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Many animated films on this list garnered praise from critics, but just as many fell short at the global box office. Some, despite initial success, have faded from public consciousness. Today, these films are being acknowledged as animated gems that deserve more recognition. While some titles may be familiar, others might not ring a bell. Nevertheless, they were crafted by skilled directors and boasted star-studded voice casts. In summary, here are 10 animated movies that have slipped from the collective memory of most viewers.
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10 Animated Movies Barely Anyone Remembers
Wizards (1977)
Bob Holt takes on the role of Avatar, an aged yet potent being, in the 1977 film “Wizards.” The plot revolves around Avatar’s struggle against his malevolent twin, Blackwolf, voiced by Steve Gravers. Jesse Welles brings to life the character Elinore, a fairy, while David Proval lends his voice to the elf Meehawk. Notably, Mark Hamill, making his film debut as Sean, embarked on a successful career in voice acting after his role in “Wizards.”
Reasons to Commemorate the Film: In addition to landing a role in the iconic “Star Wars” the same year, Mark Hamill’s venture into voice acting began with “Wizards,” showcasing the early signs of his future legendary status. The entire cast delivers stellar performances, deserving greater recognition today for their contributions. The film is available for rent on Prime Video.
Balto (1995)
The 1995 adventure film “Balto” is a standout on the list due to its unique basis on a true story. It depicts the heroic journey of the titular sled dog during the 1925 serum run to Nome, saving children infected with diphtheria. Despite being an incredible story brought to life by director Simon Wells, the film struggled upon its initial release, earning only $11 million against a $31 million budget and a modest 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it eventually found success in the home video market. Despite its underrated status, the film deserves more appreciation for its touching narrative and the dedicated efforts of the filmmaking team. Unfortunately, it hasn’t received the recognition it deserves over time. You can now watch it on PeacockTV.
Home on the Range (2004)
The 2004 musical western comedy “Home on the Range” boasts an impressive ensemble voice cast, including Roseanne Barr, Judi Dench, Jennifer Tilly, Cuba Gooding Jr., Randy Quaid, and Steve Buscemi. Despite facing initial lukewarm reception from both critics and audiences, the film has aged well, gaining appreciation for its engaging plot and entertaining character interactions. While it may not be the most remarkable animated film, “Home on the Range” deserves recognition as an underrated gem. Hopefully, as time goes on, fans will rediscover and appreciate its charm. You can now stream it on Disney+.
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Meet the Robinsons (2007) often goes unnoticed and underrated, despite its box office failure and a modest 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film boasts impressive visuals, an ensemble cast, and a compelling plot. The story follows Wilbur Robinson, who travels back in time to bring a young orphan named Louis to the year 2037, where they confront the mysterious Bowler Hat Guy.
Despite its low recognition, Meet the Robinsons offers a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The movie stands out for its engaging adventure and poignant storyline. While a niche audience appreciates its quality, the film deserves more widespread appreciation. It’s available for streaming on Disney+.
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002), though often overlooked in contemporary discussions on 21st-century animation, remains a captivating tale. The film, featuring the voice of Matt Damon for the protagonist Spirit, tells the story of a mustang’s bond with a Lakota man named Little Creek, who frees him from U.S. Cavalry captivity during the American Indian Wars.
What makes Spirit noteworthy even after two decades is its well-crafted character dynamics. Screenwriter John Fusco, under the conceptualization of Jeffrey Katzenburg and direction by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook, skillfully adhered to a compelling plot structure. Despite its relative obscurity today, the contributions of everyone involved, from the creators to the directors, deserve recognition. You can now watch it on PeacockTV.
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Cats Don’t Dance (1997)
In an alternate 1930 universe, humans and animals share the spotlight, with the spotlight shining on a feline protagonist named Danny in the 1997 film “Cats Don’t Dance.” Despite Danny’s aspirations to join the talented Hollywood scene, he finds himself confined to roles exclusively for animals. The movie’s delightful plot is complemented by the notable figures working behind the scenes, contributing to its lasting appeal.
Why “Cats Don’t Dance” Deserves Recognition: This musical comedy serves as the directorial debut for Mark Dindal, who later crafted other acclaimed animated films like “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) and “Chicken Little” (2005). Randy Newman, responsible for the film’s musical numbers, adds a distinct charm, and the legendary Gene Kelly made his final film contribution as the choreographer. With these influential names, “Cats Don’t Dance” stands out as one of the standout animated movies from the ’90s. You can catch it on Tubi.
The Last Unicorn (1982)
The protagonist of The Last Unicorn (1982), driven by the fear of her species’ extinction, embarks on a quest to thwart the villainous King Haggard. Teaming up with the sorcerer Schmendrick, they strive to rescue the unicorns from imminent doom. This fantasy film stands out with its captivating visuals throughout production and memorable characters, each with unique and eccentric traits. The star-studded cast, featuring names like Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, and Christopher Lee, contributes to making The Last Unicorn an animated masterpiece worth remembering fondly. The movie is available for streaming on Tubi.
The Princess and the Goblin (1991)
The 1991 animated film “The Princess and the Goblin,” directed by József Gémes and based on George MacDonald’s 1872 novel, tells the story of Princess Irene and a peasant boy named Curdie as they join forces to thwart the evil goblin prince Froglip. Although the voice actors may not be familiar, the film boasts several noteworthy elements that deserve recognition. Screenwriter Robin Lyons skillfully adapted the story, and Gémes brought the vision to life effectively. The expansive score by István Lerch adds to the film’s technical excellence, making “The Princess and the Goblin” a cinematic achievement that may be underappreciated despite its modest fame today.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) is often overlooked, not just in hindsight, despite its captivating animated narrative from DreamWorks. The film fell short at the global box office upon its release and received criticism, primarily for being a platform for A-list Hollywood stars to showcase their voice talents, featuring Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Ralph Fiennes. However, it’s important to recognize that the film’s merits extend beyond its star-studded cast.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas deserves to be remembered for more than just the vocal performances of its talented cast. The movie successfully weaves together elements of classic mythology, and its visual appeal is a result of a well-executed blend of traditional and computer animation techniques. Despite its underwhelming commercial success, Sinbad stands out as a technical triumph, showcasing innovation in animation. It’s a film that should be acknowledged for its achievements, even if it didn’t achieve blockbuster success. You can watch it on PeacockTV.
Brother Bear (2003)
Brother Bear (2003), co-directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker, is often overlooked despite its impressive box office success, earning $250 million against a $46 million budget. However, critical reception has been lukewarm without clear justification.
The story follows Kenai, a young man transformed into a bear by Spirits as punishment for killing one. To regain his humanity, he must reach the highest mountain where the Northern Lights touch the Earth.
Despite a mere 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, fans give it a more deserving 65%. Brother Bear’s intriguing plot about a boy transformed into a bear after hunting one deserves more recognition. You can find it on Disney+.
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