Disney is one of the largest and most beloved film studios in history, and even some of their most forgotten films are worth remembering. As a studio, Disney needs little introduction, and the company has been pioneering family-friendly entertainment for over 100 years. They broke new ground with their first feature-length animated film and haven’t looked back since.
Whether their films are live-action or animated, Disney’s output is almost guaranteed to be a hit with audiences. They have developed their own signature style and set the standard by which all family-oriented movies are judged. Despite that, Disney has had its fair share of forgotten films over the years, and some of their films have even outright bombed.
Many of those cinematic failures were actually bad films that are best left in the past, but others have something to offer modern viewers. Whether they were released at the wrong time, were too scary for kids, or simply didn’t click with contemporary audiences, some of Disney’s best films are ones that slipped through the cracks.
Key Insights
- Legacy: Disney has a rich history of creating memorable films that resonate with audiences.
- Hidden Gems: Some lesser-known Disney films offer unique experiences worth exploring.
- Evolution: Disney’s storytelling has evolved over the decades, reflecting changing audience preferences.
- Cult Classics: Certain films may not have been successful initially but have gained a following over time.
The Black Hole (1979)
Decades before Disney would own the Star Wars franchise, they tried to ape its success with 1979’s The Black Hole. The epic space adventure concerns the discovery of a long-lost ship that is controlled by a mad scientist. With its impressive (for the time) effects and ambitious production, The Black Hole was the biggest Disney film to date.
Unlike other Star Wars cash-ins which copied the franchise’s sci-fi/fantasy approach, The Black Hole leaned more toward traditional sci-fi. It was darker than anything Disney had made up to that point, thus it scored the studio’s first PG rating. The Black Hole pales in comparison to many sci-fi classics, but it has value as one of Disney’s greatest experiments.
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Perhaps the most famous film Kurt Russell made at Disney, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes was a cute slice of late-’60s cheese. Russell plays a college student who is suddenly zapped with the power of a computer, making him a genius. The cheeky comedy was a big enough hit to spawn two sequels and a remake in the 1990s.
Though it holds a less-than-stellar 57% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes has merits beyond its critical reception. It stands as a time capsule to the bygone era of Disney’s live-action period and is a quaint and light-hearted viewing experience. Also, it’s worth watching to see a young Kurt Russell break out as a movie star.
The Rocketeer (1991)
Hoping to launch their own superhero craze, Disney’s The Rocketeer couldn’t stick the landing. Set in the 1930s, the film follows a stunt pilot who finds a jetpack that allows him to take on Nazis in Los Angeles. Though it’s become something of a cult classic in recent years, The Rocketeer was a rare Disney flop during their 1990’s heyday.
Playful, fast-paced, and made with a beautiful Art Deco style, The Rocketeer should never have been overlooked in the first place. It has an idealized approach that hearkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and features impressive effects for the early 1990s. Thankfully, The Rocketeer isn’t nearly as forgotten as it used to be.
Tuck Everlasting (2002)
Though it’s beloved by many millennials, Tuck Everlasting isn’t nearly as well-remembered as it should be.The Natalie Babbitt adaptation concerns a teen who falls for a member of the Tuck family, a clan who holds the secret of immortality. With its complex themes about love and death,Tuck Everlasting went beyond being just an average teen flick.
It’s one of Alexis Bledel’s best movies,a standout among early Aughts Disney films.This film subverts romance tropes while still embracing them and shows that Disney can step outside its comfort zone when needed. While it may not be a perfect adaptation of the book,Tuck Everlasting remains an exceptional piece of early 2000s cinema.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Ray Bradbury’s creepy novel Something Wicked This Way Comes wouldn’t be considered typical Disney fare, but they attempted to adapt it nonetheless. In an idyllic small town, two young boys find their lives forever changed when a mysterious dark carnival arrives. The final product was somewhat muddled , with Disney hesitating to embrace the book’s darker elements.
The story suffered from editing issues,Something Wicked This Way Comes went through troubled production phases. While there are reasons for its lackluster performance—its frightening tone and jumbled execution—it’s still considered a hidden gem worth watching. It’s eerie yet nostalgic,a blend of classic Disney magic combined with Bradbury’s dreamlike narrative.
Bolt (2008)
Animation has always been Disney’s core strength, but they faced challenges after their so-called renaissance period.Bolt follows a dog from a popular TV show who believes he’s actually the superhero he portrays on screen.This isn’t too different from previous talking animal movies by Disney.
This charming film features strong voice acting and writing despite lacking originality. While it doesn’t break new ground,Bolt succeeds through its enjoyable fundamentals that make for an entertaining viewing experience. It’s largely forgotten because it doesn’t push boundaries,a factor that ironically makes it compelling to watch.
Return To Oz (1985)
This film is often regarded as one of children’s cinema’s scariest offerings,Return To Oz went too dark for audiences back in the ’80s.The story follows Dorothy as she returns to Oz to save it from dark forces that have taken over.
While whimsical and imaginative,
it also contains terrifying moments reminiscent of horror films.
This film showcases numerous strengths as an excellent dark fantasy.
Its true value lies in how shocking it remains decades later.The fact that Disney green-lit such an ambitious project is astounding,
and it represents peak adventurousness for this studio.
Such bold risks are unlikely to be taken again by Disney.
Meet The Robinsons (2007)
Disney’s film catalog from the ’00s was filled with oddities ,and Meet The Robinsons was one such example.The CGI animated film follows a young inventor brought into the future where he must stop an enigmatic villain from altering history.Made with retro-futuristic aesthetics,Meet The Robinsons deviated from contemporary Disney styles.
The plot can be complex,andit struggles at times to balance melodrama with intricate concepts.Nonetheless,Meet The Robinsons is so unique that it deserves attention and reevaluation.Disney often played things too safely during this era,but this film demonstrated that imagination still existed within the studio.
Treasure Planet (2002)
Compared to other Renaissance films,Treasure Planet has largely faded from casual moviegoers’ memories.Reimagining Treasure Island as sci-fi/fantasy,it follows a teenager on his quest for lost treasure alongside space pirates.It flopped initially but is now seen as one of Disney’s finest works.
Treasure Planet features stunning animation and clever storytelling,and it paid dearly for this quality.Due to its lack of accessibility compared to Renaissance films,Treasure Planet was dismissed upon release.Its status as cult classic has garnered praise over time,but it still deserves greater recognition for its achievements within animation.
Onward (2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted Disney,and films like Onward became financial disappointments.In this fantasy realm,two brothers embark on an adventure seeking magical items allowing them one last conversation with their deceased father.Visual splendor combined with classic storytelling elements demonstrates how committedOnward is towards progress within animation studios.
Due to not receiving proper theatrical release , this film struggled connecting with wider audiences.It found success on streaming platforms but faced stiff competition limiting its reach.Although it may have faded post-COVID,it still holds potential for becoming an underrated cult classic among fans.
