Since 1937, Disney has released no fewer than 63 animated classics. Children and adults alike have found something to enjoy thanks to this wide range of films. However, some have unjustly fallen into oblivion. It is with a view to rehabilitating these films that we offer you a selection of 8 underrated animated classics to rediscover.
#1 The Toad and the Schoolmaster (1949)
The 1940s were not a good decade for Disney. The year 1941 marked a turning point with a major strike and, of course, Pearl Harbor. This meant that after Bambi, the studio stopped producing real animated films, and was content only with compilations or works that tried to appeal to the South American audience. The Toad and the Schoolmaster is the last in this series, and is undoubtedly the best. Composed of two stories, it is the one called The Legend of Sleepy Hollow that particularly deserves your attention. Inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, this adaptation is probably one of the most successful. The final part with the Headless Horseman is exceptional and will leave a lasting impression on your mind, making this film a must-see for Halloween.
#2 Taram and the Magic Cauldron (1985)
Disney struggled to recover from the loss of Walt Disney. The studio was going through a period of uncertainty, searching for its identity. In the 1980s, the company tried to offer darker productions, but it was a resounding failure. The symbol of this is Taram and the Magic Cauldron. Its long and chaotic production did not bear fruit, as the film suffered a box office setback. The fact is, it seemed inevitable. The feature film is full of problems and strays too far from what audiences were used to. Despite everything, it remains a fascinating object. Although imperfect, it is full of sublime fantasy moments and especially has a memorable villain in the Dark Lord.
#3 Oliver & Company (1988)
In 1984, Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg took over at Disney, but it wasn't until 1988 that their first film, Oliver & Company, was released. This animated film marks a return to its roots, clearly targeting a family audience, while retaining some of the darkness of the period. However, it distinguishes itself from previous classics by taking place in contemporary New York. This modern retelling of Oliver Twist yielded positive results that allowed the studio to begin a new golden age, and perhaps that was the problem. The following year saw the release of The Little Mermaid, a triumph that overshadowed Oliver & Company. An unfortunate fate for such a daring work.
#4 Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Fantasia was Walt Disney's unfinished dream, who wanted it to be an evolving work with regularly renewed segments. While the project had not moved since 1940, Roy Edward Disney, his nephew, relaunched the machine by producing Fantasia 2000 in 1999. It must be said that the first is a true gem of animation, and the second has nothing to envy. That's why you have to give it a chance. After seeing it, you'll only want one thing: to see a Fantasia 2030.
#5 Dinosaur (2000)
In the history of cinema, dinosaurs have always been popular and have always served as a testing ground for new technologies. Dinosaur is no exception, as it was the first Disney film to combine CGI and live action. The studio even originally considered making it a silent film, but ultimately decided against it. However, unfortunately, the film is not as memorable as Jurassic Park, to name just one.
#6 Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a Disney animated classic that has gradually been rehabilitated over time. However, it's important to ensure it doesn't fall back into oblivion. This work, in particular, has everything to appeal to fans of Avatar. Indeed, James Cameron's film and Disney's have many similarities. If you've never seen it, this might pique your curiosity.
#7 Treasure Planet: A New Universe (2002)
Making Treasure Island in a steampunk universe wasn't a bad idea in itself, even if Disney could have played it safe by making a more classic adaptation. As a result, Treasure Planet flopped at the box office. Even though it ended up facing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, that doesn't entirely explain its failure. This is all the more unfair, because Disney tried something new and even succeeded. In a different context, it's clear that the film would have had sequels.
#8 The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog is the last original Disney classic in 2D animation. For one last time, the studio clearly succeeded. The film was a great success, giving traditional cartoons a fitting farewell. Since then, and even if it hasn't been completely forgotten, the feature film isn't the first one mentioned when discussing the latest Disney productions. Tangled and Frozen largely stole the show. However, interest in the film has been renewed, thanks in part to Sinners. In fact, internet users have spotted an actress who could perfectly play Tiana. Let's hope this inspires Disney; even the cancellation of the live-action version of Tangled leaves some doubts.
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