If you ask anyone what their favorite Disney movie is, you'll most likely get answers like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella or The Little Mermaid. You know, the usual. Those beloved classics often come up when throwing around great Disney films. Hell, The Lion King just won our Greatest Animated Disney Movie of all time tournament. Those films are straight up revered, and for good reason.
But we're not here to talk about those movies that you can recite or have songs that you still sing in the shower to this day. We're talking about those underrated, underappreciated Disney movies that you wish would get a little—or a lot, more love. They might not have broken box office records or come with a song that just. Will. Not. Die. (Hint: it rhymes with "Met It Grow."), but they are still wonderful pieces of cinema that deserve to get a spin in your Blu-ray/DVD/VCR/Laserdisc player.
So while everyone has a favorite Disney film, they also have a Disney movie that they will defend with their very last breath is an underrated masterpiece. We asked our E! Online staff about their picks for less popular Disney movies that everyone needs to see, from live-action to those classic animated releases, and now you have a bucket list of underrated films from the house of the mouse. You're welcome!
1. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
It has one of the most emotionally powerful moments in Disney history. Plus there's a dinosaur involved.
2. Hercules (1997)
James Woods as Hades. Need we say more? Fine, we will. It has the most soulful soundtrack ever and Megara, a sassy, strong female character.
3. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Sherlock but animated and starring adorable mice. Sold!
4. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
A beautiful underwater adventure that never got the love it deserves.
5. Emperor's New Groove (2000)
Hands down one of the funniest animated Disney films of all time. Kuzco, Kronk and Yzma should have their own series of spinoff movies.
6. Iron Will (1994)
We remember having a serious crush on the guy that plays Will, Mackenzie Astin. But besides the eye candy, this film has adventure, drama, Kevin Spacey and of course, that triumphant Disney ending that gives you goosebumps.
7. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Disney went back to its roots with this New Orleans-set film and it gave us a nostalgic, magical experience that you definitely can't miss.
8. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Viewers were probably wary of this one because it looked different than Disney movies like The Little Mermaid, but watching it now means you can truly appreciate the beauty of the film-making.
9. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
Sure, it's one of the darker Disney movies, but it definitely doesn't deserve its lack of notoriety.
10. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Yes, it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Film so it's not exactly underappreciated, but we still think people should love this film like the masses love Frozen. It's the perfect mix of heart and comedy, and Baymax is one of the greatest sidekicks of all time. Watch it and try and argue with us about that. We dare you!
11. Tarzan (1999)
Fun fact: Tony Goldwyn, Scandal's own POTUS, voices the man raised by the jungle. And good luck not crying whenever you hear "You'll Be in My Heart" after watching this one.
12. Robin Hood (1973)
How many Robin Hood films have been made? 9,000, roughly? And this is one of the top adaptations, we guarantee it. It doesn't beat Robin Hood: Men in Tights, though. But what movie does?!
13. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
This movie followed The Little Mermaid, so we understand how it often gets overlooked. But that needs to stop immediately.
14. A Goofy Movie (1995)
Goofy is an often overlooked Disney character, but you can't overlook how great this full-length feature is. Goofy as a dad?! C'mon! That's Disney gold.
15. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
A truly moving tale about growing up and growing apart, this incredible film follows the friendship between a fox and a hunting dog. Eventually they have to become enemies, and the ending is both heartbreaking and happy, which Disney somehow manages to pull off.
16. A Bug's Life (1998)
Yeah, being Pixar's follow up to Toy Story is a tough spot to be in. But A Bug's Life has one of the best casts of any Pixar film and there is something so fun and magical about shrinking down to live with these bugs for 90 minutes.
17. Pocahontas (1995)
Ignore the fact that it's very historically inaccurate and just appreciate the message, the love story and the beautiful soundtrack.
18. Oliver & Company (1988)
A fluffy, animal twist on the classic tale that's worthy of multiple viewings.
19. The Black Cauldron (1985)
It's a dark, twisted fantasy adventure that most often forget is a Disney film. But it has everything you love about Disney movies, so give it a chance if you haven't seen it yet.
20. Aristocats (1970)
Watch this movie and fall in love with your new Queen of Sass: Marie the kitten.
21. Mulan (1998)
Looking for a movie starring a badass female warrior? Look no further than Mulan!
22. Sword in the Stone (1963)
We all need a Merlin in our life, that is for damn sure.
Did we miss your favorite underrated Disney film? Tell us which Disney movie you think needs more love!