10 direct-to-video Disney sequels that were actually pretty good

The direct-to-DVD sequels of Disney Don’t exactly have the best reputation, but there are some real hidden gems hidden among the iconic animation studio’s catalog of straight-to-video films. The best movies from Disney’s golden age paid dividends for the company in terms of marketable IP, but few of them received sequels worthy of the names of their individual franchises. that is, Some of Disney’s lesser-known follow-up films have managed to be solid Despite their faults, or even great ones on occasion.

Admittedly, Disney didn’t allocate much budget to their direct-to-DVD sequels, often leaving them with weaker voice casts, animation and writing compared to their more famous older siblings. That said, unlike Disney’s live-action remakes, the rarely-seen Sequels are often able to go in more dramatic, interesting directions compared to the theatrical releases. Although many of these stories are misfires, a select number of them stand out as clever continuations of the classic stories.

10

The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

Released in 1998

The Lion King is one of Disney’s most ferociously celebrated classics from its legendary run of animated films in the ’90s, so it makes sense that the sequels are some of the rare successes among the direct-to-DVD camp. The original adapted William Shakespeare’s Hamlet for the royal beasts, The second installment instead pivots to Romeo and Juliet. Here, Simba’s daughter, Kiara, falls in love with Cove, a once-outlaw lion once loyal to the treacherous Scar.

Like any direct-to-video sequel, the animation of The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride Is not quite on the same level as the first movie, but very nearly holds up despite its lean budget. The original cast all return, a rarity for sequels of this standardAnd the addition of the scheming Zira makes for a great villain worthy of replacing the unforgettable Scar. It helps that Zira’s signature song, my lullaby, Can stand toe to toe with the best Disney villain songs from the main films.

9

The Lion King 1 1/2

Released in 2004

Many Disney Video sequels can be classified as “midquels”, between the beginning and end of their original films rather than immediately afterwards. The Lion King 1 1/2 Does the concept one better by being at once a midquel and a prequel too The Lion King, As seen from Timon and Pumbaa’s perspective. Keeping with the Shakespearean theme of the franchise, the film takes inspiration from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are deadA modern game that tells again Hamlet From the perspective of two minor characters.

Returning once again to lend their voices to the lovable meerkat and warthog duo, Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella finally get their much-deserved time to shine in a dedicated movie. The animation of The Lion King 1 1/2 Is shockingly close to being on par with the original, with a few genuinely enchanting shots. The fourth-wall-breaking frame story reminiscent of Mystery Science Theater 3000 Is also a nice touch of originalitywith The Emperor’s New Grove Being the only other Disney movie to use a similar device.

8

Atlantis: Milo’s Return

Released in 2003

In many cases, Disney has used their direct-to-video sequels to act as a springboard for spin-off series. Star Wars: The Clone Wars Kick off the 3-D Clone Wars Animated series. Unfortunately, the extended pilot features did not always manifest in a working TV show, as was the case Atlantis: Milo’s Return. Still, the follow-up to one of Disney’s most underrated movies Works like a short but sweet mini-anthology film.

The movie reunites Milo and Kida with the band of mercenaries from the first film to go on three distinct adventures. Each vignette is based on legends similar to that of Atlantis While still presenting more supernatural forces for the crew to encounter, taking inspiration from Native American folklore, Norse mythology and even the works of horror writer HP Lovecraft.

The animation doesn’t hold a candle to that of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, But still provides enough thrills to keep Atlantis: Milo’s Return Worth a watch for fans of the first film. The mercenary gang’s eclectic personalities get even more moments to shine, though not all of them return for every short story.

7

Mulan II

Released in 2004

One of Disney’s best-made princess movies, despite not technically featuring a princess at all, Mulan Has stood the test of time as a revered classic. Even if its sequel falls short in some respects, Some of the same mastery on display from the first film may sneak its way through.

The film picks up the story of the ongoing Hun invasion, with Mulan and Shang on the brink of marriage. When Wushu realizes that he will lose his high title as family guardian when Mulan takes Shang’s name, he panics and sabotages their relationship. admit, Mulan II is a deep pole film, with Wushu’s sudden turn as the antagonist assassinating his character arc from the previous film.

However, the true gold of the film comes from Mulan and Shang’s mission to escort the emperor’s daughters to their arranged marriages, only for each of them to fall in love with the comedic trio of soldiers from the first film. As bad as the A plot is, the precious three romance presented in Mulan II, Not to mention the sharp-as-ever comedy, still keeping it above average quality compared to other Disney sequels.

6

A very goofy movie

Released in 2000

pull double duty, A very goofy movie Serves at once as both the sequel to A goofy movie and the series finale to the beloved animated show, Good troops. Despite this dual responsibility, The film still astonishingly manages to work as a stand-alone filmEasily one of the best direct-to-video Disney sequels that nearly outclasses its predecessor.

The story this time focuses more on Goofy, as he takes his son to college after being fired in order to improve his career. A very goofy movie Improves Max’s story by allowing him to grow up in college, while giving Goofy himself more of an arc to complete this time.

Phenomenal character additions like Goofy’s love interest Sylvia, the beatnik poetry girl, and Max’s hilarious rival, Bradley Uppercrust III, keep things fresh in the new college setting. A very goofy movie Also works as a precious time capsule from the early 2000sWith slang, fashion, and a love for extreme sports only that particular era could come up with.

5

Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch

Released in 2005

Despite its title, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch Is not the first sequel to the original Lilo & StitchTakes place after the original but before the series pilot film Stitch! The movie. As the title may imply, The film centers on Stitch’s sudden “glitches” that occur as a result of his genetic manufacturing by Jumbacausing him to terrorize his family in a fit of uncontrolled rage.

The destructive nature soon threatens Lilo’s hula competition, a very important event for the young Hawaiian girl. The conflict in Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch Can get quite heartbreaking, echoing some of the same intense emotions as the first film.

the earth Elements of Hawaiian culture are respectfully portrayed In the climactic hula competition, whereas the fictional alien world is built upon further in increasingly creative ways. A specific standout is the continued antagonism of Lilo’s classmate Myrtle, who is always enjoyably silly and fun to watch her get at.

4

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Released in 1996

While the previous film in the Aladdin series, The Return of Jafar, Perhaps more famous for being the first ever direct-to-DVD Disney sequel, it was hopelessly outclassed by Aladdin and the King of Thieves. wedged within the canon of Aladdin: The Series (Which is not required viewing to enjoy), Aladdin and the King of Thieves Incorporates elements of other classic Arabic folk tales from the renowned repository of such, One thousand and one nights.

When Aladdin meets his estranged father, Kasim, the two embark on a journey for the legendary artifact, the Midas Touch. Aladdin and the King of Thieves Is Notable for being the only Aladdin Spin-off to have a whole new soundtrack rather than just recycling the hit songs from the original.

It is also notable for being the only time outside of the first film that Robin Williams returned as the voice of the Genie, which was previously handled by Dan Castellaneta of Homer Simpson fame. The dynamic between Aladdin and his deadbeat dad is also a unique relationship not often seen in Disney movies, ending with a heartwarming realization.

3

101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure

Released in 2003

Not to be confused with the weird live-action follow-up 102 Dalmatians, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure is a surprisingly great action adventure romp. This time, the focus is on one of the puppies, Patch, something of an outcast among the horde of spotted dogs. After being forgotten behind when the Radcliffes move, Patch leaves his home to help his hero, a dog who plays a superhero on TV called ThunderboltWith a publicity campaign.

Meanwhile, Cruella de Vil resumes her hunt for the puppy with the help of a French beatnik artist. If the plot of 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure Sounds familiar, it’s because it produces An uncanny resemblance to another Disney film, 2008’s Bolt, With the titular super-dog even having a similar name to Patch’s idol.

Weirdly, the 101 Dalmatians Sequel does this premise way better, getting a lot more mileage out of the idea of ​​a superhero dog actor while enjoying better writing and beautiful 2D animation. Cruella is also as entertainingly evil as ever, terrifying her new creative partner the second she reveals the true depths of her obsession with dogs.

2

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time

Released in 2007

It’s not often that Disney makes a sequel that’s arguably better than its predecessor, let alone among the hordes of straight-to-DVD filler released in the early-to-mid 2000s. Still Cinderella III: A Twist in Time Just might surpass the original Disney classic story, if not artistically.

Set a year after the events of the first film, Cinderella III: A Twist in Time Revolves around the fallout of a magical time-rewinding spell cast by her wicked stepmother, Lady Tremaine, revising events so that her step-sister Anastasia is the one to put her shoe in the glass slipper. Cinderella III: A Twist in Time Is almost better than the first one Cinderella For a variety of reasons.

For one, Cinderella has much more agency in this story, having to actually take matters into her own hands with her fairy godmother’s powers stolen away. Cinderella, her stepsister, and especially the Prince are all also given much better personalities here than in either of the previous two Cinderella films, which makes for a strange but clever experience that feels richer in character than Disney’s earliest princess outings.

1

Return to Neverland

Released in 2002

Considering Tinkerbell is the one to appear in Disney’s classic intro, the importance of Peter Pan Can not be understated to the franchise. Fortunately, Disney’s take on the classic stage play gets its just desserts with the sequel, return to neverland, One of the better direct-to-video issues.

Many years after the first film, a now grown Wendy struggles to get by in World War II England, only for her daughter Jane to be captured and brought back to Neverland by Captain Hook’s pirate crew. Although Return to Neverland Is Quite similar to the film that came beforeIn many ways it works as a more focused, stripped down version of the original story.

Without the racist Native American stereotypes or bloated cast of Peter Pan, Jane and Peter’s relationship gets a lot of room to grow, with the lovely Tinkerbell being just as insignificant as ever in the background. Even if it is not the most original thing in the world, few Disney Sequels are, and Return to Neverland Has plenty of high-flying action and wonderful songs to offer.