As the company that reigns over the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, Disney is running the superhero world. While films like The Avengers, Black Panther, and Guardians of the Galaxy are sweeping up the box office, however, Disney’s smaller superhero films should not be overlooked.
The popular studio has actually released several animated and live-action films starring superhero characters that take place outside of the MCU. Being that these movies provide a unique entertainment factor of their own, we thought they were worth a second look.
It’s time to see what other Disney films know how to swing in and save the day. Here are 10 Disney superhero movies that take place outside of the MCU.
Big Hero 6
Okay, yes, technically Big Hero 6 comes from Marvel comics. That being said, this 2014 animation is fully separate from the events of the MCU.
This superhero comedy tells of a young robotics whiz named Hiro who lives inside the futuristic city of San Fransokyo. After his older brother, Tadashi, dies in a fire, it’s up to the healing robot known as Baymax to help him get better. It’s not long, however, before the pair finds themselves chasing after a villain who might have caused Tadashi’s death.
Incredibles
Pixar’s animated film about a family full of superpowered people hit theaters in 2004.
Mr. Incredible is tired of his mundane life, having been forced to conceal his powers after they are banned by the government. When he is enlisted to battle a robot on a secret island, however, he jumps at the chance. It goes haywire and he quickly ends up as the one in need of saving. His wife, Elastigirl, hunts him out. Of course, the kids can’t help but also tag along for the journey.
Sky High
This 2005 comedy told the story of a group of teenage kids who attend a superhero school in the sky. Here, they learn how to use their powers and rise to the top.
Will is the son of the Commander and Jetstream, but having no known powers, he is nervous about starting high school. It’s not long, however, before he finds himself figuring out the schemes of a revenger-driven villain and heading to the school dance to stop her.
Bolt
Though Bolt is more of a comedy-adventure film than a superhero tale, the latter of the two definitely plays into the plotline.
Bolt is a White Shepherd puppy who is tricked into believing that he has natural-born superpowers. As it turns out, his eight-year-old owner, Penny, is actually a child actor in a TV series and he’s the dog who is meant to protect her with his “superbark.”
After breaking off set one day when he believes Penny is actually in danger, Bolt soon learns the ways of the real world and is forced to find his way home.
Underdog
This 2007 live-action comedy also focuses on a dog with superpowers. Underdog, however, develops these powers after being experimented on inside of Simon Bar Sinister’s lab.
Following this event, the beagle learns that he is able to fly and decides to use these his skills to help out the residents of Capitol City. However, after learning that the man who mutated his genetics is out to destroy the place he protects, Underdog is forced to embark on his biggest adventure yet.
The Rocketeer
The Rocketeer flew into theaters in 1991. Set in 1938 Los Angeles, it tells the tale of a stunt pilot named Cliff who ends up learning how to fly with the help of a jet pack. Though he at first uses the device to complete heroic deeds, he ultimately attracts the unwanted attention of Nazis who want to use the jet pack for plans of their own. Additionally, Howard Hughes and the FBI are also on the hunt for the device.
Despite the threats, Cliff holds his ground as he sets out to save his girlfriend Jenny from an evil actor.
Condorman
This 1981 adventure comedy is about a comic book illustrator named Woody who wishes he could be aa heroic as the characters he dreams up. When the opportunity to become an actual superhero presents itself, Woody jumps at the chance.
Woody soon finds himself bringing a handful of documents to Instanbul, but it’s not long before he finds himself entranced by the gorgeous KGB agent Natalia. When she decides to defect, however, he is forced to carefully plan his next move.
Up, Up And Away
This Disney Channel Original Movie tells the story of a boy named Scott who is part of a superhero family. The problem? He doesn’t have any known powers.
While Scott’s dad holds the ability to fly, his mom has super strength, his sister knows how to use x-ray vision, and his brother possesses speed and manipulation powers, there is nothing special about him. This is why Scott pretends to have powers. His plan backfires, however when he soon finds himself embarking on a power-free mission to stop a few villains.
Inspector Gadget
This sci-fi action comedy, loosely based on the 1983 animated TV series of the same name, tells of a security guard who becomes injured after being caught in an explosion planned by a villain.
Upon arriving at a laboratory, a robotics surgeon ends up putting special gadgets and tools in place of his limbs that need fixing. The man ends up using his new powers to track down the person behind the explosion and saves the world from more of his potential schemes.
Incredibles 2
Of course, we couldn’t ignore the sequel to the aforementioned Incredibles.
Debuting in 2018, Incredibles 2 has the family springing back into action after Elastigirl is enlisted to stop a mysterious villain who calls himself the Screenslaver. Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible is forced to deal with the shenanigans of his love-struck teenage daughter, math homework of his sick-of-school son, and newfound superpowers of his out-of-control baby.
This one rescued more love than all the rest of the films on the list.
