5 Disney Movie Sequels That Are Actually Good

April/Lyric
Movies Disney
Movies Disney

Disney has been turning out record-breaking classics since the 1920s. They have many hits under their belt including Cinderella, The Lion King, and Snow White. But what about their sequels? They tend to get a bad rap but there are some sequels that are as good as the originals. So, here are five Disney sequels that audiences actually enjoyed.

Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

Kiara and Kovu meet as cubs

The first Lion King movie was an instant hit with children and adults alike. The animated film’s important themes of identity and facing one’s past touched audiences around the world when it released in 1994. In its sequel, we see Simba come into his own as a king and try to pass on the strength and wisdom that his father, Mufasa, instilled in him.

It’s easy to see that the heart and love that went into the first film is very much alive in its sequel. From the commemorative opening number, “He Lives in You,” to the ceremonial presentation of Kiara’s birth.

While the original Lion King is often compared to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it’s sequel takes a Romeo and Juliet approach with the central characters, Kiara and Kovu, finding love with each other as their families feud. As the heir to Scar‘s legacy, Kovu is in a clear stance of opposition from the beginning. But he overcomes this, becoming his own individual and deciding who he wants to be. This is something Kiara is also grappling with as she wants more than to be a simple princess.

Lion King II: Simba’s Pride is a story of not letting one’s hatred of someone affect the people around them. Watching not only Simba but the rest of the pride learn this is a journey worth taking.

Mulan 2

Mulan and Shang being briefed on their mission

There are a lot of fans who would say that the sequel to the acclaimed and much-loved Mulan is not worth a watch. But, they’d be wrong. The movie focuses on the relationship between Mulan and General Li Shang as the two work on their differences and complete their assigned mission.

While guarding the Emperor’s three daughters, Mulan and the General face opposing viewpoints that could either make or break their engagement. Yet, the couple learn that even if they don’t always agree, they always work best as a team.

It may not offer as much action as the original but, Mulan 2 offers a lot of heart and relatable moments. Anyone who’s been in a relationship of any length can relate to Mulan and Shang. Finding that the two have as many differences as they do things in common shows that no fairytale ending comes easy and relationships take hard work and effort.

Bambi II

Bambi and The Great Prince

The first Bambi tackled themes of growing up and facing tragedy. Its sequel/midquel focuses on the bonding between Bambi and his father, The Great Prince of the Forest. It sheds light on a period we didn’t get to witness in the original. The sequel also offers some character development for The Great Prince, showing him becoming a more involved figure in his son’s life.

Their relationship is distant at first, as seen in the original film, with The Great Prince appearing as a towering and shadowy figure. At first, his father wanted to stay as distant as possible, but over time, Bambi grows close to his father. The movie does what Disney does best and shows a very real situation through a whimsical lense.

The Pirate Fairy

Zarina before leaving Pixie Hollow

The Fairies franchise is one of Disney’s most popular ventures and it’s clear to see why. The first film was an origin story for Tinker Bell and each followup movie continues her adventures before she met Peter Pan.

This movie focuses on the tale of The Pirate Fairy, Zarina. Reprimanded for her pixie dust alchemy, Zarina leaves her home in sadness. She soon takes up with a group of pirates, one of which being a young James Hook. They then use her talent of alchemy and her vulnerability to their advantage.

It’s a story of what rejection can do to someone and how it can cause them to seek refuge with less than ideal companions. Zarina is, at first, portrayed as a scary pirate fairy who’s only interested in stealing pixie dust. Yet, as the movie goes on, we get to see that she’s insecure and looking for friendship wherever she can find it.

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Aladdin and Cassim meeting for the first time since Aladdin was a baby

The third film in the Aladdin franchise, King of Thieves, introduces us to Aladdin’s father, Cassim. This story carries on Aladdin’s journey of self-discovery as he moves on from his old ways.

Cassim is the king of the Forty Thieves. He assumed that role sometime after leaving his son and wife in search of a better life for them. Cassim and his band of thieves begin the search for the Hand of Midas, which can turn anything into gold.

Throughout the movie, we get to see a mirror of Aladdin’s old life on the streets in the form of his father as well as his new life as a prince with Jasmine and the stability she offers. In the beginning, Cassim isn’t very interested in being a father, he’s only interested in the treasures he can get. But, by the end, he decides that his son is more valuable and more important than any treasure he could get his hands on.

April/Lyric
All forms of geekdom are my passion. I can geek out with the best of em'