The 1990s was an exceptional time for the Walt Disney Animation Studio, with nearly every film released that year receiving box office and critical acclaim. After the release of “Tarzan” in 1999, the animation company would experiment, move away from the broadway musical formula that made them successful and try to find new storytelling methods. The 2000s would also see the rising dominance of other animation studios like Pixar and Dreamworks. 3D animations’ popularity was on the rise with films like “Toy Story”, “Finding Nemo” and “Shrek” grossing millions.
For Disney, a majority of their traditionally 2D animated films weren’t seeing critical or financial success, and the company struggled to predict where they would direct their focus next. The Post-Renaissance Era would nearly see the death of traditional animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios and a failed attempt at catering to the 3D animation audience. Commonly known amongst Disney connoisseurs as Disney’s Second Dark Age, the 2000s produced films that are both furiously hated and passionately beloved. With every hit, there was a massive failure, but similar to the Bronze Age, this period of transition would lead to the revitalization of Walt Disney Animated Films due in large part to Disney’s purchase of Pixar and John Lasseter becoming the head of Disney’s overall creative team. Lasseter would help Disney return to its roots of traditional musical animation with “The Princess and the Frog”, which would mark the beginning of a new era.
While the Post-Renaissance isn’t the most popular, it does contain a handful of movies that this writer grew up watching. So let’s revisit this crazy time known as the 2000s as we countdown the Post-Renaissance Era from worst to best.
11. Home on the Range (2004)
Arguably the worst Disney animated film ever created, “Home on the Range” nearly killed traditional animation at Disney – it is that bad. The western starring three cows was a critical and commercial failure and rightfully so, there are very few nice things to say about this film. The main cow Maggie, voiced by Roseanne Barr, is the most annoying and unlikeable protagonist every created and that Yodeling Song is so cringey. It can be painful to sit through this movie. Fortunately the run time is only 76 minutes long, so the agony doesn’t last too long but still it’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that the company behind some of the worlds greatest films created this atrocity.
10. Chicken Little (2005)
Literally anything is better than “Home on the Range”, but for “Chicken Little” it’s not better by much. Disney’s first venture at fully switching over to CGI animation, “Chicken Little” is a poor-man’s attempt at creating a 3D animated film even though Pixar and Dreamworks had already set the template years earlier. Not only is the animation sub-par but the characters including Chicken Little’s dad are just plain mean and uninteresting. The plot has potential, taking the traditional fairytale and adding a sci-fi twist, but it’s generally overshadowed by outdated pop culture references. Its only saving grace is that Chicken Little and Abby are likeable.
9. Fantasia 2000 (2000)
Walt Disney always wanted to do another “Fantasia.” It took decades before a sequel was given the greenlight, but when it finally happened it was a critical success but didn’t fare well commercially. Perhaps it’s because animation has come so far since its predecessor, but “Fantasia 2000” doesn’t measure up to the original. With a run time of only 74 minutes, each segment isn’t given time to breath which is unfortunate considering The Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment is recycled from the original. Pines of Rome and Firebird Suite are definite stand outs that rival some of “Fantasia’s” best sequences, but it lacks any real impact which is what the “Fantasia” brand is known for.
8. Dinosaur (2000)
Disney’s first major attempt at using fully animated CGI characters combined with live action backgrounds, “Dinosaur” was a bold experiment for the studio. Surprisingly, this prehistoric tale was the most profitable film of the era for Disney, but it wasn’t as well received with critics. Visually the movie is stunning, with a gorgeous and action-packed opening sequence that sees a Carnotaurus attack that leads to an Iguanodon egg travel across an island in a series of mishaps. The remainder of the story falls flat. The characters and plot are rather mundane and it’s hard to get over how weird the talking dinosaurs look.
7. Treasure Planet (2002)
The most expensive traditionally animated film ever made at the time of its release, “Treasure Planet” is often disregarded as one of Disney’s biggest flops. However, what it should be remembered for is creating some of the most striking animated action sequences. Story wise, the development of Jim Hawkins and John Silver’s relationship is mapped out perfectly, making Silver’s betrayal at the climax of the film that much more heartbreaking. The characterization of the supporting crew is weak, which isn’t surprising considering how much time the film spends focusing on the futuristic vision of outer space. That ending is also way more complicated than it needs to be.
6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Before “Treasure Planet”, “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” would be Disney’s first attempt at entering the world of science-fiction. While the film failed to create a big splash in the box office and received mix reviews from critics, it has become a cult classic amongst Disney fans 20 years later. Milo Thatch is such a fantastic and relatable lead with a whole lot of heart and determination to continue his grandfather’s dream and journey to Atlantis. It’s a fast paced spectacle with a much more cohesive plot than “Treasure Planet”. Its only downfall is the lack of character development for all characters besides Milo. It’s one of those rare films that very much could have used a sequel.
5. Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Released during a time of transition for the Walt Disney Company, “Meet the Robinsons” is a hidden gem in the Disney canon with a fun cast of characters and story with considerable depth. Lewis, a young orphan inventor is quietly charming and the misunderstood Goob (aka Bowler Hat Guy) is a hilarious villain. While the plot involves time travel and the space time continuum, it’s grounded in the theme of family. For Disney park fans, it also contains a lot of fun Tomorrowland shoutouts. It can get a little sappy and tries too hard to be inspirational, but the imaginative and beautiful 3-D experience more than makes up for that.
4. Brother Bear (2003)
One of my favourite films growing up, “Brother Bear” doesn’t live up to the Renaissance films it tries to emulate. Yet, it’s still super cute and soulful. It’s also simple and easy to follow which isn’t the case for a lot of the movies in this era. The backbone of this film is the relationship between Kenai and Koda. Keani becomes someone for young Koda to look up to and Koda teaches Kenai how to see the world through another’s eyes and discover the true meaning of brotherhood. The animation isn’t anything to write home about and the Phil Collins soundtrack isn’t nearly as catchy as his work in “Tarzan”, but it’s a film filled with heart and has an appeal that can’t be denied.
3. Bolt (2008)
The last film of the Post-Renaissance, “Bolt” has all the elements that signify the next step the animation studio would take in the coming decade. The perfect blend of exciting action and character comedy, “Bolt” does its best to capture some of that old Disney magic that most films in the 2000s tried to shed. Not only does it contain Disney’s best 3D animation of the time, but it also has fully fleshed out characters with touching backstories that create a genuine emotional connection. This White Shepherd tale may not be Disney’s most memorable film, but it certainly deserves credit for ushering in a new age for Disney.
2. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
A genuine piece of slapstick genius, “The Emperor’s New Groove” is without a doubt the funniest Disney film ever created. It was one of the few times where breaking away from the traditional formula worked excellently. This film doesn’t follow any rules and most of the time is just straight up bonkers. Even though it only made a mediocre profit, it has rightfully become a massive cult hit thanks to unique characters from the selfish protagonist Kuzco to the over the top villain Yzma, to the loveable and dimwitted muscular henchman Kronk. “The Emperor’s New Groove” may not wow audiences with its animation but it will leave stomachs in pain due to non-stop laughter.
1. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
“Lilo & Stitch” is by far the most commercially successful film of this era, spawning a franchise so popular and marketable that it even got its own anime series in Japan. It’s not hard to see why, especially for this writer as the little blue alien the film is centered around is by far my favourite Disney character. While there are elements of space, aliens and the like, “Lilo & Stitch” at its center is about sisterhood and Ohana. The animation is also distinctive for its featureless graphic style and watercolor backgrounds, perfectly capturing the spirit of Hawaii and Elvis Presley. “Lilo & Stitch” is truly a special film, an oddball classic that has touched the heart of so many Disney fans.
What’s your favourite movie from Disney’s Post-Renaissance Era? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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