Let’s get real: the 2000s were an eccentric and experimental time for Disney animation. The studio was mixing up all sorts of things to see what would work—some were successful, others were not. In between lavish sci-fi productions, oddball comedies, and two lovely, sincere hits, Disney’s releases were unpredictable, but never boring. So, which ones really shone through the noise? Here’s a top 10 list of Disney animated films from the 2000s, counted down in reverse order.
10. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Time machines, talking frogs, and a bowler-hatted villain who’s trapped in the past. Meet the Robinsons is pretty much one of those films that doesn’t get the recognition that it should. Sure, the animation is somewhat outdated, but the film’s quirky nature and positive vibes still have a lasting effect. Maybe it’s not a major Disney release, but it certainly proves that strange tales can still win your heart.
9. Brother Bear (2003)
A story of a teenage hunter who is transformed into a bear and taught to feel along the way, Brother Bear is not short on stunning scenery and a Phil Collins–powered soundtrack. It’s sincere and sentimental, though the tale does rely on some conveniences. It’s still a cozy, kid-friendly addition to Disney’s library.
8. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Half Jules Verne, half steampunk, Atlantis was one of the biggest risks Disney took in the decade. Its look is breathtaking, its mythology is deep, and its audacity is uncompromising—even if the film’s story is a tad too big. Not everyone was an initial fan, but now it’s a cult classic as one of Disney’s most bold ventures.
7. Treasure Planet (2002)
Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless story, sent into outer space. Treasure Planet combined old-school animation with initial CGI, producing a striking visual feel that has yet to hold up in full but remains astounding. It flopped in the theaters, but its combination of adventure, emotion, and sheer imagination has found it a second lease on life among fans.
6. Bolt (2008)
This action-comedy about a TV star dog who doesn’t know his abilities aren’t real was Disney’s first true foray into contemporary CGI country. Chock-full of humor (courtesy largely of Rhino the hamster), Bolt was a harbinger that the studio was finally getting its mojo back. It’s perhaps not perfect, but it most certainly is fun.
5. Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Disney went back to the 1940s experiment with animation to classical music, this time in modern form, with a shorter length. Some of the celebrity introductions are a miss, but numbers like “Rhapsody in Blue” are not forgettable. It’s not as revolutionary as the original, but still a feast for the eyes and the ears.
4. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Forget princesses and ballads—this one’s all slapstick and absurdity. David Spade’s Kuzco is amusing, but Eartha Kitt’s Yzma and Patrick Warburton’s Kronk steal the show with some of Disney’s most quotable lines. It’s not a fairy tale so much as a cartoon free-for-all, and that’s why it’s so loved.
3. Bolt (2008)
Indeed, it’s deserving of a second mention. Not merely a goofy road trip comedy, Bolt was also a watershed moment, setting the stage for the CGI renaissance that Disney would go on to fully indulge in the following decade. The action between Bolt, Mittens, and Rhino is Disney buddy-comedy gold at its finest.
2. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Few Disney movies strike the heart as Lilo & Stitch. The watercolor backgrounds, the Elvis music, and the indelible relationship between a shy Hawaiian girl and a destructive alien made the film an instant classic. Its theme of family (“ʻohana means family”) continues to resonate, and Lilo is one of Disney’s most genuine child characters.
1. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Disney’s sweeping comeback to hand-drawn animation finished the decade in style. Based in New Orleans, this jazz-infused fairy tale brought us Tiana, a diligent heroine whose tale pioneered representation. The tunes are infectious, the bad guy (Dr. Facilier) is wickedly conniving, and the animation is rich and colorful. It’s not only an excellent Disney film—it’s a reminder of why hand-drawn enchantment continues to be relevant.
And there you have it: the 2000s were rough, but they also brought us some of Disney’s most innovative risks and most beloved characters. These movies show that even during a crazy decade, the Mouse House still had magic, laughs, and heart to offer.