10 Underrated Disney Films Everyone Forgets

6. Pete's Dragon

I know: Pete's Dragon was just remade and thus brought the original some attention, so why are we even talking about it?

The answer is simple. The original got nowhere near enough love even before the remake was announced.

Where the remake takes a more dramatic approach, the 1977 version of Pete's Dragon can best be described as a maritime comedy. There are drunken sailors, a frumpy schoolmarm, and old salts galore.

The cast speaks for itself. Mickey Rooney's turn as Lampy is equal parts warm and hysterical. Helen Reddy's feisty and maternal Nora is near perfect. Jim Dale and Red Buttons, not to mention the incredible Shelley Winters, are villains with just the right amount of humor.

Throw in excellent songs like "Brazzle Dazzle Day," "Passamashloddy" and the Academy Award-nominated "Candle on the Water," and this is a Disney film that everyone should have in their home library.

Oh, and Charlie Callas's voice work as Elliott is beyond phenomenal.

Contributor
Contributor

Josh Benjamin is a pop culture junkie based in the Boogie Down Bronx, in New York City. Be it film, television or even professional wrestling, this loud and proud New Yorker always has something to say! He is very excited to be part of WhatCulture and, most important of all, BX for Life!