16 Hidden Gems in Disney Movies That Will Leave You in Awe!

1. The Incredibles 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 819286, ID: 0317705
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The Incredibles brilliantly combines superhero thrills with a sprinkle of domestic humor, and it’s fascinating to note that its original setting was intended to be rural Kansas, which was later transformed into a lively cityscape, adding a unique charm and depth to the story.
2. Ratatouille 2007，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 838801, ID: 0382932
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Ratatouille offers a delightful culinary journey brought to life through animation, with a heartwarming narrative about a rat dreaming of becoming a chef. What’s intriguing is that the character of Remy was initially created for a children’s book, which eventually evolved into this cherished animated film.
3. WALL·E 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1212899, ID: 0910970
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WALL·E is a poignant tale of a lonely robot finding love and purpose. The film surprises with its subtle commentary on consumerism and environmental neglect, making it a thought-provoking watch.
4. Up 2009，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1137216, ID: 1049413
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Up takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of Carl Fredricksen. The film’s surprising detail is its portrayal of life’s ups and downs in a silent montage, a rare narrative technique in animation.
5. Brave 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 446824, ID: 1217209
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Brave is a visually stunning film that tells the story of Merida, a young princess who defies tradition and carves her own path. The film cleverly uses the concept of ‘striking a good match’ as a metaphor for Merida’s journey, where she lights explosives to overcome challenges. This detail might be easily overlooked but adds depth to the narrative.
6. Inside Out 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 815092, ID: 2096673
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Inside Out is a brilliant exploration of the human mind and emotions. One surprising detail is the homage paid to Robin Williams through Genie’s attire at the end of the film. This subtle nod to a beloved actor enriches the film’s depth and showcases Pixar’s attention to detail.
7. Zootopia 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 554141, ID: 2948356
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Zootopia is a vibrant film that tackles societal issues through its animal characters. A surprising detail is the film’s nuanced handling of stereotypes, challenging the audience’s perceptions and encouraging them to think deeper about the implications. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the film’s message.
8. Moana 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 386290, ID: 3521164
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Moana is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and bravery. A surprising detail is the foreshadowing of the chicken’s unsuccessful attempt to consume Maui, which is subtly hinted at by a villager early in the film. This detail, though easily missed, adds a touch of humor and cleverness to the film.
9. Coco 2017，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 603535, ID: 2380307
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Coco is a heartwarming film that celebrates Mexican culture and the importance of family. A surprising detail is the film’s depiction of the Land of the Dead, which is not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural symbolism. This detail enhances the film’s authenticity and depth.
10. Ralph Breaks the Internet 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 185897, ID: 5848272
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Ralph Breaks the Internet is a delightful sequel that explores the vast and dynamic world of the internet. The film cleverly incorporates real-world internet phenomena and brands, making it feel contemporary and relatable. The surprising detail is the film’s self-deprecating humor, particularly the scene where Vanellope enters the Disney online headquarters, which is filled with references to Star Wars and Marvel.
11. Frozen II 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 197619, ID: 4520988
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Frozen II captivates with stunning visuals and dives into the enchanting world of Arendelle, tackling complex themes that resonate not only with children but also with adults. An unexpected detail is its autumnal color scheme, which imparts a poignant tone; additionally, the dark lullaby sung by the Queen introduces subtle darker elements in an otherwise magical story.
12. Onward 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 172634, ID: 7146812
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Onward tells a touching tale of brotherhood, loss, and transformation, with a standout detail being its imaginative representation of the Great Before, where souls are prepared for their earthly journey. The film’s animation draws inspiration from both hand-drawn techniques and the magical touch of Hayao Miyazaki, enriching its visual storytelling.
13. Soul 2020，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 386774, ID: 2948372
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Soul invites viewers on an emotional exploration of life through the eyes of a jazz musician, with the intriguing aspect of its portrayal of the Great Beyond and the Great Before symbolizing profound metaphysical concepts related to existence and mortality. Its ability to convey these themes in an accessible manner makes it a truly impactful film.
14. Luca 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 198675, ID: 12801262
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Luca presents a delightful coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of a stunning Italian seaside town, appealingly exploring themes of identity and acceptance through the journeys of sea monsters who can take on human form. The rich Italian culture and scenery serve as a vibrant setting, enhancing the film’s charming story.
15. Encanto 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 267106, ID: 2953050
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Disney’s ‘Encanto’ is a warm, feel-good family-friendly movie that tells a magical realist tale of a Colombian family. The movie is filled with hidden details and references. For instance, Camilo’s portrayal of Bruno as a villain is due to his own exaggerated idea of what Bruno was like. Another subtle detail is the image of Abuela in Bruno’s vision, hinting at the importance of mending her relationship with Abuela. The frequent appearance of butterflies, representing change and rebirth, and the color green associated with Mirabel are other interesting details.
16. Turning Red 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 156200, ID: 8097030
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‘Turning Red’ boldly addresses the challenges of adolescence and fills an important niche for young, awkward female teens, packed with hidden details that enhance the viewing experience. For instance, the pivotal day Pedro made a sacrifice for his family coincided with the birth of their triplets, and Dolores feeding Isabela misleading information out of jealousy adds layers to their interactions. Furthermore, clever references to Pixar’s upcoming film ‘Lightyear’ enrich the narrative, making it more engaging and relatable.