Disney movies have become an integral part of childhood for American children, as well as their parents. Since the 1940's Disney films have been a staple of American cinema, and Disney's animation, stories, and characters have made a lasting impression on many aspects of life beyond influencing other filmmakers.
However, whenever the topic of beloved Disney films comes up when reminiscing with friends and family, I often notice that there are a few Disney creations that are often forgotten. Some for obvious reasons, others not so much.
1. The Sword and the Stone (1963)
The Sword and the Stone is one of the first films that comes to mind when I think of Disney movies that are often overlooked. This is also a case that leaves me scratching my head a little bit as to why. While this isn't a huge, epic tale like The Lion King, it is certaintly still fun, and full of adventure.
It follows the story of Arthur, before he pulls the sword from the stone. He is an orphan living with a dreadful adoptive father, and a n idiot for a step brother. Along the way he gets into various shenanigans with the wizard Merlin who turns him into a squirrel, bird, and even a fish.
Really, it's a charming, and funny film. Not to mention how really beautiful that traditional 2D animation is.
2. The Aristocats (1970)
The Aristocats is Homeward Bound before there was Homeward Bound. Also, it's a hell of a lot quirkier. To be fair, I can see why this might not appeal to people, but in my opinion this is honestly one of Disney's funniest films, and if you haven't seen it go watch it right now.
The plot is that Duchess and her Kittens are thrown out of their home by the jealous butler Edgar who wants to inherit their owner's fortune, and can't stand the thought of the old woman leaving her vast wealth to her cats. Really, she's the ultimate crazy cat lady. She is literally bequeathing thousands of dollars and a Parisian mansion to four cats. In their efforts to get home Dutchess and her kittens run into an ally cat, drunken geese, dogs who think they are involved in a war, and a gang of cats who play extremely funky jazz.
What is not appealing about this?
3. Robin Hood (1973)
Robin Hood is just what the title says. A Disney-fied version of the Robin Hood tale. The strength of this film is slapstick, and once again might I mention the wonderful, traditional 2D animation?
If you're an adult, you probably realize that Robin Hood wasn't a real person, and that Prince John was a person whose awfulness extended beyond being a greedy cry-baby. Also, they probably weren't all animals. But hey, it's Disney. The movie is heart warming, and fun, and is worth at least an honorable mention in the long line of amazing Disney movies.
4. The Black Cauldron (1985)
The Black Cauldron was Disney's first PG rated film. It was also Disney's first really major flop. Of it's $44 Million dollar budget, The Black Cauldron only earned back roughly $20 Million back. And, it's obvious why. Of all the films on this list, this is probably the only one that really deserves to be forgotten.
The plot center's around two children who are attempting to keep the foreboding black cauldron out of the hands of the evil Horned King who wants to use it for evil. It's set in a rather dreary, and legitimately creepy medieval fantasy world, and the feeling of the film is less Disney and move Dungeons and Dragons game gone wrong. It is worth checking out just for the weird factor, but I'm not going to pretend this is a hidden gem.
5. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
The Great Mouse Detective was one of my favorite Disney movies as a kid, and I really find it surprising how many people I talk to who have never seen, or even heard of this movie. Once again it's witty, fun, and has a fair amount of action.
The movie follows the detective Basil, who is essentially Sherlock Holmes, and his partner Dr. Dawson, who is basically Watson. They are solving the case of a woman's missing father who has supposedly been kidnapped by the crime king-pin Ratigan.
If you like Sherlock Holmes, but have always had the desire to see it Disney-fied and played out by rats, this is a film for you. But seriously, its worth watching.
