When it comes to making sequels, Disney does not have the most fondly remembered track record. Many of their sequels, especially the ones that have gone direct-to-video, have a reputation for being money makers who superficially mimic the aesthetics and characters to shamelessly monetize the original success.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t good ones in their repertoire. Whether direct-to-video, TV pilots, or even theatrical, there are instances of Disney sequels that, while not quite reaching the heights of their predecessors, still have their own unique charm. In the best of circumstances, they expand the story and characters to discover new ideas and adventures.
‘Bambi II’ (2006)
Attempt at a sequel to Walt Disney‘s favorite animated movie wasn’t an easy task, but the setup makes surprising sense. Though it’s a midquel, it explores one part of the original film that was slightly missing: Bambi’s relationship with his father, the great prince of the forest.
After a hunter kills Bambi’s mother, the two are forced to live together as the seasons change. While Bambi Wanting his father to accept him and play with his friends, the great prince must learn to behave less like a ruler and more like a father to his son.
‘Peter Pan 2: Return to Neverland’ (2002)
The very last chapter of the original Peter Pan book involved Wendy’s daughter Jane who is about to embark on her own adventure, so it makes sense that a sequel would play with that idea. As the film begins, Jane grows up with her brother and mother during the blitz when she is kidnapped by Captain Hook and taken to Neverland.
Unlike Wendy and her brothers, Jane just wants to get home ASAP and refuses to indulge in any of the Lost Boys games or Tinker Bells antics. It’s understandable given her background, but she soon learns not to let go of that more innocent side of herself despite her circumstances.
‘Leroy and Stitch’ (2006)
The third film of the series was the finale of the Lilo and Stitch TV program. After all their adventures are over, Stitch is promoted to captain of his own armada, and Jumbaa and Pleakley are similarly given high honors. Despite this, being away from each other and Lilo begins to take their toll.
But they soon reunite when Dr. Hamsterviel must unleash one last experiment: an evil, red-colored Stitch he calls Leroy. Soon, former enemies become friends as every experiment in the show comes together to take down the hamster once and for all.
‘Tangled: Forever’ (2017)
The popular confused TV series started with this pilot sequel that effectively reunited viewers with Rapunzel and her friends. While the lost princess has returned to her kingdom, she struggles with royal traditions and her carefree nature. But after a secret mission, Rapunzel’s long blond hair mysteriously grows back – and this time it can’t be cut off.
The original cast returned to voice their characters, effectively setting up new allies and enemies. The animation, while different in style from the movie, is vividly detailed and effectively expresses the emotions of the story.
‘Ralph breaks the internet’ (2018)
Wreck it Ralph (2012) was a fun ride that brought together different kinds of video games and characters in a creative story about a bad guy trying to be good. So it makes sense for Ralph and Vanellope to upgrade to the next frontier: the Internet.
It’s a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but knows when to be sincere. And of course it helped achieve the impossible – uniting every Disney Princess in one movie (including voice actors).
‘The Rescuers Down Under’ (1990)
While the original the rescuers (1977) was a quiet, melancholy play about mice rescuing a child, everything in the sequel takes it into a full epic. Bianca and Bernard head down to explore the Australian outback so they can rescue a boy kidnapped by a poacher with his eye on a giant eagle.
The film is still well regarded in the studio for its breathtaking and quietly groundbreaking animation that would influence many of his films to come. Another notable feature is the underrated villain in the form of Percival C. Machleach, voiced to perfection by George C. Scott.
‘The Lion King 1 ‘ (2004)
While The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998) found an interesting, if slightly scaled-down, way to make a good sequel, this midquel manages to create its own identity much better. Taking a MST3K meets Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead approach, this takes place before and during the events of the first film.
They all show how Timon and Pumbaa met, how they unknowingly influenced events such as Simba’s coronation, and how their friendship grew and changed each other’s lives as a result. It makes fun of itself every chance, making it the funniest of all Disney sequels.
‘Fantasia 2000’ (1999)
The original Fantasy (1940) is often touted as Walt Disney’s masterpiece, combining music and animation in a glorious symphonic concerto. While attempts were made to make follow-ups, it wasn’t until the new millennium that one finally came to fruition – the segments in this sequel rival those of the original, with beautiful music and breathtaking animations.
Sequences like ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and ‘Splendor and splendor‘ (Starring Donald Duck) are well regarded in their own right. Admittedly, the celebrity introductions may take the audience a bit out of the action, but the majesty and respect for Walt’s original vision is everywhere.
‘Cinderella III: A Turn in Time’ (2007)
While the third of the Cinderella series may lack the striking animation of the original, but it makes up for with the most creative story of the three films. To undo Cinderella’s happily ever after, the evil stepmother Lady Tremaine has stolen the Fairy Godmother’s wand and used it to turn back time so that her daughter’s foot fits in the glass slipper.
After losing her memories of her post-marriage life to the Prince, Cinderella must step out of her comfort zone to make the Charming Prince fall in love again. With intriguing twists, more developed characters, and a surprisingly funny prince, it’s a fun twist on what happens happily ever after.
‘Aladdin and the King of Thieves’ (1996)
While The Return of Jafar (1994) was a somewhat lackluster start for the aladdin tv series, King of Thieves is a fitting sequel and a worthy conclusion to the franchise. Aladdin and Jasmine are finally getting married, but the ceremony is ruined by the forty thieves. After investigating, Aladdin discovers that their leader is his long-lost father, Kassim.
This unexpected reunion raises questions of loyalty on both sides of the conflict and a lost quest for treasures that will change their fate. Catchy songs, a real sense of adventure and of course the return of Robin Williams as the spirit.
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