Disney has had a complicated relationship with sequels but a few stand out as the best Disney direct-to-video sequels. While the studio's most recent follow-up film, Frozen 2, became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, not every sequel has been given the same high-quality treatment. During the 1990s and 2000s in particular, Disney decided to capitalize on its most popular theatrical releases by giving them direct-to-video sequels and prequels.
Though this format led to lower production costs, it also led to films of lower quality. Because of this, many of the Disney sequels that skipped theaters feature cheaper animations, poorly fleshed-out stories, and subpar voice work. Some even cobbled together episodes of television series. Despite this, not every Disney direct-to-video sequel was bad. It's worth noting that these sequels only include films based on a theatrically released Disney animation. This means the films in franchises like Winnie the Pooh and Disney Fairies won't be acknowledged. All are available to stream on Disney Plus.
12 Brother Bear 2 (2006)
The 2003 comedy-drama about an Inuit boy who gets turned into a bear, Brother Bear, received mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, the ratings didn't stop Disney from bringing out a sequel. This time around, bear Kenai awakens from hibernation only to find out this his former human friend, Nita, is planning to get married. To do so, she must bring her amulet to Hokani Falls to complete a ritual because the spirits already think Nita is married to Kenai. Kenai agrees to accompany her there. Though Brother Bear 2 had flaws and even fans see the new love interest as unnecessary, the sweet story and catchy soundtrack helped.
11 Hercules: Zero To Hero (1999)
Before Disney was set on live-action remakes of animated properties, the studio produced animated series following successful animated movies. This 1999 Hercules film combined three episodes of Hercules: The Animated Series into a single, cohesive story. Meg ends up finding Hercules' old yearbook, and Phil shares stories of his days in school to link the stories together. Though the film wasn't as visually impressive as the original, it was still pretty charming. Those who liked the series, however, were disappointed to see that there wasn't much new content added to the episodes. Still, audiences loved seeing his adventures continue since it's one of the most beloved modern Disney animated movies.
10 Stitch! The Movie (2003)
Lilo & Stitch received more than one sequel and an animated television series. The second installment in the series, Stitch! The Movie premiered in 2003 and this time around, Lilo and Stitch must figure out a way to track down Jookiba after Captain Gantu kidnaps him. Though the film lacked a lot of charm and humor of the original, it wasn't without its moments of success. The entire point of this particular Disney direct-to-video sequel is to set up the television series, which it does incredibly well. It ends on a major cliffhanger and leaves the audience wanting to know more about other experiments like Stitch.
9 The Lion King 1½ (2004)
One of the most beloved Disney direct-to-video sequels of all time is 2004's The Lion King 1 1/2. The film retells the plot of the original story from the viewpoints of buddies Timon and Pumbaa. This has the narrative beginning with their origins and ending with the pair rewatching their story in theaters together. Critics and viewers alike were impressed by the animation quality, funny dialogue, and interesting story of this release. With the return of the original voice actors, it managed to easily fit into the franchise. It is most appealing to children who are fans of the original movie, however, as some of the recycled jokes get old for adult audience members very quickly.
8 Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002)
The sequels to Cinderella were made decades after the original was released in theaters, but they do have some merit. Cinderella II isn’t the best Disney direct-to-video sequel because it offers a relatively disjointed narrative. It includes three stories tied together, feeling more like three different cartoon episodes put together that never made it into a series.
That being said, it goes a long way in fleshing out Disney’s characters. Cinderella in particular is more than just someone who is kind and taken advantage of by her family. She invites citizens of the kingdom to mingle with royalty at the palace and demonstrates that she’s about to break some royal rules. Cinderella does things her way, and that’s great for the audience to see. The sequel expands on the personality, bravery, and agency the first Cinderella movie hints at.
7 The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008)
While 2000's Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea failed to swim toward success, its 2008 prequel sat a little better with viewers. The fantasy shows King Triton outlawing music after the passing of his wife, Athena. Years later, however, Ariel rediscovers her love for music at an underground club. She must figure out how to restore the kingdom with song.
The story was weak, but the animation was strong. Fans of the original The Little Mermaid, which ushered in the Disney renaissance of the 1990s, loved getting to have more Ariel backstory. Her family is also highlighted more since the movie isn't set on land, giving the audience a better look at her home life.
6 An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
An Extremely Goofy Movie served as a sequel to the now cult-followed A Goofy Movie and the finale to the TV series Goof Troop. Goofy's son Max, who is now a freshman in college, must deal with his dad after he loses his job and decides to head back to school.
Viewers liked the quirky humor and fun of the sequel. Though the film was no masterpiece, it was definitely entertaining. It also offered the audience a new perspective. While the first movie is told mostly from Max's point of view, this one leans more toward Goofy. Max had to learn to accept his father in the first one, but here, Goofy must do the same, accepting that his son is growing up, and he has to let him go in this Disney direct-to-video sequel.
5 The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (1998)
While the original Lion King was inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the direct-to-video sequel drew comparisons to Romeo and Juliet. This is because the story centers on Kovu, a decedent of the evil Scar who falls for Kiara, the daughter of heroes Simba and Nala. Though the music couldn't compare to that of the original, the quality of this film felt like a big step up when put next to the other direct-to-video releases.
4 Aladdin And The King Of Thieves (1996)
Though Robin Williams decided to sit out the immediate Aladdin sequel, The Return of Jafar, he came back to voice the Genie in the final installment of the Aladdin trilogy. This did the film a favor since Genie, and Williams' performance, is iconic. Approaching his wedding day to Jasmine, Aladdin is surprised to discover that his father Cassim is still alive. However, he soon discovers that Cassim might have brought with him an agenda, setting up reveals about Aladdin's family's past. The film was a definite step up from its predecessor with much of the original cast returning and the narrative being loaded with adventure.
3 Cinderella III: Twist In Time (2007)
The funny thing about Cinderella III is that it essentially erases the entire story of Cinderella II as a time travel adventure, something rare in Disney’s animated movies. It’s a really fun take on what could happen after the events of Cinderella though as her stepmother and stepsisters get their hands on the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and want to change fate by changing the past. If the second movie helped to flesh out the characters, the third really allows the audience to see all sides of the story, and particularly, to see Cinderella’s stepsisters better.
2 Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (2005)
While Stitch Has a Glitch premiered after Stitch! The Movie, it chronologically took place before the first sequel. In this direct-to-video Disney release, Lilo prepares for an upcoming hula dance competition while dealing with Stitch's untimely malfunctions. Though the plot and characters felt watered-down to many viewers, the tone shifted closer toward that of the original, at least when compared to the other Lilo & Stitch sequels. There's a bigger focus on the family relationships in Lilo's life rather than the search for aliens, which is what fans really loved about the original movie.
1 Tangled: Before Ever After (2017)
Though it's debatable whether this one belongs among the Disney direct-to-video sequels (after all, it was released years after the original Disney sequels as a Disney Channel Original Movie) it's easily the best of the non-theatrical sequels to Disney animated projects. 2017's Tangled: Before Ever After doubles as a pilot for Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure TV show. In it, Rapunzel decides to take one final adventure before her coronation. However, after her 70 ft. of golden hair grows back, she's forced to figure out how to get rid of it before the ceremony. Though the film isn't a full-blown Tangled sequel, it managed to stay light and enjoyable and brought back original cast members Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi to voice Rapunzel and Flynn.