Disney’s animated canon is iconic, but come on: not every treasure gets its moment in the spotlight. For every Frozen or Lion King, some movies fell between the cracks—either overshadowed, misrepresented, or slightly too eccentric for their era. These are the hidden gems of the Disney vault, and they’re more than deserving of a revisit. Let’s count down from number ten.
10. Raya and the Last Dragon
It’s almost shocking how quickly this one got overlooked. Released in 2021, Raya and the Last Dragon wowed with its gorgeous visuals, slick action sequences, and heartfelt story about trust and unity. Yet thanks to Encanto dominating the cultural conversation, it never really got its due. If you’re a fan of fantasy adventures (or dragons), don’t sleep on this Southeast Asia–inspired gem.
9. Bolt
A superhero dog who doesn’t recognize his abilities is staged? That’s the set-up for Bolt, a witty 2008 adventure that blends Hollywood spoof with coast-to-coast sentiment. John Travolta narrates the befuddled puppy, Miley Cyrus voices his owner, and miraculously, it all succeeds. The critics adored it, but it seldom gets spoken of as one of Disney’s big guns—time to correct that.
8. Brother Bear
This beautifully hand-drawn Disney “in-between” film might not have received the same attention as Mulan or Tarzan, but it’s full of heart. Joaquin Phoenix plays Kenai, a young man who’s transformed into a bear by magic, and now must navigate the world in new ways. With sweeping vistas, a soulful Phil Collins score, and themes of brotherhood and respect for the natural world, this one needs more love.
7. Treasure Planet
A steampunk retelling of Treasure Island in space? Absolutely. Treasure Planet paired innovative animation with a surprisingly emotional father-son relationship, but it tanked at the box office. It’s since developed a devoted cult following—and deservedly so. This film was far ahead of its time.
6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Another attempt from the early 2000s, Atlantis replaced the songs with a futurist pulp tone of sci-fi action. The angular lines (courtesy of comic book artist Mike Mignola) and multicultural, offbeat cast lent it a unique flavor that Disney doesn’t often revisit. It wasn’t exactly a box-office winner, but to many fans, Atlantis is the pinnacle of underrated Disney.
5. The Emperor’s New Groove
This film wasn’t meant to be a comedy, but praise be, it turned out to be one. With David Spade’s snarky Kuzco, John Goodman’s down-to-earth Pacha, and Eartha Kitt’s crazed Yzma, The Emperor’s New Groove is Disney in its funniest and most meta form. Once underrated, it’s now gaining meme status—but still has the right to stand among Disney’s greatest comedies.
4. Oliver & Company
Before The Little Mermaid ushered in the Disney Renaissance, there was this hip ’80s reinterpretation of Oliver Twist. With a sassy kitten, a pack of dogs, and Billy Joel providing the voice of the always-cool Dodger, Oliver & Company is full of charm. The jazzy score and New York City backdrop make it a retro time capsule to revisit.
3. The Great Mouse Detective
This wry mystery may not be the most obvious Disney movie, but it was a significant stepping stone for the studio. With Basil of Baker Street (Disney’s take on Sherlock Holmes) and Vincent Price as the nefarious Ratigan, it’s clever, suspenseful, and culminates in a jaw-dropping Big Ben battle that combined traditional animation with early CGI.
2. Robin Hood
Fox Robin Hood, wisecracking Prince John, and a supporting cast of forest outlaws—what’s not to adore? Robin Hood from Disney wasn’t a critical smash at its release, but its lighthearted charm and memorable songs have earned it some serious staying power. It’s a lazy, enjoyable, and relentlessly watchable retelling of the legend.
1. The Aristocats
Cats in Paris playing jazz? Winning formula already. The Aristocats was a success when it was originally released in 1970, but it’s been eclipsed over the years by newer, glitzier names. That’s too bad, because with the frolicking kittens, the chic animation, and Thomas O’Malley’s cat-cool stride, it’s one of Disney’s most charming happy-sappy movies.
So next time you’re scrolling Disney+ and feel like you’ve seen the usual suspects a hundred times, give these underrated gems a shot. They may not have the same fame as the blockbusters, but they’ve got heart, charm, and a unique place in Disney’s history.