10 Underrated Animated Movies from the '90s You've Missed
The '90s were a Golden era for animated films, but there were quite a few underrated movies that didn't make it to the limelight like The Lion King or Mulan.
The '90s had so many unfairly underrated animated movies for kids and a whole family, and it's high time they got some love.
1. The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
Cody, a young boy, befriends a golden eagle named Marahuté. But the thrill is short-lived when the greedy poacher McLeach catches wind of the eagle's existence. Hoping to turn a profit, McLeach kidnaps Cody to find out Marahuté's location. Now, it's up to the Rescue Aid Society agents – Bianca and Bernard – to save the day! With the help of some quirky Aussie animals, the duo sets out on a thrilling adventure to rescue Cody and protect the golden eagle.
2. Cats Don't Dance (1997)
A dancing cat named Danny moves to Tinseltown with aspirations to become a film star, only to be hit with the harsh reality: the industry isn't very kind to animal actors. His dreams are further crushed by a diva child actress, Darla Dimple, who ensures that he doesn't steal her spotlight. Undeterred, Danny rallies the marginalized animal actors for a big showcase. But will they be able to change the industry's perception?
3. Quest for Camelot (1998)
When the legendary sword Excalibur is lost, a young aspiring knight named Kayley steps up to the challenge of finding it. Along the way, she teams up with a blind hermit named Garrett and a two-headed dragon, Devon and Cornwall. Their quest isn't a walk in the park, as they must face the evil Ruber, who aims to usurp King Arthur's throne with the very sword.
4. The Swan Princess (1994)
Based on the classic ballet Swan Lake, this animated tale follows Princess Odette and Prince Derek. Their love story is cut short when the evil sorcerer Rothbart transforms Odette into a swan. By day, she's a swan; by night, a princess. The catch? Only true love's declaration can break the spell. While Derek tries to find a way to express his true feelings and break the curse, Rothbart has plans to take over the kingdom by making sure that doesn't happen.
5. The Pagemaster (1994)
A timid boy named Richard Tyler seeks shelter in a library during a storm and finds himself literally "in" literature. He becomes an animated character, meets the Pagemaster, and is thrust into a world of fiction. From battling pirates with Long John Silver to evading Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Richard, with the help of some bookish friends, must face his fears to find his way back home.
6. Rock-a-Doodle (1991)
In a farmyard where the sun only rises when rooster named Chanticleer crows, things go haywire when he's tricked into leaving, and the sun stops rising. Enter the animated realm of Edmond, a young boy turned kitten, who joins a group to find Chanticleer in the city and bring him back. The vibrant Elvis-like rooster, the animated landscapes, and the ever-present threat of the nefarious Grand Duke owl make for an unforgettable adventure.
7. Thumbelina (1994)
Born from a flower and no bigger than her mother's thumb, Thumbelina's world turns upside down when she's kidnapped by a toad who wants her to marry her son. She meets beetles, birds, and blind mice as she tries to find her way back home. All the while, Prince Cornelius, the fairy prince (and her true love), is on a mission to find her.
8. We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)
Four dinosaurs get a taste of modern life when they're fed a cereal that boosts their intelligence. Now able to speak and think like humans, they're brought to New York City by Captain Neweyes, who hopes to fulfill the wishes of children wanting to see real dinosaurs. All's well until the villainous Professor Screweyes enters the picture, aiming to exploit them for his circus.
9. Balto (1995)
Half-wolf and half-dog, Balto's the outcast of Nome, Alaska. However, when a diphtheria epidemic threatens the children of Nome and the only medicine is miles away, guess who steps up? Facing biting cold, treacherous terrain, and a fierce competitor, Steele, Balto sets off on a perilous journey to fetch the medicine. Along the way, he discovers his true self and realizes that it's what's inside that truly matters.
10. Once Upon a Forest (1993)
When a poisonous gas endangers their home, three young forest animals – Abigail, Edgar, and Russell – go on a mission to find a cure for their friend, Michelle, who's fallen ill. Battling human-made dangers and navigating through unfamiliar territories, these young heroes learn the importance of teamwork and friendship.