Disney+ is practically an endless bounty of nostalgia, especially for us hardcore Disney fans. Everything from Walt’s original animated features to more modern hits, we’ve got the pick of the crop. Thanks to platforms like IMDb, fans have the opportunity to give their two-cents about the various shows and movies the new magical streaming service has to offer.
While there is no shortage of great shows and movies, we’re strapping our nostalgia goggles and looking at some of our favorite toons from the ’90s. Though these familiar animated faces might be near and dear to our hearts, IMDb might say otherwise. Have a look and see how our favorites measured up.
Timon and Pumbaa (7.1)
As much as we love The Lion King we’re kinda shocked to see the comedic duo so low on the list, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t understand why. Though they’re classic in our eyes, some fans might find their schtick a tad repetitive after a few episodes. Apparently, “Hakuna Matata” reaches rigamarole status after a certain point.
For those who haven’t seen the show, Timon and Pumbaa is simply that. It’s Timon and Pumba doing what they do best in a 30-minute dose. It doesn’t need to be more complex than that, but it’s probably not for everyone. Don’t be too upset, though. We’re just getting started.
Goof Troop (7.6)
Our next few contenders might seem like C students, but they’ve still got a lot to offer. Take Goof Troop for example, on paper, it might just sound like Goofy trying to cram himself into every typical sitcom dad role. In reality, Goofy loses himself in the sitcom dad role and hilarity ensues.
A more animated take on shows like Home Improvement, Full House, and Family Matters, Goof Troop was a comedic parody of the slew of family-based sitcoms that flooded the ’90s airwaves. It might check the same boxes as a few shows, but it’s a silly, sweet, and (dare we say) goofy experience.
The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (7.6)
Though obviously aimed at a younger audience, Winnie the Pooh and all his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood do go on some pretty remarkable adventures in this warm and fuzzy series. Don’t let the plush exterior fool you though, You’d be surprised by how much Pooh and pals go off-book.
The writing is surprisingly rich and at times very humorous for a kids’ show, especially some of Tigger’s lines. And some of the adventures the friends go on are outright strange, including battling a monster under the bed who kidnaps Christopher Robin’s toys! Definitely worth more than 7.6 in our book.
Darkwing Duck (7.6)
When there’s trouble, you call DW! It’s time to get dangerous with Darkwing Duck, who makes our list for being a show that not only satirizes our favorite superhero tropes but pays loving tribute to them as well. That’s why Drake Mallard/Darkwing Duck is definitely a shining star from the Disney Afternoon we’re happy to add to our list.
Armed with his gas gun and his inflated ego, he protects the city of St. Canard from the clutches of doom. He is the terror that flaps in the night, he is the combination lock on the vault of justice, and his comedic acts of heroism have us coming back for more.
Talespin (7.6)
An aerial-combat-focused show staring the cast of Disney’s Jungle Book against an army of sky-pirates with a leader who sounds like Ricky Ricardo, of course that should be a show! If you haven’t figured it out, the premise to Talespin is bananas, but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t attached to it.
If you can get past the absolutely absurd premise, Talespin has a lot to offer. Baloo is always a loveable slacker, Kitt is a great and surprisingly unobnoxious kid sidekick, and do we even need to mention how hilarious Don Karnage is? It’s a mishmash, but it’s one worth watching.
Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers (7.7)
Okay, so Baloo as a pilot might be too off-the-wall for some viewers. So, how about Chip and Dale as a team of detectives taking on crimes too small for the human police force? Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers has twice the adventure at half the scale, and could certainly give Talespin a little competition.
The Rescue Rangers (Chip, Dale, Gadget, Monterey Jack, and Zipper) are definitely one of our favorite teams to come from Disney animation. No task is too large for this crew of pint-sized investigators, and no space on our list is too small.
Recess (7.9)
Our nostalgia readings are off the charts with these famous faces from One Saturday Morning. TJ, Spinelli, and the rest of the Recess crew are always ready to stick it to the overbearing teaching staff at 3rd Street School, and we’re always ready to watch things go down on the playground.
Any viewer can relate to at least one character in the shows humongous cast of students, even outside the main six leads. The humor is great, the cast are all relatable, and the show is dripping with Disney’s special touch. Don’t surf aimlessly through Disney+’s catalog, go out and get a little Recess.
Gargoyles (8.0)
Honestly, we’re just a touch miffed that this show is only number three on our list, but IMDb has spoken. Gargoyles is Disney’s underrated dark fantasy series featuring Goliath and his clan of gargoyles who become heroes at night and turn to stone statues at sunrise. Underappreciated barely scratches the surface.
Goliath, Hudson, Broadway, Brooklyn, Lexington, and Bronx are humanity’s defenders against the forces of darkness when the creatures are brought from a castle in Scottland to modern-day New York City. It’s a great mix of sci-fi and fantasy we’ll recommend in a New York minute.
Ducktales (8.1)
How can we not mention what many Disney fans consider arguably the studio’s best animated series, Ducktales? These fine, feathered, foul have been solving mysteries and rewriting histories for years. And with their new reboot we don’t expect them to slow down any time soon.
Who hasn’t wanted to travel the world on some incredible expedition with Scrooge McDuck in search of treasures and troves? There’s tons of adventure to be had with this quacking crew, so don’t forget to add them to your watchlist.
X-Men (8.4)
We had to include at least one Marvel show with Disney’s impressive library on their maddeningly magical streaming service, we just didn’t expect it to rank so high. Though not developed by Disney themselves, we definitely hope they take notes for the MCU from this incredible series.
Marvel’s animated X-Men series is the quintessential show for any fans of the comic book or the company. It features all the classic characters and villains and packs all the punch of their famous feats in a 30-minute chunk. If you only invest in one Marvel series, be sure it’s this one.
