The massive success of a few Disney films has led to their characters and storylines being further explored in fan-favorite TV shows. The latest film to earn a series inspired by its characters is Pixar’s Inside Out, with the miniseries Dream Productions premiering later this year. Though the act of rebooting or producing sequel films and series based on acclaimed films feels like a habit established in recent years, Disney has been transforming their films into series for decades.
Shows like Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Timon & Pumbaa, and Aladdin aired on TV in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and are still enjoyed by audiences to this day. When audiences connect with certain characters right away, like Baymax or Olaf, it only makes sense to produce a follow-up series that explores entertaining adventures outside the main narrative of their originating films. From classics like The Lion King to recent successful releases such as Big Hero 6, there are several high-quality TV shows inspired by Disney’s best films.
10 The 7D (2014-2016)
Based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Part of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sees the titular princess’ growing relationship with the seven dwarfs she stumbles upon. The seven characters have become widely well-known and easy to identify thanks to their fitting names, like Happy, Bashful, and Grumpy. Airing on Disney XD, The 7D follows the dwarfs and details their life before they met Snow White.
In the series, the dwarfs protect the village of Jollywood from threatening figures, most notably the Gloom characters. The 7D portrays the dwarf characters as heroes, and they are a bit more rowdy than the ones depicted in the original film. The theme song has a punk rock sound to it, and the animation style isn’t as cartoonish as the first animated depiction, which suits the slightly older audience tuning into Disney XD. The series earned mostly positive reviews and produced a total of 44 episodes across two seasons.
9 Ariel (2024-Present)
Based on The Little Mermaid films
The Little Mermaid was first made into a TV series in the early ’90s, which saw the return of a handful of the film’s voice actors. The ’90s series acted as a prequel and explored more of Ariel’s life as a mermaid. Shortly after The Little Mermaid live-action film was released, it was announced an animated series based on Halle Bailey’s version of the titular character would be made.
The titular character is voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris, and actors such as Amber Riley and Taye Diggs voice key figures in Ariel’s life. The series has an endearing animation style and honors the celebrated qualities of the original characters. Ariel airs on Disney Jr. and is aimed at younger audiences. Still, with the target demographic in mind, Ariel manages to be a lighthearted show filled with important life lessons about friendship and responsibilities.
8 Dug Days (2021-2023)
Based on Up
While the emotional opening of Up is what the Pixar film is most remembered for, another element of the movie that audiences connected with was the character of Dug — a golden retriever whose collar allows his every thought to be translated into words. The simple thoughts of the dog made for several humorous moments within Up, but his relationship with Carl (Ed Asner) wasn’t explored much in the film.
In Dug Days, a series of shorts, Dug and Carl are seen moving into a new neighborhood and adjusting to those around them. This results in both fun adventures and emotional moments between the golden retriever and his owner. The latter is most apparent in Carl’s Date, a short that shows a hesitant Carl opening up to Dug about going on a date with someone for the first time since his wife’s death.
7 Cars On The Road (2022)
Based on Cars
The premise of Cars on the Road is simple yet highly effective. The series takes place after the events of Cars 3 and follows Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) on a road trip heading to the wedding of the latter’s sister. Along the way, the two cars find themselves in a variety of wild situations. Cars on the Road earned positive reviews from both critics and audiences, who cited the series’ writing as its strongest element.
Not only is the dynamic between Lightning McQueen and Mater stronger than ever, but the overall humor and pop culture references within the show allow Cars on the Road to differ positively from other animated series based on Disney films. Several episodes throughout the series pay homage to classic films like Mad Max and The Shining, making the show enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
6 Zootopia+ (2022)
Based on Zootopia
Zootopia is among the few Disney films with anticipated sequels, but before audiences reunite with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the miniseries Zootopia+ acts as the perfect expansion of the titular city. The 2016 film features a large number of entertaining characters that Judy and Nick briefly interact with during their journey. These characters are seen throughout the episodes of Zootopia+, which takes place at the same time as the original film.
Each episode begins with memorable events from Zootopia before switching to the point of view of supporting characters like the Hopps family, Duke Weaselton, and Mr. Big. Zootopia only scratches the surface of its fictional city. Therefore, several critics praised the Disney TV show for its ability to blend new storylines with those audiences were already familiar with.
5 The Lion Guard (2016-2019)
Based on The Lion King films
The 1990s animated comedy series Timon & Pumbaa centered on the life of the iconic duo, leaning heavily into slapstick comedy. While the second series based on The Lion King does feature comedic storylines and characters, The Lion Guard is much more concerned with its adventurous narrative. The series takes place during the time gap in The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and follows Simba and Nala’s son Kion.
Throughout The Lion Guard, Kion teams up with his friends to protect their homeland from others who wish to cause chaos and destruction. The show ran for three seasons and earned mostly positive reviews from critics. Highlights from the series include the inclusion of The Lion King lore and an animation style that’s simultaneously in line with modern animated TV series and pleasantly reminiscent of that from the original film.
4 Monsters At Work (2021-Present)
Based on Monsters, Inc.
Following the critical and commercial success of the original film, there were plans for a Monsters, Inc. sequel. Though the intended story for the heartfelt follow-up film never came to fruition, the idea of what happened after the ending of Monsters, Inc. is explored in the series Monsters at Work. The series catches up with the monster duo of Sulley (John Goodman) and Mike (Billy Crystal) and sees the two navigate running a business that operates on laughs rather than scares.
Goodman and Crystal are a pleasant reunion and are supported by a range of strong actors, including Henry Winkler, Steve Buscemi, and Aubrey Plaza. The series isn’t as exciting or emotionally charged as the original film. However, it remains a great nostalgic watch for audiences familiar with the characters. The amount of heart and humor in Monsters at Work is plentiful and acts as a great introduction to the franchise’s monster-filled world for younger audiences.
3 Olaf Presents (2021)
Based on the Frozen films
Frozen was a massive success after its release, connecting with audiences of all ages. The sequel, Frozen II, features a scene where the lively and beloved snowman Olaf recaps the first film’s events. This concept inspired the miniseries Olaf Presents. Throughout the series, Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad, recaps various Disney classics, from The Little Mermaid to The Lion King.
Olaf Presents is mostly a one-snowman show, but the character is occasionally joined by a few supporting characters from the Frozen films. The series of shorts works because of how humorous and quotable Olaf is. The character has the ability to make his inaccurate or exaggerated version of events endearing. Olaf Presents is enjoyable for younger fans of the character and older audiences who can laugh at the playful jabs made toward the Disney films they grew up with.
2 Baymax! (2022)
Based on Big Hero 6
Audiences invested in the lives of Big Hero 6‘s titular superhero team got to see more of the characters in the film’s first TV series, Big Hero 6: The Series. The group of characters each have distinctive personalities and heroic abilities that make it easier for audiences to connect with them. However, an undeniable appeal of the original film is the character of Baymax (Scott Adsit). The huggable robot has the singular goal of helping others and received his own series in 2022.
Baymax! consists of six episodes that see the lovable character aiding others. The format helped the series stay fresh and allow for a diverse set of dilemmas to be addressed, including a character who gets their first period and another who discovers they’re allergic to the food they serve at work. Baymax! doesn’t necessarily expand the franchise the way other Disney TV shows do, but it’s got plenty of heart and is among the more well-rounded series.
1 Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017-2020)
Based on Tangled
Rapunzel’s life as a royal and her relationship with Flynn Rider isn’t explored much in Tangled, as the film is more concerned with her coming-of-age story following years of isolation. Inspired by the characters of the original film, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, first introduced as the TV film Tangled: Before Ever After, sees Rapunzel adjusting to her new life as a princess.
The series ran for three seasons and followed the efforts of Rapunzel and her friends to keep the magic of the Sundrop Flower out of dangerous hands. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprise their Tangled roles and are joined by a talented cast of actors, including Julie Bowen, Eden Espinosa, and Bruce Campbell. Despite being marketed toward younger audiences, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure addresses several mature themes older audiences can relate to. Still, the show effectively introduces these themes in a way younger audiences can benefit from.