Disney might have a reputation for churning out hit after hit, but not every Disney film became a huge success when it hit theaters. Some of their best movies didn’t end up being moneymakers because they were too dark or too experimental with something that audiences weren’t ready for yet. While they end up getting labeled as flops, they still have high-quality animation and storytelling, and these films are proof that financial loss doesn’t always mean failure. Here are eight hidden gems that we think deserve a second chance because of their boundary-pushing nature.
Treasure Planet
This movie features an adventure-seeking teen who discovers a holographic map and joins forces with a motley crew of robots and aliens, including befriending a cyborg cook named Long John Silver. The movie mixed early computer graphics with traditional animation, and while it didn’t make money then, it’s revered for its emotional storyline between father and son, which is more grounded than many other cartoon relationships.
Tomorrowland
In Tomorrowland, a clever teen discovers a mysterious pin that lets her get a sneak peek into a futuristic city packed with inspiring inventions and a hopeful community. She works with a cranky former boy genius to help her reach this city and save the universe from a tragic ending. While we love the message and the special effects, this movie surprisingly didn’t make a ton at the box office, and we think that’s a shame!
John Carter
Despite infamously cratering at the box office, John Carter stands as a wildly ambitious planetary epic. When a Civil War veteran is mysteriously transported to Mars, his gravity-defying strength pulls him into a war alongside alien tribes and a royal warrior. Packed with stunning creature designs, massive desert sets, and pure retro-futuristic charm, this thrilling sci-fi adventure is overdue for rediscovery.
Haunted Mansion
Despite being considered a bit of a flop (the movie based on a famous park ride), about a doctor and her son moving into a haunted mansion in New Orleans was the perfect blend of funny and scary. Based on a famous park ride, the protagonists enlist all kinds of paranormal experts, from a psychic to a tour guide, to get out the spirits and features comedy actors like Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, and Danny DeVito.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Hans Solo was once a street thief before joining a gang of criminals on a major heist. It was there that he met his future bestie Chewbacca and won the fastest ship in the galaxy from a game of cards. The film didn’t earn much at all compared to other films in the franchise, but even with poor box office sales, this fun space western had some memorable action scenes.
Wish
Crafted to celebrate Disney’s centennial, Wish faltered at the box office despite its stunning watercolor art style. When young Asha accidentally brings a living star down to Earth, she must stop Chris Pine’s megalomaniacal King Magnifico from hoarding her kingdom’s deepest dreams. Packed with clever easter eggs and memorable songs, this overlooked musical deserves a second chance on your next family movie night.
Moana
The live-action version of the film didn’t do nearly as well as the animated original – many people believe that live-action versions can’t find the same magic as the cartoon, but the Moana remake was filled with stunning islands and ocean landscapes in a realistic way paired with a great soundtrack. If you or your kids liked the animated movie, this one will likely be a hit as well!
A Wrinkle in Time
Considered a flop by some and a cult classic by others, this movie features protagonist Meg Murray, played by Storm Reid, on a mission to find her scientist dad, who disappeared while he studied the universe in a secret project. She gets help from three powerful women, portrayed by Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon, and it is packed with incredible costumes, visuals, and actors. Still, it had trouble finding an audience due to its unique plot, and we think that’s a shame.
Snow White
This live-action overhaul of Disney’s foundational classic casts Rachel Zegler as a proactive Snow White fleeing Gal Gadot’s sorceress Evil Queen. While early online chatter swirled, the remake hopes to win skeptics over with new songs and a plot that empowers its heroine beyond damsel status. Modern effects and costumes bring a fresh spectacle to a beloved antique.