Top 10 Best Direct-to-Video Disney Movies

I know that a majority of these movies get a notoriously negative reception, but there were some diamonds in the rough.

Now, Direct-to-Video means that instead of being released in theaters, the movie was released on video or Disney DVD first. Unfortunately, this means I can't include Return to Never Land and The Jungle Book 2 on this list because they were first released in theaters. Trust me, I would have loved to put these two movies on my list if they qualified.

The Top Ten

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

This film truly deserved a better fate than being released directly to video. It should have graced the big screen. The Romeo and Juliet-inspired storyline was captivating, and the soundtrack was fantastic, particularly the track "We Are One."
Cinderella III: A Twist in Time

Cinderella III presents one of the most intriguing "what if" scenarios I've seen, where the Evil Stepmother seizes the Fairy Godmother's wand to alter the course of history, allowing the glass slipper to fit Anastasia instead. The film offers a compelling narrative, giving depth to Prince Charming and his father, the king, while also showcasing Anastasia's remarkable journey of redemption.
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

A surprisingly good movie, especially when you consider that they basically used the same plot as the first one, except in reverse, with Ariel being the overbearing, protective parent and not letting her daughter near the sea.
It was great that this sequel was able to bring back the majority of the original cast. I loved the songs "Down to the Sea" and "For a Moment."
The Lion King 1½

A very amusing tale showing The Lion King through the eyes of Timon and Pumbaa, and how they played a part in different aspects of the movie. My favorite part was seeing how Timon and Pumbaa actually became foster parents to Simba. In the original, they kind of glazed over that fact.
The Return of Jafar

What I really liked about this movie was that Iago got a really good redemption arc. Just like Stitch! The Movie, this movie serves as a pilot episode for the TV series.
Stitch! The Movie

I found Stitch! The Movie to be very funny and a great pilot episode for the TV series. My favorite character was actually Gantu. He played a much bigger part in the movie, and he and 625 played off each other very well.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins

The spin-off is pure Buzz Lightyear at his greatest. There's so much adventure, fun, and the thrill of defeating the evil Emperor Zurg. What more could you ask for?
Bambi II

What I liked about this movie is that you get a more detailed and emotional arc of Bambi and his dad's relationship. Bambi learns to be brave, and his father learns how to be a dad.
Brother Bear 2

Brother Bear 2 is a heartfelt continuation that expands on the journey of Kenai and Koda, along with the new addition to the team, Nita. The movie captures a sense of adventure, emotional depth, and the evolution of Kenai's relationship with Nita.
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure

The movie is a fun and adorable sequel that focuses on Lady and Tramp's son, Scamp, while giving a backstory to Tramp. I love the ending of this movie and the importance it places on family.