The Best Disney Movies You Probably Never Think About

Chances are you’ve heard of some of these films, or might even have seen them. But for some reason, they don’t immediately come to mind when someone brings up Disney. In fact, whenever I’ve reminded people of these films, they often pause and think for a minute. Then, they say something like, “Wait, that was a Disney film?” Well, the answer is yes — they are, and here’s why you should watch them again.

Five of the Best Disney Movies from the Early 2000s

Dinosaur (2000)

One of the first Disney films released in the 21st century, Dinosaur follows the harrowing journey of Aladar, an Iguanodon from the Cretaceous period. After a horrific natural disaster scorches the earth and leaves Aladar’s homeland uninhabitable, he and the surviving creatures must travel far away to find a new place to live. Alongside the lemur family who raised him and new dinosaur friends, Aladar faced tremendous peril, from starvation to carnivore attacks. Backed with a beautiful soundtrack composed by James Newton Howard, Dinosaur is a great film for anyone who loves these amazing reptiles.

Unlike previous computer animated films produced by Disney, this was the first created completely in-house. The result is a gorgeous feature that combines dynamic landscapes with richly detailed characters. Due to several sequences which could scare young children, this film carries a PG rating. However, it is easily appropriate for kids over the age of five.

Emperor’s New Groove, The (film) (2000)

Featuring the iconic voice talents of David Spade, John Goodman and Patrick Warburton, The Emperor’s New Groove is a humorous film set in a fictional South American empire. Of course, the kingdom is an obvious homage to Incan and Mayan civilizations. But this adventure is nothing so serious as all that. The self-centered and prideful Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama when his evil adviser, Yzma, attempts to dethrone him. Ironically, the one person willing to help the young emperor find his way back to his rightful place is Pacha. A man who’s home Kuzco planned to bulldoze in order to set up a private resort.

The pair’s dangerous trek through South American jungle pits them against nature, humans and even themselves. But that’s only the start of the journey. A film beset with the moral teaching that arrogance leads to downfall, this is a must-see for Disney lovers. And because of its G rating, it is the perfect comedy for people of all ages.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

This film set in 1914 takes viewers on a whirlwind adventure alongside the young Milo Thatch, a museum cartographer who claims to have learned the way to the lost city of Atlantis. Though his theories are decried and rejected by the rich museum patrons, he finds a believer in his late grandfather’s friend, Preston Whitmore. Funded by the eccentric billionaire’s fortune, Milo and a cast of quirky yet lovable characters set off for the sunken city. And when they finally find it, nothing is as they expected. As with Dinosaur and other films, the score was composed by the brilliant James Newton Howard. So, perhaps this list is as much a recognition of his accomplishments as the movies themselves. Rated PG, Atlantis is perfect for children of school age. However, younger kids might need the discretion of a parent or guardian before viewing.

Treasure Planet (2002)

An obvious adaptation of the famous novel, Treasure Island, this movie throws viewers on an action-packed adventure through space. And just as in the book, young Jim Hawkins searches for the lost treasure trove of pirate captain, Nathaniel Flint. As the only person capable of accessing the map to Treasure Planet, Jim is suddenly thrust into a world of wonder and mutiny alike. Joined by a crew of strange aliens, the angsty teen must learn how to navigate the stars and life at the same time.

Apart from Pirates of the Caribbean, this is the best Disney movie for anyone who loves a good swashbuckling story. And to be honest, Treasure Planet is my person favorite. Though not only because of the beautiful and vibrant animation. But yet again due to a score by — you guessed it — James Newton Howard. The soaring and dynamic track, 12 Years Later, is still one of my favorite songs from a Disney film. A coming of age story, Treasure Planet does explore some more mature themes than other movies produced by Disney. But holding to its PG rating, it is a lighthearted and exciting journey for kids of almost all ages.

Brother Bear (2003)

This film tells the story of Kenai, a Pacific Northwest native living just after the last ice age. When Sitka, Kenai’s brother, is killed by a bear, he sets out on a quest for revenge. Instead, he finds himself turned into bear by the Great Spirits. And after befriending a much younger bear cub named Koda, Kenai learns that his other brother, Denahi, is hunting him. As with most of the films on this list, Kenai and Koda set out on a grand adventure. In this instance, their journey takes them across the vast and beautiful wilderness of North America.

Brother Bear features songs by the notable musician, Phil Collins, who previously contributed to films like Tarzan. This is one of the best Disney movies because of its central message of forgiveness and understanding. And since it carries a G rating, it is appropriate for children of all ages. In essence, it’s the perfect film for understanding the concept of treating others the way we want to be treated.

More of the Best Disney Movies

If you paid any attention to this list of films, you probably noticed certain themes:

• They are all animated films
• Most of them had notable music
• These movies are mostly appropriate for audiences of all ages
• They were, of course, from the first few years of the 21st century

But there are hundreds of other Disney movies, some better than others. There are many notable live-action films made during the same era as those listed here. And some contain more mature themes that earned them higher ratings. So, while these hidden gems are some of the best Disney films in their genre, there are plenty of others worth watching. But more than two decades later, one thing is true. These five movies are still beautiful films that have important moral themes woven throughout. And for that alone, they’re worth watching again.