Disney first entered the public consciousness with its groundbreaking animated feature films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Pinocchio, and steadily built a reputation as one of the world’s most beloved film studios, often basing its animated movies on classic fairytales and children’s fantasy books. Disney’s first foray into the sci-fi genre was its live-action adaptation of the classic Jules Verne novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea way back in 1954. Since, Disney has dived in and out of the genre to varying levels of success.
While many of these movies didn’t reach the commercial success of its typical fairytale-inspired animated classics, many received critical acclaim or developed cult followings. Below, we look at 15 of Disney’s best sci-fi movies, from animated adventures like Treasure Planet and Wall-E to cosmic cult classics like The Black Hole and Tron.
Note: In recent years, Disney has acquired the rights to a number of big-name sci-fi intellectual properties, most notably Marvel and Star Wars, and has continued to contribute to the success of these franchises. However, in this article we have decided to focus on Disney works outside these properties.
15 Flubber (1997)
Flubber
- Release Date
- November 26, 1997
- Runtime
- 93
In Flubber, Professor Phillip Brainard finds himself thrust into a series of whacky misadventures after discovering an extraordinary bouncy, gravity-defying green substance he names Flubber. Whilst trying to navigate the pandemonium of his professional and personal life, his weird and wonderful creation becomes both a catalyst for chaos and a cause for contemplation.
Robin Williams Shines in an Otherwise Uneven Sci-fi Comedy
Beyond the silly but superb sight gags and slapstick shenanigans, older viewers may find themselves longing for a little more depth in this fairly one-dimensional, hyperactive comedy. Fortunately, Robin Williams is on hand to elevate proceedings by injecting his professor character with not just his trademark humor and wit, but also layers of charm and vulnerability. The result is a multifaceted and relatable character in an otherwise run-of-the-mill family comedy.
14 The Rocketeer (1991)
Set in the tumultuous 1930s era Los Angeles, 1991’s The Rocketeer follows the story of a pilot who stumbles across an abandoned high-powered futuristic jetpack and uses it to become a superhero. During his adventures, he finds himself taking down mobsters and battling Nazi agents. This charming, action-packed movie was a hit with critics but, unfortunately, plans for a sequel were scrapped after the movie underperformed at the box office.
The Rocketeer Serves as a Precursor to Disney’s Later Forays Into the Superhero Genre
Whilst Disney was no stranger to sci-fi movies by this point, the superhero genre was still new terrain for the behemoth. Fast forward to 2009, Disney acquires Marvel and has since been behind many of the biggest and best movies in the genre. Whilst The Rocketeer might not have soared at the box office and reached the heights of the biggest Marvel blockbusters, it’s still a thoroughly entertaining comic book adaptation that makes for a fun, thrilling and compelling viewing experience.
13 John Carter (2012)
Based on the literary works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Carter is a thrilling, handsomely-made, sci-fi romp that takes viewers on an immersive, action-packed adventure on the alien planet of Barsoom. The story follows Civil War veteran John Carter after he finds himself transported onto Barsoom, where he finds his purpose as he feels compelled to protect the planet from those who wish to exploit and dominate it.
John Carter Bombed at the Box Office and Planned Sequels Were Scrapped
John Carter was praised for its stunning visuals and gorgeous cinematography, but many found its plot to be somewhat convoluted and hard to follow, making it inaccessible to its core target audience. As a result, the movie has gone down in history as one of Hollywood’s biggest box office bombs, failing to break even on its huge budget which is estimated at over $300 million. Despite many finding enjoyment in its brand of high-octane, family-friendly action adventure, its underperformance meant that Disney’s two planned sequels were swiftly scrapped.
12 Lightyear (2022)
Lightyear
The story of Buzz Lightyear and his adventures to infinity and beyond. Chris Evans, Taika Waititi and James Brolin star in this Pixar animated film.
- Release Date
- June 17, 2022
- Director
- Angus MacLane
- Runtime
- 1hr 40min
Unlike other movies in the Toy Story franchise, where Buzz Lightyear was a toy belonging to Andy, Lightyear focuses on the original Space Ranger himself, voiced by Chris Evans, in a sci-fi action romp that explores his backstory and adventures as a real astronaut. With all new characters and adventures, it sets itself apart from the other Toy Story movies.
Lightyear Provides a Fresh Perspective and Exploration of the Character’s Universe
Lightyear faced somewhat of an uphill battle from the start. Aside from the obvious comparisons that were bound to be made with the legendary franchise it was spawned from, it faced a number of difficulties, including controversies and confusion about how it relates to Toy Story and the original Buzz Lightyear character. As a result, the movie was considered a box office flop, and failed to reach the same critical success as the Toy Story movies. Despite this, when viewed as a standalone movie, it is, in fact, an enjoyable, thrilling sci-fi adventure movie that delivers plenty of action and adventure with a decent dose of Pixar humor.
11 Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Atlantis: The Lost Empire tells the story of a mismatched team of adventurers as they embark on a quest to discover the lost city of Atlantis. With its cutting edge blend of CGI and traditional animation, well-developed characters, and intense action set pieces, expectations were sky-high. Disney had already planned multiple theme park attractions based on the property as well as a spin-off television series.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire Faced Stiff Competition at the Box Office
Unfortunately, these expectations were never realized. While it’s hard to pinpoint a single reason for this, there were certainly several factors that didn’t help. During the development of the movie, public expectations had begun to shift from traditionally animated movies to full CGI experiences. This shift was cemented by the immense success of Shrek, released just months before Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Additionally, its more mature sci-fi themes strayed from Disney’s typical fairytale formula that was so popular in the ’90s, perhaps throwing off viewers and critics.
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10 The Black Hole (1979)
Set in the distant future, The Black Hole follows a space crew that encounters an abandoned spaceship close to a mysterious black hole. Upon exploring the ship, they come across a scientist who has been driven mad by the black hole’s powers. As the situation escalates, the movie excels, combining tension, action and drama.
The Black Hole’s Themes and Premise Proved Influential Within the Sci-fi Genre
Released in 1979, The Black Hole is an early example of a movie that explores psychological themes amidst the vastness of space. This is something that has been featured in a plethora of movies since, including in Dany Boyle’s Sunshine and the sci-fi horror Event Horizon. Additionally, its exploration of black holes and their effects on time and space can also be seen in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster Interstellar, to the point that a remake was canceled due to the similarities in theme and plot.
9 Tron Legacy (2010)
tron legacy
- Release Date
- December 14, 2010
- Director
- Joseph Kosinski
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Runtime
- 127
Twenty-eight years after the groundbreaking Tron, Tron Legacy hit theaters bringing viewers back into the virtual reality grid. This time around to bear witness to Sam Flyn as he searches the digital landscape for his missing father, and original creator of TRON, Kevin Flyn.
Tron Legacy Delivers Breathtaking Visuals Soundtracked by the Iconic Daft Park
The movie was lauded for its cinematography and stunning visual effects, especially its grid sequences, which were fully shot in 3D, utilizing cameras specifically designed for it. Despite its high budget of around $170 million, the movie was still a box office success grossing over $400 million, with its soundtrack, scored by Daft Punk, which incorporated their trademark electronic dance style music coupled with occasional orchestral elements to add further intensity.
8 The Incredibles (2004)
Released in 2004, The Incredibles follows the lives of a family of superheroes who are forced by the government to hide their powers, as they attempt to live a quiet suburban life. However, as soon as the opportunity to return to action arises, Father Bob can’t resist, leading to a thrilling and dangerous adventure that involves his whole family as they battle against a formidable fan turned foe.
The Incredibles Provides a Fresh Take on the Superhero Genre
There’s no denying that Pixar choosing to enter into the superhero genre with The Incredibles — which acts just as much as a sharp satire of sitcom-like suburban life as it does an homage to the great comic book heroes of Marvel and DC that have come before them — was a stroke of genius. The movie was a huge box office hit, scored a near perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, won the Best Animated Feature Oscar and spawned a successful sequel. It was the first entirely animated film to win the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
7 The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
Released in 1961, The Absent-Minded Professor was the original version of the 1997 Robin Williams Flubber remake. It stars frequent Disney collaborator, at the time, Fred MacMurray, as the titular professor, and inventor of the gravity-defying flubber material.
The Absent-Minded Professor Spawned Disney’s First Ever Sequel
The Absent-Minded Professor was a hit with critics and fans alike, who appreciated its light-hearted tone and slapstick humor. Its infectious absurdity and fun premise left fans clamoring for more leading Disney to follow it up two years later with the sequel, The Son of Flubber, making it the first sequel in the studio’s history.
6 Treasure Planet (2002)
Treasure Planet is a beautifully animated action-adventure movie set in outer space. Utilizing cutting edge technology combining hand-drawn 2D animation with CGI effects, and featuring an all-star voice cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Martin Short and Emma Thompson, Treasure Planet was the most expensive animated movie ever produced at the time of its release.
Treasure Planet Is an Adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Adventure Novel Treasure Island
It follows the same premise as the classic Treasure Island story but is set in space, and instead of traditional sea-faring pirates, there’s a vast array of cyborgs and alien characters in their places. The breathtaking visuals were highly praised, as were the intense and thrilling action sequences. And while, for many, the slightly more mature sci-fi theme was a welcome departure from Disney’s typical fairytale fare, ultimately it struggled to recuperate its huge $140 million budget at the box office.
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5 Lilo and Stich (2002)
Lilo and Stitch follows the story of a young Hawaiian orphan named Lilo who forms a close and unlikely bond with Stitch, a mischievous alien. Their happiness falls under threat, though, as intergalactic authorities arrive in Hawaii to arrest Stitch. The pair demonstrate their resilience and work together to evade capture.
Lilo and Stitch Combines Action and Adventure with Humor and Heart
Unlike Disney’s other animated forays into the sci-fi genre around the same time, Lilo and Stitch manages to retain its appeal with younger audiences. While the sci-fi elements are prevalent throughout, at its core, it’s a story about family, acceptance and the true meaning of belonging. The movie’s adorable charm made it a huge hit with fans and critics alike, scoring an impressive 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and raking in over $270 million at the box office on its $80 million budget.
4 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is about an eccentric scientist played by Rick Moranis who creates a shrink ray gun that can shrink whatever object it is fired at. What could possibly go wrong? Well, in this case, the father of the year somehow fails to keep the majorly dangerous science gun out of the reach of children, which results in his kids getting shrunk!
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Is a Sci-fi Comedy That’s Big on Laughs
The film is a fine mixture of fun, excitement, and humor as the children, now only a quarter of an inch in height and having been discarded in the trash, have to work together to make it through the backyard and overcome the endless array of new threats that await. Just imagine potentially being over-powered by a single ant, and you’ll get the idea.
3 Big Hero 6 (2014)
Big Hero 6
- Release Date
- October 24, 2014
- Director
- Don Hall , Chris Williams
- Runtime
- 108
Set in the futuristic San Fransokyo (a fictional city blending elements of Tokyo and San Francisco), Big Hero 6 sees a mismatched group of college friends becoming a formidable crime-fighting band of superheroes thanks to their expertise in hi-tech gadgetry. Accompanied by the adorable robot Baymax, the team, led by young robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, work together to uncover a sinister plot masterminded by a mysterious masked villain.
Big Hero 6 Is Loosely Based on a Marvel Comics Superhero Team
Disney’s Big Hero 6 is a wildly creative and original piece of work that unfortunately got overshadowed by the immense success of Frozen, which was released less than a year prior. That’s not to say Big Hero 6 wasn’t a success in its own right. The movie was praised for its jaw-dropping animation, exhilarating sci-fi action sequences and its emotional storytelling. It grossed an impressive $657.8 million at the box office and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
2 Tron (1982)
Tron
- Release Date
- July 9, 1982
- Runtime
- 96
Released in 1982, Tron follows computer programmer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) as he’s sucked into the virtual reality world of a malevolent computer operating system. In this digital realm, he is forced to compete in a series of dangerous competitions and confronts the oppressive Master Control System. Its breathtaking digital visuals and creative storytelling made it a hit with fans and critics alike and cemented it as a cult classic within the genre.
Tron’s Light Cycle Battles and Neon Lit Landscapes Are Iconic
The most memorable challenge Flynn finds himself a part of is the notorious Light Cycle battle. Riding an ultra-sleek futuristic motorcycle-style vehicle known as a Light Cycle, he speeds across the neon-tinged digital landscape, outmaneuvering his opponents and forcing them to collide with various obstacles to eliminate them from the competition. The sequence has since become an enduring fixture in the world of popular culture, having been referenced in Family Guy and Ready Player One, and can even be ridden by fans at Disney World.
1 Wall-E (2022)
WALL-E
- Release Date
- June 22, 2008
- Runtime
- 103
Set in the distant future, Earth has been abandoned by humans and left as a derelict trash pile. Wall-E is a robot sent to earth to clean the planet in the hopes of one day making it habitable again. During his mission, he encounters another robot named Eve who has been sent to Earth to look for signs of life. The pair gradually fall in love throughout the course of the movie, as they embark on a thrilling journey to rescue humanity.
Wall-E Explores Important Themes While Never Losing Its Family-Friendly Charm
On the surface, Wall-E is a gorgeously animated love story full of action and adventure, but if you scratch a little below the surface, it’s also an exploration of a multitude of important themes, including environmental issues, the dangers of the reliance on technology and religion. It’s this multi-layered approach that made Wall-E such a hit with audiences of all ages. With a near-perfect 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie bagged the coveted Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and grossed an impressive $532.5 million at the box office.
