Disney has had a complicated relationship with sequels. While the studio’s most recent follow-up film, Frozen 2, became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, not every sequel has been given the same high-quality treatment.
During the ’90s and 2000s in particular, Disney decided to capitalize on its most popular theatrical releases by giving them direct-to-video sequels and prequels. Though this format led to lower production costs, it also led to films of lower quality. Because of this, many of the Disney sequels that skipped theaters feature cheaper animations, poorly fleshed-out stories, and subpar voice work. Despite this, not every sequel was bad. We’re here to look at the better ones now. To do this, we’ll be turning to the scoring system on IMDb.
The entertainment website has assigned every Disney sequel a star rating, based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. We’ll be using these numbers to stack up every Disney sequel, midquel, and prequel that has been a direct-to-video release. It’s worth noting that we will only be including films based on a theatrically released Disney animation. This means the films in franchises like Winnie the Pooh and Disney Fairies won’t be acknowledged.
Before we dive into things, we’re shouting out to Leroy & Stitch, Belle’s Tales of Friendship, and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins. While these movies could have qualified for the list with a score of 6.2, we’re capping off the entries at ten.
Brother Bear 2 (2006): 6.2
The 2003 comedy-drama about an Inuit boy who gets turned into a bear, Brother Bear, received mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, the ratings didn’t stop Disney from bringing out a sequel.
This time around, bear Kenai awakens from hibernation only to find out this his former human friend, Nita, is planning to get married. To do so, she must bring her amulet to Hokani Falls. Kenai agrees to accompany her there.
Though Brother Bear 2 had its flaws, the sweet story and pretty soundtrack definitely helped.
Stitch! The Movie (2003): 6.2
Lilo & Stitch received more than one sequel. The second installment in the series, Stitch! The Movie premiered in 2003. This time around, Lilo and Stitch must figure out a way to track down Jookiba after he is kidnapped by Captain Gantu.
Though the film lacked a lot of charm and humor of the original, it wasn’t without its moments of success.
Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005): 6.3
While Stitch Has a Glitch premiered after Stitch! The Movie, it chronologically took place before the first sequel.
In this direct-to-video release, Lilo prepares for an upcoming hula dance competition while dealing with Stitch’s untimely malfunctions.
Though the plot and characters felt watered-down to many viewers, the tone shifted closer toward that of the original, at least when compared to the other Lilo & Stitch sequels.
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008): 6.3
While 2000’s Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea failed to swim toward success, its 2008 prequel sat a little better with viewers.
The fantasy shows King Triton outlawing music after the passing of his wife, Athena. Years later, however, Ariel rediscovers her love for music at an underground club. She must figure out how to restore the kingdom with song.
The story was weak, but the animation was strong.
Aladdin And The King Of Thieves (1996): 6.4
Though Robin Williams decided to sit out the direct Aladdin sequel, The Return of Jafar, he came back to voice the Genie in the final installment of the Aladdin trilogy. This did the film a favor.
Approaching his wedding day to Jasmine, Aladdin is surprised to discover that his father Cassim is still alive. However, he soon discovers that Cassim might have brought with him an agenda.
The film was a definite step up from its predecessor with much of the original cast returning and the narrative being loaded with adventure.
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000): 6.4
An Extremely Goofy Movie served as a sequel to the now cult-followed A Goofy Movie and the finale to the TV series Goof Troop.
Goofy’s son Max, who is now a freshman in college, must deal with his dad after he loses his job and decides to head back to school.
Viewers liked the quirky humor and fun of the sequel. Though the film was no masterpiece, it was definitely entertaining.
The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998): 6.5
While the original Lion King was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the direct sequel drew comparisons to Romeo and Juliet. This is because the story centers on Kovu, a decedent of the evil Scar who falls for Kiara, the daughter of heroes Simba and Nala.
Though the music couldn’t compare to that of the original, the quality of this film felt like a big step up when put next to the other direct-to-video releases. The creative story left viewers intrigued.
Hercules: Zero to Hero (1999): 6.5
This 1999 Hercules film combined three episodes of Hercules: The Animated Series into a single, cohesive story. Meg ends up finding Herc’s old yearbook, and Phil shares stories of his days in school.
Though the film wasn’t as visually impressive as the original, it was still pretty charming. Fans of the series, however, were disappointed to see that there wasn’t much new content.
Tangled: Before Ever After (2017): 6.6
Though it’s debatable whether or not this one belongs on the list (after all, it was released years after the original Disney sequels as a Disney Channel Original Movie) we thought it deserved a shout-out.
2017’s Tangled: Before Ever After doubles as a pilot for the still-running Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure TV show. In it, Rapunzel decides to take one final adventure before her coronation. However, after her 70 ft. of golden hair grows back, she’s forced to figure out how to rid of it before the ceremony.
Though the film isn’t a full-blown Tangled sequel, it managed to stay light and enjoyable. It definitely aimed itself at a younger audience, however.
The Lion King 1½ (2004): 6.8
The highest-rated Disney direct-to-video sequel of all time is none other than 2004’s The Lion King 1 1/2. The film retells the plot of the original story from the viewpoints of buddies Timon and Pumbaa. This has the narrative beginning with their origins and ending with the pair rewatching their story in theaters together.
Critics and viewers alike were impressed by the animation quality, funny dialogue, and interesting story of this release. With the return of the original voice actors, it managed to easily fit into the franchise.
