I love movies. I could talk about movies for days, and watch one daily. I hold a special place in my heart for Disney movies (and yes, I was excited when they took over Marvel and Star Wars) but Disney cartoons define our childhoods and continue to such an integral part of our lives as parents.
The Wonderful World Of Disney continues to play movies on Sunday nights on CBC. Have you noticed that? I often tune in to PVR one that we want to watch again or that the kids haven’t seen (like Mary Poppins a few months ago!)
It’s been thrilled to watch the re-make of Beauty and the Beast (and how well it turned out) because that was one of my favourite movies as a kid. And even more exciting for myself and my children when we visit Walt Disney World and see references to our favourite movies or meet the characters. These memories are such an integral part of our lives.
However I do believe there are some underrated Disney movies that need more attention. Ones that deserve a larger following and more buzz. Before Frozen and newer movies (many of which we have really loved) there were some amazing movies that I can watch over an over again. So if you haven’t seen any from this list, I highly recommend you make one of them your next family movie.
Hercules
This movie has heart and hilarity making it a real win in my book. I love classical history so references to mythology are appreciated and the messaging is nice. The romance is sweet but not too sugary and again, the humour. There are some quality jokes in this movie. Plus, the villain, Hades, is funny and menacing all at once.
Robin Hood
I remember watching Robin Hood over and over again as a child at my grandparent’s house. They had a copy on VHS that they taped from The Wonderful World of Disney. The cartoon fox, Robin Hood himself, was the best. He had swagger and charm and the entire movie is so well done. I was beyond happy when my kids were younger and they too fell in love with the movie and wanted it on repeat. I can still hear the rooster doing that whistle at the beginning of the movie. This is one that just because it’s older (way older) doesn’t mean it’s not still watchable.
The Emperor’s New Groove
Hilarious. This movie has given us so many one-liners and Gifs that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. The story is well done but it’s the characters that stay with you. The Emperor is so funny but the side characters (the villain and her dim-witted henchman) are beyond hilarious together. Watch it and then go around asking ‘Why do we even have that lever?” Trust me.
Mulan
“But Becky, Mulan is a huge hit!” It should be, and yet I feel it isn’t as big as some movies! And in many ways, I think people who love it really love it, but I think Mulan doesn’t get the attention she deserves in the sea of other princesses. This movie is well paced, full of action, heart and the songs are excellent. I was just graduating high school when this movie came out so I missed out on the original excitement, but after watching it as a parent, I fell in love. Also, Li Shang is one of my favourite Disney dudes ever.
What’s on your list of Disney movies that are must-watch but don’t get enough attention?
We just watched Mulan a couple of days ago! The kids loved it. They’re pretty excited to hear that there is a Mulan II. Back to the library!
I might be out of touch with parents of small kids, but I feel like Moana didn’t get the attention it deserved when it came out. My middle daughter (at 13!) is super obsessed with it, and it’s on Netflix right now, so I’ve seen it at least 5 or 6 times now. The music is so clever, the story is funny and full of action, and the heroine is awesome – strong, smart, next in line for the throne, and there’s no discussion at all about the fact that she’s a girl or hints of romance being her “happy ending.” Do families with little kids love this movie like we do? And maybe I just don’t hear about that because all my kids’ friends are older? I wonder.
I OWN Mulan 2! I found it at Value Village – but haven’t found the first one lol Moana was pretty huge. We own the soundtrack and the music was amazing. It was big with my young nieces for sure! I think obsessions as our kids age are a bit different (my kids love movies but don’t obsess like when they were smaller)
On my flight home recently the little girl in front of me was watching Moana. I think it’s one that will have staying power as our kids get older too (the scene at the end where she parts the water? I full on sobbed!)