Top 10 Recycled Scenes in Animated Disney Movies

"Cinderella" (1950) & "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961)

When you catch this much air, sometimes you just need to repeat it. The first use of this sequence was near the end of “Cinderella” when the villainous Lucifer jumps in fear when the dog Bruno comes to save the day. Lucifer subsequently leaps out of the tower, although it appears he lands on his feet. The second use of this animation sequence was eleven years later for a cat who is on much better terms with dogs. In fact, Sergeant Tibbs is attempting to save 99 dalmatian puppies when the wretched henchman Jasper throws darts at him, causing him to leap out of their way. While these two cats couldn’t be more different, their jumps are frame-for-frame the same.

"Make Mine Music" (1946) & "The Great Mouse Detective" (1986)

These scenes have far more in common than the fact that they take place in seedy pubs. The sequence first takes place during the short “Johnny Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet” from the anthology film “Make Mine Music.” The unfortunate Johnny Fedora is an anthropomorphized hat whose owner is involved in a bar fight, and he is literally caught in the crosshairs. Exactly four decades later, Disney dusted off this impressive sequence for their clever Sherlock Holmes inspired film "The Great Mouse Detective." Once again, the fight takes place in a bar, but this time, it’s mice instead of hats who have human features. No matter the year, this is a fun bit of animation.

"One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961) & "The Aristocats" (1970)

Yep, that’s our friend Sergeant Tibbs once again. This time, the brave tabby was the original source of animation in “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.” As Sergeant Tibbs valiantly protects the dalmatian puppies in his care, the villainous Jasper once again antagonizes the cat, casting an imposing shadow over the scene. Nine years later, Disney reused this animation as well as other shots for “The Aristocats.” This time around, Thomas O’Malley didn’t have any puppies to protect, but the wicked butler Edgar still casts an imposing figure over the cat. This sequence perfectly captures the fear these brave cats feel as well as the scary nature of their attackers.

"The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" (1949) & "The Jungle Book" (1967)

This chase scene is pretty hilarious, so we can’t blame Disney for wanting to use it twice. It was first seen in the first part of "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad." In an attempt to prove their friend Toad’s innocence, Mole and Water Rat desperately try to keep a deed out of the grips of Mr. Winkie and the weasels. They ultimately succeed and celebrate later on. The elaborate chase scene was re-used in its 15-second entirety later in “The Jungle Book.” Of course, Mowgli is much different than a deed, but he is the center of the conflict. Bagheera and Baloo fight with King Louie and his henchmen to keep the child from their grips.

"The Jungle Book" (1967) & "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" (1977)

This time around, Mowgli is the original animation. For nearly a minute, Mowgli meandres through his idyllic jungle home. The young boy climbs on a rocky cliff, carries a stick and throws stones as a beautiful waterfall tumbles in the background. Ten years later, Disney re-used this long stretch of animation for another young boy in a gorgeous setting. Christopher Robin wanders around the Hundred Acre Wood with his friend Pooh and also climbs on a cliff, carries a stick and tosses stones. No matter the child, they find ways to entertain themselves when they are bored.

"One Hundred and One Dalmatians" (1961) & "The Sword in the Stone" (1963)

Once again, Cruella’s wretched henchman Jasper makes an appearance on this list. This time, he is the original victim of a bonk to the head when his literal partner in crime Horace hits him with a club as he aims for Pongo. The second instance of this re-used shot focuses on Sir Kay and his father Sir Ector. As the elder Sir winds up his sword, he hits his son in the head. These bits of animation are exactly the same motions, only one uses a club and the other uses a sword. At least the identical shots only last a few frames and then deviate wildly.

"Alice in Wonderland" (1951) & "Robin Hood" (1973)

This was the Scooby-Doo chase scene before there even was a Scooby-Doo. For the original instance of this sequence, Alice is desperately trying to outrun the mad Queen of Hearts and her massive court in an elaborate chase. The scene was re-used later in the aftermath of the archery tournament in “Robin Hood.” Similarly to Alice, Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the Merry Men are attempting to escape Prince John’s corrupt soldiers. This was a pretty elaborate chase scene the first time it happened, so it definitely deserved a second visit 22 years later.

"Sleeping Beauty" (1959) & "Beauty and the Beast" (1991)

These two films share more than a common word in their titles. The original sequence of this beautiful dance scene came at the end of “Sleeping Beauty.” Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip finally get their happy ending and dance in the clouds as Merryweather and Flora change the color of Aurora’s dress. More than three decades later, “Beauty and the Beast” rolled out some cutting edge technology for its most famous dance scene. However, even this revolutionary film relied on recycled animation in its final scene as Belle and her prince dance into their happily ever after. At least this time around, no one was trying to alter Belle’s iconic gold gown.

"The Sword in the Stone" (1963) & "The Jungle Book" (1967)

Whether it's by the wolf pack that raised you or by a pair of castle dogs, getting tackled and licked on the face by pups is twice as nice with this re-used scene. The original scene is in “The Sword in the Stone,” where the young Arthur is tackled by two dogs at Sir Ector’s castle, who happily lick his face. The animation sequence was re-used four years later for “The Jungle Book.” Mowgli was raised by wolves, so this pack tackle is their equivalent of a giant, warm, family hug. From the castle to the jungle, this is a sweet sequence that we’re always happy to re-visit.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Mowgli & Penny Take Identical Walks Through the Jungle & Bayou
“The Jungle Book” (1967) & "The Rescuers" (1977)

Maid Marian Channels Her Inner Snow White During This Dance
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) & “Robin Hood” (1973)

Deer Run in These Smooth Sequences 25 Years Apart
“Bambi” (1942) & “The Jungle Book” (1967)

Identical Ducks, Just Flipped, Swim in the Rain
“Bambi” (1942) & “The Fox and the Hound” (1981)

Louis Uses Spanish Moss to Channel His Inner Madam Mim
“The Sword in the Stone” (1963) & “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

"The Jungle Book" (1967) & "Robin Hood" (1973)

There are quite a few similarities between these films, especially when it comes to Baloo and Little John, but this identical dance is probably the biggest one. The original dance sequence in “The Jungle Book” takes place between a disguised Baloo and King Louie in King Louie’s palace. In “Robin Hood,” the exact same dance occurs between Little John and Lady Kluck as they celebrate in Sherwood Forest. Considering the resemblance between Baloo and Little John, this almost frame-for-frame recycled sequence was pretty easy to pull off. From the close-ups to the further out shots, these scenes are identical. We can’t blame Disney for revisiting this fun sequence, though. It gets us dancing, too.