On Friday, Disney will release “Planes: Fire & Rescue” — a sequel to the “Cars” spinoff “Planes,” which came out less than a year ago.
There’s no word yet on how the new flick is, but, as any ’90s kid knows, nothing can pull the rug out from under your feet quite like a Disney sequel.
At the end of the century, the animation giant began releasing sequels to its classics and hits, usually in a direct-to-home-release format. These movies drew you in with the characters you loved, then spit all over your face with low-budget animation and half-ass plotting.
But they weren’t all terrible! These seven Disney sequels are the least awful of the lot, and, in some cases, actually watchable.
‘The Lion King 1 ¹/₂’ (2004)
While a shadow of the original classic, this “half-quel” cleverly tells the exact story of the first, but from the perspective of fan-favorite sidekicks Timon and Pumbaa.
The stakes are pretty low — you already know what’s going to happen — but at least you get to relive some of the best moments of the first. Also, this meerkat song is very, very catchy.
‘Mulan II’ (2004)
The biggest problem with this sequel is that Eddie Murphy didn’t return to voice Mushu, Mulan’s little dragon friend.
But the plot is a little more far-ranging than many other Disney sequels, with new songs that can stand on their own.
‘The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea’ (2000)
The songs are forgettable, the story mundane and it’s all about Ariel’s annoying daughter who doesn’t have red hair.
But it does have a great villain in Ursula’s sister, Morgana.
‘Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas’ (1997)
This holiday film takes place in the middle of the first movie, and all of your favorite characters from the original return, with great new additions like Bernadette Peters’ angel ornament.
It’s not the masterpiece the original film is by any means, but it’s worth pulling off the shelf come December.
‘Toy Story 2 and 3’ (1999 and 2010)
We know, these buck the trend entirely. They’re not just OK; they’re fantastic — and the latter was even nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.
These proper theatrical releases are everything sequels should be — fresh and nostalgic at the same time.
‘Monsters University’ (2013)
Prequels are hard to get right.
But while “Monsters University” isn’t quite as beloved as its genius predecessor, “Monsters, Inc.,” it managed to provide a compelling back story for its two leads, Mike and Sully.