Whenever I hear someone say "Disney sequels suck!" as a blanket statement:
Some Disney sequels don't suck! I'd like to make a case for some of the sequels that I think are truly great. Everyone should at least give them a go. Sure there are the tragedies that are the "Aladdin" sequels and "Mulan 2." But not every Disney sequel is a "Mulan 2." I promise! Read on to see what Disney sequels are worth checking out.
5. "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True"
The second "Cinderella" movie is a frame story made up of a bunch of short tales. One of the best is the one concerning Cinderella's stepsister, Anastasia. It is worth watching this sequel simply to see this one story because it is so cute. This tale shows that there is a way for even those with the ugliest of hearts to make a change. Anastasia's story is one of the few that explores the life of a Disney "villain" after the happily ever after. There are other cute stories in this film as well including a story all about Cinderella's mice.
4. "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning"
This is a newer Disney movie and it's technically a prequel but I have to include this one because it is so cute and important to Ariel's timeline. "Ariel's Beginning" shows the fate of the mersisters' mother and what made their father so overly protective by the time the action of the first movie began. The latest addition to "The Little Mermaid" Trilogy has some great songs and shows Ariel and all of her sisters as adorable mini mermaids! What more could anyone ask for?
3. "Return to Neverland"
The late 1990s / early 2000s were a great time for Disney sequels! The top 3 films of this list all come from this time, including the 2002 "Peter Pan" sequel, "Return to Neverland." This movie is a wonderful addition to any classic Disney library. The fun and antics of the Lost Boys can't be beat. Jane (the first child to see Neverland since Wendy, Michael, and John) is absolutely adorable. She is such a strong female character too. Jane does her best to protect her family in the midst of some very hard times. "Return to Neverland" is set during the London Blitz of World War II but Jane is a fearless 12-year-old who can hold her own. Oh, and something else about her: Jane's mother is Wendy Darling. The cuteness factor abounds when Peter and Wendy meet once again.
2. "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride"
KOVU!!! Looking back, I think my first fictional crush may have been on a lion. Kovu should be enough to make anyone want to see this movie but I shall attempt to entice you further. "Lion King 2" is so wonderful! It portrays the reality of the aftermath that arises from political turmoil. "Simba's Pride" takes on yet another Shakespearean plot this time, "Romeo and Juliet." (If you don't know yet, "The Lion King" is based on "Hamlet.") There was a group of lions who followed Scar and left the pride when he was overthrown. One of the cubs from this group grows up to have a star-crossed love affair with Simba and Nala's awesome daughter, Kiara.
1. "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea"
"The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" is the Disney sequel. It continues the story of one of the world's most beloved Disney princesses. Here we see Ariel journey through motherhood, adding great depth to her character. It may seem to some that Ariel just forgets everything the first movie was trying to say but this is not the case. Ariel becomes so much more mature in this sequel. She has simply grown to understand her father's protective nature. In "Return to the Sea," she may go a little bit overboard but it is all for Melody's own good. The movie starts with Ariel introducing her newborn daughter to the ocean kingdom. It is here in the beginning of the story that Melody becomes a pawn in a plot of revenge. Ursula's sister, Morgana, shows up with the intention of harming the baby. In order to protect Melody, Ariel does not allow her to swim in the ocean even though as she is part mermaid the ocean is a part of her. "Little Mermaid 2" is in many ways the first movie in reverse. The icing on the cake for this movie is the music. "Down to the Sea" and "For a Moment" should have been instant Disney classics. I would even go as far as to say the music rivals that of the first film. Melody" is adorable. Ariel's character is explored in such a great way. The music is perfection. "Return to the Sea is the perfect Disney sequel.
