10 Disney Movies You Didn’t Know Were Shameless Rip-Offs

By Stephen Higham / March 29, 2013

1. The Princess and the Frog

Its surprising that The Princess and the Frog ever made it through production with so much originality in tact when you consider the outburst of the African American media against many of Disneys creative decisions. Initially inspired by the titular fairy tale Disneys big twist (SPOILER: that the Princess turns into a frog) actually comes from Ed Bakers novel The Frog Princess in which Princess Emma meets a slimy fate. Disney should be credited, however on the amount of originality in this film. The films spooky, electric atmosphere in the town of New Orleans for one even thought African American journalists considered this offensive due to a recent hurricane that had displaced a number of African- American residence. Also the films evil witch-Doctor villain Doctor Facilier whos shadow is a highlight of the film. Overall Disney may pilfer the past for inspirations in their films but it is their excellent animation and inspired direction that make their films become the definitive versions of the stories that they steal.