Top 10 Underrated Scenes in Disney Animated Movies
#10: Lewis Meets His Family
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“Meet the Robinsons” (2007) “Meet the Robinsons” may have evil bowler hats and a convoluted time-travel plot, but it also has a lot of heart. The orphaned hero, Lewis, dreams about becoming an inventor and escaping his lonely existence. Over the course of the film, he’s whisked forward in time and discovers the future family he’ll go on to build: an eccentric, lovable bunch we immediately adore. However, the film’s final minutes throw us one last surprise. At the science fair, Lewis bumps into some familiar faces and finds his forever home sooner than expected. The scene shows how the protagonist has grown in confidence, and his successful experiment would be moving even without the twist. It’s a well-deserved happy ending that ties everything together perfectly.
#9: The Love-Struck Squirrel
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“The Sword in the Stone” (1963) There are some brilliant set pieces in this classic, from Merlin and Mim’s wizard’s duel, to Wart’s close-shave with the pike. But it’s time we stop forgetting that poor little squirrel! When Merlin transforms himself and Wart into woodland creatures, they both fall prey to an unexpected obstacle - fellow squirrels in search of mates. One female takes a shine to Wart and we can’t help but fall in love with her right back. She’s a courageous little creature who puts her life on the line to save our hero. When he returns to his true form she’s left confused and bereft. Contrasted with the humor of the rest of the sequence, the squirrel’s heartbreak is a beautifully sad moment that really sticks with you.
#8: Olivia Is Taken
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“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986) Disney movies may be mostly G rated, but that doesn’t mean they can’t bring us some genuine scares. This scene from the studio’s take on “Sherlock Holmes” is creepy whatever your age, but it’s particularly affecting when you’re a kid. Basil and Doctor Dawson are on the trail of Fidget, a villainous one-legged bat. Along with a young mouse named Olivia, they track him to a sinister toy store full of shadows and unnerving clockwork creations. You’d assume Olivia would be safe in the presence of the grown-ups. But even the famous detective can’t protect her when Fidget jumps out of a cradle and snatches her up. From the eerie atmosphere to the jump-scare, this is a deliciously dark scene with real nightmare potential.
#7: Jane & the Baby Baboon
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“Tarzan” (1999) Beginning as a cute, comedic scene and ending with an exhilarating chase through the jungle, this is one of “Tarzan”’s most epic sequences. Jane, voiced by Minnie Driver, is sketching an adorable baby baboon. But when he snatches the drawing from her, her attempts to get it back incur the wrath of the baby’s family. Disney heroines don’t often get to be comedic, but Driver makes the character her own and has a lot of fun with this scene. The tone then changes drastically when the genuinely scary baboon hoard appears. Where a minute ago we were laughing, we’re suddenly on the edge of our seats. The meet cute at the end is just the cherry on top.
#6: “Touch the Sky”
“Brave” (2012) Although “Brave” might not be a traditional Disney musical - there are no big song and dance numbers - “Touch the Sky” stands in for Merida’s “I Want” song. Most of the studio’s protagonists take a moment to sing about their dreams and hopes. Well, Merida wants nothing more than her independence in the great outdoors. The movie is set in medieval Scotland, with a soaring, Celtic-inspired soundtrack to match. The animation is equally gorgeous, especially when depicting the rugged Scottish landscape. All of these elements are best displayed during the “Touch the Sky” scene, where our heroine gets a day to herself to go adventuring as the track plays. It’s a visually stunning sequence that’ll leave you feeling uplifted - and wishing you could visit the Highlands.
#5: The Restaurant Scene
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“The Emperor's New Groove” (2000) In this underrated Disney buddy-movie, Kuzco (a spoiled emperor) enlists the help of a Pacha (a good-hearted peasant) to return to his palace. Oh, and did we mention this is after the former character has been transformed into a llama? While stopping in at a restaurant disguised as a married couple, Pacha overhears a conversation that explains Kuzco’s situation all too well. What follows is a chaotic comedy routine that wouldn’t feel out of place in a classic sitcom. Featuring near-misses and a great revolving door gag, it’s beautifully executed and a lot of fun. We shouldn’t be surprised though; any scene with Kronk and Yzma is always pure gold.
#4: Marahute’s Flight
“The Rescuers Down Under” (1990) “The Rescuers Down Under” had the misfortune of being released the same day as “Home Alone” which might explain why it flew under the radar. But as Disney sequels go, it’s hard to beat. From those thrilling, speedy first minutes, it’s obvious we’re in for some stunning Outback scenery and a spectacular score with Aussie influences. However, it’s not until we meet Marahute that these elements really come together with some brilliant storytelling. When Cody learns that the golden eagle has been trapped by poachers, he rushes to rescue her, although it’s definitely risky business. Enhanced by the soaring background music, the sequence has us feeling all the emotions, from pity, to fear, to joy. Plus, it’s beautiful to look at.
#3: “Almost There”
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“The Princess and the Frog” (2009) If there’s one thing we can surely all agree on, it’s that Tiana spends too much time as a frog. But at least she’s human for “Almost There” - one of the most underrated of Disney’s “I Want” songs. Written by “Toy Story”’s Randy Newman, it’s a catchy, upbeat number that suits Tiana’s positive outlook. She sings about working hard to make her dreams reality, and we get a glimpse of the restaurant she envisions for herself as the visuals shift to a lively Art Deco style. It’s also lovely to see a scene between a Disney heroine and her mom. Eudora might not have a big role, but it’s great that she’s actually alive and there to support her daughter.
#2: The Opening Chase
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“The Fox and the Hound” (1981) Speaking of Disney mothers, here’s one who deserves to be remembered. “The Fox and the Hound” features one of the darkest beginnings to an animated movie, spotlighting a tense chase through the woods. A mother fox, clutching her cub between her teeth, is pursued by unseen hunters. There’s no dialogue, just the bark of the hounds and the frantic rhythm of the background music. The animation captures the mist and the low light of the early morning, adding to the sense of isolation. The vixen finally reaches a farmhouse where she hides the baby before drawing the hunters away. And then we hear the gunshot. Other Disney parents’ deaths tend to get more attention, but this one is just as hard-hitting. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Rapunzel Is Reunited with Her Parents, “Tangled” (2010)
They Get Us in the Feels Without a Single Word of Dialogue
Park Meet Cute, “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961)
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Pongo’s Cunning Plan Pays Off
Skippy’s Birthday, “Robin Hood” (1973)
Robin Turns Up to Save the Day
“Un Poco Loco”, “Coco” (2017)
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“Fixer Upper”, “Frozen” (2013)
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#1: “One Last Hope”
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“Hercules” (1997) Every song in “Hercules” is an underrated bop, but the “One Last Hope” scene is great on so many levels. A training scene starring Herc and his mentor Philoctetes, it moves the story along and helps us get familiar with the latter character. It’s also super entertaining. The song has a catchy melody from Alan Menken, and David Zippel’s lyrics are smart and funny. Danny DeVito even does his own singing. The sequence playfully hits all the training montage tropes - even dropping in a reference to “The Karate Kid” - yet it still feels fresh. It’s great to watch our hero bond with Phil, while growing in confidence until he’s recognizably the Hercules of legend. It’s a scene worthy of the Disney hall of fame.