Though the official Disney Renaissance runs from 1989’s The Little Mermaid through 1999’s Tarzan, that era only produced ten true classics. To round out our list to fifteen, we’ve slipped in five more films that aren’t technically Renaissance releases but capture the same magic – trust us, they fit right in. | © Disney
The Black Cauldron trades singing sidekicks for shadowy adventure, as pig-keeper Taran races to stop the Horned King from raising an undead army with a cursed cauldron. Sweeping 70 mm visuals, spooky thrills, and a rare PG edge make this ’80s fantasy one of Disney’s boldest hidden gems. | © Disney
The Great Mouse Detective turns Sherlock Holmes into a whiskered hero and pits him against Ratigan, a delightfully over-the-top villain voiced by Vincent Price. Clever mysteries, a thrilling Big Ben showdown, and plenty of charm make this often-overlooked gem a treat to watch again and again. | © Disney
The Return of Jafar picks up right where Aladdin left off, with Iago hunting for redemption while a vengeful Jafar teams up with a bumbling thief. The animation’s simpler, yet familiar jokes, fresh songs, and more time with your favorite Agrabah crew keep this sequel an easy, kid-friendly good time. | © Disney
Treasure Planet blasts the classic pirate tale into deep space, filling the sky with bright worlds and soaring ship battles. Jim’s hunt for hidden loot, paired with a cool mix of hand-drawn charm and slick CGI, makes this a fresh, fun ride for the whole family. | © Disney
Oliver & Company follows a lost kitten who joins a gang of friendly New York street dogs for a lively city adventure. Bright hand-drawn scenes, Billy Joel’s sing-along songs, and a big heart make this underrated Disney film easy fun for the whole family. | © Disney
Pocahontas washes the screen in glowing, painterly colors and crowns it with the soaring anthem Colors of the Wind, turning colonial America into a visual and musical feast. Its touching romance and plea to respect nature give this underrated entry a timeless pull. | © Disney
The Rescuers Down Under lets Bernard and Bianca glide on the breathtaking wings of Marahute, showing off some of Disney’s most stunning flight animation. John Candy’s joke-a-minute albatross Wilbur and a truly fearsome poacher turn this often-overlooked sequel into a fast, funny, and heartfelt adventure. | © Disney
Tarzan kicks off with a pulse-pounding jungle rescue and never slows, blending slick vine-swinging action, warm humor, and a hero you root for instantly. Phil Collins’ drum-thumping songs and a fist-pump finale give this heartfelt adventure a crowd-pleasing lift for viewers of any age. | © Disney
The Hunchback of Notre Dame sweeps you through stunning shots of medieval Paris while boldly talking about prejudice, faith, and desire in a way Disney rarely does. The dark drama, sharp flashes of humor, and thunderous choir score add up to a flawed yet powerful classic that still feels daring today. | © Disney
Mulan paints a bright, lively picture of ancient China as a fearless daughter who disguises herself to spare her ailing father. Rich cultural details, rousing songs, and a heroine who proves courage has no gender make this adventure a feel-good win for kids and parents. | © Disney
Shockingly underrated, Hercules fires off razor-sharp jokes, bold animation, and gospel-charged songs that make Greek myths feel brand new. Meg’s saucy sarcasm and the story’s nonstop wit turn this offbeat quest into one of Disney’s most entertaining hidden gems. | © Disney
Aladdin nails the holy trio of Disney with earworm songs, a velvet-voiced villain, and a joke-a-second Genie who steals every scene. The brisk story, never too short, too long, childish, or grown-up, mixes a charming street-rat-meets-princess romance with eye-catching early CGI, making it a perfect watch for the whole family. | © Disney
With lush hand-drawn art and show-stopping songs like Be Our Guest, Beauty and the Beast plays like a Broadway musical painted frame by frame. Belle’s book-loving courage, a castle of lively characters, and a lesson that real beauty comes from within make this Oscar-nominated gem irresistible for kids and adults. | © Disney
The Little Mermaid plunges you into a colorful ocean realm where Ariel’s bold dream of walking on land turns every moment into pure wonder. Catchy songs, a scene-stealing sea witch, and charming sidekicks pack this tale with the timeless Disney magic that keeps families hitting replay. | © Disney
The Lion King combines big laughs, jaw-dropping animation, and sing-along tunes into a story that still hits hard. By urging Simba and us to face the past and step into the Circle of Life, this movie delivers a lesson that sticks with viewers of any age. | © Disney
Though the official Disney Renaissance runs from 1989’s The Little Mermaid through 1999’s Tarzan, that era only produced ten true classics. To round out our list to fifteen, we’ve slipped in five more films that aren’t technically Renaissance releases but capture the same magic - trust us, they fit right in.
