Disney’s animated classics are a staple to everyone’s childhood. They have produced some of the most compelling animated features over the years, so much so that even now they’re capitalising on the nostalgia and timelessness of classics in their live-action adaptations. There’s no denying that features like the Lion King and Beauty and the Beast deserve the praise and attention they get. However, there are several Disney animated classics that have an equally compelling story yet seem to fly under the radar. Here are some of the underrated Disney animated films that deserve more attention.
Oliver and Company
A classic twist on the tale of Oliver Twist, this film follows the shenanigans of an orphaned kitten, Oliver when a ragtag group of dogs adopt him into their family. Billy Joel lends his voice to the character of Dodger, the charismatic leader of this gang of thieving dogs and he oozes charisma which bleeds into his catchy musical number. This film also has a heartwarming message about the family you choose.
The Princess and the Frog
When you think of the more recent line up of Disney princesses, most will point to Frozen and Tangled first. However, before Rapunzel let down her hair and Elsa let it go, we were introduced to Tiana, a waitress determined to fulfil her dreams through hard work and persistence. Tiana is not the type to kiss a frog in the hopes of finding her prince, yet in a clever twist, Tiana finds herself transformed into a frog after her kiss to save the arrogant Prince Naveen. What follows is a charming adventure throughout the vibrant city, New Orleans. The Princess and the Frog definitely deserve more attention as the film has an abundance of jazzy songs and a smooth yet menacing villain makes this story even more compelling.
Basil the Great Mouse Detective
Released just before Disney’s renaissance era, Basil the Great Mouse Detective is basically Sherlock Holmes animated into crime-fighting mice. This film has developed somewhat of a cult classic status over recent years, and rightly so as the film is crafty in its storytelling and effectively creates a cunning villain that makes you fear for our main characters.
Hercules
Let’s be real, when it comes to Disney villains, Hades actually has one of the more compelling justifications for his actions and thoroughly relishes his villainous ways with all the sass. On top of that, Hercules has a classic hit in ‘Won’t Say I’m In Love’ and the entire film is just a fun, and surprisingly sassy take on Greek mythology.
Robin Hood
You can argue all you like about the best adaptation of Robin Hood, but the animated version will always be the best. Taking these legendary characters and turning them into outlawed creatures has got to be one of the most brilliant ideas ever. With a rooster Alan-a-Dale narrating the film, Robin Hood is the perfect film for a laidback afternoon. It’s low drama, it’s comical, and easily the most faithful adaptation of the Robin Hood legend, as this merry band of creatures perfectly captures the essence of this heroic figure while bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
By far the most underrated Disney animated film, Atlantis is the one that really caters to both kids and adults. The undersea adventure draws the awe and wonder from the youngster, but the mature exploration of themes such as greed and profitable exploitation of archaeology. What’s more is that it features a stellar cast of voice actors with Michael J. Fox providing the voice for our lead character, Milo, a definitive nerd whose historical intellect is the teams biggest asset. There are no superhero showdowns in this film, just a passion to understand, restore, and preserve the legacy and civilisation of Atlantis.
Honourable Mentions: The Black Cauldron | Hunchback of Notre Dame | Treasure Island | Fox and the Hound
Which Dinsey classic do you think deserves more attention?
What is your favourite Disney animated film?
My Midnight Musing 
It’s funny because these were all my brother’s favourites when we were growing up. I can not tell you how many times he made me watch Atlantis!
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You brother has good taste in disney films. Atlantis is by far one of my all time favourites.
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I completely agree with all of these even the notable mentions; these movies do not get enough love and they totally deserve it because they are incredible. I think this has given me the idea of getting some of these movies for my niece.
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They’re such classics yet people completely disregard them because they’re not from the Renaissance period for Disney or the timeless classics everyone’s use to.
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I had forgotten about so many of these! They were good!
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Right? There are so many golden underrated Disney films. I need to rewatch a lot of them.
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I got to rewatch a lot of them with my daughter, so that was fun.
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The one thing about growing up with a brother who has autism … you tend to know ALL the Disney and Universal Studios movies. No one plays Disney Trivia with my family ha-ha!
Oliver and Company!!!! My brother and I use to re-watch that repeat A LOT! I love the “You and Me” song … it melts my heart. Maaaaan … I want to leave work and go watch it now ha-ha!
NONE of my friends know about “Basil the Great Mouse Detective” … and it was a HUGE hit in my house.
Robin Hood … oh the memories. Seriously, every single movie you mentioned here has been watched by my household ha-ha! The Black Cauldron actually used to scare my brother and I when we were little. Hunchback has some of the BEST songs … just sayin.
Fox and the Hound … I still cry …
This is a wonderful post! So nostalgic! ❤
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I feel like leaving work to watch nostalgic Disney films is a valid cause to back. I fully support this idea.
You guys would wipe the floor with us at Disney trivia, I admit defeat!!
WHY DO PEOPLE STILL SLEEP ON BASIL THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE. It completely baffles me how many people don’t know about the film when the concept is so adorable and thrilling. The clocktower sequence still gets to me.
Don’t even get me started on fox and the hound. When it comes to emotional moments, the entire film is one big cry fest. The scene of her releasing Tod to the nature reserve crushes me.
Just you wait, next will be the most overrated and that might be controversial haha.
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LMFAO! If I could just watch them at work, then I’d be happy. OH MY GOSH! THE CLOCKTOWER!! SO GOOD! I truly love that movie. And the Rescuers !
Oh my gosh … I’m tearing up thinking about that scene. And that ending?! So lovely but sad!
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Major yessssss to Robin Hood, The Great Mouse Detective, and Hercules! These have always been my favorites!
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They’re such good films.
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Great post! I haven’t seen all of these, but I loved Robin Hood as a child.
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The animated Robin Hood is the best adaptation of the legend haha.
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Hercules and Atlantis are two of my fave Disney movies!! I also love The Rescuers, and The Rescuers Down Under. They are ADORABLE!! 💕
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The Rescuers!! How could I have forgotten about that one!! Those films were adorable.
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Oh I’m just glad you’ve seen them!! That makes at least one other person in the world!!
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Song of the South don’t @ me
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[…] My Midnight Musings || Underrated Disney Animated Films […]
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YOU INCLUDED ROBIN HOOD THANK YOU SO MUCH that movie has such a special place in my heart I UGHHHHHHHHHHHHH feels AHHHHHHHH.
AND HERCULES IS SO AMAZING but sadly it’s not geared for girls so it’s not as popular. All these movies are so good idk why they aren’t popular!
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ooh robin hood is a good one- you’re right that it’s the best adaptation and guaranteed to put a smile on your face! 😀
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Great post! I agree with all your choices! (though I have not seen Oliver and Company).
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I was surprised by how much I came to love Oliver and Company.
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Um yes! I laterally just posted about some of the best animated movies and Atlantis and Hercules are one my list. Hunchback also got an honorable mention from me. I love all of these films. “The Fox and the Hound” always makes me cry and Robinhood has always been one of my favorites. https://ashleymagoffininparis.blogspot.com/2019/09/favorite-animated-movies.html
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The Fox and The Hound has one of the most underrated and downright heartbreaking scenes ever. That entire journey to the nature reserve kills me every time.
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But really!
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