Disney+ and Hulu Are Raising Prices Again

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Disney is raising prices for both Disney+ and Hulu in October for the third year in a row.

Beginning October 21st, Disney+ will cost more. The ad-supported plan will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly, and the ad-free plan will go up by $3, from $15.99 to $18.99 per month.

Hulu is raising the price of its ad-supported plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. The ad-free plan will still cost $18.99 a month.

Disney has released a new, separate ESPN app. At the same time, the existing ESPN+ service will become slightly more expensive, increasing from $11.99 to $12.99 per month.

Disney previously raised prices on its streaming offerings in October of 2024 and 2023.

No one likes a price hike for their subscriptions, but this one is especially concerning. Some Disney+ subscribers are threatening to cancel because the company removed *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* after the host made controversial remarks about a suspect connected to a conservative activist, Charlie Kirk.

Okay, so good news for fans of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* – Disney just announced the show is coming back on Tuesday, September 23rd. But here’s the catch: those local stations, Nextstar and Sinclair, who originally paused airing the show after Kimmel’s comments, are still saying they won’t be showing it right away. Luckily, if you miss it on ABC, you can always catch up on Hulu – episodes are usually available to stream after they air.

The recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel will likely be forgotten quickly. However, prices for these services are definitely going up. If you pay for them monthly, you should expect to see that reflected in your next bill.

Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look

1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

While many didn’t demand a follow-up to the 1977 Disney film *The Rescuers*, *The Rescuers Down Under* (1990) surprisingly surpasses the original. This adventure follows two mouse rescue agents on a mission to save a kidnapped boy from a poacher in the Australian Outback. The film boasts stunning aerial sequences, a beautifully realized Australian wilderness, and vibrant animation. Though overshadowed by the massive successes of *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*, it remains a fondly remembered favorite for those who grew up watching VHS tapes in the 90s.

2. Onward (2020)

Pixar’s 2020 film, *Onward*, unfortunately suffered from poor timing. Released right before widespread COVID-19 closures, the fantasy adventure about two brothers on a quest didn’t get much of a chance in theaters. Many people were understandably focused on current events at the time, though it did find an audience through video on demand. It’s a shame that even now, five years later, *Onward* is often overlooked when discussing Pixar’s best modern films. It’s a truly heartwarming and magical adventure with beautiful animation, endearing characters, and a touching story about loss and moving forward.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

Released in 2002, *Treasure Planet* is a unique animated film that reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s *Treasure Island* in a futuristic, intergalactic setting. While it didn’t do well in theaters – partly because CGI animation was still relatively new after hits like *Toy Story* and *Shrek* – the movie has since gained a dedicated fanbase. People now appreciate its strong characters, stunning blend of storybook visuals and science fiction, and moving story about finding your purpose. As one character says, it truly has the potential to be a classic.

4. Dinosaur (2000)

Released in 2000, Disney’s *Dinosaur* was a pioneering film for the studio, blending live-action with computer animation. The movie follows a dinosaur and the family he finds as they search for a new home after a devastating meteorite strike. Despite being the top-grossing animated film of its year, receiving good reviews, and even inspiring a Disney World ride, *Dinosaur* has largely been forgotten. It seems to have gotten lost in the transition between Disney’s classic Renaissance period and its later films.

5. The Black Cauldron (1985)

1985’s *The Black Cauldron* is a somewhat divisive film among Disney fans. It was a significant box-office failure when it came out and was criticized for being too different from the original books, as well as for its dark themes and underdeveloped characters. However, over the last 40 years, the movie has gained a dedicated cult following. People appreciate its distinctive dark fantasy setting, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Among Disney fans, *Atlantis: The Lost Empire* is likely the least forgotten film, with many passionately hoping for a live-action adaptation. However, it’s not widely known by the general public and Disney rarely mentions it. This is probably because it came out right after Disney’s hugely successful Renaissance period and was very different from the popular Disney films of that time.

The movie is a thrilling, action-packed adventure about a diverse team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis and a powerful, ancient force. While not flawless, it’s a visually stunning and enjoyable film, inspired by the style of Jules Verne and filled with memorable characters.

7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

As a huge Disney fan, I remember when *Meet the Robinsons* came out in 2007. It was a bit of a tough time for the studio, and it unfortunately got lost in the shuffle with Pixar dominating the animation scene. It didn’t do well in theaters, and plans for a sequel were scrapped. But honestly, over the years, this movie has really resonated with me and a lot of others. It’s a surprisingly heartfelt story about a young orphan inventor who goes to the future, and it’s packed with quirky, lovable characters and a really unique, optimistic, retro-future look. It’s become something of a hidden gem for those of us who appreciate it!

8. Brother Bear (2003)

Disney’s *Brother Bear*, released in 2003, is a beautifully animated film that often gets overlooked. It came out around the time of hugely popular movies like *Lilo & Stitch*, *Monsters, Inc.*, *Finding Nemo*, and *The Incredibles*, which overshadowed it. However, *Brother Bear* tells a deeply touching story about brotherhood and forgiveness that appeals to everyone. It also boasts stunning animation of North American landscapes, a memorable soundtrack by Phil Collins, and excellent voice performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez.

9. A Bug’s Life (1998)

Despite being a Pixar film, 1998’s *A Bug’s Life* often gets overlooked when people discuss the studio’s most important movies. While some consider it a classic – and rightfully so – it’s generally seen as less memorable than other major Pixar hits.

The creative film tells the story of a well-intentioned but awkward ant who sets out to find help for his colony, only to stumble upon a quirky group of performing fleas. It’s a charming and visually appealing movie filled with funny, memorable characters, and it delivers a surprisingly powerful message about community and the challenges of capitalism.

10. Bolt (2008)

Released in 2008, *Bolt* was a reasonably successful and well-received film, but today it’s largely forgotten. The movie centers on a dog actor who stars in a TV show and genuinely believes he has superpowers. After running away from the set, he must find his way home and learn what’s real. Coming between Disney’s celebrated Renaissance period and the start of its successful Revival era (beginning with *Tangled* in 2010), and during Pixar’s peak, *Bolt* didn’t achieve the same critical acclaim or cultural staying power. However, it remains a delightful and touching story with a talented voice cast and vibrant animation.

11. Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton’s quirky horror-comedy *Frankenweenie*, released in 2012, seems to have faded from memory, even when people discuss Halloween films for families. This is unfortunate, given the incredible artistry and playful take on classic sci-fi horror that went into it. The movie, originally a 1984 short film by Disney and Burton, tells the story of a boy who brings his dog back to life, leading to comical trouble when his friends attempt their own science experiments. With beautiful black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this overlooked Burton film is surprisingly heartwarming, even with its reanimated subject matter.

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2025-09-23 21:57