The Top 10 Forgotten Disney Films

The Top 10 Forgotten Disney Films
September 10, 2015

We all remember “Aladdin,” “Toy Story,” and our favorite princess movie, but how many Disney films did we forget? While films like “The Lion King” rank in our all-time favorites, do we remember past favorites, like “The Three Caballeros” or “In Search of the Castaways”?

When we remember the classics, we gain insight into our history and connect with characters that span generations. Here are 10 forgotten films that deserve another look.

10) “Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier” (1955)

First on our list comes the king of the wild frontier. This film, made for ABC, gained a lot of popularity at the time. The film featured the famous song “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” which climbed the charts and rose to number 1 on the billboards. The film stars Fess Parker and remains a fun adventure tale set in the American frontier.

9) “In Search of the Castaways” (1962)

This film is an adaptation of one of Jules Verne’s lesser-known books. In fact, it concludes a trilogy that began with “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” The film has humor, adventure, beautiful locations and sets, and great music.

8) “Popeye” (1980)

Remember the old Popeye cartoons? Disney actually made a live-action version of the loveable spinach-eating sailor in the 1980s. The film featured none other than Robin Williams in the starring role. Robin Williams perform the role brilliantly-not to mention sings a few songs-which makes this a fun movie for kids and adults alike.

7) “The Three Caballeros” (1944)

This film was made for Latin American audiences in an attempt to foster goodwill towards the United States during WWII. “The Three Caballeros” featured Donald Duck and two of his friends. Together they toured parts of Mexico and Brazil, all with a positive representation of those areas. The film is both an interesting glimpse into American history and an engaging tale about friendship.

6) “Pete’s Dragon” (1977)

“Pete’s Dragon” was famous for its integration of animation and live action. While viewers had seen this in “Mary Poppins,” this was the first time a major animated character featured in a live-action film. The film teaches us about friendship, imagination, and the importance of inspiring creativity in our children.

5) “The Fox and the Hound” (1981)

If ever a film demonstrated the power of friendship, it was “The Fox and the Hound.” The story features a fox and a hound who become friends at an early age, but are raised as enemies. They nearly forget their friendship, but their loyalty eventually brings them back together. The film remains one of the most inspiring stories Disney ever produced.

4) “The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)

Based on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, “The Great Mouse Detective” follows a common trope in Disney films-giving human characteristics to mice. The film demonstrates the value of perseverance, loyalty, and the triumph of good against evil.

3) “Treasure Planet” (2002)

“Treasure Planet” is a sci-fi version of the classic novel “Treasure Island,” by Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s also one of the more modern Disney films audiences quickly forgot about. The film teaches viewers that it’s okay to be different, and that a little hard work and ingenuity can go a long way.

2) “The Black Cauldron” (1985)

“The Black Cauldron” represents one of Disney’s first attempts at epic fantasy. During the characters’ adventures, they-and the audience-learn to stand up for what is right and care for their friends.

1) “The Rocketeer” (1991)

Long before they bought Marvel, Disney first attempted to create a superhero story with “The Rocketeer.” This film takes place in the 1930s and featured a pilot who uses a jetpack to become a superhero. Many consider the film to be one of the first groundbreaking superhero films.

So if you’re a Disney buff, and you feel like you’ve seen it all, give these lesser-known films a try. You might find something new that you love.