Sequels We Crave: 10 Underrated Disney Movie Franchises

3 min read Post on May 23, 2025

Sequels We Crave: 10 Underrated Disney Movie Franchises That Deserve a Comeback

Disney. The name conjures images of beloved princesses, swashbuckling pirates, and talking animals. But beyond the mega-hits like Frozen and Toy Story, lies a treasure trove of underrated franchises begging for a sequel. These aren't forgotten flicks gathering dust in the Disney vault; these are films with devoted fanbases yearning for a continuation of their cherished stories. Let's dive into ten Disney movie franchises that deserve another chapter.

1. The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

This hilarious animated adventure, a surprising departure from Disney's usual formula, features Kuzco, the spoiled emperor turned llama, and his unlikely companion Pacha. Its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and vibrant animation make it a cult classic. A sequel could explore Kuzco's reign as a wiser, more compassionate emperor, or perhaps delve deeper into the lives of Pacha and his family. The Emperor's New Groove 2: Kronk's New Groove exists, but a full-fledged sequel focusing on the main characters is long overdue.

2. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

This steampunk-inspired adventure film, with its unique art style and intriguing mythology, deserves a second chance. A sequel could explore further mysteries of Atlantis, introduce new characters, or follow Milo Thatch's continued adventures as a renowned explorer. The rich world-building offers endless possibilities.

3. Treasure Planet (2002)

A spacefaring adaptation of Treasure Island, Treasure Planet seamlessly blended classic storytelling with cutting-edge CGI animation. Its visually stunning landscapes and thrilling space battles remain captivating. A sequel could follow Jim Hawkins' further adventures as he navigates the vast expanse of space, perhaps encountering new pirates or exploring uncharted galaxies.

4. Chicken Little (2005)

While initially met with mixed reviews, Chicken Little's charming animation and surprisingly relevant themes resonate with audiences. A sequel could revisit Chicken Little and his friends as they face new challenges, perhaps involving environmental issues or social anxieties relevant to today's world.

5. Meet the Robinsons (2007)

This time-traveling adventure, with its heartwarming message about family and perseverance, is a hidden gem. A sequel could continue Lewis' adventures through time, perhaps introducing new eras and challenges while further exploring the Robinson family's unique dynamic.

6. Bolt (2008)

This heartwarming story of a dog who believes he's a superhero resonated with audiences of all ages. A sequel could further explore Bolt's life as a beloved pet, perhaps introducing new challenges that test his heroism and deepen his bond with Penny.

7. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Disney's revival of classic animation, The Princess and the Frog, deserves a sequel. A continuation could delve deeper into Tiana and Naveen's reign as royalty, exploring their governance and the challenges they face.

8. Enchanted (2007)

This hilarious and self-aware fairytale romp blended animation and live-action seamlessly. Giselle's continued adventures in the real world, navigating both fairy tale magic and modern life, would make for a fun and charming sequel.

9. Wall-E (2008)

While Wall-E concluded on a hopeful note, its world provides endless opportunities for expansion. A sequel could explore the challenges of rebuilding Earth or follow the next generation of robots and humans.

10. Brother Bear (2003)

This visually stunning film blended mythology and heartwarming storytelling. A sequel could explore Kenai and Koda's further adventures, perhaps introducing new challenges and expanding upon the lore of the bear spirits.

These ten underrated Disney franchises represent a wealth of untapped potential. With their unique stories, compelling characters, and devoted fanbases, they deserve a second chance to shine. Disney, are you listening? The demand is clear – the fans crave sequels!