Animated films have had a long history of change and evolution over the years, but the 1990s comprise one of the most significant eras for the genre. A lot of the attention at the time was being paid to the reigning king of animated films, Disney, who was continuing their renaissance era and introducing the world to Pixar.
The decade also saw new studios like DreamWorks emerge to challenge Disney's supremacy. This decade gave us a lot of animated classics, but there were also plenty of films whose reputation is perhaps undeserving. Here are the most overrated and underrated animated films of the 1990s.
Underrated: A Bug's Life (1998)
After the massive success of Toy Story, audiences were eager to see what new ground-breaking animated film Pixar would deliver. The studio's follow up was A Bug's Life, the story of a group of ants that attempt to fight back against their grasshopper overlords.
The movie received a modest reception at the time but is generally regarded as one of the lesser Pixar movies. However, it deserves its spot as it is a funny and entertaining adventure filled with the kinds of things that make Pixar movies so special.
Overrated: Antz (1998)
DreamWorks was attempting to compete with the mega-power of Disney and Pixar in the '90s, which led to them making two very similar films. Antz follows a neurotic ant seeking out his own identity amidst the chaotic world of the anthill.
Between the two similar films, there are plenty of people who believe Antz is superior to A Bug's Life. However, the ugly animation and awkward adult jokes peppered throughout the film just make it a weird experience that's much less charming than the Pixar movie.
Underrated: Hercules (1997)
Disney looked to Greek mythology and told the story of one of the most legendary heroes of all time in Hercules. The story follows the young demi-god learning of his true parentage while on Earth and striving to prove himself a true god like his father Zeus.
While the Disney Renaissance is remembered for hits like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, Hercules is right up there with those classics. It is a hilarious, action-packed adventure filled with colorful characters and memorable songs.
Overrated: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
Another big film to come out of the Disney Renaissance is the animated adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The story follows Quasimodo, a disfigured orphan hidden away in the bell tower of Notre Dame by his cruel master before venturing out into the real world.
The movie is seen by many as one of the more mature products of Disney's work. While that is certainly true, it makes for a terribly imbalanced tone for the film. The movie jumps between childish humor to graphic subject matter resulting in a bit of a mess.
Underrated: South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut (1999)
Only two years after the animated series began, South Park made its way to the big screen with a feature-length movie. The story is a bit of meta-commentary as it follows a war that erupts between Canada and America after a profane animated film is released.
Given how successful the series became, it's strange that this film has been overlooked for so long. It is a hilarious and surprisingly epic adventure for the characters that allows the creators to be truly unleashed while including some genuinely great songs.
Overrated: Beavis And Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Another beloved animated series from the '90s was brought to the big screen in Beavis and Butt-Head Do America. The movie strings together the childish humor of its main characters as they make their way across the country in search of their stolen television.
The movie became something of a cult classic among fans. While there are some funny moments here and there, these characters and the humor are not meant to be extended over a feature-length story like this.
Underrated: A Goofy Movie (1995)
While Disney was having great success with their new films, one of the oldest characters was overlooked. A Goofy Movie follows Goofy, who takes his son Max on a father-son fishing trip in hope of connecting more with the boy.
The movie didn't do well at the box office and quickly faded into obscurity among the more high-profile Disney movies. However, it is a charming and funny family-friendly story that helps to prove these classic characters can be as entertaining as ever.
Overrated: FernGully (1992)
Fox Studios got into the animation competition with this animated fantasy that carries a socially conscious message at its center. The film is set inside a rainforest where fairies and magical creatures live. Their world is threatened by humans who seek to tear down the forest.
It is admirable that a film of this size would address an important issue like this, but it isn't done in a very entertaining way. Apart from a memorable villain voiced by Tim Curry, the movie is quite dull despite having plenty of fans.
Underrated: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Many fans consider Batman: The Animated Series to be one of the best versions of Batman ever created. The series was able to take its darker animated style to the big screen with Mask of the Phantasm. The movie finds Batman battling a masked vigilante who is killing Gotham's criminals.
The movie is surprisingly intense for an animated feature and embraces the best aspects of the animated series. The new villain is memorable, the story is genuinely compelling, and it tells a unique Batman story that's better than some of the live-action films.
Overrated: Fantasia 2000 (1999)
Released in 1940, Fantasia was a ground-breaking animated film that showed the brilliance that was possible with animation.
The movie is often elevated by fans, perhaps due to its association with the original. However, as a new film, Fantasia 2000 offers little worth recommending. Many of the new pieces come off as dull or uninteresting and lack the epic feel of the original.