8 Under-The-Radar Films Available on Disney+
With the whole family at home, we’ve already exhausted most of the new releases on Disney+. If you’re like me and looking to check out something new, here are a handful of Disney+ hidden gems definitely worth checking out during your next family movie night.
Some you might remember from your childhood, others you may be discovering for the first time. But one thing is for certain, there’s something to love about each of the titles in this quirky array of films.
The Black Hole (1979)
This Sci-Fi tale has a little bit of everything – loveable robots, terrifying robots, lost spaceships and special effects that were absolutely revolutionary back in 1979. Fans of classic Sci-Fi films will love this film about a spaceship crew that uncovers a plot to turn humankind into robots.
Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)
This live-action comedy tells the story of Steve Walker who accidentally summons Blackbeard’s spirit. The two become bound together until Blackbeard can complete a good deed which sets them off on quest filled with wacky hijinks and some very entertaining special effects (including an invisible Blackbeard riding a motorcycle.)
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
Angela Lansbury plays an apprentice witch who wants to learn magic to help England win World War II. The film has become a bit of a cult classic and has a little bit of everything: memorable Sherman Brother songs, delightful animated sequences and familiar faces (Like David Tomlinson from Mary Poppins who returns as a professor of witchcraft!)
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
A beloved Disney film from my childhood, Flight of the Navigator tells the story of 12-year-old David Freeman who after being knocked unconscious awakens to discover that 8 years have passed and he hasn’t aged at all. We find out that during those mysterious 8-years David was actually a “Navigator” for aliens on a mission around the galaxy. He now has to get back to his family while avoiding encounters with NASA.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)
Yep. That’s Sean Connery! This story tells the story of Darby O’Gill who captures the king of the leprechauns in order to get three wishes. This film features some fun (and truly innovative) practical effects from Peter Ellenshaw, Eustace Lycett and Joshua Meador including the use of forced perspective. The icing on the cake is definitely an appearance from Sean Connery as Michael McBride. He even sings a song!
Frankenweenie (1984)
So most of you will be familiar with Tim Burton’s 2012 film of the same name but on Disney+, you can also check out the original 1984 short-film made in Tim Burton’s early days as a Disney animator. A tribute to classic monster movies, a young Victor Frankenstein brings his beloved pet dog back from the dead using electricity to the utter shock of his neighbors.
Return to Oz (1985)
This truly creepy but innovative sequel to Wizard of Oz is centered around Dorothy’s return to Oz where things aren’t they way she left them. The land is now in ruins thanks to the Nome King and Princess Mombi. She encounters some very interesting characters along the way including Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, the wheelers and more. The film is definitely darker than the original as Dorothy ventures through a surreal and often scary wonderland.
The Rocketeer (1992)
One of our favorite Disney hidden gems, this Sci-Fi adventure is known for its 1930’s art deco aesthetic and adventurous storyline about a high-flying pilot. Once you’re done watching the original, we recommend that you and the family head over to Disney Junior for a new series based on the film.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for other great ways to stay entertained during your time at home!
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Source D23