To continue a series that was started at the end of 2017, here are the Disney animated films which celebrated a major anniversary this past year.
9) Ralph Breaks the Internet: Premiere
Since a premiere of a new film should be included in this list, Happy Birthday to Ralph Breaks the Internet! This sequel to 2013’s Wreck-It Ralph is only the fourth time a sequel has been included in the official Walt Disney Animation Studios canon. This is also the first film to feature characters from all of Disney’s major brands: Classic Disney, Pixar, The Muppets, Marvel, and Star Wars.
8) Frozen: 5thAnniversary
It was five years ago that the Frozen phenomenon rocked the animation world. Fans of all ages grew obsessed with Elsa, Anna, and their friends, though many grew tired of the hype just as quickly. But there is no denying that Frozen marked a huge milestone in animation history. This film soon led to other adventures in Arendelle with shorts such as Frozen Fever in 2015, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure in 2017, and a sequel set to debut in November of 2019.
7) Bolt: 10thAnniversary
Bolt was released ten years ago and even though it was part of the Post-Renaissance Era, it did lead the way to the Revival Era. Bolt was originally titled American Dog and tells a story filled with love and friendship.
6) Brother Bear: 15th Anniversary
Brother Bear was the last of three films to be primarily produced at the Disney-MGMStudios at Walt Disney World. For research for this film, teams travelled to Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Sequoia National Park.
5) Mulan: 20thAnniversary
Despite having watched Mulan many times over the last 20 years, this film still makes me laugh out loud each time. Mulan has the perfect blend of heart, humour, and tension, making it a fantastic story to get lost in. Mulan was another film to be made at the Disney-MGM Studios.
4) Oliver and Company: 30th Anniversary
Oliver and Company may not be the most popular Disney film, but it did continue the Disney tradition in striving for the next greatest thing in animation as it was the first Disney film to have its own CGI department. It was released in 1988 and paved the way for the famous Disney Renaissance.
3) The Sword in the Stone: 55th Anniversary
Based on T.H. White’s story, The Sword in the Stone was released on Christmas Day in 1963. Animators sneakily based the look and personality of Merlin on Walt Disney, and Walt did not realize this until after the film was released.
2) Peter Pan: 65thAnniversary
Peter Pan is one of Disney’s most beloved films (and attractions in the Disney Parks!) Though some elements of the film have not quite stood the test of time, the magic and wonder of Pixie Dust still captivates audiences to this day.
1) Melody Time: 70thAnniversary
Part of the Package Film Era, Melody Time is made of seven segments. The most well-known of these segments tend to be Pecos Bill and Johnny Appleseed. Even 70 years later, Pecos Bill is still present in the Disney Parks as the name of a quick service restaurant in Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.
Happy Anniversary to these Disney animated films!
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