1.The Secret Of NIMH 2: Timmy To The Rescue
In the realm of traditional animation, Don Bluth emerged as a formidable competitor, giving Disney a run for their money. As an animation icon, Bluth’s films exuded magic similar to Disney’s creations but approached their primarily child audience with a higher level of respect. Bluth’s works, often delving into darker themes, straddled the line of family-friendly entertainment. “The Secret of NIMH,” one of Bluth’s darker masterpieces, is a cult classic adored by fans of 80s animation. This film narrates the ominous journey of a courageous mouse determined to rescue her family, showcasing Bluth’s unique storytelling prowess.
2.Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania:
In contrast to the original films that inspired many entries on this list, “Surf’s Up” (2007) lacked the advantage of brand recognition or an adapted story. As the directorial debut of Pixar story artist Ash Brannon, it was only the second production from Sony Pictures Animation studio. Despite these challenges, “Surf’s Up” captivated audiences with its innovative mockumentary style, featuring stunning visuals, an all-star cast, and a philosophical message with cultural resonance. The film endured in a decade saturated with penguin-themed movies, such as “March of the Penguins” and “Happy Feet,” showcasing its unique cultural staying power.
3.Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas:
Despite being hailed as one of Disney’s timeless classics, the decision to follow up “Beauty and the Beast” with a wide theatrical release was deemed too risky by the animation powerhouse. Instead, Disney quietly introduced “Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” as one of many direct-to-video sequels, capitalizing on the established IP’s name recognition to garner additional revenue, especially during the holiday season. Unfortunately, Belle’s Christmas escapade failed to break the pattern of lackluster VHS releases, standing as another in a series of disappointments.
4.The Return Of Jafar:
While “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” avoided the pitfall of resurrecting characters from the dead, the same cannot be said for Aladdin’s direct-to-video sequel, “The Return Of Jafar.” This follow-up not only proved to be an unworthy continuation but also retroactively undermined the canonical events of the original film. As one of Disney’s initial forays into VHS sequels, “The Return Of Jafar” set a precedent for mediocrity that would persist in the company’s subsequent releases in the years to come.
5.Ice Age: Collision Course:
Blue Sky Studios achieved a noteworthy triumph with the breakout hit “Ice Age,” standing out as a rare success in the animated landscape beyond the domains of Disney or Dreamworks in the early 2000s. Competing with industry giants, the film carved out its space as a modest success. However, the studio extended the franchise far beyond its prime, reaching its culmination with the fifth installment, “Ice Age: Collision Course.” Fourteen years after the original’s success, Blue Sky Studios struggled to preserve even a faint echo of the original film’s clever humor and heartwarming charm.
6.Ralph Breaks The Internet:
Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph” emerged as an unexpected hit, defying initial expectations as a video game movie centered around an entirely original character. The film’s success was attributed to Ralph’s character arc seamlessly interwoven with the ensemble cast’s delightful banter and evolving relationships. The narrative was easily endearing, complemented by subtle video game references for keen-eyed viewers. The film offered a holistic experience, blending laughter, tears, and an unexpectedly menacing villain that pushed the boundaries of the perceived scariness in a children’s movie antagonist. The sequel, “Ralph Breaks The Internet,” continued this legacy, building on the foundation established by its predecessor.
7.Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2:
The dynamic duo of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, well-acquainted with the realm of animation, captivated audiences with “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.” This science fiction comedy, loosely inspired by the cherished children’s book of the same title, seamlessly blended humor with a poignant emotional narrative. The storyline artfully conveyed the relatable journey of the eccentric scientist Flint Lockwood as he navigates the challenges of acceptance. Concluding with a neatly tied-up resolution, the prospect of crafting a sequel that could match the success of its predecessor proved to be a daunting task.
8.Cars 2:
Upon the release of “Cars 2,” the sequel to the original Pixar film, it marked a significant achievement as only the second film series from the animation pioneers to receive such recognition. Pixar, renowned for exploring uncharted territories in their creations, had previously received critical acclaim for sequels like “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3.” Despite the high expectations associated with a Pixar sequel, “Cars 2” presented a departure from the soulful storytelling typically associated with the studio. The film, featuring Owen Wilson’s animated stock car character, lacked the emotional depth characteristic of Pixar’s earlier successes, marking an unprecedented deviation for the esteemed animation studio.
9.In Search Of The Titanic:
“In Search Of The Titanic” presents an animated fictional narrative against the poignant backdrop of the actual Titanic tragedy. This Italian musical, titled “Titanic: The Legend Goes On,” ventured into storytelling that was not anticipated by audiences. In a perplexing juxtaposition, the film blends the historical gravity of the Titanic disaster with unconventional elements such as rapping dogs and offensive, stereotypical mice. The result is a peculiar amalgamation of misguided concepts, seemingly designed to capitalize on the recognition generated by the success of the 1998 film “Titanic.” As if the initial concoction of bizarre ideas wasn’t enough for the sparse audience, the announcement of a sequel only added to the perplexity.
10.Shrek The Third:
“Shrek The Third” represents a downturn in the trajectory of the Shrek film series. The original “Shrek” had been a groundbreaking success for Dreamworks Animation, evolving into a cultural phenomenon and challenging the conventional wisdom that only Disney’s heartwarming approach could capture audiences’ attention. “Shrek 2” continued this success, with some fans expressing a preference for it over the original. However, the franchise stumbled with “Shrek The Third,” where the beloved ogre, voiced by Mike Myers, appeared to rest on past achievements. The film marked a disappointing conclusion to the original Shrek trilogy, failing to sustain the momentum established by its predecessors.