**This is a user-submitted post by Octaviano Macias**
Disney Animation has produced a lot of gems as well as some stinkers. I personally have, to a certain degree, a fondness for all of the Disney films; even the bad ones have something worth while. So today, I decided to bring you a list of movies I’d love to see Disney Animation tackle. Keep in mind: this is my list, so please, if there’s a choice you dislike, feel free to discuss why in the comments’ section.
1. Wacky Races
I’ll start with the silliest one on this list. I seriously would like to see Disney try this, but I’ll understand why others won’t. The Wacky Races is a Hanna-Barbera favorite of mine. Cars is a big money-maker for Pixar, so I would love to see Disney create its own take of Wacky Races, featuring characters from the show’s history. Silly? Absolutely. But I think we need a laugh-out-loud comedy from Disney every now and then; this would be that comedy if done right.
2. Journey to the West
Perhaps most known to geeks as the inspiration for Dragon Ball, Journey to the West is a very famous and influential story from China. Given China’s growing presence in the film industry, this seems like a no-brainer for Disney. Putting aside China’s financial influence, I do sincerely believe there’s a lot of beautiful visual imagery that could come from Disney taking a stab at this, something unique and impressive that would be a fantastic film if given the chance.
3. The Haunted Mansion
Has Disney done much for horror? Well, this could rectify that. Forget the bad film from the early 2000’s, forget the Guillermo Del Toro reboot (which I assume isn’t happening anyway) and bring the Haunted Mansion to animation where the visuals, ghosts, and ghouls can really shine as well as fright families. Also Disney, give the lead role to a woman. Sure, I partially suggest this because of the whole “final girl” trope, but you would also be giving young girls a cool heroine in the horror genre to admire.
4. Sandland
Disney doing an adaptation of a manga? Yeah, why not? I’m not the biggest fan of manga or anime, but this gem by Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball) is one of my favorites. I’d love to see how Disney would handles a manga adaptation and Toriyama’s art style. I really love this story and would love to see it brought to the big screen. Disney work your magic here.
5. The Three Caballeros
Yes, Disney took a stab at westerns with Home on the Range, but we deserve a better one, so why not give the Caballeros another chance? Originally from The Three Caballeros, Jose and Panchito have been given little to do in recent years, so why not pair them up with Donald again to save a village? Seriously, I’ve been dying to see the Three Caballeros in action again and turned into heroes, they could be very inspirational. As a Hispanic guy myself, I know how inspiring this would be for the Latin community.
6. Kirby
I could’ve picked any video game franchise, but I chose this one. Why? Because Kirby is the most adorable OP character ever; he’s essentially Winnie the Pooh but as an action/fantasy hero. I’ll admit I partially want this film so Kirby can be featured in various, Disney characters merchandise, but the real reason I’d love to see this as a Disney movie is the potential of seeing an action-adventure movie with the heart and humor of a Pooh film. There’s a real charm to the idea of something action heavy but still being cutesy.
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Can Disney legally make this? I don’t know, but let’s assume they can because I’d like to see Disney tackle Christmas. In many ways, Rudolph is a basic Disney tale: outsider bonds with friends, becomes a hero through his unique gift, and everyone loves him. This story formula feels so obvious, so why hasn’t Disney tried it? Again, maybe it’s a legal thing, but if the studio ever can do it, I’d love to see them try, ESPECIALLY if they do stop-motion for this one which would be new territory for Disney Animation Studios.
8. Bone
Okay, Disney definitely cannot do Lord of the Rings, so why not this movie? By no means a copy of the Tolkien classic, Bone does have a similar vibe as LOTR, at least for me. Granted, if Disney were to try it, the studio wouldn’t be the first to attempt an adaptation (Bone has had a troubling production history), but I do believe Disney have the best shot at bringing this classic to life, though the studio’s version (much like previous attempts) will most likely not include a cigar for Smiley.
9. The Beatles
Yes, I know the last time Disney made a movie about a historical figure, the studio blew it. But you know what? A second try can do better so long as more respect is brought in. The Beatles are often deemed as the best band in rock, so why not marry their incredible music with the incredible visuals of Disney Animation. Admit it; you want to see it. While most would prefer a Fantasia-styled film, I’d honestly like to see a biopic, just to see if Disney can do so with respect. If all else fails, at least the psychedelic nature of the later songs could help create a visually amazing Disney film unlike any other.
10. Epic Mickey
Anyone remember this game? It’s decent at best, but the story and concept is too great to be left for this not-so-great game. Mickey gets brought to a world of forgotten Disney characters, ruled by Walt’s original star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The premise alone brings a lot of emotional potential, but the game never took full advantage of the forgotten characters. A majority of them were background characters in the classic shorts, and many that can fit the bill weren’t included. I think Disney should work on a film version that shames us for forgetting the characters who were leads (imagine seeing the entirety of Oliver and Company here?). The biggest advantage the film would bring is introducing Oswald to a new generation. Just the idea of setting an emotional sequence where we see him being forgotten gets me teary-eyed.
That’s my list! Like it? Dislike it? Have any more suggestions to add? Feel free to chat down below!
Edited by: Kelly Conley