Many great animated movies marked our childhood — or, in some cases, even our adult years — and hold a special place in our hearts. Films like The Lion King, Toy Story, and Ice Age became instant classics from the moment we first watched them and never faded from memory. These movies are cultural touchstones, kept alive by continuous remakes, substantial marketing, and expanding franchises. However, other animated stories were not granted the same level of recognition.

These lesser-known and underrated animated movie gems, however, are no less intriguing and heartwarming than their more famous counterparts. We might have failed to pay attention to them over the years, but once rediscovered, they are likely to surprise you. From exhilarating adventures at the edge of the world to reimagined literary classics, you might have forgotten about these animated movies — but they have never stopped being worth your time.

10

Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (2002)

Directed By Kelly Asbury & Lorna Cook

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron obtained reasonable success when it premiered in 2002, even earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. A Western animated production, the story stood out because it refused to anthropomorphize its animal characters, Spirit and his fellow horse companions communicating through other means. This creative choice gave the movie a naturalistic, authentic feel. Similarly, the film also distinguished itself with its emotional depth, heartfelt narrative, and stunning visuals.

Unfortunately, despite its immediate popularity among children and the two follow-up animated Netflix shows, Spirit seems to have vanished from the memory of most. As some critics pointed out, its straightforward, sensitive narrative likely appeals more to kids than adults. However, this great genre-bending animated Western is worth revisiting as, with its unfiltered beauty and heartbreaking moments, it might transport you back to a time when everything was easier.

9

Epic (2013)

Directed By Chris Wedge

Despite the entertaining characters and beautiful visuals, Epic has not seen the same cultural impact as other animated productions. The story follows M.K., a headstrong and rebellious teenager who, after being shrunk, finds herself in a hidden kingdom inhabited by tiny warriors fighting for the future of their forest. The intriguing world-building and familiar themes make this film another heartfelt watch.

Nevertheless, most people also seem to have forgotten about Epic. When it premiered in 2013, the movie received mixed-to-positive reviews, while its commercial success was moderate. Over the years, this underrated gem has been overshadowed by bigger names that were part of developing franchises. Although Epic‘s narrative is quite simple, there is a sincerely warming and genuine quality to it that makes the movie as charming as many other, more prominent productions.

8

The Swan Princess (1994)

Directed By Richard Rich

The scene when Odette publicly abandons Derek after he foolishly responds, “What else is there?” to her question if he likes her for more than just her looks is one of the most significant plot twists in the history of animated cinema. It is a powerful reversal, a moment where the princess rejects her role as a pretty face with nothing else to offer. However, The Swan Princess is rarely mentioned in discussions about the groundbreaking cartoons that have made history.

With wicked, ancient curses, a heroine who transforms into a bird, and a captivating soundtrack, The Swan Princess is a beautiful but also incredibly clever and entertaining tale of doomed lovers, based on Swan Lake. Perhaps the fact that it came out in the same year as The Lion King, arguably Dinsey’s most iconic movie, hindered its commercial success. Although the direct-to-video sequels helped it gain popularity, it does not have the recognition it deserves.

7

The Prince Of Egypt (1998)

Directed By Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, & Simon Wells

Upon its release, The Prince of Egypt was hailed as one of the best animated movies ever made, yet its fame has somewhat diminished over the years. The film depicts, in a visually magnificent and emotionally poignant manner, the adaptation of The Bible’s Book of Exodus. Alongside the sweeping soundtrack and the exceptional vocal performances by actors like Val Kilmer and Ralph Fiennes, it is a timeless cinematic gem.

Perhaps, despite the commercial success and critical acclaim obtained, the movie was too solemn to become part of mainstream animated cinema. Compared to other DreamWorks productions, The Prince of Egypt maintains a more somber and dramatic tone, attempting to stay true to its source. Themes like destiny, morality, and faith take center stage, and the story lacks the lightheartedness and humor that characterize many other films of the same genre. Nevertheless, it is one of DreamWorks best animated productions.

6

The Road To El Dorado (2000)

Directed By Eric “Bibo” Bergeron & Don Paul

If there is an animated duo that is both disarmingly witty and effortlessly charming, it’s Miguel and Tulio — the good-hearted couple of con artists who embark on a journey to the mythical land of gold. The Road to El Dorado is an exhilarating, clever take on an old, mysterious legend, enriched by brilliant dialogues and a haunting score. With its mischievous narrative, the film deserved more recognition than it originally received.

Despite its irreverent humor and the great dynamics between the protagonists, The Road to El Dorado was not welcomed very warmly upon its release. Perhaps because of the skeptical reception, this hidden treasure has faded from the spotlight over the years. Recently, it re-obtained some popularity on social media with an internet meme figuring the two leads. This might lead more people to revisit this animated adventure movie that has been criminally underrated.

5

Thumbelina (1994)

Directed By Don Bluth & Gary Goldman

With its whimsical animation and touching love story, Thumbelina brought to the screen the magical world of Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned creator of the more popular The Little Mermaid. The story follows a small-sized heroine, no bigger than a human thumb, on a quest to find companionship and belonging. Although the movie did not receive the same critical and commercial success as similar тιтles, it was nevertheless loved by countless kids in the 1990s when it premiered.

Sadly, over the years, Thumbelina also faded from memory, overshadowed by the more prominent Disney and Pixar productions. Yet, Thumbelina is a timeless fairytale that, with its nostalgic visuals, unexpected humor, and touching narrative, is worth remembering. It might not shine as brightly as some other blockbusters, but it is an emotionally rich story that deserves more credit.

4

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Directed By John Musker, Dave Michener, Ron Clements, & Burny Mattinson

Inspired by the legendary character of Arthur Conan Doyle, Basil is not only one of the most brilliant rodent detectives in England but also one of the best animal heroes from Disney’s animated movies. With such a captivating protagonist and clever source material, The Great Mouse Detective could not be anything less than a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, the movie obtained widespread acclaim when it premiered. The film is said to have revitalized Walt Disney Animation after previous financial failures.

However, its visibility declined over time. Unlike other Disney classics kept alive by sequels and live-action remakes, the movie has long remained untouched. The idea of reinventing an animal-led, animated re-adaptation of a legendary tale might be slightly challenging — but it could be worth a try. With its enigmatic plot and fascinating protagonist, The Great Mouse Detective should be better remembered.

3

Treasure Planet (2002)

Directed By John Musker & Ron Clements

Inspired by the literary masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Planet is an animated reinterpretation of the legendary 1883 story in a space setting. Despite obtaining scarce financial success upon release, the film was praised by critics and viewers. Furthermore, characters like Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver immediately gained popularity. The movie also boasted an impressive soundtrack and obtained an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Unfortunately, Treasure Planet didn’t really remain in the collective memory of the public in the way other Disney classics did. Over the years, its groundbreaking animation and complex characterizations of its heroes have been overshadowed in favor of more mainstream and commercially successful cartoons that span sequels and merchandise. Nevertheless, the movie, with its sci-fi storyline and unusual graphics, holds up as one of the boldest productions and is among the greatest forgotten animated Disney movies.

2

Dinosaur (2000)

Directed By Ralph Zondag & Eric Leighton

Back in the early 2000s, with the recent expansion of a world-famous franchise like Jurᴀssic Park, everyone adored dinosaurs. Therefore, it was only logical for Disney to take advantage of such an opportunity and craft a film about these fascinating creatures from the past. Unsurprisingly, when Dinosaur premiered, it saw immediate success. With its incredibly realistic live-action and animated mixed design, the movie was a technological marvel, and one of the highest-grossing releases of 2000.

Yet despite its success at the time, Dinosaur has not remained an indelible part of Disney’s legacy. Its lack of iconic songs and more somber storyline, which some critics deemed too generic, prevented the movie from joining Disney’s most prominent productions. However, although the plot might be simplistic, it does not lack the emotional weight and heartwarming quality that turned other animated movies into timeless cults.

1

The Lord Of The Rings (1978)

Directed By Ralph Bakshi

When your compeтιтor is a live-action trilogy that broke records at the Academy Awards, it is difficult not to be overshadowed. Ralph Bakshi’s The Lord of the Rings from 1978 was an extremely audacious and experimental animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga. It must have been hard for the movie to satisfy everyone, especially considering how emotionally attached the original fans of Tolkien’s world were to the source material. Nonetheless, the movie was a financial success.

The 1978 animated version of The Lord of the Rings might not be on the same level as Peter Jackson’s saga, but it still brought a magical and enchanting feel to the screen. Although it is not perfect, the story continues to captivate the viewers. Unfortunately, due to the more famous adaptation from the 2000s, not many people remember this earlier gem. However, considering its originality at the time and its influence on Jackson’s later work, it should not be overlooked.