5 Deep-Cut Disney Sequels That Are Underseen Masterpieces (It’s a Crime #1 Was a Flop)

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It’s widely accepted that Disney knows how to create quality films. Yet, many of their lesser-known sequels don’t get the recognition they deserve, despite often being brilliant, featuring great music, and tapping into fond memories. For nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios has produced dozens of beloved animated classics. From Snow White (1937) to Encanto (2021), Disney—particularly when collaborating with Pixar—consistently delivers strong storytelling, unforgettable characters, songs you’ll want to hear again and again, and stunning visuals. While Disney’s live-action films are often good, especially the Disney Channel Original Movies from the late 90s and early 2000s, it’s their animated features that truly stand out.

As a huge Disney fan, I’ve noticed something interesting. When a Disney movie does really well, they almost always make more movies set in that same world with the same characters. But honestly, most of the sequels just don’t live up to the original – they rarely do as well with audiences or critics. I was thinking about some of the lesser-known sequels recently, and you know what? Five of them actually hold up pretty well when you compare them to other Disney follow-ups. They’re not masterpieces, but they’re better than people give them credit for!

Released in 2004, Mulan II is a sequel to the popular 1998 Disney film Mulan. The original movie tells the story of Mulan, voiced by Ming-Na Wen, who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. Mulan II brings back several familiar faces, including Mulan, Li Shang (BD Wong), and Mushu (Eddie Murphy). In the sequel, Mulan and Shang are tasked with safely escorting the Emperor’s three daughters – Princess Mei (Lucy Liu), Princess Ting-Ting (Sandra Oh), and Princess Su (Lauren Tom) – on a journey across China. However, Mushu mischievously tries to sabotage Mulan and Shang’s upcoming wedding during the trip.

Despite receiving a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the Disney sequel Mulan II is surprisingly enjoyable. While the original Mulan is a beloved classic, its sequel has been largely forgotten. However, this lesser-known Disney film is actually quite good. The animation is straightforward but well-done, and the characters—both familiar faces and new additions—are likable and have believable relationships. The plot centers around some friction between Mulan and Shang, often caused by Mushu’s meddling, and it’s a story that’s easy to follow and engaging. Plus, the soundtrack includes some genuinely catchy songs, like “Lesson Number One.”

Released in 2000, The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea is a sequel to the original 1989 film. The story picks up with Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson) and Prince Eric, who now have a daughter named Melody (voiced by Tara Strong). They’ve decided to keep Melody’s mermaid heritage a secret, fearing revenge from Ursula’s sister, Morgana (voiced by Pat Carroll). However, Melody feels a strong connection to the ocean and keeps trying to explore the water, leading to unforeseen problems.

While The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning introduced us to Ariel’s early life, The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea often gets overlooked. It doesn’t feel as fresh as the first movie, relying on familiar ideas and a similar structure, but it’s still a fun and easy watch. Melody, Ariel’s young daughter, is a captivating character, and the film’s depiction of Ariel as a mother feels especially poignant for parents. Like Mulan II, the sequel also features a great soundtrack, including memorable songs like “Down to the Sea.”

I’m a big fan of the Wreck-It Ralph movies! The first one came out in 2012 and introduced us to Ralph, voiced by John C. Reilly, a video game ‘bad guy’ who just wants to be liked. He meets Vanellope von Schweetz, played by Sarah Silverman, from the game Sugar Rush, and they become friends. Now, Ralph Breaks the Internet picks up about six years later. When Sugar Rush starts to fall apart because a piece breaks, Ralph and Vanellope have to venture into the world of the internet to find a replacement and save the game!

Although Ralph Breaks the Internet did well in theaters, earning over $529 million with a $175 million budget and receiving an Academy Award nomination, it doesn’t seem to have the same lasting impact as other popular films. The movie throws a lot at the audience, but manages to keep the story focused. It’s particularly memorable for its up-to-date cultural references and the clever inclusion of all the Disney Princesses, which really enhance the plot. However, the strong friendship between Ralph and Vanellope sometimes gets overlooked.

Fantasia 2000 is a follow-up to the 1940 animated classic, Fantasia. While the original was co-produced by Walt Disney, Fantasia 2000 was led by his nephew, Roy E. Disney. Like its predecessor, Fantasia 2000 features a series of animated segments paired with famous classical music, such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Each segment is introduced by a different celebrity, including Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, James Earl Jones, Bette Midler, and Penn & Teller. The film premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1999 and was released in theaters in January 2000, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a financial success, earning only $90.9 million despite costing around $83 million to make.

Even after 85 years, the original Fantasia is still unique, and Fantasia 2000 remains impressive as well. Walt Disney famously said he’d never recreate Fantasia, but Fantasia 2000 has become a classic in its own right. While the celebrity introductions are a nice touch, it’s the breathtaking animation that truly captivates. The segment featuring humpback whales set to Ottorino Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” is particularly famous, but the story of four people accompanied by George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is equally moving and beautifully animated.

Following the success of The Rescuers (1977), The Rescuers Down Under continues the adventures of Bernard (Bob Newhart) and Bianca (Eva Gabor), two mice who work for the Rescue Aid Society, along with their leader, Chairmouse (Bernard Fox). In this sequel, Bernard and Bianca journey to the Australian Outback to rescue Cody (Adam Ryen), a young boy with the unique ability to communicate with animals. He’s been kidnapped by poacher Percival C. McLeach (George C. Scott) because of this special gift. While critics generally liked The Rescuers Down Under when it came out in theaters, it didn’t perform well at the box office, earning just $47.4 million.

While many fondly recall The Rescuers, its sequel, The Rescuers Down Under, deserves more appreciation. It’s easily one of the best Disney sequels ever made. The animation is a noticeable step up from the original, with smoother movement and richer detail, thanks to a blend of computer and traditional techniques. The story is engaging and takes place in a beautifully realized Australian setting, perfectly suited for Bernard and Bianca’s adventure. It’s full of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, with strong performances from the entire cast. Before Remy captivated audiences with his cooking, Bernard and Bianca were already proven heroes, and this film showcases their bravery once again.

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2025-11-20 19:28