25 Disney Movies You’ve {Probably} Never Even Heard Of

We’re huge movie fans in this house, and if you’re reading this post, I’m going to guess that you are too!

Usually at least once a week we have a movie night with our kids. I’d say about 50% of the time we watch a Disney movie. We have a ton of Disney movies on DVD but we also have Disney + and have discovered quite a few gems on there.

There are popular Disney movies out there that most of us know and love (Frozen anyone?!) but I bet there are some Disney movies that you have never even heard of!

When I originally wrote this blog post back in 2015 I included 20 lesser-known Disney movies. It’s now 2024 and since we’ve had the opportunity to discover even more Disney movies that’s to Disney +, I’ve updated this post to include 30 lesser-known Disney movies, plus share my thoughts on the ones we’ve seen.

Treasure Of Matecumbe

In post-Civil War Kentucky, young David Burnie (Johnny Doran) becomes the unexpected heir to the family secret: a map leading to buried treasure on the Florida isle of Matecumbe. The youth, joined by four fellow adventurers (Robert Foxworth, Joan Hackett, Peter Ustinov, Billy Attmore), begins his search for the treasure despite deadly interference by his late father’s archenemy (Vic Morrow).

The angry threat of a hurricane and the presence of hostile Indians set the mood for the frantic trek to the swampy site — a destination that could provide untold wealth for the searchers … or for their evil pursuers!

I actually just watched this for the first time this week. It’s available on Disney+.

It’s not the best Disney movie I’ve ever seen, but it wasn’t horrible either. It kept my kids’ attention pretty well. My kids ages 5-13 all said they enjoyed it.

The Country Bears

Disney’s legendary group comes alive as The Country Bears star in their first feature film. Chronicling one of the most heartwarming family adventures ever, THE COUNTRY BEARS is packed with hilarious comedy, fantastic fun, and foot-stomping music for the whole family.

For Beary Barrington, The Country Bears’ young #1 fan, fitting in with his all-too-human family is proving im-paws-ible. When he runs away to find Country Bear Hall and his heroes, he discovers the venue that made them famous is near foreclosure.

Beary hightails it over the river and through the woods to get the Bears in the Band back together for an all-out reunion concert to save Country Bear Hall. And on the way to find his place in the world, Beary learns that true families are made up of those people who love you the most!

I haven’t personally seen this movie yet. Have you?

The Island at the Top of the World

An American archaeologist joins a rich English businessman, an eccentric French inventor, and an Eskimo trapper on an awe-inspiring search for a long-lost son. What they discover is a world forgotten by time in the grand fantasy adventure tradition of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, and alive with Disney’s trademark spectacle, romance, and comedy!

This is another one I haven’t seen yet but I’m really not sure why. It looks interesting! I think I will see if my kids would like to watch it with me soon!

Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Magical World

From the “tale as old as time” comes a new Special Edition inspired by the original classic, Beauty And The Beast. Join Belle, Disney’s spirited princess, Beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere, and some charming new friends, as they discover how teamwork and friendship can turn a once-gloomy castle into a dazzling palace fit for a princess!

Adorned with delightful bonus features, your favorite characters and enchanting songs, this fun-filled, instant classic proves that true beauty shines from within!

I’m thinking this was probably one of those “direct to VHS” releases from Disney. I haven’t seen this one either but I loved the original Beauty and the Beast movie.

The Moon-Spinners

Start with a fortune in stolen jewels. Add a dash of danger. A pinch of romance. Season with Hitchcock-like intrigue and comic flair. What do you have? A mystery thriller for the whole family … with the Disney touch.

Set against the sun-bleached beauty of the Isle of Crete, the story pits a young English tourist (Hayley Mills) against a wily Greek jewel thief (Eli Wallach). Mistaken identities and perilous escapes — including a nail-biting battle with a windmill — lead the junior-miss detective to a final confrontation aboard the yacht of an eccentric millionairess (Pola Negri) with a passion for priceless gems and pet cheetahs!

I really like Hayley Mills so I’m a bit disappointed I haven’t had the opportunity to watch this movie yet. I’m putting it on my list of movies to watch this year!

Cheetah

They taught him how to play video games. He showed them how to survive! For California teenagers Ted Johnson (Keith Coogan, ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING), and his sister Susan, a summer vacation in Africa turns into an incredible adventure and a struggle for survival!

Their mission: a daring rescue. Their only ally: Morogo … if he can find them! CHEETAH is a thrilling adventure about friendship, courage, and survival … an unforgettable journey that will take you into the very heart of the African wilderness!

My siblings and I LOVED this movie growing up. I can remember checking it out from the video rental store quite a few times over the years. It’s a great story and definitely worth the watch if you haven’t seen it yet.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning

Every story has a beginning but only one begins under the sea…now for the first time ever discover the story you never knew in The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, a motion picture only on Disney DVD.

Long ago, in a kingdom where music is outlawed, King Triton’s youngest daughter, Ariel, discovers her love for music in a secret, underground music club. Torn with the choice of whether to hide her passion or share it with her father and risk losing everything, Ariel sets off on a daring adventure to restore music to Atlantica.

I have seen this one. It was another direct to VHS (or maybe it was DVD). My daughter enjoyed watching this one when she was younger. I think any child who enjoyed the original The Little Mermaid will like this one was well.

Darby O’Gill and the Little People

Take a wee bit of ancient folklore, mix in some spectacular special effects and a magical cast (including Sean Connery) — and you’ve got one of the most enchanting fantasies of all time! A frisky old storyteller named Darby O’Gill is desperately seeking the proverbial pot of gold.

There’s just one tiny thing standing in his way: a 21-inch leprechaun named King Brian. In order to get the gold, Darby must match his wits against the shrewd little trickster — which proves no small task, indeed! Fall under the spell of DARBY O’GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE for a fun-filled evening of magic, mirth, and nonstop shenanigans!

We own this DVD. I remember when I got it covering up the names at the top and asking my husband if he knew who the main character was played by. It took him a couple of moments to shockingly proclaim, “oh my goodness, is that Connery?!”

Of course, as fans of Sean Connery we had to watch this movie. It was SO long ago that I struggle to remember our thoughts on it. I think we thought it was an okay movie but not the kind of movie you’d want to watch over and over again.

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time

What if the slipper didn’t fit? Experience the wonder and the majesty of Cinderella’s classic fairy tale with a spectacular twist in Disney’s motion picture CINDERELLA III: A TWIST IN TIME. When her evil stepmother gets hold of the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and turns back the hands of time, Cinderella must try to find Prince Charming and break through the evil spell.

Gus, Jaq and all your favorite characters return in an exciting and hilarious new take on one of the most celebrated films of all time. Bursting with show-stopping music and more magic, wonder and suspense than the original, CINDERELLA III is enchanting entertainment for the entire family.

Have you seen this one? I haven’t yet but my kids have watched it and seemed to enjoy it.

Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken

Everyone will cheer Walt Disney Pictures’ presentation of this captivating real-life story of Sonora Webster’s determination and courage. A runaway orphan, young Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) persists for a menial job mucking stables in Doc Carver’s traveling stunt show.

Her great wish is to become a death-defying “diving girl,” but Doc (Cliff Robertson) refuses her pleas. Undaunted, Sonora’s gutsy resolve finally convinces him to give her a break. On the brink of stardom, however, a cruel twist of fate threatens to destroy her dream. With the help of a loving friend (Michael Schoeffling), Sonora must prove that if you want something badly enough, anything is possible!

This one is another favorite from childhood. We actually had it on VHS and loved to watch it! If you haven’t seen this one yet, I definitely recommend it!

The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello star as the sweethearts of Midvale College in this wacky, laugh-filled campus romp. Kirk is Merlin Jones, the gifted but slightly oddball student who, accompanied by his girlfriend Jennifer (Funicello), sets out on a series of comic misadventures.

From trying to solve what appears to be a horrendous burglary and murder plot to having a chimp-napping charge pinned on him, no one is exempt from Merlin’s wacky sense of oddball adventure!

I’d heard of Annette Funicello (thanks to Full House) but I have never seen this movie. It looks cute though! I’ll have to check and see if it’s on Disney+.

Ducktales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp

Bring home the adventure of a lifetime as Uncle Scrooge and a comical cast of characters star in DUCKTALES THE MOVIE: THE TREASURE OF THE LOST LAMP. Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webbigail Vanderquack accompany their wealthy uncle Scrooge McDuck on a trip to Egypt in search of the long-lost riches of Collie Baba’s ancient pyramid.

After an epic battle with Merlock the evil sorcerer over a magic lamp, Scrooge and his companions discover that friendship and family are far more valuable than even the most fantastic fortune.

I LOVED this movie as a kid and my own kids have enjoyed it as well. If you’ve got kids, I bet they will love it too!

One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing

Lord Southmere escapes from China with a microfilm of the formula for the mysterious “Lotus X”, and is captured by Chinese spies who have been instructed to retrieve the microfilm from him. Escaping from his captors, Lord Southmere hides the microfilm in the bones of a large dinosaur at the National History Museum.

However, he has been followed into the museum by the spies, so Lord Southmere asks Hettie, (his former nanny), to retrieve the microfilm before the spies can find it. He is then promptly recaptured by the head spy, Hnup. Hettie, and her friend Emily (another nanny), devise a plan for a group of nannies to search for the microfilm, but they are unsuccessful in their endeavors.

The spies then decide to steal the dinosaur, but are outmaneuvered by Hettie and Emily, who – with a young nanny named Susan – take the dinosaur skeleton on an unforgettable journey around the countryside. When Hettie’s two young charges, Lord Castleberry and his younger brother, Truscott, also become involved in the plot, all seems lost – especially for Lord Southmere!

I haven’t had a chance to watch this one but I would really like to. We have liked a few other Peter Ustinov films so it feels like we should give this one a try too.

Home on the Range

Round up the family and get ready for a whole lotta fun with Disney’s hilarious animated comedy HOME ON THE RANGE. It’s a “total joy,” raves Gene Shalit, The Today Show. When a greedy outlaw schemes to take possession of the “Patch Of Heaven” dairy farm, three determined cows, a karate-kicking stallion named Buck, and a colorful corral of critters join forces to save their home.

The stakes are sky high as this unlikely animal alliance risks their hides and match wits with a mysterious band of bad guys. Experience Disney’s new moo-vie adventure with spectacular bonus features, stunning animation, and original songs performed by k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, Tim McGraw, and The Beu Sisters and written by the Academy Award(R)-winning composer of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ALADDIN. It’s “good fun for the whole family,” declares Leonard Maltin.

I haven’t had a chance to see this one yet myself, have you?

Never a Dull Moment

There’s magic in the memories as great Disney moments are captured right here for you and your family to enjoy. Welcome to the world of Jack Albany — New Yorker, struggling actor — and art thief?

He isn’t really, but when a mobster kingpin with his eye on a priceless painting mistakes Albany for a famous West Coast gangster, Jack’s earnest attempts to set the record straight only escalate his involvement in a daring museum robbery.

Dick Van Dyke, Edward G. Robinson, and Dorothy Provine head a cast of crooks, molls, heroes, and half-wits in this fast-paced, laugh-packed comedy thriller!

I haven’t had the chance to see this movie yet. I wish it was on Disney+. I consider myself a pretty big Dick Van Dyke fan so it’s on my list of movies I hope to watch soon!

G-Force

Buckle up for thrilling edge-of-your seat action and laugh-out-loud fun in Disney’s family comedy adventure G-FORCE. Just as the G-Force — an elite team of highly trained guinea pigs — is about to save the world, the F.B.I. shuts the secret unit down.

But these next-generation action heroes — Darwin, loyal team leader; Blaster, weapons expert with attitude to spare; Juarez, drop-dead gorgeous martial arts diva; and tag-along Hurley — won’t be stopped. Armed with the latest in high-tech spy equipment, and with the F.B.I. on their tails, the fur flies as they race against the clock to save the world.

From the producer of the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN trilogy and NATIONAL TREASURE, and filled with high-octane action, daredevil stunts, cutting edge special effects and outrageous comedy, G-FORCE is fantastic fun for the whole family.

This movie is a favorite for my kids. We’ve watched it quite a few times and they all love it!

No Deposit No Return

There’s magic in the memories as great Disney moments are captured right here for you and your family to enjoy. Oscar(R)-winning actor David Niven (Best Actor, SEPARATE TABLES, 1958) stars as a millionaire with two bored grandchildren who fake their own kidnapping, holding themselves for ransom!

In cahoots with the kids is a pair of down-on-their-luck safecrackers (Darren McGavin and Don Knotts). It doesn’t take long for the two young pranksters to discover just how impractical a practical joke can be. The mayhem escalates into an all-out cops-and-robbers chase filled with every bit as much hilarity as excitement.

I’ve always been a Don Knotts fan (how could I not be – his home state is also West Virginia!) so I’ve seen most of his movies, including this one. It’s not my absolute favorite Don Knotts movie (that’s The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again) but it was a good one and certainly worth a watch!

Rascal

If man’s best friend is a dog, get ready to meet man’s funniest friend — he’s four pounds of sheer delight and one of the best scene stealers to ever upstage an actor!

RASCAL tells the story of a boy (Billy Mumy) and his rescued pet raccoon, an animal whose talent for causing loads of mischief is equaled only by his power to trigger tons of laughter! Featuring superb performances by an all-star cast and spectacular lush scenery … this is family entertainment at its finest!

I haven’t seen this one yet but we have a lot of wild racoons living out in the country, so I think my kids would enjoy this one. We’ll have to try it sometime.

Blackbeard’s Ghost

Award-winning actor Peter Ustinov stars in this hilarious fantasy as the ghost of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. The once blackhearted scoundrel materializes in a small New England town, cursed to wander in limbo until he performs a good deed.

He gets his chance when he decides to help a local college track team … that hasn’t a ghost of a chance of winning! Blackbeard finds himself full of team spirit, and dispensing his own brand of invisible coaching … in this warmhearted comedy that will have you laughing from his first fade-in to his final fade-out!

I had never even heard of this movie before meeting my husband. It was one of his favorites growing up and he introduced it to me (as a big Dean Jones fan) and I LOVED it! We’ve since showed it to our kids who love it as well. I would say we watch it probably once a year or at least every other year here. It’s a great one!

Bambi II

One of the silver screen’s most cherished characters makes his triumphant return in Disney’s spectacular movie, Bambi II. The eagerly-awaited next chapter of Bambi’s unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that’s sure to delight your entire family.

Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, The Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. But, in the adventure of a lifetime, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son.

Thumper, Flower, Owl and your favorite characters return – and you’ll meet some wonderful new friends – as Bambi’s magnificent legacy continues. Illustrated in the breathtaking animation style of the original classic and bursting with enchanting new songs, Bambi II is truly a wonder to behold.

I loved the original Bambi movie. I’ve seen Bambi II and it’s a very cute movie as well. Maybe not as good as the original Bambi, but still worth a watch!

The North Avenue Irregulars

The new preacher in town joins forces with the most unlikely group of organized crime fighters anyone has ever dreamed up – six lady church members who are dedicated, eager, ready, willing, and everything but organized!

I just recently heard of this movie. I’ve never personally seen it but it sounds funny. I am hoping Disney+ makes it available soon! You can buy it on DVD or digital.

Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N.

Lt. Robin Crusoe is an all-thumbs Navy pilot who ditches his plane after engine trouble. He survives a riotous raft ride only to find himself marooned on a lush tropical island with a poker-playing chimp, a gadget-rich abandoned sub, and Wednesday – a wild but beautiful native girl in exile for disobeying her overprotective father.

As a big Dick Van Dyke fan, I was surprised I had never heard of this movie when my husband told me about how much he loved it as a child. Of course, I had to watch it then too and really enjoyed it as well. It’s definitely one you should try! We bought it on digital.

The Devil and Max Devlin

When ruthless landlord Max Devlin is struck by a bus, he meets a diabolical “soul manager” with an offer he can’t refuse. Max can return to life on earth if he can convince three innocent people to sign their souls over to the devil within two months. In a riotous race against time, all his targets have other ideas.

Did you know that Bill Cosby was in a Disney movie? I had no idea. This is another one I haven’t seen before – I’d love to hear what you thought of it if you’ve seen it.

As ratings for Jack Crandall’s lifeless airborne traffic reports plummet, a super-size St. Bernard on the lam stows away in his chopper. Crandall’s new co-pilot helps send ratings sky-high, but the canine’s chronic kleptomania generates girl trouble, jewel thievery, and loads of laughs.

Because we have a Saint Bernard (Liberty), our family tries to watch any movie with a Saint Bernard in it. We were excited to find this one on Disney+ and our whole family LOVED it! It’s a great movie! You can watch it on Disney+ right now too!

Mr. Toad is literally driving his friends crazy with his powerful passion for motorcars — selling off the town’s land to replace each vehicle he crashes! It’s up to Mole, Rat, and Badger to put an end to the lunacy and save “Toad Hall” from falling into the hands of the conniving Weasels, who plan to turn it into a dog food factory!

As a child who grew up in the 90’s, I don’t understand how I never heard of this movie, but I don’t remember it at all. Do you?

Have you heard of any of these movies before? How many…..and have you seen any of them? Tell me in the comments! I’d love to know what you thought of them if you have seen them!

I recently discovered that you can purchase all kinds of lesser-known Disney movies as a digital copy and/or DVD directly from the Disney website.

Related Posts

We have quite a few Disney posts on Thrifty Nifty Mommy. Check out this post about the best Disney Baby items for 2024, this post about the best Disney memes, and this post about fun and interesting Disney trivia.