5 underrated animated Disney+ original movies

There's a good chance you signed up for Disney+ for one of three things: Star Wars, Marvel, and/or the studio's copious animated movies. But what about the choices that aren't about princesses, lions, or emperor's new grooves? That's where this list of underrated Disney+ animated movies comes in.

Disney fans young and old will recognize that the movies listed below are all a part of very popular media franchises which means if you like these characters, there's plenty more stories that have been shared through books, series, theatrical films, and games! Who knows! You might find that you and your family become full-fledged fans after watching!

Current Disney+ subscribers can find these films gems to watch right now, but before you do, read on to find out more about why the following are the top 5 underrated animated Disney+ films to stream with your family.

1. Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe

The Disney Channel original series Phineas and Ferb already spawned a made-for-television film called Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension in 2011. A follow-up made its way to Disney+ so now the step-brother duo return for another out-of-this-world endeavor. Phineas and Ferb have to rescue their sister Candace and the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz's daughter Vanessa from the planet Feebla-Oot but Candance is entranced by Feebla-Oot's inhabitants and decides, against her better judgement, that she wants to stay. Can Phineas and Ferb convince her that she needs to come back down to earth? With many of the voice talents of the original series reprising their roles including Vincent Martella as Phineas, Ashley Tisdale as Candace, Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus, and Dan Povenmire as Doctor Doofenshmirtz, this film is sure to be a great watch for fans of sci-fi, adventure, and of course, family.

2. Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again

It may have been a while since you last saw the live-action Night at the Museum films. Disney+ brings the historically hilarious film series back with an animated sequel. Kahmunrah Rises Again takes place after Larry Daley, a museum night guard leaves New York for a job in a Tokyo museum and appoints his son Nick to take over. With some unknown challenges ahead for the young guard, there is some uncertainty if he will be able to make sure the museum stays in one piece. Joshua Bassett (High School Musical The Musical: The Series) leads this voice cast as Nick Daley alongside Jamie Demetriou, Gillian Jacobs, Dee Bradley Baker, Zachary Levi, Thomas Lennon, Chris Parnell, and many more!

3. The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild

Return to the icy tundra for this addition to the popular Ice Age media franchise. After its release in 2022, this film definitely flew under the radar for most Ice Age fans. The story follows the trouble-loving possum brothers Crash and Eddie who find themselves trapped in a cave underground. After being saved by Buck Wild, a one-eyed weasel who seeks to fight dinosaurs who inhabit the Lost World and brings Crash and Eddie along for the ride to help. Are they up to take on the task? You'll have to watch to find out! The film features the voice talent of Simon Pegg, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Justina Machado, Sean Kenin, Skyler Stone, Aaron Harris, Vincent Tong, and Jake Green.

4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever

This holiday-themed feature film is sure to put you in the spirit no matter what time of year it is. This film is a part of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise which started out as a book series authored by Jeff Kinney before being adapted to the big screen with multiple live-action feature films. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is actually the third in a string of Disney+ original adaptations and was originally released on Dec. 8 2023, just in time for the holidays. In the film, Greg is trying to maintain his 'good' standing for Santa in order to get the present he wants: a new gaming console. However, after being accused of damaging a snowplow, Greg is relegated to being stuck with his family at home during his winter vacation. Voice talent includes Erica Cerra, Chris Diamantopoulos, Lisa Ann Walter, Gabriel Iglesias, and Ego Nwodim.

5. Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers

While it is not a fully animated film, we can make an exception for the lovable and curious chipmunks Chip and Dale who have charmed many generations of television and movie watchers. This half-live-action/half-animation film landed on the platform in 2022 with comedians Andy Samberg and John Mulaney voicing the titular characters in the aftermath of the Chipmunks' show being canceled... Approximately thirty years later to be exact. The former duo decide to reconcile their differences in order to team up again to investigate the kidnapping of their friend and co-star Monterey Jack. With an incredible ensemble voice cast featuring Will Arnett, Eric Bana, Seth Rogan, and Chris Parnell, it would be absolutely nuts if you didn't turn this film on for the whole family to watch!