We’ve talked about the best animated features, but Disney makes non-animated features as well. Some are great, some are classics and some are just films that could have been so much more. We’ll talk about the bad movies later, but for now, let’s look at my top ten picks for best non-animated features.
10. Rocketeer (1991). In this utterly charming, live action pulp comic, Bill Campbell plays a young Cliff Secord, a pilot who stumbles over a rocket pack and uses it to stop the Nazis. Sure, it’s pure cheese, but it’s sharp cheese.
9. Sky High (2005). Heroes are big business for Disney and Sky High took the success of “The Incredibles” and other super hero movies to the bank by creating a high school for children of the ‘supers’ where they can learn to be heroes and manage their powers at the same time. It was equal parts entertaining and goofy and certainly worthy of any DVD collection.
8. The Game Plan (2007). Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson headlined this typical Disney tale of an estranged father and daughter getting to know each other, changing each other’s lives and ultimately, changing to become a real family. The movie is fun and it’s funny. There are many ‘aww’ moments, designed to tug at the heartstrings and the cheese was kept to a minimum.
7. Old Yeller (1957). Probably one of the most powerful movies in Disney’s non-animated library, Old Yeller is the tale of a stray dog that becomes a part of a family, saves them and then ultimately must be put down because he contracts rabies. No matter how many times I’ve seen this movie, that end sequence where Old Yeller dies is powerful and heart wrenching.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003). If you can ignore the weaker sequels, the original film is a powerful romp through adventure. Based on the popular ride of the same name, Captain Jack Sparrow entered into the popular culture as an iconic and fun figure.
5. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975). Tony and Tia are twins who live in an orphanage. They run away because they don’t want to be separated from each other and follow their dreams to find out who they are. There is a wonderful scene where they fly and RV and make puppets dance. Despite the aging, the film’s charm hasn’t gotten old.
4. Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005). When the children step through the wardrobe into Narnia, it’s a ride that takes the viewer along. When a classic novel is brought to life in such sharp, vivid relief, it has to be added to any classic collection.
3. Enchanted (2007). I admit some skepticism when I first heard about this film, but the blending of animation with real world as well as clashing values and expectations made for a wonderful fairy tale. I admit to having a really soft heart for the dragon scene at the end.
2. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). Angela Lansbury is a true gym in this animated mixed with live action film set in World War II England. There’s a feeling of patriotism that surges through the film, particularly when she brings to life uniforms and suits of armor to do battle against the invading Germans.
1. Mary Poppins (1964). Julie Andrews was exquisite in this tale of the Nanny who rescues a family from the overworked father and overzealous mother. Her practical mannerisms, fantastic soundtrack and colorful adventures hold up after 40 years as gracefully as it did the day the film opened. I just have one final comment on it – Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
What’s your favorite non-animated Disney film?