10 Direct-to-Video Disney Sequels That Are Actually Pretty Good

Direct-to-DVD film sequels Disney It doesn’t have the best reputation, but there are some real gems hidden among its catalog of cult direct-to-video animated films. The best films of Disney’s golden age paid dividends for the company in the form of commercial intellectual property, but few of them received sequels worthy of their individual franchise titles. At the same time, some of Disney’s lesser-known sequel films have managed to perform solidly. despite its shortcomings, and sometimes even great.

Admittedly, Disney hasn’t put much of a budget into its direct-to-DVD sequels, often leaving them with weaker voice acting, animation, and writing compared to their famous older siblings. At the same time, unlike Disney’s live-action remakes, the rarely seen sequels were often able to go in a more dramatic and interesting direction compared to the theatrical releases.. While many of these stories were misses, a few stand out as smart sequels to classic stories.

10

The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride

Released 1998

Lion King is one of Disney’s most celebrated classics from its legendary ’90s series of animated films, so it makes sense that the sequels were among the rare successes of straight-to-DVD films. While the original adapted the work of William Shakespeare Hamlet for the animal world, instead the second part turns to Romeo and Juliet. Here, Simba’s daughter, Kiara, falls in love with Kovu, a former exiled lion once loyal to the treacherous Scar.

Like any direct-to-video sequel, the animation The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride not quite on the same level as the first film, but almost keeps up despite the smaller budget. The entire original cast returns, which is rare for sequels of this caliber.and the addition of the wily Zira makes for a great villain worthy of replacing the unforgettable Scar. This signature song of Zira helps, My lullaby can stand up there with the best Disney villain songs from the mainline films.

9

Lion King 1 1/2

Released 2004

Many Disney video sequels can be classified as “midquels”, taking place between the beginning and ending of the original films rather than directly after them. Lion King 1 1/2 makes the concept better by being both a midquel and a prequel to Lion King, as seen from Timon and Pumbaa’s point of view. Continuing the franchise’s Shakespearean theme, this film takes inspiration from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are deada modern play that retells Hamlet from the point of view of two minor characters.

Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella return to voice the adorable meerkat-warthog duo, finally getting their well-deserved time to shine in the special. Animation Lion King 1 1/2 is shockingly close to the original, with some truly charming shots. A story that breaks the fourth wall is reminiscent of Mystery Science Theater 3000 This is also a nice touch of originalityWith Emperor’s New Groove this is the only Disney film to use such a device.

8

Atlantis: Milo’s Return

Released 2003

In many cases, Disney has used its direct-to-video sequels as a springboard for spin-offs, similar to how Star Wars: The Clone Wars launched 3-D Clone Wars animated series. Unfortunately, these extended pilot features did not always translate into a working TV show, as was the case with Atlantis: Return of Milo. However, this is a sequel to one of Disney’s most underrated films. works as a short but sweet mini-anthology film.

In the film, Milo and Kida reunite with the band of mercenaries from the first film to go on three different adventures. Each vignette is based on legends similar to those of Atlantis. however, it still introduces more supernatural forces that the team may encounter, drawing inspiration from Native American folklore, Norse mythology, and even the works of horror writer H. P. Lovecraft.

Animation may not compare to animation Atlantis: The Lost Empire, but still provides enough thrill to keep Atlantis: Milo’s Return Worth a look for fans of the first film. The eclectic personalities of the mercenary gang are given even more moments to shine, although not all of them return in every story.

7

Mulan II

Released 2004

One of Disney’s best princess films, even though technically the princess isn’t shown 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 skill that was in the first film still manages to sneak through.

The film tells the story of the ongoing Hun invasion as Mulan and Shang are on the verge of marriage. When Wushu realizes that he will lose his high title as the family’s guardian after Mulan takes the name Shang, he panics, sabotaging their relationship. Admittedly, Mulan II This is a deeply flawed film that suddenly turns Wushu into an antagonist, killing off his character from the previous film.

However, the real gold of the film comes from Mulan and Shang’s mission to escort the emperor’s daughters to their arranged marriage, only for them to each fall in love with the comedic trio of soldiers from the first film. As bad as Plot A may be, the three charming romances featured in Mulan II, not to mention the comedy is as edgy as ever and remains above average in quality compared to other Disney sequels.

6

Extremely stupid movie

Released in 2000

Doing double duty Extremely stupid movie serves at the same time as a continuation Goofy movie and the finale of your favorite animated series, Squad of fools. Despite this double responsibility, the film still surprisingly manages to work as a standalone filmeasily representing one of Disney’s best direct-to-video sequels that almost surpasses its predecessor.

This time the story focuses more on Goofy, who follows his son to college after he gets fired to improve his career. Extremely stupid movie improves Max’s story by allowing him to grow through college while giving Goofy more room for closure this time around.

Phenomenal additions to the characters, such as Goofy’s love interest Sylvia, a beatnik poet girl, and Max’s hilarious rival, Bradley Uppercrust III, keep things fresh in the new college setting. Extremely stupid movie also works as a charming time capsule of the early 2000s.with slang, fashion and love for extreme sports, only this era could come up with.

5

Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch

Released 2005

Despite its name, Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch in fact this is not the first sequel to the original Lilo and Stitchtakes place after the original but before the series pilot. Stitch! Movie. As the name suggests, The film centers on Stitch’s sudden “glitches” that occur as a result of his genetic production by Jumba.causing him to terrorize his family in fits of uncontrollable rage.

This destructive behavior soon jeopardizes Lilo’s hula competition, a very important event for the young Hawaiian girl. Conflict in Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch has a glitch can be quite heartbreaking, echoing the same strong emotions as the first film.

Grounded elements of Hawaiian culture are depicted respectfully in the ultimate hula competition, while a fictional alien world evolves ever more creatively. A particular highlight is the ongoing hostility from Lilo’s classmate Mertle, who is always pleasantly petty and fun to watch as she gets her comeuppance.

4

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Released 1996

Although the previous film in Aladdin row, Return of Jafar may be better known as Disney’s first straight-to-DVD sequel, it has been hopelessly outdone Aladdin and the King of Thieves. Wedged into the canon Aladdin: The Series (not required to enjoy viewing), Aladdin and the King of Thieves includes elements of other classic Arabic folk tales from the famous repository of such tales. A thousand and one nights.

When Aladdin meets his estranged father, Cassim, they both embark on a journey to retrieve a legendary artifact, the Midas Touch. Aladdin and the King of Thieves is notable for being the only one Aladdin a spin-off with a completely new soundtrack, rather than just a reworking of the original’s hits..

It is also notable for being the only time outside of the first film that Robin Williams returned as the voice of the Genie, who was previously voiced by Dan Castellaneta of Homer Simpson fame. The dynamic between Aladdin and his ne’er-do-well father is also a unique relationship rarely seen in Disney films that ends with a touching realization.

3

101 Dalmatians 2: Patch’s London Adventure

Released 2003

Not to be confused with the quirky live-action sequel. 102 Dalmatians, 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch’s London Adventure This is a surprisingly great adventure game. This time the focus is on one of the pups, Patch, something of an outcast among a pack of spotted dogs. After he was forgotten when the Radcliffes moved, Patch leaves his home to help his hero, a dog who plays a TV superhero named Thunderbolt.with an advertising campaign.

Meanwhile, Cruella de Vil resumes her puppy hunt with the help of a French beatnik artist. If the plot is about 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch’s London Adventure sounds familiar, that’s because it carries uncanny resemblance to another 2008 Disney film. Bolt, and the titular superdog even had a name similar to his idol Patch.

Oddly enough, 101 Dalmatians the sequel executes this idea much better, getting much more mileage out of the idea of ​​a dog superhero actor while enjoying a better script and beautiful 2D animation. Cruella is as amusingly evil as ever, terrifying her new creative partner once she reveals the true depth of her obsession with dogs.

2

Cinderella III: Turn of Time

Released 2007

It’s not often that Disney makes a sequel that’s arguably better than its predecessor, not to mention the slew of direct-to-DVD films released in the early to mid-2000s. More Cinderella III: Turn of Time just might surpass the original Disney classic on a narrative level, if not on an artistic level..

The action takes place a year after the events of the first film. Cinderella III: Turn of Time The plot centers on the aftermath of a magical time-rewinding spell cast by her evil stepmother Lady Tremaine, who reconsiders events so that it is her half-sister Anastasia who inserts her slipper into the glass slipper. Cinderella III: Turn of Time almost better than the first Cinderella for a variety of reasons.

First, Cinderella has a lot more agency in the story: she actually has to take matters into her own hands when her fairy godmother’s powers are stolen. Cinderella, her stepsister and especially the prince are also presented here as much better individuals than in either of the previous two. Cinderella films that create a strange but clever experience that feels richer in character than the earliest Disney princess adventures.

1

Return to Neverland

Released 2002

Considering that Tinkerbell appears in the classic Disney intro, the importance Peter Pan The franchise cannot be underestimated. Luckily, Disney’s take on the classic play gets its due in the sequel. Come back to Neverland one of the best live video deals.

Many years after the first film, a grown-up Wendy struggles to survive in World War II England, but her daughter Jane is captured and brought back to Neverland by Captain Hook’s pirate crew. Although Return to Neverland is very similar to the movie that came before itin many ways it’s a more focused and stripped-down version of the original story.

No racist Native American stereotypes or bloated cast Peter Pan, Jane and Peter’s relationship has room to grow, while sweet Tinkerbell remains as petty as ever in the background. Even if it’s not the most original thing in the world, few people Disney there are sequels too Return to Neverland can offer many exciting events and wonderful songs.