Almost everyone loves Disney. If you're one of those weird people who doesn't love Disney than you're wrong. These movies are what we all grew up with, so they'll always hold a special place in our hearts. But, some movies definitely get more love than others. Whether it was from critics or the audience themselves, some Disney films certainly deserve more recognition than they got. There are plenty of underrated Disney movies, but these are my top five.
5. The Emperor's New Groove
This movie is obviously loved by the people who grew up with it. And rightfully so, it's probably one of the most quotable movies out there. What makes it so underrated is its lack of award recognition. To be fair, it's not really anyone's fault do to the fact that the Best Animated Feature category at the Oscars wasn't a thing until the year after this film was released. However, even without that category the movie was nominated for a decent amount of stuff, and won only around four of the awards that it was up for. That's not nearly enough for such a hilarious, witty and still heartfelt film.
4. The Rescuers Down Under
The Rescuers is probably not a movie that had a lot of people begging for a sequel. But, it happened. And the result was surprisingly good. This movie has some stunning animation and energy that makes it really exciting to watch. I think the reason why The Rescuers Down Under didn't do well is because or what I said before; no one asked for it. So, obviously, no one saw it. It also had the misfortune of coming out in between The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, two movies that went on to become classics that gave The Rescuers Down Under no chance of being remembered. Except for the people who grew up with this movie, we'll love it forever.
3. Wreck-It Ralph
I have such a soft spot for this movie that when people say that they haven't seen it I actually get pretty sad. The message of this movie is one that thousands of people can connect to; the feeling of just wanting some recognition and to have a place where you fit in. Wreck-It Ralph made me more emotional than Frozen and I'm not afraid to say it. But, I think that with no catchy musical numbers, people kind of just brushed it off. It also had the same problem as The Rescuers Down Under as Wreck-It Ralph was also released between two films that did better at the box office. Those films are Tangled and Frozen, movies so beloved and popular that it would be difficult to stand out. But, it holds a special place in my heart and hopefully it does for other people as well.
2. Princess and the Frog
I didn't see this movie when it was originally out in theaters, but after I caught it on TV months later I really wish that I did. The movies music, characters and animation are all flawless. It was return to the 2D style animation that I had grown up with and, most importantly, it was Disney's first Black princess. And Princess Tiana is an great character and role model for the kids who will grow up with this movie. So, when the film I found the film didn't get the fantastic numbers (it didn't do bad by any means but it wasn't outstanding) that it should've gotten, I was disappointed. Was some of the plot a little clunky? Yes. Was it kind of disappointing that Disney's first Black princess spent a majority of the movie as a frog? Yes. But, overall its a fantastic film that deserved more than it got.
1. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
No one will ever be able to convince me that The Hunchback of Notre Dame isn't the most underrated Disney movie all time. This movie just has way to many good things about it. Its animation is gorgeous. The message is important. And, the music? Don't even get me started. The fact that this movie wasn't nominated for best original song or score at the Oscars will forever make me furious. People complained that it was to dark for children, which is a much bigger issue than it appears as children need to be scared sometimes. Not like "lets watch some Nightmare on Elm street" scared, but like a healthy "you need to know that this is an okay emotion" scared. There is a difference I promise. All-in-all, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was probably just way ahead of its time and deserves all of the awards and praise that it can get.
