It is coming up on the one-year anniversary of the launch of Disney+. The streaming service was highly-anticipated and has mostly delivered for its fans. They boast more than 60 million subscribers at this point and that's without some major programming like the long-awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe show.
There's still plenty of original and new content there for subscribers but the vault is even more expansive. Viewers looking to check out something nostalgic from a bygone era will find plenty of great films from the 1980s available to stream, whether it's a Disney classic or something that was gained through one of the company's many acquisitions over time.
10 The Journey of Natty Gann (7.1)
The 1980s weren't considered to be the best of times for Walt Disney Pictures. They still put out some quality films but a lot of them flew under the radar. The Journey of Natty Gann, released in 1985, falls into that category.
The film was only released in theaters in the United States and Canada while grossing just $9.7 million. However, it was well-received as it holds a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes along with a solid IMDb score. The plot focuses on a tomboy who runs away from their guardian to be with their father across the country in the 1930s.
9 The Great Muppet Caper (7.2)
The fact that Disney has the rights to The Muppets is pretty fantastic. Their new Muppets Now series has been met with solid reviews so far. Back in 1981, The Great Muppet Caper was released and actually marked the directorial debut for the legendary Jim Henson.
This installment worked as something of a parody of heist films. It saw Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Gonzo, and the rest of the gang get caught up in a jewel heist in London as they investigated a robbery.
8 The Great Mouse Detective (7.2)
It's rather fitting that it's back to back entries regarding detective work. 1986's The Great Mouse Detective was the 26th animated film released by Disney. This was a fun take on the kind of thing you would get from a Sherlock Holmes tale, except the characters were all mice and rats.
Basil was the rodent version of Sherlock, who investigated the kidnapping of a toy maker. This was notable for partially being directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who went on to helm classics like Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, and Moana together.
7 The Fox And The Hound (7.3)
Disney has always known how to hit its audience right in the feels. The Fox and the Hound, released in 1981, certainly did just that at least a few times. The film tells the story of a fox named Tod and a hunting dog named Copper, who are supposed to be enemies but form a touching bond.
A lot of the plot was centered around how their friendship gets tested by the humans around them and their own instincts. With the voice acting of Kurt Russell and Mickey Rooney, as well as a heartwarming plot, this has gone on to become an underrated Disney gem.
6 Willow (7.3)
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm, most people only thought about the Star Wars franchise that they received. While that was obviously the biggest part, there are some other works that have been overlooked. One of them was Willow, which is a classic from 1988.
Willow is a dark fantasy film that follows the title character, an aspiring sorcerer who helps to protect a child from an evil queen out to take over the world. Although it had mixed reviews at first, it has become more popular over time. It was also recently announced that a sequel series was in development for Disney+.
5 The Little Mermaid (7.6)
As noted earlier, Disney had some struggles in the 1980s but things started to look up in the back half of the decade. That was especially true with 1989's The Little Mermaid, which actually marked the beginning of what is known as the Disney Renaissance. That was a huge boom for Disney that included things like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast.
Again though, it was The Little Mermaid that started it. Telling the tale of a mermaid princess who dreams of becoming a human and falling in love, so she strikes a deadly deal with an evil witch, this film became a huge hit. It grossed $233 million and won two Academy Awards.
4 Who Framed Roger Rabbit (7.7)
This 1988 film is one of the more adult-themed on this list. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is directed by the incredible Robert Zemeckis and remains one of the best films to ever use a combination of live-action scenes and animation. It was groundbreaking at the time.
The plot focuses on a private investigator in 1940s Hollywood who must help exonerate a cartoon rabbit who has been accused of murder. It was incredible to see this kind of story while also including famous characters from things like the Looney Tunes. The film won three Oscars and grossed over $329 million.
3 The Princess Bride (8.1)
"Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." There aren't many lines in the history of cinema that are more iconic or memorable than that one. It's just one of the many reasons why The Princess Bride is among the most beloved films ever.
Released in 1987, it stars the likes of Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, and wrestling legend André the Giant. It follows a farmhand who goes on a quest with his friends to rescue his true love from a repulsive prince. The Princess Bride is often mentioned on lists of the best comedies or fantasy movies ever made.
2 Return Of The Jedi (8.3)
The late '70s and early '80s were dominated by the Star Wars saga. These films were unlike anything the world had seen before and they helped change movies. After two incredible entries, there was a lot of pressure by the time 1983 rolled around to end the trilogy with a bang.
Thankfully, Return of the Jedi succeeded. The Rebel Fleet launched an attack on the Empire while Luke Skywalker confronted his father Darth Vader and Emporer Palpatine in an emotional climactic battle. Though often seen as the worst of the first three entries, it's still fantastic and a fitting conclusion.
1 The Empire Strikes Back (8.7)
Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises in the entire world. The Empire Strikes Back, released in 1980, is considered by many to be the peak of the series and the best installment. It's also viewed as arguably the greatest sci-fi flick ever released.
Picking up three years after the original, this sequel upped the ante in every way. The battles were bigger, more planets and locations were visited, and the lore was expanded. It introduced the world to iconic characters like Yoda, Lando Calrissian, and Boba Fett. To top it off, the Darth Vader/Luke Skywalker lightsaber battle is incredible and features one of the best twists in cinema history.
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October 23, 2020 at 05:30AM
