Despite being rated rotten on Rotten Tomatoes, some underrated animatedDisneymovies are actually quite great. In Rotten Tomatoes jargon, a film or TV production being “rotten” refers to it receiving a low or average rating from critics and audiences.Typically, if scored below 60%, it is considered to be rotten.Conversely, more highly-rated films gain the title of “fresh,” but it’s not uncommon for critics' scores and audience scores to wildly differ.
To guard against that binary system being exploited, Rotten Tomatoes has now incorporateda new audience score rating called the Popcornmeter.
While in the past, there have been audienceVerified Hot movies that critics hated, some deserve to be revisited or have since been recontextualized. Others were always good movies, but perhaps not well received in their time. As such, a number of these “rotten” movies have gone on to become cult classics, andDisney films are no exception to this rule.Several of their movies have been rated rotten, but are actually quite fun to watch, or better than people remember.
10 Best Animated Disney Movies From The 2000s
Between the 1990s Disney renaissance and the computer animated hits of the 2010s, Disney struggled to keep up with the times in the 2000s.
A Goofy Movie
Cast
A Goofy Movie is an animated film from Disney, released in 1995, featuring Goofy and his teenage son Max. The storyline follows their cross-country road trip as Goofy attempts to bond with Max, who is reluctant to join him. The film explores themes of family, paternal love, and the challenges of growing up. Voiced by Bill Farmer and Jason Marsden, it offers a blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments.
In 1995, during Disney’s then-new experimental television animation era,A Goofy Moviewas released. Fast, funny, and fabulous,this movie was a nostalgic trip filled with heartwarming moments. Despite being a low-budget TV production, its songs, animation, and funny moments keep it fresh. It later got a theatrical release, and more than doubled its original budget. The movie tackles Max Goof’s hardships in finding his path in high school and Goofy’s pains as the father of a growing teenage son.
A Goofy Movie still does perfectly as a stand-alone movie, but watching the show previously does add value to the experience.
What some seem to have missed during its release is thatthis movie was made to follow up onGoof Troop, with the events of the movie taking place three years after the show.A Goofy Moviestill does perfectly as a stand-alone movie, but watching the show previously does add value to the experience. The animated pizza cheese pull, the inflatable bed, and Max’s performance at the end makeA Goofy Moviea nostalgic watch.
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a 1973 animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions. The story follows Robin Hood, a cunning fox, and his loyal companion, Little John, as they outsmart the corrupt Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham to help the oppressed citizens of Sherwood Forest. Featuring a unique cast of anthropomorphic animals, the film combines adventure, humor, and classic Disney charm. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, it remains a beloved entry in Disney’s animated canon.
On the outside,Robin Hoodmay seem like just another retelling of the beloved folklore story, but it really is more than that. It had a beautiful soundtrack, and entire sequences like “Oo De Lally” are still remembered fortheir high technical score, both musically and in the animation.Besides that, it was the first Disney movie to feature a full cast of anthropomorphic characters, which helped it stand out at the time.
The political satire and Robin Hood’s takes on corruption and social injustice will forever be remarkable, especially in a kids' movie.
While the movie is still beloved today and has taken on a new, subversive cultural life of its own,back in the day it was already a success and was highly profitable for Walt Disney Pictures. The political satire and Robin Hood’s takes on corruption and social injustice will forever be remarkable, especially in a kids' movie, and that’s perhaps why it did so well. Even today, the themes of the movie and traditional hand-drawn animation still hold up.
The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron is an animated fantasy film from Walt Disney Studios, directed by Ted Berman and Richard Rich. Released in 1985, it follows the young hero Taran and his quest to prevent the evil Horned King from obtaining a powerful magical relic known as the Black Cauldron. Featuring the voices of Grant Bardsley, Susan Sheridan, and John Hurt, the film combines elements of adventure, mystery, and dark fantasy.
A surprisingly dark, adult tale for Disney,The Black Cauldronnonetheless once again confirmed Walt Disney Animation’s expertise in hand-drawn animation and innovative animation photo transfer process, creating for a visual marvel.It also delved into a tale from the Early Middle Ages and didn’t pull any punches about the era, which was often hard and unforgiving. Not only were the themes dark, but the movie even included scenes of violence and death.
Some criticizeThe Black Cauldronfor having less compelling characters. However, the movie does make up for it by providing elaborate settings, like the land of Prydain or the underground kingdom.Its fantastical objects, like the king’s sword and the cauldron, are also well-thought-out.Small intricacies like Gurgi’s design are also visually interesting and help The Black Cauldron stand out from other Disney animated movies of the era. Overall, it didn’t work at the time, but it’s worth revisiting Disney’s daring take on a darker movie for kids.
Bambi II
Bambi II is the 2006 animated film that follows the young fawn Bambi as he reunites with his father, The Great Prince. The story explores their developing relationship as they navigate new adventures and challenges in the forest together.
In the originalBambi, we see the titular character struggling after his mom’s death.Bambi IIgives devotedBambifans a closer look at his life,adding to the canon the previously unseen events between Bambi as a baby and a young adult.It also gives a better insight into Bambi and his dad’s relationship.
Bambi IIwas never given a theatrical release in the U.S., but was in countries like France, Germany and parts of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Its straight-to-video release was what ultimately made it not as popular in its country of origin, butBambi IIstill stands as one of the uncommon instances where Disney makes a good sequel.Bambi and his future wife Faline’s interactions are still heartwarming to witness, and hint at their loving future. Lines from Bambi and his dad’s interactions are still relevant, too, as the whole plot of Bambi trying to gain his father’s respect is relatable, no matter how much time passes.
Wish
Wish is a Disney animated adventure/fantasy comedy that follows Asha, a young girl from the kingdom of Rosas who wants nothing more than to care for the people of her home. One night, Rosa takes a chance to wish upon a star - only to invite a bit of chaos when her prayers are somewhat answered by an energetic cosmic entity known as Star. Together with her goat and this new friend, they’ll set off to save the kingdom from an ambitious king.
Made as Disney’s celebratory 100-year anniversary milestone film,Wishis a film full of heart, thoughit was criticized for how many winks and nods were given to previous Disney projects. For example, the font used in the credits is the same as inSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the “Walt Disney Pictures” went back to the style used in 1937. Other movies likeThe Rescuers,Peter Pan, andSleeping Beautywere referenced, and while some may have felt there was too much fan service, for the nostalgia-oriented, it was wonderful to catch all the Easter eggs and nods.
Beyond the fan service, other elements ofWish, like its voice talent, including Chris Pine as King Magnifico, were immaculate.The background character’s storylines, like Valentino’s, were cute. While it may not be on par with other movies in the Disney canon, it still didn’t deserve the rotten rating it got, asWishis a timeless treat for any Disney fan.
Oliver and Company
Oliver and Company is an animated musical comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. Inspired by Charles Dickens’s novel “Oliver Twist,” the film follows Oliver, a homeless kitten who is adoptiedinto a gang of dogs to survive on the streets of New York.
Being one of the countlessCharles Dickens movie adaptations, the classicOliver Twisttale got yet another twist in 1998’sOliver & Company. Despite a great voice cast that included Billy Joel, Bette Midler, Joey Lawrence, and Cheech Marin,Oliver & Companyfailed to impress critics.Arguments against the movie revolve around its predictability and dullness, its lackluster musical direction, and its generic New York City setting.
Even so, there are things to love about it. The care the animators took in developing each dog’s breed meticulously stylized is what puts it all together, withthe artists' designs of Dodger, Fagin, and Oliver looking especially sleek.Oliver & Companywas also extremely silly, stealing a chuckle or two even from adults. Songs like “Why Should I Worry?” can be as beloved today as they were decades back, reminding everyone that not every Disney animated movie needs to be a masterpiece to still be good.
Brother Bear
Brother Bear is an animated adventure from Walt Disney Pictures, released in 2003. The film follows Kenai, a young Inuit who is transformed into a bear as punishment for killing one. To regain his human form, Kenai must learn valuable lessons about nature and brotherhood. The voice cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, and Rick Moranis, with the film featuring music by Phil Collins.
One of Joaquin Phoenix’s more forgotten projects,Brother Bearshowcased the actor in a new way through his heartwarming voice performance asKenai, a young, Indigenous Alaskan hunter who is transformed into a bear by the spirits after killing one. The movie was made at a time when Disney was trying to gain better financial positioning by having more animal-focused, funny films, likeThe Lion King.As such, it strived to be a gentler, funnier watch.
The young Inuit hunter turned into a bear, the philosophical search for the Northern Lights, and the revisiting of Denahi explore a storyline that sets the stage for Disney’s and Pixar’s explorations of Indigenous folklore.
Critics mostly found fault regarding its animation quality and generic plot, but that’s undercutting the work put into it. Its animation is actually much more detailed and lovely than it first appears,andBrother Bear’s nature-based magical and fantastical elements can be seen as precursors to later beloved filmsBraveandFrozen.The young Inuit hunter turned into a bear, the philosophical search for the Northern Lights, and the revisiting of Denahi explore a storyline that sets the stage for Disney’s and Pixar’s explorations of Indigenous folklore in the years to come, making it worth a watch.
Home On The Range
Home on the Range follows three cows Maggie, Grace and Mrs Caloway who take on a mission to stop their home from being taken away when their dairy farm is served an eviction notice. Forming a team with the Sheriff’s horse, they set out to collect the ransom on cattle rustler Alameda Slim to take their fate into their own hands.
Home on the Rangeis one of Disney’s most misinterpreted films, much to its detriment. Maybe it was not as conventional as the average children’s movie,but its plot and visuals weren’t as dull as for critics and audiences to categorize it as rotten.This cow-filled adventure following the farm’s residents trying to save their farm by hunting down a criminal is certainly enjoyable for families.
Home on the Range was Walt Disney Studio’s last 2D film beforeThe Princess and the Frogfive years later. They haven’t released another 2D film since.
The line deliveries from the three main actors (Judi Dench, Cuba Gooding Jr, and Jennifer Tilly) were really entertaining, and sure to make kids giggle. The music was great,but the little yodeling number in the movie will really stick with kids.Each of the characters, from Ollie to Larry to Wesley, had a moment to shine. On top of that, the Western setting, with its classical valleys, saloons, and deserts was very nicely put together and visually entertaining.
Chicken Little
Zach Braff’s Chicken Little creates panic when he claims the sky is falling when a piece falls and hits him.Outcast for his claims, Little seeks redemption by joining the baseball team, and plays a key part in winning a crucial game. He’s once again hit by “falling sky” - which turns out to be a UFO - and must convince everyone that he wasn’t lying.
On release, Disney fans expected theChicken Littlemovie to have a predictable storyline.They instead received a movie with equal parts of sci-fi and fiction. It was not everybody’s cup of tea, butChicken Littlestill deserves a watch. Its plot is strange, and the characters are even stranger, but the movie does a great job of mixing a classic alien invasion story with a teenage chicken trying to save his reputation.
Disney’s Chicken Little Is An Adaptation Of WWII Anti-Nazi Propaganda
Disney’s Chicken Little was the studio’s first fully computer-animated film — but it was the second time the studio adapted the fable “Henny Penny.”
AsDisney Animation’s first completely computer-animated theatrical film, it was rich with the character’s comedic gestures and designs. Narratively, it also was packed full of classic Disney life lessons like, “take care of yourself before others.” While it can be seen as a bit of a swing and a miss, it’s still a really entertaining watch, breezy and fun for the whole family.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
The 2D-animated Disney movie Atlantis: The Lost Empire follows a linguist who leads an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis and unlock its secrets. The 2001 sci-fi movie features an ensemble cast composed of Michael J. Fox as Milo Thatch and Cree Summer as Atlantian Princess Kida, as well as James Garner, Don Novello, Phil Morris, Jacqueline Obradors, Claudia Christian, Florence Stanley, Leonard Nimoy, David Ogden Stiers, John Mahoney, Jim Varney, and Corey Burton in supporting roles.
The general reason given forAtlantis' rotten rating is its lack of character development and a rational plot.Unfortunately, the movie ended up being shown in theaters in a transitional time when studios were ditching hand-drawn animation to replace it with CGI. While often called underwhelming,Atlantisis, in reality, a complete turnaround from other more regular Disney movies. The film is not a musical, as the filmmakers prioritized action over songs.Atlantisis entertaining and well-made, with strong characters like Milo and Kida, and imaginative sci-fi elements.
Not only has it gathered a cult following through the years, but it has gained more fans from its subsequent appearances in other franchises. The crew’s attentiveness to the smallest things, like the Atlantean language, are also marvelous.They not only created a new language from scratch, but the way it is read is supposed to reflect wave movements is visually stunning. Between the immersive world-building and the daring, adventure-centric take,Atlantisdeserves to be revisited as a now-classicDisneyanimated movie.
