With the recent success of Moana 2 at the weekend box office, questions arise about its standing among Disney’s animated sequels. Could it possibly be the best sequel Disney has ever produced? We want to hear your thoughts! Participate in our poll to share your favorite Disney animated sequel and join the conversation!

It might be surprising to some, but there was a significant period when Disney refrained from creating theatrical sequels for their beloved animated films. Historically, apart from The Rescuers Down Under released in 1990, Disney primarily focused on producing low-budget, direct-to-video sequels for their most popular titles. This trend is astonishing considering that, as of now, nine out of the ten highest-grossing films of the year are sequels. During the 1990s, Disney’s sequels for their animated classics, such as Aladdin and The Lion King, were relegated to direct-to-video releases, as the company prioritized developing fresh, original content for theatrical release. This landscape shifted dramatically with the release of Toy Story 2, which was originally intended to be another low-cost direct-to-video project. However, the creative team at Pixar reimagined it as a full theatrical experience, resulting in one of their most cherished and successful films. While Disney continued to release direct-to-video sequels, they increasingly embraced theatrical sequels in response to the changing market. Today, some may argue that Disney is overly focused on sequels, yet the impressive performances of films like Inside Out 2 and Moana 2—the latter of which transitioned into a streaming series—suggest that we can expect a growing number of sequels in the future. So, we’re curious: which of Disney’s theatrical sequels resonates most with you? Cast your vote in the poll below and let us know your thoughts!

Meet Chris Bumbray: Film Critic and Industry Expert

Chris Bumbray has been a significant part of JoBlo since 2007, initially joining as the resident film critic and James Bond aficionado. Over the years, he has evolved into a key figure, being appointed editor-in-chief in 2021. As a proud voting member of the CCA and an approved critic by Rotten Tomatoes, Chris frequently shares his insights on pop culture and the latest film trends on CTV News Channel. His extensive experience and passion for cinema make him a trusted voice in the industry.