The enormous success of Minions: The Rise of Gru testifies to the enduring popularity of not just this particular franchise, but also of sequels. It’s easy to see why this would be the case, as sequels so often excel at providing viewers more of what they want to see.
Each time that a new sequel comes out, it works to re-immerse the viewer in a world that they already love and are familiar with. However, as the s of Reddit rightly point out, it is worth taking a look at some various underrated animated movies that actually deserve a sequel.
The Aristocats (1970)
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The Aristocats is notable for being one of Disney’s underrated gems. Focusing on a family of wealthy cats as they try to find their way home, it still has a lot of that signature Disney magic, with lively animation and some very catchy songs. Somehow, it has yet to receive the sequel treatment.
Trwwy321 writes: “What happens when the old lady dies and the cats do inherit everything? Now that’s something.” Though the death of their owner might make for a somber beginning, a sequel could definitely explore the various things the cats have to contend with once the money is all theirs, and the villainous butler Edgar might yet make a return.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
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Though the 1980s wasn’t a particularly strong decade for Disney, the studio did put out some true underrated classics. One of these is The Great Mouse Detective, which is based on the children's books by Eve Titus, with the mouse Basil of Baker Street as the main character.
As president_of_burundi points out, there’s “So much Sherlock Holmes they could have played with.” Indeed, it’s easy to see how a sequel of the movie could take the various characters in some new and interesting directions inspired by the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, while also staying true to the magic of the original.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
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Atlantis: The Lost Empire, like many of the other 2000s Disney movies, never quite achieved the success of its predecessors. Nevertheless, it is notable for its gorgeous color palette, its sophisticated animation, and the risks it was willing to take in of storytelling. Though it did receive a sequel of sorts, this was essentially an extended TV pilot rather than what the movie deserved.
As theblindbandit1 puts it: “Atlantis got a mediocre small screen sequel that was a not picked up pilot for a TV show. It could've been so much better though. Both [Atlantis and Treasure Planet] need a proper sequel or live-action remake.” Given the rich mythology explored in Atlantis, it’s easy to see how the s studio could create a sequel that does justice to the original.
Treasure Planet (2002)
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In many ways, Treasure Planet is one of Disney’s most imaginative movies. Transporting the action of the beloved novel Treasure Island to outer space, it also features some truly dazzling Disney animation.
Though it was something of a disappointment for the studio, muriness writes: “I would love more Treasure Planet.” There are, indeed, a number of directions in which a sequel could go, considering that the story leaves open the possibility that John Silver might return to take Jim on yet mother planetary adventures.
A Bug’s Life (1998)
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Though Pixar has often been known for producing many great movies, A Bug’s Life is one that has largely slipped through the cracks. In part, this might be because it is one of their earlier efforts, and it doesn’t have quite the level of polish as their later ventures. Nevertheless, like the best-animated movies, it does create a fascinating world. For this reason, it appeals to many Reddit s, some of whom have expressed a desire for a sequel.
CalmCheek for example, writes: “A Bug's Life, on the other hand, could actually use a sequel because there's a lot of things that could happen afterwards and it would be interesting to see how things would play out for some of the characters/what life they have after the end of the first movie.” There could, indeed, be quite a few interesting stories spun out from the original movie.
The Black Cauldron (1985)
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In some ways, The Black Cauldron is the most notable of the underrated Disney movies. For many, it represents a particular image of what the studio might have been, had it leaned into darker, more mature storytelling. Given that it is based on a series of novels, furthermore, there is quite a lot of room for development of sequels.
Gunslighter9_19 writes: “Maybe not a sequel, given the ending, but definitely a prequel or just something in the same world.” The movie’s initial failure might have been discouraging for the studio, but there is now enough love for the movie among fans that it’s easy to see how a sequel could appeal, especially with the original novels by Lloyd Alexander for basis.
Flushed Away (2006)
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Flushed Away is one of those strange but delightful animated movies that populated the middle of the 2000s. Produced by DreamWorks, it focuses on a pet mouse who embarks on various adventures after accidentally flushing himself down the toilet. It is a remarkably sophisticated piece of animated filmmaking, and it stars some stellar voice talent.
As churchofbabyyoda says: “Flushed Away left too many questions unanswered.” It is precisely the ambiguities it leaves behind that make it such an ideal candidate for a sequel, as any follow-ups would be able to more fully explore and flesh out this fictional world.
Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas (2003)
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In its heyday, DreamWorks was noted for producing some truly visually stunning movies. One of the most notable of these was Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas. It has a unique take on its title character, and it brings in a number of literary influences. It is also, quite simply, a beautiful film, one which shows the studio’s investment in creating unique entertainment.
Moviephil4315 writes that of the studio’s output, they “could most see benefiting from a sequel.” If a sequel were ever to be made, it could not only give viewers more time with these characters but also more fully explore this magical and enchanted world.
Hercules (1997)
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Even though it was released during the Disney Renaissance, Hercules remains one of the more underrated of that period’s productions. This is a shame, as it is truly a unique Disney movie, with an animation style evocative of ancient Greek vase painting, a delightful voice cast, and a great deal of heart.
What’s more, given that it is based on the myths of Ancient Greece, there is a lot of room for a sequel. As one Reddit puts it, “The possibilities are endless with the world they built in that movie and the series that came after it.” it would be fun for many viewers to spend more time with Hercules and his beloved companions. There was a midquel series but a sequel could open up more possibilities with the main cast rather than the new less familiar characters made for the show.
Megamind (2010)
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Megamind is one of those animated movies that ultimately become far more clever than one might expect. It focuses on the title character, a super villain who finally succeeds in achieving victory, only to end up creating his own enemy. It is one of those gems of animation which manage to combine compelling writing with top-notch animation.
N8than11 draws attention to the movie’s obvious spoofing of superhero movies, writing: “I feel like the MCU opened up a lot of possibilities for superhero satire.” Any sequels that might be produced would certainly have a lot to work with in of sending up the very dominant superhero genre.
