Disney movies have been a significant part of many people’s childhoods across generations. Disney has a reputation for immersing viewers in worlds full of magic and possibility with its beloved princesses and lively animals. It’s no wonder that many Disney movies will be remembered in film history. Of course, not every Disney movie hits the mark; some should have been left on the drawing board.
Here are some of Walt Disney’s best and worst movies of the 21st century.
Disney’s Best
Zootopia (2016)
This animated film stars Judy Hopps, the inaugural bunny police officer aspiring to succeed in the lively mammal city of Zootopia. After departing her rural farm town for the sprawling metropolis, she faces challenges stemming from others’ perceptions. Judy sets out on her first big case, partnering with a fox scam-artist, Nick Wilde, to uncover the city’s concealed secrets.
“Zootopia” has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned over $73.7 million during its opening weekend, according to Forbes. It wasn’t long before it hit $1 billion at the worldwide box office just a few months later.
This work offers the best of both worlds for viewers. The humor, fun characters, and animation are enjoyable for audiences of all ages. Many viewers think “Zootopia” is one of those rare Disney films made for adults almost as much as for children.
While the colorful world of Zootopia dominates the charts, the film also delivers a meaningful message. It’s a heartfelt story about unexpected friendships and subtly touches on societal issues we face today.
“Zootopia 2” was released in late November 2025, continuing Judy and Nick’s adventure in the city with great success as well.
ADD section at the end of each movie with a link “Watch here” and the IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes score
Where to Watch: Disney+
IMDb: 8.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Moana (2016)
“Moana” exhibits the qualities of a Disney princess, but with more depth. This animated movie-musical follows a teenager guided by the ocean as she searches for the truth to save her island. With help from demigod Maui, the two set out across the Pacific Ocean on a journey to help Moana’s people find what lies beyond the shore.
“Moana” earned approximately $57.2 million during its opening weekend and $394.5 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie also has a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
This film receives top praise for its soundtrack by award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and for themes that challenge the typical Disney Princess story. “Moana” celebrates culture, specifically the story’s Polynesian roots, and explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and bravery. The lack of romance is prominent, as the film emphasizes women’s self-sufficiency. For many, it is seen as an excellent visual example for young girls today.
The sequel, “Moana 2,” didn’t receive as much praise upon its release in November 2024. Many find the movie less inspiring than the first, or even unnecessary; however, it still offers a colorful adventure.
Disney’s live-action remake of “Moana” is scheduled for release on July 10, with many wondering whether it will maintain the same depth as the animated original.
Where to Watch: Disney +
IMDb: 7.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Encanto (2021)
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” seemed to be playing everywhere in 2021, and for a good reason. “Encanto” features a magical family with special powers that help their hidden community in Colombia. Mirabel is the only child in her family who didn’t inherit any powers, making her feel left out. Despite this, she becomes her family’s last hope to keep the magic that protects them alive.
“Encanto” earned $257 million at the box office in 2021, which many consider a flop. Now, it’s widely regarded as one of the last good Disney movies, largely due to its commercial success. It has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The soundtrack reached number one on the Billboard 200 in January 2022 for weeks.
“Encanto” explores both traditional and nontraditional aspects of family and examines themes of defining personal identity. It offers a powerful view of generational struggles through catchy songs and relatable characters. It also emphasizes Colombian culture and history, making it one of the few Disney films set in Latin America.
Where to Watch: Disney+
IMDb: 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Big Hero 6 (2014)
For superhero fans, “Big Hero 6” is perfect for those looking for a blend of action-packed adventure and Disney magic. A caring robot, Baymax, develops a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada after discovering something dangerous happening in their city’s streets. It follows Hiro and a group of friends as they become an unexpected team of heroes, using their robotics skills to save San Fransokyo.
“Big Hero 6” was a huge box-office hit for Disney, earning around $657 million worldwide and earning a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Disney didn’t market the movie as much as it did with others, which made the film less popular after its release.
Many viewers grew fond of Baymax and the creative science missing from Disney’s earlier movies. It’s an entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt story about coping with loss, making this film one of Disney’s hidden gems.
Where to watch: Disney +
IDMb: 7.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Disney’s Worst
Wish (2023)
“Wish” was released to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary. The film follows Asha, a 17-year-old girl determined to secure King Magnigico of Rosas’s grant for her grandpa’s wish. When her request is denied, a star descends to help Asha on her quest to return all the wishes in the kingdom.
The rating for this film is relatively low compared to Disney’s best, standing at 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many felt the movie was underwhelming and not very memorable, despite the celebrations of Disney’s anniversary. The songs were considered forgettable, and the plot was generic. Animation features look textured, which some find awkward. The movie was a safe choice and a money grab for Disney. Furthermore, the villain’s lore within the film left many viewers disappointed.
“Wish” had one of the worst openings ever for an animated movie, according to Forbes. It earned only $31.7 million over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday in 2023.
Where to Watch: Disney +
IDMb: 5.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
Chicken Little (2005)
Many viewers consider “Chicken Little” to be a disaster. The film depicts Chicken Little, who is determined to restore his reputation after being teased for claiming the sky was “falling”. However, he ultimately rescues his citizens when he realizes the “falling sky” is caused by a UFO. It is loosely based on the folk tale “Henny Penny”.
This film was one of Disney’s earliest attempts at modern CGI animation, and many praise it. However, it might be considered mainly for young children due to its flat humor, randomness, and lack of depth. The pop-culture jokes and cute characters couldn’t disguise the weak storytelling, as reflected in the rating. It scored 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and made about $314 million.
Where to Watch: Disney +
IDMb: 5.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 36%
Planes (2013)
Dusty, a small-town plane eager to compete as a high-flying air racer, is afraid of heights. He seeks help from naval aviator Skipper to overcome his fears and participate in the Wings Around the Globe challenge.
It’s seen as a ripoff of Disney-Pixar’s “Cars” franchise, from its animation to its plot. The humor isn’t considered clever and lacks the passion seen in previous films. The storyline is predictable, which can be boring for older Disney fans. While not terrible, it’s regarded as average, with a storyline viewers have seen many times with Disney.
“Planes” received a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed $90 million. Its sequel, “Planes: Fire and Rescue,” earned a higher rating at 44%. However, it still faced criticism for its plot and its similarity to “Cars.” The sequel also earned less, at $59 million.
Where to Watch: Disney +
IDMb: 5.7/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
Snow White (2025)
Disney usually has much success for it’s live-action remakes. Yet, “Snow White” not only flopped but sparked controversy. “Snow White”, adopting the 1937 original animation, follows a princess living under the rule of her stepmother, the Evil Queen.
You may have guessed how the story goes, but this live-action remake doesn’t follow the original storytelling of Disney’s well-known fairytale. It was established well before releasing the changes, the live-action film will have to fit modern audiences.
Unlike the original animation, Snow White doesn’t fall in love with a prince. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands to defeat the evil queen after eating the poison apple. Many viewers were upset about this, arguing that Disney should have created a new original story, rather than transforming an already loved fairytale.
Some also showed dislike for casting decisions as well. Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen left many disappointed. Rachel Zegler as Snow White couldn’t salvage the forgettable original songs and lifeless plot.
The film didn’t even break even at the box office, bringing the total to $205 million with a $350 million budget. It has a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where to Watch: Disney +
IDMb: 2.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 39%
