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10 Underrated Animated Disney Films

If you've never seen these films then dishonour on you, dishonour on your cow, dishonour on your whole family.

By Grace LynchPublished 5 years ago 6 min read
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Seriously though if you're reading this list and thinking, "I haven't seen that film" then you really need to, because they are all amazing.

10. 'Oliver & Company'

Whoever pitched Oliver Twist but with dogs, you are my spirit animal. This 80s film (starring Joey Lawrence I mean does it get more 80s?) is one that I never fully appreciated until I was an adult (or am I adult, I'm not entirely sure) and a major Disney nerd. Oliver & Company focuses on a young kitten, Oliver, who has to navigate life on the streets as no-one wants to adopt him. With all his charm and excellent singing voice, Dodger the mongrel is the one to guide Oliver on how to live life on the streets. Super cute, trust me.

9. 'The Black Cauldron'

Another 80s Disney flick—this one is a little dark, or a lot dark. Watch before deciding whether young kids should watch. Probably the most unheard of Disney Princesses, Eilonwy is strong, independent and fierce, everything a Disney Princess should be. The Black Cauldron is that film that you've definitely heard of and definitely seen parts of, but you're not sure what happens. A film that pits good against evil and holds friendship as the most important thing, The Black Cauldron is worthy of your attention. Please watch it.

8. 'The Rescuers'

A secret mouse organisation, trained alligators, makeshift airboats. What more could you want? The Rescuers takes us all the way back to the 70s (I apologise if this isn't that far back for you but to me that's ancient) and is a film that has aged well and yet most people I mention it to go, "What film are we talking about?" You don't have to be a hard core Disney fan to watch The Rescuers, it's universal.

7. 'The Princess and the Frog'

For so many reasons this film is my favourite Disney princess film. I love the choice of jazz music for the soundtrack. I love the setting of New Orleans even though it may romanticise the way people of colour are treated (as a white woman I won't go into detail on topics I'm not privy to). But most of all I love Tiana. Of all the Disney princesses she is the one I relate to most. Tiana knows the value of hard work and independence which I very much relate to—a young woman who chooses to work three jobs in order to achieve her dream instead of taking it easy and going out with friends. However throughout her journey Tiana realises that without support and loved ones her dream is meaningless and that is something that this film taught me. The most underrated Disney princess film in my opinion.

6. 'The Fox and the Hound'

Back to the 80s we go! This tear-jerker is one the most amazing stories of unlikely friendships. Tod (a fox) and Copper (a hound) form a close friendship when they are young and this movie pushes that friendship to the maximum when it becomes clear how different their worlds are. Copper is raised to kill foxes, that's what is expected of him but his love for Tod is too strong for him to become a killer—a story of true friendship, a story for the ages.

5. 'The Aristocats'

A story that focuses on class and more specifically on how class should have no bearing on who you select as your friends. Abandoned as part of a plot for money, Duchess and her three kittens meet Thomas O'Malley who offers to guide the family back to their home in Paris. Fun music and playful undertones The Aristocats is a family movie that is still relevant today.

4. 'A Bug's Life'

I'm sure at some point we've all been a part of bullying whether you were the bully, the victim or the bystander. A Bug's Life is about standing up to bully's, coming together as a community to ensure that everyone is safe. It's the story for all the underdogs who were ever told they weren't big enough, or strong enough or good enough. It's a story about accepting people for who they are, even if they're from the circus.

3. 'Hercules'

Okay first of all, the muses, goddesses of the arts and proclaimers of heroes—had to get that out of my system. I love all the characters in this film. Hercules is strong, smart and a complete gentleman. Meg is sassy, independent and the Queen of moral rebirth. But the star is so clearly Hades, God of the underworld. He is the sassy, gay friend that all of us need, but also completely evil and I'm here for it. If I continue I might be here all day so please just go watch Hercules.

2. 'Home on the Range'

Guys, if you're telling me that you don't want a story about cow vigilantes tracking down a cattle rustler to try and save their farm whilst a clearly ADHD horse competes with them, then I don't know what to tell you. You're crazy. Delusional. Home on the Range stars the Judi Dench as Mrs Caloway, Rosanne Barr (although I question whether or not I want to mention her at this point) as Maggie, a cow who's herd was taken by the cattle rustler, and Jennifer Tilly as Grace, a cow who thinks she has perfect pitch but really doesn't. Cuba Gooding Jr, Randy Quaid and Steve Buscemi are just a few other huge names in this film, so why don't more people know it? For the love of everything good in the world, please check this film out. It's amazing.

1. 'Lilo and Stitch'

Anyone who's read some of my other Disney pieces will know that my love for Lilo and Stitch knows no bounds. Its infinite. Nani may be my favourite Disney character of all time and I'll tell you why. At 19-years-old she gives up her freedom and her future to raise her younger sister after the unexpected death of their parents. Here's the thing, Nani has no clue what she's doing. She's drowning and she knows it, but she so desperately wants to keep what little family she has left together that she's trying her best. There's also the beautiful friendship between Lilo and her alien pet Stitch who slowly learns how to be less of a monster and more of a functioning part of society. Lastly there's David who is the ultimate Disney prince for me. He's kind and funny and doesn't put extra pressure on Nani. He helps out when he can, even if it's just an afternoon of surfing. This film is about grief and the complicated relationship between sisters and it is absolutely the most underrated Disney film of all.

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About the Creator

Grace Lynch

A film and media student with a love of travel and all things Disney.

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