Most UNDERRATED Disney Movies (Top 9)

Well. I could begin with a long, self-righteous paragraph critical of society's disdain for anything remotely unsuccessful, but... I'm not really in the mood. I feel a list coming, I write it. And here it is, minus the arguably essential build-up slash intro. What the heck. You know how these work.

Disney's most underrated films, why they're underrated, why they're good or bad and which I think has it worst. Let's go.

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9. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Atlantis is a funny one. It's like an animated Avatar, but without sensibly paced, developed plot and characters. A sci-fi action/adventure at heart, at the very least you'll get some sort of kick out of it, as it's territory your average Disney film rarely covers. Couple that with its disarmingly grand visuals, and you're good to grab the popcorn.

Why?:

As mentioned above, its characters and plot are a let-down. And it's also a bit boring, so 'adult' at times you forget it's Disney pulling the strings.

Biggest asset:

The animation. Definitely.

Best character(s):

I... can't remember. Alright, confession time, it's been over a decade since I last saw Atlantis. I know, I know, why bring it up, then, if it's so bad you can't even re-watch the damn thing for the sake of this list? Well, for one reason or another, there's no denying it's stayed with me, or that it's little-known when compared to the classics. I make that underrated and significant enough in its strengths to warrant a space on this list, even if it is the last position.

Favourite quote(s):

'Nothing personal...'

8. Brother Bear

An Inuit hunter named Kenai, after slaying the bear who killed his brother, is transformed by the Spirits into the very same animal as punishment. In his journey to change back, he forms an unwilling relationship with the dead bear's son.

I thought it was a really nice touch sticking Kenai's brother Denahi in the 'villain' role. The poor devil's grief at losing what he believes to be both brothers to the claws of a bear drives the conflict very effectively and greatly intensifies our emotional response to the film as a whole.

As with Atlantis, it's been a while. But I remember BB a lot more vividly and can testify to its poignancy and completeness, which the former lacks.

Why?:

It didn't strike the right chord with the majority of viewers at the time, basically. It could be higher on this list too, only a semi-recent surge in popularity prevents it.

Biggest asset:

Its competent and mature handling of characters and interactions, and a powerful score that slips under the radar.

Best character(s):

Come on, it has to be Rutt and Tuke. They bring an absolutely crucial second layer to the film through sheer silliness.

Favourite quote(s):

'So, you wanna play I spy?'

'Alright, I'll go first. I spy something... green.'

'Tree?'

'Ugh.'

'My turn?'

'Yeah.'

'I spy something... tall?'

'Tree.'

'OK.'

'Um, I spy… something with… bark?'

'Tree?'

'Aw!'

7. The Princess and the Frog

Without doubt one of Disney's most overlooked films on the circuit, perhaps because of 2D animation's imminent abandonment in favour of the Pixar model. (When you can't beat 'em, buy 'em!) Driven almost exclusively by the masterstroke that is Dr Facilier, it's one of those typically new takes on an old story, the Disney staple. Some catchy songs, slick, palatable animation and a truly unforgettable villain, it scored big in nearly all departments... but not where it matters most.

Why?:

A little too lightweight when with the protagonists, I'm afraid, too sharp a contrast to the sinister voodoo of Facilier and his uncomfortably real, relatable motives. Its 2009 plainness just wasn't going to cut it against box-office winners Avatar, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter. Again, poor timing in terms of release, what with Pixar's animation takeover. Kiddies' (and grown ups) eyes were elsewhere.

Biggest asset:

Dr Facilier, no doubt. The New Orleans voodoo witch doctor looks fantastic as is, let alone when allied with Keith David's bass tones and charisma.

Best character(s):

See above. His appeal is head and shoulders above that of everyone else sharing the same screen.

Favourite quote(s):

'Fun fact about voodoo, Larry: can't conjure a thing for myself. Aren't you tired of living on the margins, while all those fat cats in their fancy cars don't give you so much a sideways glance?'

'All you got to do is marry Big Daddy's little princess, and we'll be splitting that juicy LaBeouf fortune right down the middle… Sixty/forty, like I said.'

6. Robin Hood

Now, there's no doubt about it, Robin Hood is not at all like the other films listed here. It was a success, and most people who watch it today fall instantly in love with the famous story and characters.

But that's just it, there aren't actually that many people who watch it today. In fact, there aren't all that many people who even know it's a thing. Unlike Lady and the Tramp, or Bambi, or the Aristocats, Robin Hood has fallen out of sight in recent years and is largely forgotten in the now Disney/Pixar-dominated children's film industry.

THIS. IS. A. TRAGEDY.

Perhaps one of the greatest films the company has ever produced, its impeccable old-style animation and voice acting, along with first-rate, witty dialogue and timeless storyline, confirms its must-watch status is no exaggeration.

Why?:

As covered, the box-office dominance of our modern flicks has drawn eager eyes away from old-school animation.

Biggest asset:

Its familiarity, which allows us all to sit back and enjoy whatever comes.

Best character(s):

Prince John (All hail PJ and the mighty Peter Ustinov!), but Sir Hiss comes in at a close second. But then there's Robin, and John, and the Sheriff. Oh, they're all good.

Favourite quote(s):

'One more hiss out of you, er, ah, Hiss, and you are walking to Nottingham!'

'Hiss! You deliberately dodged!'

'PJ! I like that, do you know, I do! Hiss! Put it on my luggage!'

'Oh! Oh, there you are, old boy! PJ, you won't believe this, but the stork is really Robin Hood!'

'... Robin... Hood...'

(Prince John screams and proceeds to violently knot Hiss to a pole.)

'Get out of that if you can.'

5. The Black Cauldron

Another of whose existence few are in the know. Based on the Chronicles of Prydain, this dark departure takes us on a wonderfully scored adventure to secure the Black Cauldron, an ancient, evil artifact.  

Why?:

Flat characterisation and unremarkable story progression are its downsides. It hasn't survived the test of time either, consigned for a number of years now to obscurity, a lone exile many forget was ever Disney.

Biggest asset:

The music. Composed by the brilliant Elmer Bernstein, how little recognition the film gets frustrates me on account of just how deep and moving his score is. One of the greats in that department, worthy of far more attention than it receives.

Best character(s):

The Horned King. This marvellously sinister, unmistakably evil villain delivers all the edge, without whose appearances the film would fail entirely.

Favourite quote(s):

'Oh, my soldiers. How long I have thirsted to be a god among mortal men.'

'We never give anything away… We bargain. We trade.'

'You shall satisfy the cauldron's hunger! No, you'll not have me! My power cannot die! Curse you!'

4. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Aha, time to lighten the mood. Host to Disney's greatest villain song and funniest physical comedy, the second part to the Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad will have you in stitches and there's nothing you can do about it. A classic tale, classic animation, another slave to its obscurity, but something anyone with half a sense of humour should watch.

Why?:

It's old, it's from a package film, and it's only half-an-hour long.

Biggest asset:

Bing Crosby as a narrator and performer. Wonderful songs, wonderful delivery.

Best character(s):

Ichabod Crane is one of Disney's finest characters, infinitely likeable despite his arrogance and self-centredness. One of the most real and most appealing.

Favourite quote(s):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5KR7TayjAk

3. The Emperor's New Groove

How on earth isn't this film near the top of every Disney success list? Why on earth aren't convention fans losing sleep because they can't decide whether to dress up as Elsa or Kuzco? Why do ninety-nine percent of us end up feeling kept in the dark once we discover the delights of this hilarious black sheep (or should I say llama)? It's got music, it's got moves, it's got side-splitting frivolity and a decent runtime to boot.

When I first watched a Kronk compilation on YouTube, I wondered, 'Why the hell didn't anyone tell me about this? How come I never watched it as a kid?' I'm so glad I decided to give it a spin, because it's one of the best for its own reasons and doesn't stop letting you know it.

Why?:

Poorly dealt with during production, poorly promoted. Due to financial concerns, the initially epic storyline was axed in favour of the slapstick buddy comedy that it is. When your own people get fed up with you, expect a rough ride.

Biggest asset:

Its unashamedly humour-driven plot.

Best character(s):

The aforementioned Kronk has long been featured in top-ten villain sidekick lists for good reason. Patrick Warburton's glorious job as his VA is the gift that keeps on giving because with every rewatch, and all his lines memorised, he's still funny. Now watch me go crazy in the quotes section.

Favourite quote(s):

'So! Is everything ready for tonight?'

'Oh yeah, I thought we'd start off with soup and a light salad, and then see how we feel after that.'

'Not the dinner! The... you know.'

'Oh right! The poison. The poison for Kuzco. The poison chosen specially to kill Kuzco. Kuzco's poison. That poison?'

'YES! THAT POISON!'

'Reason number two... Look what I can do!'

'But... what does that have to do with anything?'

'No, no. He's got a point.'

'The peasant! At the diner!

He didn't pay his cheque...

... Is the peasant who I saw leaving the city, who disappeared into the crowd with Kuzco on the back of his cart! Hhhhh! He must have taken him to his village, so if we find the village we find him, and if we find him... we find Kuzco...

Oh yeah, it's all coming together...'

'That's it, Kronk! Break the door down!'

'Break it down, are you kidding me? This is hand-carved mahogany.'

'Tell us where the talking llama is, and we'll burn your house to the ground!'

'Uh… don't you mean "or"?'

'Urgh! Tell us where the talking llama is, OR we'll burn your house to the ground!'

'Well? Which is it? That seems like a pretty crucial conjunction.'

'OK, why does she even have that lever?'

2. Home on the Range

Maggie the dairy cow is forced to move farms after cattle thief Alameda Slim empties her entire field. Upon accepting a new home, she finds it under threat of auction unless owner Pearl pays up on her debts. She sets out, accompanied by the ditzy Grace and prim and proper Mrs Caloway, on a journey to capture Slim and claim his bounty, thus saving Pearl from bankruptcy.

This one is very nearly the most underrated film I've ever watched full stop. Its animation is lively and delightful, its characters not only functional and sufficiently developed but charming and likeable. And yet it's one of Disney's biggest flops, near unanimously branded as dull and unmemorable, practically forgotten about and partly viewed only at Christmas.

Well, I'm sticking up for it. It's one of my favourites.

Why?:

People just don't like it that much. I can't understand why the animation is criticised though; I thought it was a bang-up job, totally appropriate in terms of conveying the scruffy, rough-and-tough Western feel. Still, a weak box-office performance and subsequent home-media run results in lots of people who might really like this little gem not knowing about and never trying it.

Biggest asset:

Alameda Slim and the Willies, and their unforgettably psychedelic method of rustling cattle.

Best character(s):

Maggie, Mrs Caloway and Grace. The trio play off each other very well despite sporting functional personalities. Together they are charming and easy to attend to, and it's a shame the film didn't give itself a little more room to develop their characters just a smidgeon deeper. Would I be down for a remake? You bet.

Favourite quote(s):

'It's payback time! Cover me!'

'With what?'

'Now that all his cash cows've disappeared, that poor sap's gonna be flat broke! Perfect time for a certain upstanding landowner to step in and take all the land!'

'Ah! Who are you?'

'What did you do with Uncle Slim?'

'Put up your dukes, Mr Fancy Britches!'

'OK, boys, let's go through it one last time. Who am I?'

'Uncle Slim?'

'Correct! Now, I put on my hat. Then I put on my spectacles...'

'Gah! Hey, who are you?'

'Where's Uncle Slim?'

'Argh! IT'S STILL ME!'

1. Treasure Planet

Hands down the most underrated Disney film, and animated film, of all time. The sheer volume of glorious visual creativity, wonder and awe should be enough to blow you away without even a word of dialogue. But it has dialogue. And story. And great dialogue, and a great story. Guys! It's Treasure Island IN SPACE. How could you not like... OK, I'm sure there are good reasons for your dislike of Treasure Island in space. But I think it's just phenomenal. HOW did it tank so hard?

Why?:

It all begins with the box office. No one wanted to see this thing succeed from the get-go. As one of the biggest box-office flops of all time, we've hit the worst possible beginning. I guess you shouldn't premiere something next to Harry Potter and James Bond. Lesson learned. Also, ironically on account of my adoration of Ghibli, Spirited Away had just come out the year before. Not a film you can trump easily, and it showed in terms of critical reception.

Biggest asset:

Its visuals, its dialogue, its creative spin on a story we all know.

Best character(s):

It goes to John Silver, cyborg pirate turned super softie. And it's great to feel he's the good guy, and then the bad guy, and then the good guy all over again.

Favourite quote(s):

'Am I clear?'

'Transparently.'