Though Disney has produced a lot of iconic films over the years, the entertainment company has also created its fair share of flops. The ’90s, in particular, saw a lot of films that tried to be great but ultimately fell short. Because of this, we thought it was time to take a look at the worst live-action Disney films to be released between 1990 and 1999. To do this, we’ll be turning to the scoring system on IMDb.
The popular movie and TV show website has assigned every Disney film a star rating. This number is based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10, and it’s what we’ll be using to line up the worst.
Before we get started, we’re shouting it out to Man Of The House and First Kid, two films that could have qualified for this list with a rating of 5.2. Because we have limited room, however, they’re getting their moment in the spotlight now.
With that said, it’s time to rewind the time and head to the theaters; Here are the worst live-action ’90s Disney movies, according to IMDb.
Air Bud (5.2)
Josh tries to adjust to life in Washington after the death of his father in Air Bud. While this is at first difficult, he soon learns of his secret advantage: His golden retriever, Bud, can play basketball. Though it’s not long before the dog joins the team, it’s also not long before the pet’s former owner sets out to get him.
Though the ’97 sports comedy scored high at the box office, the film itself was pretty average. It was cute but not impressive.
Jungle 2 Jungle (5.2)
After traveling to meet her, Michael learns that he has a son. He agrees to take the teenager to New York, and it’s not long before the two embark on a crazy father-son bonding adventure.
Though the film had a decent cast, its boring story and slow transitions left moviegoers unsatisfied.
Operation Dumbo Drop (5.1)
Based on a true story, Operation Dumbo Drop tells of Green Berets who, during the Vietnam War, attempt to bring an elephant to a Vietnamese village, believing it will help the Americans keep track of their enemy.
Though the film made up its budget at the box office, the plot received much criticism. Additionally, the uneven tone, strange script, and sugarcoated view of war didn’t sit well with audiences.
My Favorite Martian (5.0)
In this sci-fi comedy, a TV reporter named Tim runs into a martian whose spaceship has fallen to the Earth. While Tim hopes to use the martian as a way to get a Pulitzer Prize, the martian hopes to use Tim as a means to return to Mars.
The film flopped at the box office, with many pointing out that the film could only be entertaining to young children. The story left a strange, bland taste in critics’ mouths.
Honey, I Blew Up The Kid (4.8)
The second installment in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids series didn’t get as big as its creator had hoped.
This time around, scientist Wayne Szalinski accidentally makes his 2-year-old son a giant with an enlarging ray. His goal: to get the child back to normal size before he tears through all of Las Vegas.
The film was criticized for letting out all the big laughs early and failing to live up to the magic of the original.
A Kid In King Arthur’s Court (4.7)
Calvin Fuller’s California life gets flipped around after an earthquake sends him straight to the Middle Ages. Here, sorcerer Merlin requests that Calvin help destroy the evil Lord Belasco who hopes to overthrow King Arthur and rule over Camelot.
The film was hated by most moviegoers, who felt like the film was very off-brand for Disney. It lacked inspiration, humor, and any quality that could have redeemed itself.
Air Bud: Golden Receiver (4.5)
Air Bud received a sequel, though unfortunately, it didn’t score quite as many strong reviews and flopped at the box office.
This time around, Buddy finds a new sport to play, football, and decides to give it his all. Meanwhile, Josh deals with his mom’s new boyfriend and the Russians who scheme to dognap Bud for the circus.
This film was stripped of the first’s sweetness. It was replaced by cliches and a bland plot.
Meet The Deedles (4.1)
Meet the Deedles tells of two surfer twin brothers who end up accidentally taking on jobs at Yellowstone National Park where they hope to catch the attention of an attractive lieutenant.
Unfortunately, the duo-comedy was both a critical and commercial failure.
With a ridiculous story, terribly fleshed-out characters, and frustrating themes, there were few who had anything good to say about the film.
Inspector Gadget (4.1)
This ’99 action-comedy told of a security guard who loses a few limbs in an explosion. Rather than getting a normal surgery, however, his body parts are replaced with technologically advanced tools. Now called “Inspector Gadget,” the man decides to team together with his niece and her dog to search out who caused the explosion in the first place.
Though the film was a moderate box office success, the critic reviews came in low thanks to the film’s cheesiness.
Mr. Magoo (4.0)
Topping off the list as the lowest-rated live-action Disney film from the ’90s is Mr. Magoo. This ’97 comedy, which is adapted from the cartoon of the same name, tells of a millionaire who accidentally gets ahold of stolen gems. Mr. Magoo, his nephew, and his dog team together to trick the thieves who are out to nab them.
The film was both a commercial and critical failure, with many angered by the way it mocked disabilities. Additionally, the film was neither funny nor charming. If for some reason you still want to watch it, you’ll be glad to know Mr. Magoo is headed to Disney+ next November.
