Anyone who's ever seen a Marvel movie knows better than to leave before the credits have finished rolling, lest they miss the treasures hidden in the post-credits scene. As enjoyable and commonplace as they are, they're not the first time Disney has tacked something special onto the end of their movies.
As early as the '90s, Disney has been sneaking a little something extra for their fans after the movie magic has ended. It might be as something as simple as a goodbye to the audience, but it also might be something as grand as a massive musical number. Only one way to find out.
Hades’s Ranting (Hercules)
Though nothing is actually seen at the end of Disney's Hercules, there is a comedic surprise waiting for those who stayed through the credits. When fans saw Hades last, he was sinking into the swirling abyss of the River Styx. If they waited till after the credits rolled, they would have heard the slick-talking Lord of the Dead ranting about being left behind at the end of the movie in his snarky and sarcastic manner.
Look, an Undead Monkey (Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl)
When the film first premiered, it was a rather surprising hit. A film based on the Disney Parks ride of the same name was a bit unusual, and so is this post-credits scene.
Jack the Monkey was the unsung mascot of the franchise, and seeing him get his own skeleton form was both funny and frightening at the same time, but he was also a preview of things to come. It was a subtle hint, but one that paid off in the end.
Not So Shiny (Moana)
Tamatoa is a criminally underrated Disney villain that definitely needs a little more love, and even he knows it. In fact, he even addresses the audience about his concerns. It's one thing to still show the poor guy trapped on his back and wanting help, but when he goes as far as comparing himself to The Little Mermaid's Sebastian, it becomes pure comedy gold. Even if he lacks Sebastian's brand of charm.
Olaf Explains it All (Frozen II)
Although it would have been easy to give Marshmallow and his tiara a free pass for this slot, it's Olaf's incredible performance at the end of Frozen II that takes the crown. Watching him reenact the first movie for the residents of Northuldra was funny the first time, but watching him do the second film for the snow creatures in Elsa's ice castle was absolutely side-splitting.
The pair of royals might be the face of the franchise, but if there's any reason worth watching the films, it's Olaf.
The Backson (Winnie the Pooh)
Imagination is a powerful thing but sometimes it can get out of hand, and that concept is especially true for Pooh and friends when this giant creature comes stomping out of the woods. The Backson is introduced through his titular song, depicting a horrible monster, but the genuine article makes an appearance at the end of the film. Much to the audience's surprise and delight, he's actually quite an approachable (although clumsy) fellow.
Rick Ralphed (Ralph Breaks the Internet)
This film was practically the perfect tribute to internet and meme culture, and that didn't stop even after the credits rolled. Anyone who has been baptized on the Internet knows about the ultimate troll move of Rick Rolling, and not even Disney could resist the opportunity.
Die-hard fans who were expecting a preview of Frozen II were either angrily shocked or hysterically satisfied by Ralph doing a cover of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." Who needs "Let It Go?"
Doing Nothing on the Beach (Christopher Robin)
Although one Pooh project has already been featured prior, it would be absolute heresy not to include this positively perfect post-credits scene. Not because it hints at a future project, offers one last comedic jab, but features a performance by Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who was responsible for dozens of Disney songs including those in Winnie the Pooh. It's simple, it's charming, and it will satisfy any hardcore Disney buff.
The Screaming What… (Mater and the Ghost Light)
Pixar is loaded with post-credit content, and not just in their feature films. The Cars universe might be a bloated excuse to sell merch, but it's kind of hard not to love Mater and the Ghost Light.
It works not just because of its catchy country theme song and hilarious story, but for the appearance of a "Screaming Banshee" and Mater's surprising reaction to the said monster.
Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me (Monsters Inc.)
How many post-credit scenes involve a full Monster's Inc. company musical? What might seem like a cheesy throwback to Mike's line in the film comes off as roaringly funny. Especially when the optic oddball casts himself in all the lead roles. One has to give the guy some credit for his creativity.
Pixar’s Blooper Reels (Various)
Mike's production was nothing compared to the blooper reels Pixar created for many of their post-Toy-Story features. Films like A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, and The Incredibles had their own bloopers animated to completion by the Pixar staff and artists. Of course, one can always rely on this studio to forever show off their animation and imaginative prowess.