8 Animated Disney Films That Need Sequels After The Moana 2 Announcement

Following the announcement of Moana 2, it’s worth considering what other Disney animated films that need a sequel. Taking many by surprise, Disney confirmed Moana 2 is happening, a highly anticipated follow-up to the original, which was released in 2016. Audiences will be able to return to Motunui and reacquaint themselves with Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and while that’s exciting, other beloved Disney characters also deserve another chance on the silver screen.

The animated Disney movies have become a genre of their own with almost every animated feature released by the studio becoming an instant classic. Although Disney as a company includes several other properties and studios, it is still synonymous with animated films. Major hits like Frozen have resulted in an incredibly popular franchise, but other films have been overlooked. With Moana 2 now officially confirmed, hopefully, Disney will revisit some of their other stories and consider them for the sequel treatment.

8 Encanto

Another Encanto Soundtrack Is Much Needed

Encanto was released in 2021, with Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Stephanie Beatriz taking the lead role as the quirky Mirabel. Praised for its cultural representation and diversity, Encanto also saw some incredible original songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Encanto soundtrack stands out amongst Disney’s musical films, with “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” going viral and being performed by its cast at the 2022 Oscars.

Encanto also delved into a lot of themes and discussions surrounding generational trauma. While a difficult topic, it was presented in a child-friendly way that was informative yet entertaining. In terms of cinematic timelines, Encanto is still a relatively new film, but it would be well deserved for a sequel. Encanto 2 is not confirmed as of the writing of this article.

7 Tangled

Rapunzel Has Returned On TV, But Not In Cinemas

Tangled provided an interesting retelling of the classic fairytaleRapunzel with some fresh twists and great visuals. Released in 2010, Tangled was a story of female independence and justice, with several award nominations under its belt. While Tangled has not had a sequel as of yet, Disney did release a short film that served as a follow-up,Tangled Ever After, in 2012, and a television series, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, in 2017. Considering how popular Tangled is, even 14 years after its release, it’s surprising that another film hasn’t been made yet.

6 Big Hero 6

Baymax Needs To Come Back On The Silver Screen

Big Hero 6 saw huge success upon its release in 2014. The film was praised for its fast pacing and action-packed storyline but saw particular acknowledgment for how it tackled the topic of grief in children. Big Hero 6 is another Disney franchise that has had a TV follow-up with Big Hero 6: The Series released in 2017, Baymax Dreams in 2018, and Baymax! in 2022. Big Hero 6 is yet to have an official feature-length film sequel, but it’s a story that Disney should consider expanding upon, especially considering how the superhero movie genre needs something fresh.

5 WALL-E

WALL-E And EVE Can Teach Kids About The Environment All Over Again

Easily one of Pixar’s best films of all time, WALL-E helped teach a generation of children the importance of being environmentally conscious. It also introduced two of Disney’s cutest characters, WALL-E and EVE, whose adorable relationship alone would be enough for a sequel. Although its two main characters don’t use typical communication, with minimal dialogue and primarily speaking through beeps and whistles, it’s not needed, WALL-E still manages to translate an intriguing story to audiences.

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WALL-E was released in 2008, but it is surprisingly one of few Disney creations that haven’t had a sequel or a television series follow-up. With the success of Finding Dory, the sequel and spin-off to Finding Nemo, this same idea could be replicated for WALL-E. A possible sequel that focuses on EVE could introduce the film’s concept to a new generation of children, and with global warming discussions more important than ever, it would be a good message for a Disney film to revisit.

4 Coco

Disney Should Continue Focusing On Representation

Coco is another Disney film that was praised for its use of representation, and its story saw a magical focus inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. It was also praised for the character of Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) and his connection to music, as well as the overall emotional story and its completely Latino cast. With Coco being so successful, and the traction it gained for its respect toward Mexican culture, it would make a lot of sense for Disney to revisit it with a sequel if there were to be a story worth telling.

3 Raya And The Last Dragon

A Twist On A Typical Disney Princess

Raya and the Last Dragon was a refreshing, new take on the typical dragons and princesses story, taking inspiration from traditional Southeast Asian cultures. Despite its release being pushed back twice due to COVID-19, it was finally released in cinemas and on Disney+ in 2021. With beautiful imagery and a deep storyline, Raya and the Last Dragon received an Oscar nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature but narrowly lost to Encanto. A Raya and the Last Dragon sequel would be an ideal investment for Disney, now releasing in theaters under more regular circumstances.

2 The Good Dinosaur

A Prehistoric Sequel Could Draw In New Audiences

While 2015’s The Good Dinosaur is one of Disney’s lesser-known films, it’s still a brilliant candidate for a possible sequel. Despite not being a hit, the film still managed to clutch an Academy Award nomination and was praised for its animation, yet its storyline wasn’t as well received. However, this could work in Disney’s favor. Knowing what elements of The Good Dinosaur work, a sequel would allow Disney to craft a stronger story. If a sequel does happen, the studio could draw audiences back in and reconsider their initial opinion of The Good Dinosaur.

1 Brave

Merida’s Brilliant Ways Never Gets Boring

2012’s Brave marked a first for Disney, with the introduction of Merida (Kelly Macdonald), the first female protagonist of a Pixar film, as well as the first-ever Disney Princess to come through a Pixar project. Set in the Scottish Highlands, an unusual but unique setting for a Disney film, Merida is remembered for her strong will and determination, fighting back against the Disney Princess trope of needing to be married. With such brilliant themes and messages throughout, Brave would be an ideal film to receive a sequel, especially as Merida’s attitude and morals are something that deserves to be repeated.