55 Years Ago, Disney Released One Its Most Underrated Animated Features

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Like so many people, I grew up loving Disney movies! With almost 100 years of films, Disney has created so many classics that shaped my childhood and continue to amaze. When people debate the best Disney movie, you always hear the same titles – The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, or even the very first one, Snow White. But there’s one film that I think doesn’t get enough credit, and it’s a real shame. It’s a true classic, and this year it’s celebrating its 55th anniversary!

Released on Christmas Eve in 1970, The Aristocats stands out as a truly original Disney animated film. It tells the story of a pampered family of cats who are abandoned in the countryside by their jealous butler, after being set to inherit their owner’s fortune. With the help of a streetwise alley cat, they try to find their way back home, learning valuable lessons along the way. While the film did well in theaters, many still consider it to be underrated.

The Aristocats Was a True Original — And It Came At Just the Right Time

Before The Aristocats, Disney movies were usually adapted from existing stories like fairy tales or books. However, The Aristocats was originally created as a script for a live-action TV episode in 1962. It went through many revisions, and the idea was eventually put on hold. While The Jungle Book was being made, Walt Disney gave his approval to The Aristocats – it was the last film he personally signed off on before he passed away. When The Aristocats finally came out in 1970, it became the first animated Disney movie released after Walt Disney’s death.

Walt Disney’s passing significantly changed the direction of his company, leading to a decreased emphasis on animated films and a greater focus on live-action movies. However, The Aristocats proved to be an exception. Critics generally liked the film, though some considered it only average for Disney, praising its music and voice actors. The public, though, strongly disagreed, making The Aristocats a major box office success, especially internationally. It would take many years for another Disney film to achieve the same level of popularity.

What makes The Aristocats so memorable? It’s the charming characters and heartwarming story. The film is full of delightful personalities – Marie the kitten is still a fan favorite, but almost every cat in the movie shines. O’Malley the Alley Cat is a timeless character, and Scat Cat and his band are truly iconic. Beyond the characters, the story centers around the idea of found family. Duchess and her kittens connect with O’Malley, and he finds a sense of belonging with them. There’s a wonderful feeling of togetherness as they journey home, working together to overcome the villainous Edgar.

Music Is A Key Component of Why The Aristocats is Supreme

One of the best things about The Aristocats is its fantastic soundtrack. Heavily inspired by jazz music, the film features memorable songs like the title track, “The Aristocats,” and “Scales and Arpeggios.” But the standout song is definitely “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.” It’s incredibly catchy and lively, and includes an exciting jazz improvisation section that perfectly matches the energy of the scene. The song is a highlight of the movie—a truly iconic Disney moment—and it’s so much fun, you’ll almost wish you were a cool cat in a jazz band!

Combining memorable characters, a delightful story, and catchy music, The Aristocats is a genuinely fun and upbeat movie that offered a welcome escape when it was released during a challenging period for Disney. While not flawless – even then, some criticized its animation for reusing elements – and it does contain a problematic stereotypical character, Shun Gon (which now includes a content warning on Disney+), the film remains a beloved Disney classic. It absolutely deserves its place among the studio’s greatest achievements, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a perfect time to enjoy this charming story. After all, who doesn’t want to be a cat?

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2025-12-25 00:42