10 Underrated Disney Movies That Deserved A Sequel

Despite Disney churning out numerous sequels throughout its history, it appears that some lesser-known masterpieces may have slipped through the cracks. Remarkably, many exceptional Disney animated films have spawned sequels, regardless of whether they were initially released as direct-to-video movies that have since faded into obscurity.

In recent times, Disney’s lineup of upcoming films features quite a few sequels, as they aim to capitalize on their beloved characters. This is somewhat different from Disney’s past, where sequels were often released with minimal attention. It’s unfortunate to think about the many undervalued Disney movies that could have benefited from sequels, particularly those that seemed ripe for further storytelling.

10. Raya & The Last Dragon (2021)

There’s Still Time For One Of Disney’s Recent Hits

In my opinion, “Raya and the Last Dragon” stands among Disney’s most remarkable recent animated productions, proving that the studio continues to excel at creating captivating narratives. One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its seamless integration of Southeast Asian mythology and geography into the plot. Without a doubt, it presents an enticing opportunity for a sequel, delving deeper into the enchanting realm of Kumandra.

The movie, “Raya and the Last Dragon,” concludes with Kumandra coming back together as one land, yet this signifies the end of its internal conflict. This opening could pave the way for a follow-up storyline that explores regions outside its boundaries, thereby expanding the map’s details further. Regardless of where a sequel might head, additional worldbuilding would certainly be intriguing.

9. Robin Hood (1973)

There Are Many Robin Hood Stories To Choose From

The timeless legend of Robin Hood dates back for many centuries, yet Disney’s 1973 film brings a sense of novelty to it. One of the studio’s lesser-known masterpieces reinterprets its key characters as forest creatures, but maintains the perfect mix of action, excitement, and romance that characterizes any successful adaptation of Robin Hood.

Given the vast amount of material spanning over hundreds of years, Disney certainly had ample opportunities to create at least one follow-up to “Robin Hood”. However, what seems to be missing from the original movie is the lively band of characters known as Robin’s “Merry Men”. A sequel could have taken a different route by focusing more on an ensemble comedy style, where Robin and Friar Tuck team up to form a fresh group.

8. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s Road Trip Comedy Has More to Explore

While some top-tier Pixar films have already spawned sequels and there are more on the way, lesser-known Pixar movies often go unnoticed. Unfortunately, this has been the case for the film “Onward,” which debuted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and received minimal attention, eventually fading into obscurity.

Although it might not grab your attention as forcefully as Pixar’s most popular films at first glance, the movie Onward holds promise for future sequels. The film’s suburban fantasy backdrop mirrors the blend of ordinary life and the unusual that Pixar frequently explores, while the dynamic between the two brothers offers ample ground for another comedic escapade.

7. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

The Detective Story Could Have Been An Entire Series

Despite not directly stating its sources, The Great Mouse Detective clearly draws inspiration from the character of Sherlock Holmes. Given this similarity, one might expect it to spawn numerous sequels like some other adaptations. However, during that period, Disney opted for a different approach.

Despite being a shining light in a gloomy era for Disney, The Great Mouse Detective didn’t initially resonate with audiences. It came as a shock that it didn’t get one of Disney’s less expensive direct-to-video follow-ups, considering its intriguing concept and well-developed characters.

6. The Sword In The Stone (1963)

Disney’s Arthurian Tale Is Based On A Book With Several Sequels

The film “The Sword in the Stone” was inspired by the book of the same title by T.H. White, who also wrote three subsequent books. However, Disney opted not to adapt any of these additional stories, although a sequel film could potentially explore Arthur’s transformation into kingship.

In The Sword in the Stone’s finale, Arthur ascends the throne and expresses concerns for the future, implying that the story is far from over. There remains a wealth of challenges to tackle in a potential sequel, making it feel like a vital continuation, much like the original film itself.

5. The Good Dinosaur (2015)

The Good Dinosaur Didn’t Quite Reach Its Potential

In terms of visual beauty, The Good Dinosaur ranks high among Pixar’s films; however, its storyline doesn’t quite match the stunning vistas it depicts. Despite this, the unique prehistoric environment offers promise for a sequel that might outshine the original. Pixar has demonstrated this ability to improve on earlier works with the Toy Story series.

Perhaps the challenge that “The Good Dinosaur” faced was the burden of high expectations, as the blend of Pixar’s kid-friendly aesthetic and the undeniable allure of dinosaurs made it seem like an instant hit. However, “The Good Dinosaur” chose an unanticipated path, but a potential sequel could introduce new characters to add some freshness to the storyline.

4. The Aristocats (1970)

The Aristocats Was A Huge Commercial Success

Despite the fact that “The Aristocats” was a successful film at the box office, it didn’t quite reach the level of being a true Disney timeless classic. Apart from one character who might not be acceptable today, “The Aristocats” deserves more recognition as a cheerful, amusing family comedy with excellent music.

If a contemporary Disney film matched the commercial triumph of “The Aristocats,” it would undeniably spark talks about a follow-up further down the road. Not only did “The Aristocats” strike a chord with audiences, but its narrative also appears to hint at Duchess and her kittens embracing even more turbulence and adventure in their lives, suggesting fertile ground for a sequel.

3. Brave (2012)

Other Disney Princesses Have Had Their Own Sequels

It’s quite simple to overlook that “Brave” is a Pixar creation, given that Disney princess films have been a cherished staple of the studio since its inception. Unlike other princesses who have had sequels, some with varying success, Merida appears to have been left out of this trend.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that while Merida, the Disney princess, holds a special place in my heart, films like Beauty and the Beast and Mulan have certainly garnered more attention among the public. It’s possible this is why we haven’t seen a sequel featuring Merida yet. However, the Scottish folklore that inspired Brave offers a treasure trove of untapped stories, characters, and mythical creatures that could make for captivating sequels in the future.

2. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Pixar’s Forgotten Gem Has Probably Missed Its Chance

Although A Bug’s Life was only Pixar’s second full-length film, it has been largely eclipsed by Toy Story. Despite this, there are numerous aspects of A Bug’s Life worth appreciating, such as its formidable antagonist and witty animal-themed humor. However, it appears that Pixar might not dwell on this movie much.

It’s been over a decade since Pixar resurrected their classic movies to produce sequels, and it’s difficult to envision the same happening for “A Bug’s Life.” Despite not receiving as much attention as some of Pixar’s other early successes, this film has gained a unique appeal that contributes to its cult following.

1. Treasure Planet (2002)

Treasure Planet Explores One Small Corner Of An Inviting Universe

Treasure Planet emerged during an unconventional period in Disney’s history, as evidenced by its distinctive animation, which showcases its balancing act between the traditional 2D masterpieces of the past and the blockbuster 3D animated films that would ultimately revive the studio. It possesses a one-of-a-kind charm, making it intriguing to consider a return of this style for a potential sequel.

Instead of Treasure Planet being a suitable choice for Disney’s live-action remakes, there’s an expansive cosmos suggested by the movie that could benefit from further examination. If a sequel were to be made, it would offer ample opportunities for exploration, provided it retained the same essence of thrilling adventure.

2025-05-21 17:48