If you move past Disney’s famous animated films and hugely successful franchises, you’ll find that the company made many live-action movies in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s that most people have forgotten – even dedicated Disney fans.
During Disney’s successful period of animated films in the 1990s, the company also made a variety of live-action movies, including family adventures and lighthearted teen comedies. A Far Off Place, released in 1993 and featuring a young Reese Witherspoon, isn’t often remembered now, even though it was part of the popular ‘90s trend of kids going on big adventures. Similarly, Meet the Deedles from 1998-a funny movie about two lazy surfer brothers forced to attend boot camp-never gained the same devoted following as other similar buddy comedies from that era.
During the 2000s, Disney tried out some bolder and more unusual ideas, but many of those projects have been largely forgotten. For instance, the 2001 comedy Max Keeble’s Big Move isn’t remembered as much as other family films like Big Fat Liar. And the 2009 movie Old Dogs, despite featuring a famous cast (including the late, great Robin Williams), seems to have faded into obscurity – you might not even recognize the title.
In the 2010s, Disney began focusing more on remakes and established franchises, which meant fewer original live-action films were being made. Movies like Tomorrowland (2015), a big-budget sci-fi adventure with George Clooney, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010), a fantasy epic starring Nicolas Cage and inspired by a section of the 1940 animated classic Fantasia, were expensive attempts that didn’t perform well with moviegoers.
These live-action Disney films – whether they were overlooked treasures or simply forgettable failures – didn’t really make a big impact on popular culture. Even years after they came out, they mostly remain hidden away in the less-remembered parts of Disney’s extensive movie collection.
1. Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
Dwayne Johnson is now a huge movie star, but around the late 2000s he was still becoming a major leading man after his time in the WWE. You’d expect that most films with The Rock would be more memorable than 2009’s Race to Witch Mountain, which was Disney’s remake of their original Escape to Witch Mountain series. The fairly standard family adventure movie-about a Las Vegas taxi driver who gets involved with a secret surrounding two kids from another planet-did well in theaters, earning over $106 million with a $50 million production cost. Given that, it’s surprising that so few people remember or discuss the film.
2. Max Keeble’s Big Move (2001)
Films featuring determined kids taking charge of their lives – think movies like Snow Day and Big Fat Liar – were incredibly popular in the early 2000s. However, Max Keeble’s Big Move from 2001 often gets overlooked. This coming-of-age comedy centers on a middle schooler who plans an elaborate scheme to get back at his bullies, even the principal, after finding out his family is moving. The movie definitely feels like it came from that time period (it even has a cameo by Tony Hawk!), and it features Josh Peck before he became famous in Drake & Josh. Despite this, it’s mostly remembered by dedicated fans of Disney from the Y2K era. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t successful when it came out, and it didn’t earn back its production costs.
3. G-Force (2009)
G-Force tells the story of a team of highly trained guinea pig spies who are sent on a secret mission to protect the world. The 2009 movie, which combines animation and live action, received mostly negative reviews when it came out, and didn’t attract many viewers beyond very young children. Although it earned $292 million globally, the film’s large $150 million production cost meant its profits for Disney were not ideal. Now, it’s largely remembered as a fond, quirky memory by the adults who enjoyed it as kids.
4. Meet the Deedles (1998)
Films like Dumb and Dumber, Bio-Dome, and Wayne’s World were really popular in the ’90s, for good or bad. However, the 1998 movie Meet the Deedles is almost always left out of the conversation. Featuring Paul Walker early in his career, the film centers on two rich, spoiled brothers who are sent to boot camp after skipping school to go surfing. While it’s a pretty silly movie, it’s not enjoyable silly. Critics didn’t like it, and it only earned $4 million at the box office despite costing $24 million to make-likely the reason it’s been forgotten.
5. Tomorrowland (2015)
It’s disappointing that Tomorrowland, which was inspired by the areas of the same name in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, didn’t become a widely recognized film. The 2015 sci-fi movie, with its visuals reminiscent of the Space Age, tried to be ambitious with its beautiful imagery and hopeful themes. However, a confusing plot and unclear advertising meant it didn’t attract many people to see it in cinemas. Despite starring George Clooney, the film wasn’t financially successful and has largely been forgotten in Disney’s collection of films from the 2000s and beyond, although it has recently gained a small but dedicated fanbase.
6. Old Dogs (2009)
Despite featuring Robin Williams, John Travolta, and Bernie Mac, this 2009 family comedy doesn’t really bring back any memories. Old Dogs is about two single businessmen whose lives change when they unexpectedly have to look after two young children. As you might expect from movies where a self-centered man learns a lesson thanks to kids, the film is full of predictable humor, but it’s not particularly memorable – and that’s probably why most people have forgotten it, or never even heard of it.
7. A Far Off Place (1993)
Released in 1993 and featuring a young Reese Witherspoon, A Far Off Place tells the story of three children who have to journey across the Kalahari Desert in Africa after their parents are killed by a hunter. While it came out during a time when many adventure films about kids and animals were popular – including movies like Free Willy, The Amazing Panda Adventure, and Monkey Trouble – this 1993 Disney film is less remembered and has a more serious feel.
8. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
I remember when The Sorcerer’s Apprentice came out in 2010! It’s a really fun movie, loosely inspired by that classic segment from the original Fantasia from the 1940s. The story follows an old sorcerer and a college student who have to work together to stop a really powerful, evil sorceress from coming back to life. It’s a bit strange that it doesn’t get much attention these days, even though it stars Nicolas Cage! It’s not exactly a live-action remake of a Disney movie, even though it *is* inspired by an animated Disney film, which means it often gets overlooked when people talk about movies like Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland.
9. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
The 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days is a well-loved classic. However, the 2004 Disney movie with the same name, which was also based on the Jules Verne novel? It wasn’t nearly as successful. You likely don’t even recall this version, starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan. It didn’t attract many viewers in theaters when it was released-the extravagant adventure film was a significant financial failure, earning only $72 million despite costing $110 million to produce.
10. The BFG (2016)
Though it came out less than 10 years ago as of this writing, you’ve probably forgotten about The BFG, the 2016 film directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s based on the popular 1982 children’s book by Roald Dahl. Even though critics generally liked it, the fantasy adventure – about a girl who becomes friends with a kind giant – didn’t do well in theaters. The year was full of blockbuster movies, which made The BFG seem small by comparison. The movie was charming, but it moved slowly and didn’t have any big stars, so it struggled to draw viewers. This was especially true since it came out only two weeks after Finding Dory.
Forgotten Animated Disney Movies That Deserve Another Look
1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Honestly, when The Rescuers Down Under came out in 1990, I don’t think anyone was clamoring for a sequel to the original The Rescuers from 1977. It was a cute movie, sure, but not exactly a Disney classic. But let me tell you, this sequel isn’t just as good – it’s on a whole other level. The story follows a pair of secret agent mice who are on a mission to rescue a young boy who’s been kidnapped by a ruthless poacher in the Australian Outback.
The flying sequences are absolutely breathtaking – seriously, Toothless and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon would be impressed! Plus, the Australian wilderness feels so real and vibrant, and the characters are beautifully animated. It’s a bit of a shame this gem was sandwiched between two massive Disney hits – The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast – but a lot of us who grew up with VHS tapes in the ’90s still have a soft spot for it.
2. Onward (2020)
As a huge movie fan, I always feel bad for films that get lost in the shuffle, and 2020’s Onward is a prime example. It was really unlucky – released right as everything started shutting down because of Covid-19. This fantasy film about two brothers going on a quest just didn’t have a chance in theaters. I think a lot of people, understandably preoccupied with what was happening in the world, missed it initially, even though it did pretty well when it became available on VOD.
What bothers me is that, even now, five years later, Onward often gets left out when people talk about the best Pixar films of recent years. It’s a genuinely touching and magical adventure, with stunning animation, characters you instantly fall in love with, and a really moving story about dealing with loss and, well, moving onward. It deserves more recognition!
3. Treasure Planet (2002)
Released among a wave of science fiction animated films in the early 2000s (including another one appearing later in this list), the 2002 movie Treasure Planet is unique for its imaginative, space-based reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless Treasure Island. The film didn’t do well in theaters when it first came out, partly because the animation industry was moving towards CGI – following the successes of Toy Story and Shrek.
However, over time, Treasure Planet has gained a dedicated fanbase and is now appreciated for its well-crafted characters, stunning blend of fairytale and science fiction visuals, and heartfelt story about finding your purpose. As John Silver says in the movie, it truly has the potential to be something special.
4. Dinosaur (2000)
As a lifelong movie fan, I remember when Disney’s Dinosaur came out right at the start of the new millennium. It felt like a real step forward for the studio, but it’s amazing how quickly it’s faded from memory – it’s been almost a quarter of a century! What was so cool about it was how it blended real-life footage with incredible CGI animation. The story follows a dinosaur and the family he finds along the way, all trying to find a safe haven after a devastating meteorite hits. It was actually the biggest animated hit of its year, critics generally liked it, and it even led to an attraction at Walt Disney World. It’s a shame, really, that it’s been largely forgotten, overshadowed by Disney’s shift from its classic Renaissance period to the films that came after.
5. The Black Cauldron (1985)
Among the more debated choices on this list, the 1985 film The Black Cauldron isn’t a favorite among many Disney enthusiasts. It’s often seen as the movie that nearly ruined Disney, as it performed poorly in theaters when it came out. Critics pointed out that it differed significantly from the books it was based on and felt too gloomy and lacked strong character arcs. However, over the past 40 years, the film has gained a loyal cult following, appreciated for its distinctive dark fantasy setting, beautiful animation, and truly frightening villain.
6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
When it comes to Disney movies, Atlantis: The Lost Empire is likely the one most dedicated fans remember, particularly those who’ve consistently expressed hope for a live-action adaptation. (It’s baffling why Disney hasn’t considered it!) However, it isn’t widely known by the average moviegoer and rarely gets mentioned by the company itself-probably because it came out right after Disney’s incredibly successful Renaissance period, and it was a significant change from the style audiences had come to expect.
This sci-fi adventure centers on a diverse team of explorers searching for the lost city of Atlantis, where a powerful, ancient force is hidden. It’s a grand, exciting story with beautiful animation, a unique look inspired by Jules Verne, and memorable characters. While not flawless, it’s a genuinely enjoyable film.
7. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Coming out during a somewhat uncertain period for Disney after the Renaissance, the 2007 film Meet the Robinsons struggled to gain traction against strong competition from studios like Pixar. This resulted in poor ticket sales and the cancellation of any planned sequels. However, the story – about a young, orphaned inventor who journeys to the future to stop a strange man from altering his destiny – has since become popular with a dedicated fanbase. People appreciate its unexpectedly touching story, wonderfully quirky characters, and vibrant, retro-futuristic visuals.
8. Brother Bear (2003)
As a big animation fan, I always feel like Disney’s Brother Bear, from 2003, gets a little overlooked. It was one of the last traditionally animated films from Disney, but it often gets lost when people talk about the studio’s early 2000s movies – everyone remembers Lilo & Stitch and the Pixar smashes like Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Those films were definitely important, but Brother Bear has a really touching story about family and learning to forgive, which I think everyone can connect with. And honestly, it’s a beautiful movie! The animation of the North American landscapes is stunning, the music by Phil Collins is fantastic, and Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Suarez give amazing voice performances. It really deserves more love.
9. A Bug’s Life (1998)
You know, as a big Pixar fan, I sometimes feel like 1998’s A Bug’s Life doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It came after the groundbreaking Toy Story, and while some of us definitely consider it a classic, it often feels a little forgotten when people talk about Pixar’s biggest hits.
The story is just so clever – it’s about this awkward but sweet ant who goes searching for help to save his colony from a serious threat. He accidentally ends up with a really unusual group – a bunch of misfit fleas who run a little circus! It’s a really charming and colorful movie, full of characters you instantly love and laugh with. And honestly, it’s surprisingly thoughtful too, with some really interesting ideas about capitalism and how important it is to work together – ideas that still feel really relevant today.
10. Bolt (2008)
Bolt was generally well-received and did reasonably well in theaters when it came out in 2008, but today it’s often seen as a minor work from a changing time for Disney animation. The story centers on a very enthusiastic dog who’s the star of a popular TV show and genuinely believes he has superpowers. He has to figure out how to get home-and face the truth-after escaping the set. Coming out during Pixar’s peak success and in between Disney’s classic Renaissance period and the successful Revival era that started with 2010’s Tangled, this computer-animated comedy about a dog and his owner on a road trip didn’t achieve the same artistic recognition or lasting impression on viewers. However, it remains a delightful and touching adventure with a talented voice cast and lively animation.
11. Frankenweenie (2012)
It’s been over ten years since Tim Burton’s spooky and funny film Frankenweenie came out in 2012, and it seems to have been largely overlooked, even when people talk about Halloween movies for families. This is unfortunate, given the amount of creative skill that went into this lighthearted take on classic sci-fi horror. The movie, which is based on a 1984 short film by Disney and Burton, tells the story of a boy who brings his dead dog back to life. This leads to trouble when his friends try to copy his unusual, science-based experiment. With striking black-and-white stop-motion animation and lovable characters, this Burton gem is truly heartwarming, even though it features a reanimated pet.
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2025-10-01 18:01
