Better Late Than Never: Old Disney Films That Flopped at the Box Office but Still Became Classics

Modern Disney can be hit or miss — whether it's a remake or a new story. But animated films released decades ago still stand strong as golden age classics.

These movies are so popular now that it’s hard to believe they once failed in theaters. Here’s a look at Disney cartoons that nobody expected to become global hits later on.

Bambi (1942)

This now-iconic story of a deer who loses his mother was Disney’s fifth animated film. It came out during World War II, which affected its box office results.

Audiences were also uneasy with Bambi's dark themes. Many didn’t want children exposed to that. The film earned about $60 million today’s money on a $17 million budget. But due to war-related costs, it didn’t make a profit at the time.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Today, its animation style is considered a masterpiece. But in the 1950s, like Bambi, it was criticized for being too gloomy. It was also Disney’s most expensive film then. Production cost around $66 million (adjusted). It only made $58 million.

Pinocchio (1940)

Now seen as one of Disney’s best films, Pinocchio also flopped. It came out during World War II, like Bambi and Fantasia.

The film included many dark scenes, like child suffering and cruelty. That didn’t sit well with audiences. With a budget near $60 million (modern value), it earned just $36 million.

Fantasia (1940)

Disney’s third animated film was meant to be an event. The studio went big with marketing, adding special attractions to theaters. But wartime audiences weren’t in the mood for fantasy. Despite the effort, Fantasia earned only $32 million against a $50 million budget.

Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Today, it’s a classic. But back then, Alice in Wonderland received harsh reviews.

The surreal story confused those unfamiliar with the book. Fans of the original disliked the changes to Carroll’s plot. With a budget of $37 million, it brought in just $30 million.