailer for this because it features Peter and The Wolf. I distinctly remember that. Basically this is music songs that have had animated segments made to go with them. It is a film though, and seems to be stories rather than sequences. A little more of a narrative than Fantasia. Like I said I haven't seen it so I don't know how good it is but it does seem to have sadly been largely forgotten.
Fun and Fancy Free 1947
The original of this had two stories, Bongo the Bear and Mickey and the Beanstalk. Now I had a video called Mickey and the Beanstalk, I did not have Fun and Fancy Free. I have no recollection at all of the story of Bongo the Bear so I'm thinking Mickey and the Beanstalk was released on it's own and I had that. Now that, was good clean fun. No it is not challenging, yes we pretty much know the story (they changed it a little) and yes there is a slightly disturbing scene where a starving Donald Duck goes a little crazy from hunger but I think it is underrated. As you can tell from the cover Goofy is also in this film. When did a film that is just good clean fun become a bad thing? These days there has to be a really compelling story and a moral and CGI but this a gem of the animation era. I loved this film and even today I think it is enjoyable. If you haven't seen this I really think you should. Of course, I can't really comment on the Bongo the Bear story but Mickey and the Beanstalk, I think it's worth it. Also, for us fans who care, this is the last time Walt Disney voiced Mickey Mouse. That's got to mean something.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad 1949
I really want this! I think I'll buy this post Christmas and finally see it. I remember again, seeing a trailer for this on a VHS. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is an interesting story for Disney to tackle and is, as I understand, one of it's darker ones. Although I saw the characters of Rat and Mole from the Wind in the Willows cast in different roles for another Disney adaptation I have never actually watched this film. As such I can't really say whether or not it's underrated but it is often forgotten and actually sounds like good fun to me. Maybe the darker themes put people off.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks 1971
Not one of the best Disney films it is far from the worst. Maybe a little dated now but it does have it's moments and although technically this is mostly a live action film, it does have the live action and animation treatment in a couple of it's more memorable scenes. I do think this is underrated, possibly because it is another one that is a lot of fun. There are dark moments too, after all it is set during the second world war and follows three children evacuated to the home of a witch. A good witch as far as it goes but a witch nonetheless. There is also her slightly unscrupulous friend. A good family film too often overlooked.
Robin Hood 1973
The animal kingdom's version of Robin Hood. Okay so it's rushed and it's little more than recycled scenes stuck together haphazardly but it's an easy watch and while there are only a few songs, both Oo-De-Lally and The Phony King of England are worth a listen. A forgotten film featuring the voice of Peter Ustinov I think it is a little underrated. I may be biased as I do love the song Oo-De-Lally (UK residents may recognise it from the Android advert a few years ago). With drama, romance, comedy, action and a nail biting castle scene, this forgotten gem ticks all the Disney boxes.
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh 1977
I love Winnie-the-Pooh, I really do! I did have most of the original tales growing up courtesy of my Mother's collection. They were and are stories I find very enjoyable. Now of course you can say it's about mental illness, or religion or whatever else you can find (you can do that with anything these days) but Winnie-The-Pooh is about a boy's adventures with his soft toys. Winnie-the-Pooh is of course a bear, there is also Piglet, Tigger, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo and Eeyore. This was a collection of the original stories and it seems to have been completely forgotten. It is underrated, after all, these are stories loved by many and seem to have stood the test of time admirably. Another film underrated purely because it's good clean fun.
The Rescuers 1977/ The Rescuers Down Under 1990
The Rescuers is about the 'Rescue Aid Society', a society of mice from every country in the world who meet when they believe someone is in need of their help. Someone takes the assignment and tries to help. Bianca from Hungary and Bernard from the USA take on the assignment to help a young orphan called Penny who has been kidnapped from the orphanage and sent a plea for help in a bottle. While a still from this film has made the rounds on the internet, when someone spotted the picture of a topless lady in the background, the film itself is not a popular one. I love this film. It had plenty of dark moments as well as comedy. It is a film that I believe has not aged as badly as it could have done. Of course it has a sequel.
A rare Disney sequel that is as good as the original, The Rescuers Down Under managed to be good by eliminating supporting characters from the first film. The Rescue Aid Society and the two main characters are still here but, even though there is a reference to a character from the first film, no other characters appear. While it technically can be watched without watching the first one I think it helps a little with character development. Also this is a little darker but no less enjoyable. While there are some moments that will tug at the heartstrings a little, this is a Disney film and is very enjoyable. Two films that really have taken an unearned backseat. Ones to watch.
Mickey's Christmas Carol 1983
Mickey Mouse, 92 years young and counting, has taken on a few classic tales. The Prince and the Pauper in 1990 was his first time back in cinemas for almost ten years.
This film features characters from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad, Pinocchio, Mickey and the Beanstalk and Robin Hood.
In this, Mickey Mouse takes on the role of Bob Cratchit while Minnie (his wife for at least 77 years now) played his wife. No prizes for guessing who played Ebenezer Scrooge and his nephew. In a departure from some Mickey Mouse films all the characters took on roles from the original story and no-one played themselves. I think my favourite is Goofy as Jacob Marley. not the only adaptation of this classic tale it is a faithful one and a great Disney film for the Christmas season.
The Black Cauldron 1985
Now here is a forgotten one. Even those who know of it have rarely seen it (in my experience). I'm sure some hardcore Disney fans have this in their collection, this is one I have yet to see. Now this may be a good thing. I have seen clips and the villain in this terrifies me! Up until this I though Chernabog (the mountain in Fantasia) was the scariest Disney character but the Horned King is really frightening.
For a film from the 80s this is pretty dark! No I haven't seen it but I have heard good things. While this is nobody's favourite Disney film (as far as I know) it receives a lot of praise from fans. I do plan to see it one day, not on my own perhaps. It is one that is often overlooked so I look forward to seeing if it's deserved or not.
The Great Mouse Detective 1986
Who doesn't love a mouse version of Sherlock Holmes? Basil of Baker Street is The Great Mouse Detective in this forgotten gem. Investigating the disappearance of a toy maker, Basil and his new friend Dr Dawson struggle to care for Olivia while searching for her father, kidnapped by Basil's arch nemesis, Professor Ratigan. This could have easily been made into a series of films but I think it was better to just stick to the one. A recording of the late (even then) great Basil Rathbone was used for a short scene featuring Sherlock Holmes. In one of his last and best-loved roles, Vincent Price voices the evil Professor Ratigan.
A very under-rated film it did enjoy critical and financial success when it was released. It is a gripping story with plenty of dark moments (the line "worse than the widows and orphans you drowned" was a shock when I finally heard it) interlaced with drama and comedy. One of my favourite moments has to be the song 'World's Greatest Criminal Mind'. With a clever plot and terrifying final scene, it is a film every Disney fan should see at least once.
Oliver and Company 1988
I waited years to see this film and I can honestly say, I was disappointed. The Disney version of Oliver is forgettable with a rushed storyline and the bare minimum of Disney charm. I think Disney missed a trick here, they could have done a lot more with both this story and this film. Not a lot happens in this film and whoever wrote the songs only had one that is memorable. Now don't get me wrong, younger children will probably like it but it fails as a family film. It's one redeeming quality? Billy Joel as Dodger. Not really worth watching as far as I'm concerned. By all means do, it is a little like 'The Three Cabelleros' in that I'm glad I watched it but doubt I will again. Do watch/listen to the song 'Why Should I Worry?" though, that is worth it.
Duck Tales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp 1990
I used to love Duck Tales, I still love the song. I know the series was re-made but the opening titles put me off. I thought the animation was awful and the song wasn't as good. It was the same song but badly done. Why mess with a classic? I could have probably really liked new episodes if at least the animation had been the same but I really felt they ruined it. This film though, this is a classic. Featuring Scrooge McDuck, his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie and their friend Webby, this is a good old-fashioned Disney film. Showing plenty of moments with Scrooge's slightly softer side, it is a fun family film. You could probably guess the main storyline, it is a little Aladdin meets Ali Baba but original enough to not be boring. A must see for Duck Tales fans, highly recommended to everyone else.
James and the Giant Peach 1996
I admit I didn't know this was a Disney film. I saw it at the cinema knowing the story (I was a Roald Dahl fan as a child) and knowing it was a child's film but I had no idea it was a Disney one. A rare stop-motion animation film (with live action at the beginning and end) it worked quite well. As Roald Dahl stories can be very dark the story was changed a little but the main plot was still there and I did enjoy it. Forgotten more as people don't know it's a Disney film and a rare move from Disney doing stop-motion instead of drawn animation it's not one I miss oddly, thought I would when I first saw it. Is it underrated? I really don't know, it is forgotten. Worth a watch definitely but not one I feel I need in my collection. Maybe because I've seen it a few times and remember it well. Maybe because I know the story so well. Either way not one I think I'll buy anytime soon.
Enchanted 2007
A little like Bedknobs and Broomsticks this is mostly live action but spends a reasonable amount of time as an animation, so it counts. Enchanted is a very modern Disney film, poking fun at the traditional fairy tales Disney started with. As it says, a Disney classic with a twist, it takes the well-known Disney elements and drops them into the real world. A very funny comedy, this is one for the family to enjoy. For us girls there is Dr McDreamy, for the kids there's the Disney classic and for the family it's the twist. At first glance almost a silly film, it works remarkably well and is often better than people expect. Passed over without people actually seeing it, it is definitely underrated. One I highly recommend to all.
So, a few to add the list if you haven't already seen them. Find them (if you can) on Disney+ or do it the old fashioned way. If you are in isolation or going through lockdown still it is a good excuse to catch up on Disney films. If not, do you really need an excuse when it's Disney?
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