Disney made the 2000s a decade to remember.
In addition to teaming up (and eventually buying) the masterful CGI animation studio known as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios got busy dreaming up its own theatrical hits. This combination made for many critically and commercially successful films. We're here to look at the best of these now, using the ranking system on Rotten Tomatoes.
The review aggregation website has given every Disney film to be released during the years 2000 and 2009 a Tomatometer rating. These percentages are based on the good and bad ratings of critics across the internet, and they're what we'll be using to count down to the best.
With that said, it's time to go back a couple of decades and let the movies begin.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000): 85%
Kicking things off is this 2000 buddy comedy that follows the self-centered emperor Kuzco, who loves having power over the Incan Empire. After being turned into a llama by his vengeful ex-advisor, however, Kuzco must journey home and become human again with help from village leader Pacha.
With funny characters, quick-witted humor, and fresh energy, there was a lot to love about The Emperor’s New Groove, even if it did premiere in the shadows of the Disney Renaissance.
The Princess And The Frog (2009): 85%
If you jump to the end of the decade, you’ll discover this musical fantasy based on the fairytale of The Frog Prince.
The Princess and the Frog tells of a hardworking woman named Tinana who hopes to one day have her own restaurant in New Orleans. After stumbling into the cocky Prince Naveen and being transformed into a frog, however, the pair must figure out how to return to their original forms.
The Princess and the Frog was loaded with warmth and charm. Additionally, Disney's return to traditional hand-drawn animation was a welcome variation.
Lilo & Stitch (2002): 86%
Disney transported viewers to the relaxing beaches of Hawaii… ahem, the chaotic beach of Hawaii, with the release of this 2002 sci-fi comedy.
In Lilo & Stitch, an extraterrestrial creature deemed Experiment 626 crash-lands on the island of Kaua’i. Here, he becomes a pet to a mischievous Hawaiian girl named Lilo who is cared for by her older sister. Though the three become a family, the mad scientist who created Stitch sets out to return him to space.
Critics praised Lilo & Stitch for tackling layered family themes while retaining a fun and quirky feel.
Bolt (2008): 89%
The highest-rated film on this list to be produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios is the 2008 comedy-adventure Bolt.
The film follows the titular dog, who gets separated from his owner Penny. Though Bolt hopes to use his superpowers to get home, he soon learns that his skills aren’t real and that he’s actually been living his life on the set of a TV series.
With well-crafted visuals, creative characters, and a captivating story, Bolt left viewers impressed.
WALL-E 95%
Taking place in the 29th century after the Earth has transformed into a garbage-covered wasteland, WALL-E follows a lonely robot who is tasked with cleaning up the planet. After a futuristic robot named EVE visits earth to search for any sign of life, it’s not long before WALL-E is transported to the Axiom starship. Here, the pair becomes burdened with saving all of humanity.
The layered social commentary, dazzling visuals, and genuine emotion has cemented Wall-E as one of the greatest animations of all time. It easily picked up the Best Animated Feature award at The Oscars.
Monsters, Inc. (96%)
This 2001 Pixar comedy has Sulley and Mike partnering up to become the best scaring team at the Monsters, Inc. factory. As if vying for the top spot weren’t hard enough, however, they must also deal with a little girl, who sneaks from the human world into the monster one. The pair must return her home without being caught.
Monsters, Inc.'s clever story and high-spirited emotion helped secure this one a 2013 prequel, Monsters University.
Ratatouille (2007) 96%
Anyone can cook, according to this 2007 comedy.
Ratatouille followed the talented Remy who dreams of becoming a chef. As a rat, however, his options are limited. After getting mixed up with an inexperienced garbage boy, Remy attempts to help the rising chef become the star of a famous restaurant in Paris.
Ratatouille swept up the Academy Award for Best Animated Film thanks to its rich visuals and creative story.
The Incredibles (2004): 97%
The Incredibles sees Bob Parr resuming his hero work after being asked to destroy a robot on a secret island. However, Mr. Incredible is actually walking straight into a trap, and it's up to his wife (and uninvited kids) to save him.
The 2004 superhero story packed in original characters, big laughs, and thrilling action. Additionally, its exploration of adult themes from marital troubles to a midlife crisis was applauded.
The Incredibles won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
Up (2009): 98%
In 2009's Up, an elderly man flies his house to South America in hopes of fulfilling his late wife's dream of visiting Paradise Falls. The problem? An eager Wilderness Explorer, chaotic bird, and talking dog end up making his plan difficult to achieve.
Critics adored Up's bright colors, emotional narrative, and imaginative bliss. This had the film not only winning the Best Animated Feature Award at the Oscars but also becoming the second of only three animated films (the others being Beauty and the Beast [1991] and Toy Story 3 [2010]) to receive a Best Picture nomination.
Finding Nemo (2003): 99%
Pixar's Finding Nemo swam to success in 2003.
This 2003 adventure follows a young clownfish, who is captured by a diver and held in a dentist office aquarium in Sydney, Australia. It is up to his fearful father and a forgetful blue tang to team up and track him down.
Finding Nemo's lush visuals, heartfelt story, and relatable characters had it earning the Best Animated Film award at the Oscars. Additionally, it scored a 2016 sequel, Finding Dory.