Top Ten Disneytoon Studios Films
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Top Ten Disneytoon Studios Films
Although known for many terrible direct-to-video sequels, Disneytoon Studios has had its fair share of not only good original movies, but also genuinely strong and unexpectedly poignant sequels. Here are ten of the best.
10. DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp
This one flies by how hugely entertaining it is. Yes, the structure is an utter mess as its television origins made it feel very problematic as a film overall, but the adventurous elements are truly phenomenal and the characterization is quite stellar. It’s one of those animated films that are perfect for children of all ages and for the young at heart.
9. An Extremely Goofy Movie
An Extremely Goofy Movie is a pretty fine sequel that is weaker than the original owing to a lack of songs, a very annoying third act and some weak characters, but the romance worked, the college setting was well realized and the father-son drama is once again moving and sweet. It’s a proof that these two deserved even more than just these two movies.
8. The Lion King 1 ½
The Lion King 1 ½ is such a good Disneytoon sequel. It has its issues as some scenes are more uneven, but most are very good and highly entertaining. The humor is solid, the characterization is good, and this spin-off mostly succeeds in its offbeat structure as it’s a sequel, prequel and midquel all at once. Timon and Pumbaa have rarely been better than they are here.
7. Aladdin and the King of Thieves
This one clearly trumped the previous ‘Aladdin’ sequel in storytelling particularly. It’s a very moving father-son storyline. The movie is also unexpectedly adventurous and very well animated while the humor is so strong. It’s one of those movies which obviously just begged for the television treatment.
6. Cinderella III: A Twist in Time
The time travel concept here worked wonders to make it much better than it had any right to be. Yes, who knew that so much fun could be had with a ‘Cinderella’ sequel. It’s clearly an improvement upon the second movie and the characterization is terrific. I loved the whole Anastasia redemption arc and the stakes here are surprisingly high.
5. Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World
Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World is weakly paced, Ratcliffe is very badly treated here and the middle section is quite weak. But the ending is great and the beginning is absolutely spectacular. The animation is better than average and the score is pretty good with one great song. The characters are fine too. It’s such an unexpectedly strong sequel and a further proof that this whole franchise remains highly underrated.
4. Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin is one of the more underappreciated Disneytoon Studios flicks with a weaker soundtrack and some underutilized characters, but Tigger is particularly terrific here and so is Pooh. The animation and score are great, but the mature story and atmosphere make it a real, underrated gem.
3. Ariel’s Beginning
Continuing the ‘Cinderella III’ tradition, we got another third entry that is better than the second. Ariel’s Beginning isn’t only deeper than expected and so moving, but it also knows its characters and it enriches their journey while also deepening the entire mythology from the original. It’s a great example of how to do a proper Disney sequel.
2. The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride is undeniably the greatest direct-to-video Disney sequel. It’s so great, in fact, that it’s easy to forget it’s a cheaper sequel. The Romeo and Juliet-inspired storyline was perfect for this franchise, the characterization is excellent, the emotion is palpable and the soundtrack is just terrific with its fair share of iconic Disney songs.
1. A Goofy Movie
An absolute cult classic, there was no doubt in my mind that A Goofy Movie would get the top spot on this list. This is a film that took the Goofy character and deepened him significantly through his relationship with his son Max. This flick is all about family, but it’s also incredibly entertaining throughout and featuring one amazing soundtrack with three great songs that can rank among the better of the true Disney canon movies.
Honorable Mentions:
Bambi II – Gone are the artistic sensibilities in this sequel that is still surprisingly moving and effective in portraying its father-son core relationship.
Return to Neverland – Although it is messy, it’s not all that weaker than the original and it features one very strong arc for the protagonist Jane.
Kronk’s New Groove – While the movie is kiddified unfortunately, Kronk is still as awesome as ever and the vibe of the original wasn’t lost here as well.
