7 Hidden Masterpieces You Can Watch On Disney+ Right Now
For millions of fans across the globe, Disney remains the pinnacle of family-friendly entertainment, appealing as much to older adults as it does to younger children.
Allowing each and every viewer to enter the carefree worlds of their childhood imagination, Disney movies afford us a chance to return to a time when anything was possible: when princesses could live happily ever after, when mermaids could walk on land, and when elephants could indeed fly.
As many Disney movies as fans regularly gravitate towards, Disney+ boasts plenty of lesser-known films that seldom receive the same attention as Cinderella, Frozen, or any of the numerous entries in the MCU. From underrated animated films to sweeping live-action remakes, here are seven hidden gems you can find on Disney+ right now.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Sandwiched between two impeccable periods in Disney’s history, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Snow White or Fantasia. When evaluated on its own strengths and merits, however, this 1949 anthology film possesses an undeniable ability to hold audiences’ interests in both acts of its narrative. While The Wind in the Willows section features plenty of rousing comedy, Sleepy Hollow offers up some surprisingly suspenseful moments straight out of Tim Burton’s 1999 remake. The results give way to a rewarding animated epic unlike any other in Disney’s canon, one capable of making you snort with laughter and seize up in terror throughout its fast-paced runtime.
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
It’s probably a smart move to watch this film with a hearty box of tissues next to the remote control. A beautiful coming of age story with a hint of Narnia-esque magic, Bridge to Terabithia hammers home the profound escape that can come with childhood imagination. Affording us a chance to cope with the harsh realities of life, everyone has their own version of Terabithia they routinely flee to when a new problem presents itself. More than anything, though, Bridge to Terabithia emphasizes the unique bond formed between two wayward pre-teens, each of whom influence each other’s lives and worldviews more than they can ever believe possible.
Holes (2003)
Anyone who grew up in the 2000s likely formed a lasting connection to 2003’s Holes. In spite of its recurring appearance on The Disney Channel, however, you don’t have to be a 2000s-era Disney fan to love this underrated cult classic. Led by worthwhile performances from Shia LaBeouf, Khleo Thomas, Sigourney Weaver, and Patricia Arquette, Holes ingeniously alternates between its multiple branching storylines, focusing on the enigmatic connection between LaBeouf’s wrongfully-convicted juvenile delinquent and a notorious outlaw’s buried treasure. As funny as it is heartfelt and sentimental, it’s a rip-roaring adventure film that takes plenty of inspiration from conflicting cinematic genres, including comedy, crime, survival, and a lengthy foray into a traditional Western.
Aliens of the Deep (2005)
James Cameron may be more readily associated for his contributions to science fiction, but the legendary filmmaker has also routinely ventured into the realm of documentaries. Case in point with Cameron’s 2005 film Aliens of the Deep, an engrossing project that transports viewers to the farthest depths of the ocean. Presenting a myriad of otherworldly creatures that thrive in seemingly inhospitable environments, Cameron makes the bold claim that these strange creatures could serve as shining examples of what life on other planets might be like. Though a radical hypothesis in and of itself, Cameron backs his assertions up with plenty of informative evidence, showing that – in some areas of the world, at least – life is more akin to science fiction than Avatar or Star Wars could ever hope to be.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Looking back at the past century since Disney’s initial foundation, a strong case can be made that The Emperor’s New Groove is the most riotously funny comedy the studio has ever released. Relying on the energetic performances of its lead cast, The Emperor’s New Groove doubles down on its endlessly humorous central storyline, allowing for plenty of hilarious moments throughout its hour and 18-minute runtime. With every character sharing standout scenes and vividly-drawn personalities, The Emperor’s New Groove unfolds like a cross between a vintage screwball comedy and an anarchic Looney Tunes short from the ‘40s or ‘50s, ensuring tons of laugh-out-loud sequences from start to finish.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton has overseen production on many remarkable movies over the years, but without a doubt his greatest achievement in recent memory has to be 2012’s family comedy, Frankenweenie. Taking inspiration from Mary Shelley’s immortal classic Frankenstein, Frankenweenie acts as a similarly stylish take on the basic themes and narrative premise first explored in Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. Featuring glistening black-and-white stop-motion animation and a pitch-perfect voice cast, Frankenweenie serves as a predictably joyous entry in Burton’s increasingly eclectic filmography.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Quite possibly the best live-action remake Disney fans have seen yet, Pete’s Dragon actually surpasses the quality of its 1977 counterpart, soaring to even grander heights than its dramatic predecessor. Introducing an altogether new story and more grounded lineup of characters, Pete’s Dragon’s agreeably sweet tone melds remarkably well with its utterly astounding visuals. Throughout it all, director David Lowery manages to illustrate how children can make sense out of life’s messier issues with a faithful companion by their side, be it an imaginary friend or, in this case, an adorably protective dragon.
