Ever since Walt Disney first broughtSnow Whiteto life in 1937, the world has been enchanted with the magic ofDisney. For generations, Disney movies have caught our attention and stolen our hearts with their melodies, their characters, and their timeless stories. However, even with so much experience, capturing lighting in a bottle twice has been a hard feat for Disney.
Every time Disney embarks on a sequel, expectations are high. But more often than not, the sequels fall short of recapturing the original movie’s charm. The storybook endings of the first movies leave little room for exploration, or thesubplots seem forcedrather than special. Yet, on some rare occasions, Disney has succeeded in crafting sequels that not only continue a story but are also just as good as the original. These sequels stand on their own as classics, honor their predecessors, and add depth to the journey.
10The Lion King 1 1⁄2 (2004)
The Lion King 1 1/2
InThe Lion King 1½, we see Timon and Pumbaa recounting the events that led them to the original movie. Both a prequel and a sidequel, the story runs parallel as we follow Timon as a young meerkat cub feeling out of place in his colony. He leaves in search of an adventure and stumbles upon a much larger narrative unfolding around him after meeting Pumbaa. The two grow really close and traverse vast open lands and jungles in search of a home.
A Worthy Companion to the 1994 Classic
The direct-to-video Disney sequel offers parts of a well-known story from his outsider’s perspective. Retold from a mischievous point of view, it uses clever comedy and heartwarming moments to shine a light on an already overlooked tale. The voice cast fromThe Lion King, including Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella reprise their roles and fill in overlooked details to get us to understand how Timon and Pumbaa survived before meeting Simba. Overall,The Lion King 1 1⁄2enhances the charm of the Pride Lands.
9The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008)
Another direct-to-videofantasy comedy from Disneythat acts as the third installment inThe Little Mermaidtrilogy,The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginningis set before the events of the first movie. Long before meeting Prince Eric, Ariel is young and still learning to explore her world. Heartbroken after losing his wife, King Triton bans all music from his underwater kingdom. But when Ariel meets Flounder and joins a secret music club, she resolves to overturn the law.
Brings the Sea Realm to Life
An adventure that plants the seeds for Ariel’s impending rebellion,The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginningis a prequel that shines in developing beloved characters like Ariel and her father’s relationship, as well as her journey of growing up with her mother, Queen Athena. With lovely songs and touching moments about family and friendship, the storyline stands on its own while respecting the timeless magic of the 1989 film.
8Beauty and The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
As Christmas approaches the enchanted castle, Belle tries to bring holiday cheer to life the spirits of the Beast and his staff. Especially after learning about Beast’s hatred of the holidays. She decorates the tree, teaches him to ice skate, and even makes snow angels. But Beast’s temper seems as short as ever. Meanwhile, his staff doesn’t want the spell to break, so they sabotage all of Belle’s plans.
A Holiday Treat For All Ages
The first of two sequels toBeauty and the Beastmovies released back to back,Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmaswill not go down in history as the best holiday special, but it is a true gift filled with nostalgia and warmth. The sparkling animation, reprisal of classic roles, and infusion of classic carols like “Don’t Fall In Love,” and “As Long As There’s Christmas,” taps into the spirit of the season and appeals to audiences of all ages.
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7Incredibles 2 (2018)
Incredibles 2
Elastigirl springs into action to save the day, while Mr. Incredible faces his greatest challenge yet – taking care of the problems of his three children.
Arriving 14 years after the original movie,Incredibles 2follows Bob struggling with his new role as a stay-at-home parent after Helen gets recruited for a top-secret mission to fight theradical tech mogul Evelyn Deavor, also known as her supervillain alias Screenslaver. The antagonist is trying to turn the public against the superheroes, and it is up to Eastgirl to save the day.
A Perfectly Stretched Sequel
With Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, and Samuel L. Jackson returning for their roles,Incredibles 2picks up seamlessly from where we left off. Under Brad Bird’s direction, it expands on the Parr family’s journey with new exciting action, humor, and the universal challenge of balancing home and heroism. Apart from being a beautifully-animated adventure, the sequel thoroughly explores themes of family, parenthood, and equality.
6The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
The Rescuers Down Under
In the Australian outback, a young boy named Cody is separated from his parents when his wildest dreams turn into a nightmare and a villainous poacher kidnaps him. Meanwhile, at the Rescue Aid Society headquarters in New York City, agents Bianca and Bernard catch wind of Cody’s capture. They fly down under, brave the vast wilderness, undo the villain’s mission to catch a golden eagle and reunite the boy with his family.
An Edge-Of-Your-Seat Adventure
The sequel toThe Rescuers, which was one of Disney’s most successful animatedreleases back in the 1980s,The Rescuers Down Underexpands the locations and stakes. It also outshines many other movies with panoramic landscapes, daring action sequences, and emotional depth. Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor’s return as the heroic voices of Bernard and Bianca is a delight for fans of the original. Moreover, while the movie was a box-office bomb, its rich setting makes it a classic.
5Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Thriving on the success ofWreck-It Ralph, which grossed $496 million worldwide,Ralph Breaks the Internettakes place six years after the events of the first film. Ralph and Vanellope have become best friends and while Ralph is happy with his life, Vanellope von Schweetz still needs to find her place. When Sugar Rush’s steering wheel breaks, they venture into the uncharted chaos of the internet to find its replacement.
Utilizes a Web of Possibilities
What begins as a simple quest inRalph Breaks the Internettransforms into a full-blown globe-trotting scavenger hunt across the internet for our beloved protagonist. Featuring vast worlds and dystopian realms, Ralph and Vanellope come across several pop culture phenomena such as Star Wars and Marvel. The movie, directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston was a hit because it built itself beautifully on the original andfeatured every original Disney Princess, telling a complex but heartwarming story.
4Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Back in 1940,Fantasiabroke ground as the first movieto feature a concept where eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music would form an animated anthology movie.Fantasia 2000, which was released 59 years after the original, followed in its predecessor’s footsteps and gave visual life to modern classical pieces. The segments, introduced by legends like Steve Martin and Bette Midler, were inspired by Beethoven, Stravinsky, and more.
An Audacious Sequel
What makesFantasia 2000so special is that it frequently makes callbacks to the original. It also exceeds all expectations by once again combining classical masterpieces with breathtaking animation. Due to the new technology, directors like Éric Goldberg and Pixote Hunt were able to use fluid physics, realistic atmospheres, and imaginative worlds to add depth and boldness to their stories. Overall gorgeous and timeless, the sequel reminds us just why the 1940 musical is so iconic.
3Toy Story 3 (2010)
Toy Story 3
InToy Story 3, we follow Woody, Buzz, and their toy friends adjusting to life in a daycare center after Andy leaves them there and heads off to college. Chaos erupts in the toys’ hearts because of being separated from their owner. Woody somehow manages to convince them that they are not abandoned, and they hatch an escape plan to return to Andy. Their defining journey, however, approaches a bittersweet conclusion as Andy entrusts them to a young girl named Bonnie.
Delivers a Heart-Wrenching Conclusion
The first movie in theToy Storyfranchise is undoubtedly the best, and whileToy Story 3does not surpass it, it definitely leaves a few dry eyes with itsheartbreaking and wistful finale. Directed masterfully by Lee Unkrich, it brings its narrative to a satisfying end. It also tackles themes of growing up, letting go, and finding purpose, which resonated with fans old and new. Pixar’s magic is also escalated by the perfect casting, extraordinary attention to detail, and hilarious cameos highlighting friendship.
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2Frozen II (2019)
Considering thatFrozenis among Disney’s most popular animated movies, it’s no surprise that a sequel was highly anticipated and warmly embraced. Three years after defeating Elsa’s freezing powers, Arendelle prospers under the royal sisters’ guidance. But when Elsa starts hearing a strange and ominous voice calling her out from beyond, she takes Anna, recruits her companions Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf, and ventures into the mysterious forest.
All About Sisterly Love and Self-Discovery
Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee masterfully build upon lingering questions from the first film (like the origins of Elsa’s magical powers) in ways that feel familiar but innovative. The stunning visuals, deft use of magical elements, and sentimental tone make the sequel poignant to watch.Frozen IIis also filled with epic musical numbers like the original, with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez at the helm.
1Inside Out 2 (2024)
Inside Out 2
Two years after Riley’s transition to her new home in San Francisco, her emotions have matured as she’s entered teenagehood. But Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear oversee the core elements of Riley’s mind. Right before camp, Riley’s puberty alarm goes off and new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui end up leaving the headquarters in disarray. The question is, can Riley’s emotions work together to ensure her happiness?
Highlights the Growing Pains of Teenagehood
Reuniting fans with the vibrant and clever world within Riley’s mind, this eagerly awaited sequel is not only as good as its original, but has also broken several records by making close to $1.6 billion worldwide and cementing itself as thehighest-grossing Pixar film in history. Directed by Kelsey Mann in his directorial debut,Inside Out 2expands on the timeless themes of acceptance, change and kindness while focusing on teenage issues in a way that is relatable, entertaining, whimsical and gorgeous at the same time.
