Major studios have seemingly favored live-action films, whether it be remakes or original works, overanimatedfilms over the past few years. Yet there still is a growing desire for animated movies that have a lot of heart and humor and can entertain children and adults alike. The early-2000swas a great time for the entertainment industry, many of which can be attributed to animated works. DreamWorks’Shrekchallenged what fairy tales should and could be, whileFinding Nemomade us all yearn for home even if we never left.
There are countless blockbusters like those that people still watch ad nauseam today. And there are even more animated films from the 2000s that flew under the radar and did not get the hype or attention they deserve. Whether that be lackluster box office sales or mixed to negative reviews from movie critics, the movies on this list were underappreciated in one way or another. Check out the top 10 underrated movies from the 2000s, ranked.
10Flushed Away
On paper,Flushed Awaydoes not sound appealing. We have an apartment rat named Roddy who gets flushed down a toilet and, through his sewer journey back home, falls in love with another rat. Spending nearly an hour and a half watching rodents in a sewer may not be what most go to the screens for, but it’s nonetheless a fun tale.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet voice the characters in this eventual ratty romance. Soon ,Roddy realizes there’s more at stake than not getting back home, but a sewer flood caused by an evil toad. Roddy’s upbringing in posh Kensington apartments gives him a distinct personality from the rats used to dirtier living. It’s a unique twist on aclassic coming-home story.
9Barbie of Swan Lake
Barbie of Swan Lakeis one of the manyBarbieanimated filmsbased on classic fairy tales and stories. As the name suggests, this one adapts the balletSwan Lakeand feels as whimsical as the original with its sparkly costumes and songs. The main character, Odette, discovers a magical forest with talking animals and is immediately intrigued. Even more curiosity finds her when she discovers a curse that befell the forest at the hands of an evil sorcerer. The key to breaking the curse is an act of true love. Bring in Prince Philip. And when the sorcerer catches wind of Odette’s plan to save the forest, she has a magical antagonist to overcome as well.
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8Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
Animated movies love to follow the perspectives of cats, dogs, rabbits, and other creatures, but horses are seriously lacking.Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarronnot only follows a brave wild Mustang named Spirit, but also takes us on a journey throughout the Old West during the American Indian Wars. Set against this unique story backdrop, Spirit is captured by U.S. soldiers who deprive him of food and water when he doesn’t cooperate with being trained.
He meets another prisoner, a human, who happens to be part of a Native American tribe and who both have one thing on their mind: escape. Not only does this movie tackle the cruelty humans can enact on animals, but also shows the magic that can happen when a bond is nurtured between the two.
7The Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Fantastic Mr. Foxemploys a unique animation style, using the stop-motion technique to give audiences a unique viewing experience. The main character is named Mr. Fox and is voiced by George Clooney. Mr. Fox is ready for retirement and to put his thieving days behind him and enjoy a relaxing life with his family. But that idyllic life soon becomes a snore, and he decides he’ll return to his troublesome past and steal from three farmers.
Due to this, Mr. Fox, his family, and his community are at risk of the wrath of these hunters and Mr. Fox now is tasked with getting them out of it. Despite two Oscar nominations,Fantastic Mr. Foxdidn’t meet box office expectations and has been forgotten about. But if you want a unique viewing experience, this movie should be added to the list.
6Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure
Let’s be honest: many sequels to Disney’s iconic movies often feel like cash-grabs and lack the magic the original had. And whileLady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventuredoesn’t capture the exact magic of its predecessor — then again, what could, after that spaghetti scene? — it still is a solid film in its own right.
In it, we follow Scamp, one of Lady and Tramp’s puppies, as he longs to break free of the domestic life he feels leashed to. So, he runs away and joins a gang. Don’t worry, it’s not as bleak as that sounds. Along the way, he meets a rowdy bunch of street dogs, from the aggressive pack leader Buster to the street-smart and kind Angel. It’s a cute story about family, friendship, and puppy love.
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5Treasure Planet
Treasure Planetis an oft-forgotten movie among Disney’s long catalog of hits. Science fiction can be a hard genre to appeal to the mass market, and perhaps some couldn’t get over the flying ships. However, if you can suspend your disbelief,Treasure Planetis a great adventure story.
Adapted from a novel calledTreasure Islandby Robert Louis Stevenson, the protagonist is named Jim, and he sets off on a quest to find a place called Treasure Planet, somewhere he’s been fascinated with since he was a child. From learning to navigate the ship, warding off space pirates, and determining if he can trust his own crew, this voyage is not an easy one. But, for viewers, it sure is an entertaining one.
4Shark Tale
Shark Talemay be a product of bad timing. It was released in 2004, a year after the mega-hitFinding Nemo, and thus was lost in the waves of people who already hit their fill of fishy films. Still,Shark Taleis a fun movie with a star-studded cast that gives the plot a bit more soul. We’re talking the likes of Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, and Renée Zellweger, among others.
Our main character is Oscar (Smith), who desperately wants to break free from his low-level job and hit it big. He lies about killing a shark, which earns him the title of Shark Slayer and also a few enemies with rows upon rows of teeth. Oscar is not a traditional hero, but audiences grow to love him anyway as well as his sidekicks that help him navigate his newfound fame.
3Bee Movie
Bee Movieis a little bit ridiculous, which honestly adds to its charm. Jerry Seinfeld voices the principal character, a bee named Barry who, upon graduating, is feeling panicked at the thought of doing the same job day in and day out. What’s the job in question? Honey production.
While taking time away to mull over his options, he learns that humans sell the honey he and his bee companions make and decides to do what’s only natural: sue the human race. The film touches on many important issues like the exploitation of bees and animal. The plot is almost absurd enough that these messages can get lost. But with a lively voice cast and plenty of meme-worthy moments, it’s definitely one that deserves more buzz.
2Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders
Many of the earlyScooby-Dooanimated moviesget lost when discussions of the franchise arise. The live-action films deserve all their glory with their pitch-perfect casting. However, the animated films are also wonderful. InScooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders,the Mystery Gang arrive in a desert with car troubles they encounter much more than rattlesnakes.
Shaggy and Scooby are abducted by aliens and given their kooky personalities, no one believes them. Well, except for the nature photographer and her dog that they meet (and fall for). The romantic subplot gives this film a more uplifting tone and is responsible for theswoon-worthy song “How Groovy.”
1Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman
Similar to the Scooby-Doo film,Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfmanis often overshadowed by its “live-action” counterparts.Meet the Wolfmancan get quite scary for children, as we see Alvin grappling with nightmares involving werewolves. At the same time, their new neighbor is giving them the major creeps. And when Theodore gets attacked by a “big dog” when walking home at night and starts behaving differently… well, you can see where this is going.
This is a perfect Halloween movie marathon pick, with a mix of the supernatural, a school play depicting Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, psychics, and so much more. Oh, and don’t forget the absolute jams present in the movie that can serve as the perfect backdrop to a Halloween bash.
