Top 10 Disney Documentaries to Watch If You're a TRUE Fan
#10: “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story” (2009)
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Although they share blood and a passion for music, brothers Richard and Robert Sherman weren’t without contrasting tastes, styles, and personalities. Even if they weren’t peas in a pod, the two went together in perfect harmony during their time with Disney. While “The Boys” explores their contributions to films like “Snoopy, Come Home” and “Charlotte’s Web,” it’s mainly about how this songwriting duo gave a voice to Disney classics like “Mary Poppins,” not to mention various Disney park attractions like It’s a Small World. Produced by their sons, the documentary also provides insight into their personal lives and the sibling rivalry that kept their families apart for years. If you’re thirsty for more knowledge about the brothers, we’d recommend checking out “Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime” too.
#9: “Floyd Norman: An Animated Life” (2016)
While not a household name, there isn’t a person in the animation community who doesn’t know who Floyd Norman is. Norman stands out as the first African-American animator to become a long-term Disney employee, but that’s just one of the reasons why he’s a legend. This documentary explores Norman’s on and off career at Disney, which began with “Sleeping Beauty” and continued into the 21st century with films like “Dinosaur.” It also touches upon Norman’s dynamic with Walt Disney and his time at other studios. With a laidback tone, “An Animated Life” doesn’t reveal any shocking secrets. However, it is a loving celebration of an artist who lives to create. No matter how old he gets or where he works, Norman’s passion can’t be contained.
#8: “Walt: The Man Behind the Myth” (2001)
Despite being iconic, Walt Disney could be a very private person and even today remains something of an enigma. If you ever wanted to learn more about the man behind the myth, we’d suggest starting with this documentary narrated by Dick Van Dyke. The film chronicles Walt’s career, ranging from his early animation roots, to his venture into feature animation, to his development of Disneyland and other parks. In addition to his achievements, the film doesn’t shy away from the darker elements of Walt’s personal life, such as the Disneys’ struggle to have children and his untimely demise in 1966. Like any human being, Walt had his flaws and inner demons, but this documentary reminds us why his legacy is one that will forever endure.
#7: “The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story” (1999)
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We all know who Walt Disney is, but some people aren’t even aware that Mickey Mouse had a co-creator, Ub Iwerks. Directed by his granddaughter, Leslie Iwerks, this documentary delves into Ub Iwerks’ partnership with Disney. Although he perfected the designs of Mickey and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Iwerks never got as much credit as Disney, which was one of the reasons he eventually branched off. Where Disney was equal parts storyteller and salesman, though, Iwerks was a creative genius above all else, lacking the instincts of a businessman. Iwerks would thus return to Disney years later, breaking new ground in the special effects department. “The Hand Behind the Mouse” shines the spotlight on an underappreciated hero of animation and innovation, giving Iwerks his due.
#6: “The Sweatbox” (2002)
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Before it was a goofy comedy, “The Emperor’s New Groove” was intended to be a “Prince and the Pauper”-like story entitled “Kingdom of the Sun.” The original version would’ve featured other characters, a more serious tone, and additional songs by musician Sting. While working on the film, Sting’s wife, Trudie Styler, shot a goldmine of behind the scenes footage. Styler, along with co-director John-Paul Davidson, used the footage to make this documentary, which details the numerous story changes, the frustration of everyone involved in the project, and what might have been. Considering its background and at times unflattering portrayal of the studio, it’s not surprising that Disney never gave “The Sweatbox” a proper release. You’ll definitely want to seek out this fascinating documentary online, however.
#5: “The Imagineering Story” (2019)
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When “The Imagineering Story” was first announced in 2013, it was intended to be a 90-minute documentary directed by Leslie Iwerks. Fast-forward six years later, the project finally saw the light of day, now as a six-part documentary series released with the launch of Disney+. Given the vast history of Walt Disney Imagineering, a feature-length film simply couldn’t do it justice, making this docuseries well worth the wait. To provide the most in-depth look possible, Iwerks spent five years traveling to Disney theme parks around the world. “The Imagineering Story” pulls back the curtain, revealing where the magic happens and the people who made that magic a reality. For anyone who’s intrigued by animatronics, amusement rides, and engineering in general, this is a must-binge.
#4: “Frank and Ollie” (1995)
Walt Disney worked with numerous animators, but there were “nine old men” in particular that he considered his core crew. Among this team were Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, who are essentially like Chip and Dale. You can’t have one without the other. As shown through this documentary, Thomas and Johnson were masters of character animation. The film examines their early days working on “Snow White,” the impact of “The Jungle Book” following Walt’s passing, and the lessons they’d pass on to the next generation of animators in the book, “Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life.” “Frank and Ollie” was directed by Thomas’ son, Theodore Thomas, who’d share a retrospective from the children of Disney animators in another documentary, “Growing Up with Nine Old Men.”
#3: “The Pixar Story” (2007)
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Yet another Leslie Iwerks film, this Emmy-nominated documentary reveals how Pixar went from being a minor division of Lucasfilm to the pioneering powerhouse behind CG animation. Although Pixar produced hit after hit upon partnering with Disney, every project presented another obstacle. For example, Disney nearly pulled the plug on “Toy Story” after a disastrous story reels screening. That was nothing compared to the production of “Toy Story 2,” which had to be completely reworked nine months before its release date. Through perseverance, innovation, and unbound creativity, however, Pixar became one of the greatest success stories in animation history. This gripping documentary goes to show that there’s really no such thing as an overnight success and new challenges will always be waiting around the corner.
#2: “Life, Animated” (2016)
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Where most of these films are about Disney’s creative process, this Oscar-nominated documentary is about how Disney can change and improve lives. Diagnosed with autism at age three, Owen Suskind was unresponsive for years. By watching Disney and other animated movies, though, Owen learned how to communicate and connect with others. Of course, there are some lessons Disney can’t teach Owen, such as the birds and the bees. Nevertheless, Disney played a crucial role in helping Owen to function in everyday life. Despite not being produced by Disney, the filmmakers were given permission to incorporate their properties while Illumination’s Mac Guff provided the animation. “Life, Animated” proves that Disney is so much more than a company. It’s practically like a member of all our families. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Dali & Disney: A Date with Destino” (2010) “One Day at Disney” (2019-) “Walt & El Grupo” (2008) “Disneyland: Secrets, Stories, & Magic” (2007) “Dream On Silly Dreamer” (2005)
#1: “Waking Sleeping Beauty” (2009)
Directed by Don Hahn, a longtime Disney producer, this thoroughly absorbing documentary begins during the studio’s darkest hour. Not only did “The Black Cauldron” lose to “The Care Bears Movie” on its opening weekend, but former Disney animator Don Bluth was beating the studio at its own game. The magic returned, however, with the dawn of the Disney Renaissance. This period saw many triumphs, such as “Beauty and the Beast” getting a Best Picture Oscar nomination and “The Lion King” breaking box office records. It wasn’t without tragedy either, as exemplified through the losses of Howard Ashman and Frank Wells. At its core, though, “Waking Sleeping Beauty” is a comeback story, not only for Disney, but for the animation medium as we know it today.
