15 Classic Non-Disney Movies Every 90s Kid Watched Growing Up

15 Non-Disney Animated Movies from the 90s and Early 2000s That We Loved

We all know Disney owns the spotlight when it comes to animated movies, but let's be real—there’s a whole world of non-Disney animated films that slapped just as hard in the '90s and early 2000s. These movies didn’t have the "Disney" magic, but they brought us epic adventures, unforgettable characters, and moments that still make us tear up or laugh out loud. Whether you were rooting for Fievel to find his family or shedding a tear when the Iron Giant became a hero, these films shaped our childhood in their own unique way. So, if you’re ready for a nostalgic dive, grab your snacks, because we’re revisiting 15 non-Disney animated movies that gave Disney a run for its money. Let’s give these underrated classics the love they deserve!

1. The Iron Giant (1999)

The Iron Giant is a heartwarming and deeply emotional story set during the Cold War, where a young boy named Hogarth stumbles upon a massive robot in the forest. Rather than being a mindless machine, the Iron Giant turns out to be gentle and curious, learning about life from Hogarth. Their growing friendship is tested as government agents see the robot as a threat, believing it’s part of a Soviet plot. With themes of identity and sacrifice, this movie is both touching and thought-provoking. The iconic scene where the Giant declares, "I am Superman," hits differently every time we watch it.

Stream on: HBO Max
Fun fact: The film was a box office flop but became a cult classic, and Vin Diesel was paid only $50,000 to voice the Iron Giant!

2. Anastasia (1997)

Set against the backdrop of Russian history, Anastasia tells the story of a young woman named Anya, who may or may not be the lost Russian princess, Anastasia Romanov. With the help of two con artists, Dimitri and Vlad, she embarks on a journey to Paris to meet the Dowager Empress, who is searching for her missing granddaughter. Along the way, Anastasia battles the evil Rasputin, who is bent on finishing the curse he placed on her family. The animation is lush, the songs are catchy, and the romance is timeless. Who didn’t love "Once Upon a December"?

Stream on: Disney+
Fun fact: Many people thought Anastasia was a Disney princess, but she was actually a Fox Animation Studios creation before Disney acquired Fox in 2019!

3. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

DreamWorks delivered a visually stunning and emotionally rich retelling of the biblical story of Moses in The Prince of Egypt. With jaw-dropping animation, especially the parting of the Red Sea, and an all-star cast (Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Sandra Bullock, and Michelle Pfeiffer), this movie goes beyond a simple kids’ film. It explores themes of family, faith, and destiny, with a soundtrack that still holds up today. "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey was a Grammy-winning hit, and the epic storytelling made this movie stand out from other animated films of its time.

Stream on: Peacock
Fun fact: The animation for the burning bush scene took over two years to complete due to the complexity of the effects!

4. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

In Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, we follow the journey of a wild horse named Spirit as he traverses the American West, trying to stay free from human capture. This DreamWorks classic is unique because, unlike many animated animal films, Spirit doesn’t talk. Instead, his story is narrated through inner monologues by Matt Damon. With its breathtaking animation and a score by Hans Zimmer, Spirit captured our imaginations with its tale of freedom, resilience, and the bond between animals and humans. The soundtrack, featuring Bryan Adams, is still a must-listen for anyone who grew up in the early 2000s.

Stream on: Netflix
Fun fact: Spirit’s design was based on a real-life wild mustang named Donner, who was a famous horse from the BLM’s Wild Horse Program.

5. The Road to El Dorado (2000)

DreamWorks really nailed it in the 2000s, and The Road to El Dorado was no exception. This buddy comedy follows two con men, Tulio and Miguel, as they stumble upon the legendary city of El Dorado. They’re mistaken for gods, and hilarity ensues as they try to keep up the charade while secretly planning to take the city’s treasure. With gorgeous animation, sharp humor, and a fun soundtrack by Elton John, this movie has become a cult favorite. The dynamic between the two leads is full of chaotic energy, and the visuals of the golden city are iconic.

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video
Fun fact: The animators took inspiration from real ancient Aztec, Mayan, and Incan architecture to create the city of El Dorado.

6. Balto (1995)

Inspired by a true story, Balto tells the tale of a half-wolf, half-dog who leads a sled team through dangerous Alaskan conditions to deliver life-saving medicine to sick children. Even though he’s an outcast because of his wolf heritage, Balto’s bravery and determination shine through. The movie is both a thrilling adventure and a touching tribute to the real-life dog who helped save lives in 1925. The animation is charming, and the story is both emotional and heroic, making it one of the most underrated animated films of the '90s.

Stream on: Peacock
Fun fact: The real Balto’s statue can still be found in Central Park, New York City, honoring his legacy.

7. The Land Before Time (1988)

Okay, technically this came out in the late '80s, but it's impossible to talk about childhood favorites without mentioning The Land Before Time. This Don Bluth classic introduced us to Littlefoot, a young Apatosaurus, and his friends as they journey to find the Great Valley after a natural disaster separates them from their families. This movie is packed with heartwarming moments, but it also hit us hard with its emotional depth (RIP Littlefoot’s mom). It’s one of those movies that made you laugh, cry, and feel all the feelings.

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video
Fun fact: Executive producer Steven Spielberg reportedly cried during the film's emotional scenes, proving it wasn’t just the kids who were moved!

8. Titan A.E. (2000)

A bold and underrated entry in the sci-fi genre, Titan A.E. follows a young man named Cale, who holds the key to the survival of the human race after Earth is destroyed by an alien species known as the Drej. With its blend of traditional animation and early CGI, the film was visually ahead of its time. Although it didn’t perform well at the box office, it gained a cult following for its unique concept, thrilling action sequences, and stellar voice cast, including Matt Damon and Drew Barrymore.

Stream on: Disney+
Fun fact: The film was one of the first to use a mix of traditional animation and CGI for its action scenes, pushing the boundaries of animated filmmaking.

9. Rock-A-Doodle (1991)

From the creative mind of Don Bluth comes Rock-A-Doodle, a quirky animated musical where a rooster named Chanticleer believes his crowing makes the sun rise. When he’s shunned by the farm animals for failing to wake the sun, Chanticleer sets out to become a rock 'n' roll star in the big city. Meanwhile, a young boy named Edmond is transformed into a kitten and embarks on an adventure to bring Chanticleer back to save the farm from darkness. With its unique blend of live-action and animation, this movie brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “cocky rooster.”

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video
Fun fact: Chanticleer’s design and musical persona were inspired by none other than Elvis Presley, giving the rooster some serious swagger.

10. An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

The sequel to An American Tail, Fievel Goes West continues the adventures of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family as they leave the crowded streets of New York for the wild, wild west. Fievel dreams of becoming a lawman like his hero, Wylie Burp (voiced by James Stewart), but soon finds himself up against the sinister Cat R. Waul. The movie combines cowboy action with heartfelt moments, making it a fun, family-friendly romp through a cartoon version of America’s frontier.

Stream on: Peacock
Fun fact: This was one of legendary actor James Stewart’s final roles before retiring, adding a nostalgic touch to his portrayal of Wylie Burp.

11. FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)

FernGully is an environmentally conscious animated film that tells the story of Crysta, a fairy who lives in a magical rainforest threatened by human destruction. When a logger named Zak gets shrunk down to fairy size, he learns the value of preserving nature alongside Crysta as they fight to stop the evil spirit Hexxus (voiced by Tim Curry), who’s intent on polluting the forest. With its vibrant animation and eco-friendly message, FernGully was a hit with kids and adults alike, raising awareness about environmental issues in a fun, imaginative way.

Stream on: Disney+
Fun fact: Robin Williams voiced Batty Koda, marking one of his earliest animated film roles before becoming the Genie in Aladdin.

12. Pippi Longstocking (1997)

Based on the beloved children's books by Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking follows the adventures of a red-haired, super-strong girl who lives without parents in her quirky house, Villa Villekulla. Pippi is fiercely independent, loves to defy authority, and embraces adventure with her horse, Mr. Nilsson, and her friends Tommy and Annika. This 1997 animated adaptation brings Pippi’s playful spirit and imaginative world to life, making it a nostalgic throwback for fans of the original books and movies.

Stream on: Tubi
Fun fact: The character of Pippi was originally created by Lindgren in the 1940s for her daughter while she was sick at home.

13. Thumbelina (1994)

In Thumbelina, another Don Bluth masterpiece, we follow the tiny girl born from a flower as she embarks on a journey to find her place in the world. After being kidnapped by a toad and pursued by various suitors, Thumbelina encounters adventure, love, and danger in her quest to find happiness and return home. With lush animation, catchy songs, and classic fairytale vibes, this film transports viewers to a magical world filled with charming characters and whimsical visuals.

Stream on: Disney+
Fun fact: Jodi Benson, who voiced Thumbelina, is best known as the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, making her the voice of two iconic animated heroines.

14. Cats Don’t Dance (1997)

Set in 1930s Hollywood, Cats Don’t Dance tells the story of Danny, a talented cat with dreams of making it big in showbiz. In a world where only humans are allowed to become stars, Danny teams up with other animal performers to challenge the system and show that animals have just as much talent. This lively musical comedy combines stunning animation with a jazzy soundtrack, capturing the magic of old Hollywood while delivering a fun and energetic message about following your dreams.

Stream on: Amazon Prime Video
Fun fact: The villain, Darla Dimple, is a satirical take on child stars like Shirley Temple, but with a much more devious side.

15. Quest for Camelot (1998)

Quest for Camelot is a medieval fantasy adventure that follows Kayley, a young girl determined to become a knight like her father. When the magical sword Excalibur is stolen by an evil knight, Kayley joins forces with a blind hermit named Garrett and a two-headed dragon to retrieve it and save Camelot. With its enchanting animation, memorable songs (including the Oscar-nominated "The Prayer"), and a fierce female lead, this movie is an underrated gem of the late '90s.

Stream on: Max
Fun fact: The two-headed dragon, voiced by Eric Idle and Don Rickles, was a comedic highlight and brought some of the movie’s funniest moments to life.

Whether you were humming the tunes from Thumbelina, quoting lines from Cats Don’t Dance, or cheering for the underdogs like Balto and Fievel, these non-Disney animated movies remind us that animation magic wasn’t limited to just one studio. These films gave us endless adventure, unforgettable characters, and life lessons wrapped in fun and colorful storytelling. Revisiting these classics is like taking a trip back to simpler times, where our imaginations ran wild, and the possibilities felt endless. The nostalgia is real, and it’s time to embrace it. So, which of these movies are you rewatching first? Grab some popcorn and let the 90s magic begin all over again!

Stay connected with more throwbacks and pop culture nostalgia at Woke Waves Magazine.

#nostalgia #nonDisneyanimation #90skids #animatedclassics #throwback