5 Great Forgotten TV Shows Based On Disney Animated Movies

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Disney is famous for its beloved animated films, many considered all-time classics. While some of these movies have been adapted for television with mixed results, several have become fantastic, yet often overlooked, TV shows.

I’ve always been amazed by Disney’s animated films – they really are groundbreaking! While they don’t make quite as many of these classics as they used to, it’s wonderful they’re still creating them. It’s fascinating how so many of these movies have grown into huge franchises, expanding onto television. Though, honestly, I’ve noticed a pattern – most of the TV shows based on Disney animated movies just don’t live up to the originals, and are pretty disappointing.

Despite many attempts, a few TV shows based on Disney animated movies have actually been really good, though they haven’t always stayed popular over time.

Aladdin

Aladdin

The popular Disney movie Aladdin, a highlight of the Disney Renaissance, led to a TV series called Disney’s Aladdin: The Series. The show ran for three seasons, from February 1994 to November 1995, and takes place a year after the events of both the original movie and the video sequel, The Return of Jafar.

The story of Aladdin continues, now with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine engaged! Aladdin embarks on exciting new adventures, both in and around Agrabah, where he solves mysteries and searches for hidden treasures. Along the way, he meets both new enemies and helpful friends.

The Aladdin TV series builds on the story of the original movie, fleshing out the characters of Jasmine and Aladdin, using the Genie for humorous moments, and offering a more detailed look at the city of Agrabah.

The Emperor’s New School

The Emperor’s New Groove

I still remember being totally surprised by The Emperor’s New Groove when it came out in 2000! We got a direct-to-video sequel, Kronk’s New Groove, and then the TV show, The Emperor’s New School. It’s funny though, the show doesn’t really follow either of the movies – there are things that just don’t quite line up. But honestly, it’s a really fun, underrated Disney show, and I think it’s a hidden gem!

In The Emperor’s New School, Kuzco must attend Kuzco Academy and graduate to earn his place as emperor. But his old advisor, Yzma, is determined to stop him and take the throne for herself. The show is funny, in part, because Kuzco frequently speaks directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall.

Despite a few weaknesses, The Emperor’s New School really shines because of its clever, quick-moving jokes, its understanding of itself as a show, and how it puts Kuzco in fresh situations with new things to achieve.

Big Hero 6: The Series

Big Hero 6

The animated Disney film Big Hero 6 was very popular, and its sequel TV series, Big Hero 6: The Series, captured the same appealing spirit. The show picks up after the movie’s events, following teenage inventor Hiro Hamada and his healthcare companion robot, Baymax, as they continue their adventures.

I absolutely loved watching Hiro and Baymax continue their adventures with their friends! The series really builds on what we saw in the movie, sending them on all sorts of missions to keep the city safe. While a few things are different from the original film, it still has that same fun, exciting, and hilarious feel. It was so great to see the characters grow and their relationships develop even further – it really added a lot to their stories.

Lilo & Stitch: The Series

Lilo & Stitch

The animated Disney film Lilo & Stitch was a huge hit in the early 2000s, leading to a live-action remake and several TV series. Of those series, we’ll be focusing on the original, Lilo & Stitch: The Series.

Following the movie Stitch!, Lilo & Stitch: The Series continues the adventures of Lilo and Stitch. They’re on a mission to track down the hundreds of genetic experiments created by Jumba. Not only do they need to find these experiments, but they also have to help them become good and find a place where they can belong.

The main challenge for Lilo and Stitch is facing Captain Gantu and his sidekick, Experiment 625, who are trying to catch the experiments and hand them over to Dr. Hämsterviel. The TV series Lilo & Stitch: The Series is well-regarded for being high-quality, building on the original movie, and giving its characters more depth. It does all this while remaining fun, funny, and offering good lessons for kids.

Timon & Pumbaa

The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King was another massive success during the Disney Renaissance, launching a very popular franchise. As of today, the film has inspired two TV series, and many fans consider the first one to be the best – it cleverly focuses on the movie’s most interesting supporting characters.

The world of The Lion King’s Timon & Pumbaa is different from the original movie, and the series follows the hilarious duo as they travel the globe enjoying their carefree ‘hakuna matata’ life and getting into various adventures. As many expected, Timon and Pumbaa proved to be naturally funny and capable of headlining their own show.

Compared to The Lion King, Timon & Pumbaa is much more focused on silly, physical comedy and has a generally cheerful tone. The main characters constantly find themselves in humorous and ridiculous predicaments. While it doesn’t add much to the original movie’s story, it’s an enjoyable watch nonetheless.

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2025-11-26 03:19