The 4 Most Underrated Movies on Disney+ Right Now
As one of the foremost film studios in the world today, Disney has literally dozens upon dozens of fantastic movies making up its expansive library.
In addition to incredible animated movies like Snow White, Cinderella, or Frozen, Disney (and Disney+, by extension) also has literally hundreds of movies related to its various other properties, whether discussing Star Wars’ films, Marvel’s superhero epics, or Nat Geo’s countless documentaries.
With that in mind, it’s fair to assume Disney+ has plenty of utterly extraordinary movies that tend to fly under audiences’ radars. From early hits of the Disney Renaissance to live-action fantasy films based on Roald Dahl’s children’s stories, here are four little-known family films streaming on Disney+ right now.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
One of the most important Disney films of the 1980s, The Great Mouse Detective helped the studio rebound from the resounding loss of Walt Disney in the 1980s, putting the company back on track just in time for the Disney Renaissance. Though a massive critical success at the time of its release, this charming mystery comedy tends to receive little of the same love or attention it commanded back in 1986. A fresh and original take on Sherlock Holmes’ expansive mythology, it’s a ceaselessly enjoyable family film we simply can’t recommend enough.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Sure, many films might be better in terms of story, animation, or scope. But we dare you to find a Disney film that manages to surpass The Emperor’s New Groove in terms of humor. Possessing an infectious comedic style straight out of a ‘30s screwball comedy or a vintage Looney Tunes cartoon, The Emperor’s New Groove continues to live on as one of the most hilarious releases from Disney Studios yet.
The Straight Story (1999)
With the recent passing of David Lynch, now seems like the perfect time to revisit some of the director’s past films, from his career-defining work on Eraserhead and Mulholland Drive to his lesser-known entries like 1999’s The Straight Story. In regards to the latter, The Straight Story achieves a notable place on the outskirts of Lynch’s notoriously eccentric filmography, bearing little resemblance to the filmmaker’s more horrifying ventures with Wild at Heart or Twin Peaks.
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
As with most of Roald Dahl’s most cherished films, James and the Giant Peach strikes a remarkable balance between approachable comedy, zany characters, and an underlying basis in light horror. Combining crisp stop-motion animation and a heartrending central story, James and the Giant Peach is an inventive fantasy comedy every bit as good – if not better – than other notable Dahl adaptations like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, or The BFG.
