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When you think of Disney movies, fairy tales and romance probably come to mind. But if you’re not in the mood for a love story, there are plenty of Disney films that focus on different themes and relationships. These movies are often uplifting and fun, perfect for when you want something light, although some may bring tears to your eyes.
10. Oliver & Company
Oliver & Company is one of Disney’s underrated animated films, but it’s a great watch. It’s based on the classic story Oliver Twist, but with a twist: Oliver is a ginger kitten living in New York City, and Dodger is a clever Jack Russell terrier. The story follows Oliver, who is orphaned and looking for a home. He joins a gang of street-smart dogs and later gets taken in by a young girl during a heist. The movie is about found family and discovering where you truly belong.
9. The Jungle Book
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s stories, The Jungle Book tells the story of Mowgli, a boy raised in the jungle by a black panther named Bagheera and a bear named Baloo. When a Bengal tiger named Shere Khan returns, Bagheera realizes Mowgli is in danger. Mowgli wants to stay in the jungle with his friends, even though Bagheera tries to bring him to the human village. The film shows the challenges of growing up and understanding what you want versus what you need.
8. Pinocchio
Pinocchio is one of Disney’s earliest animated movies, released in 1940, and it was the first animated film to win an Academy Award. Narrated by Jiminy Cricket, it’s about Geppetto, a toy maker who carves a puppet named Pinocchio. Geppetto wishes for Pinocchio to become a real boy, and one night, his wish is granted. But before he can become human, Pinocchio must prove he’s brave, truthful, and selfless. The story highlights a touching father-son relationship and the importance of doing the right thing.
7. Alice in Wonderland
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s books, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland brings the fantastical world to life in vibrant colors. The story follows Alice, a girl who falls into a magical land after chasing a white rabbit through a small door. In this strange world, she meets quirky characters like the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts. It’s an adventurous film full of oddities and surprises, perfect if you’re looking for something both bizarre and exciting.
6. The Sword in the Stone
Based on T. H. White’s novel, The Sword in the Stone is a lighthearted fantasy about the young King Arthur. It follows Arthur, an orphaned boy, who is mentored by the wizard Merlin. The film features a lot of humor, especially as Merlin transforms himself and Arthur into various animals to teach him lessons. It’s a fun and whimsical take on Arthur’s early years that often gets overlooked.
5. The Emperor’s New Groove
One of Disney’s funniest movies, The Emperor’s New Groove stars Kuzco, a self-absorbed Incan emperor. Kuzco plans to build a summer palace that will destroy a village, but when a scheme to assassinate him goes wrong, he’s turned into a llama. He then teams up with Pacha, a village leader, to regain his throne. While humor is the focus, Kuzco’s character growth and the lovable cast make this film enjoyable.
4. Meet the Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons is a heartfelt story about family and belonging. Lewis, an orphan, dreams of being adopted but can’t find a family. Instead, he invents a device called the “Memory Scanner,” hoping it will help him find his birthmother. Along the way, he meets Wilbur Robinson, a boy from the future, who takes him to 2037. There, Lewis meets Wilbur’s quirky family and gets a glimpse of his own bright future with his adoptive family.
3. Big Hero 6
Set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, Big Hero 6 follows Hiro Hamada, a young robotics genius. After his older brother Tadashi dies in a fire, Hiro is devastated. With the help of a healthcare robot named Baymax and new friends from Tadashi’s tech university, Hiro copes with his grief while fighting a villain called Yokai. The film explores themes of loss, friendship, and healing.
2. Treasure Planet
Treasure Planet stands out because it doesn’t focus on romance and is one of Disney’s few non-musical animated movies. It’s a sci-fi version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Jim Hawkins, a boy longing for adventure and haunted by his father’s absence, finds a map to Treasure Planet. He joins the crew of the RLS Legacy, forming a close bond with John Silver, a cyborg. Their father-son relationship is central to the story. Although there’s some romantic interest between Captain Amelia and Doppler, it’s not the main focus.
1. Moana
Moana follows a brave Polynesian girl living on the island of Motunui. Her people worship the goddess Te Fiti, but her heart was stolen by the demigod Maui, allowing a volcanic demon named Te Kā to take her place in the ocean. Moana’s connection to the sea leads her to embark on a journey across the water to find Maui, return the heart, and restore peace. The film highlights culture and community, with Moana growing into a confident and determined hero.
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