While Walt Disney Pictures has had a long and successful history, the 1970s definitely wasn’t its strongest decade. Though we got animated classics like The Aristocats and Robin Hood during this era, the live-action department wasn’t creating quite as many hits. Because we already looked at the best Disney films of the ’70s, we thought it was time to instead shift our focus to the worst. To do this, we’ll be using the scores on IMDb.
The popular movie and TV show website has assigned every Disney movie a star rating based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. We’ll be using these scores to count down to the worst.
With that said, it’s time to head to the theaters and be thankful that the ’70s are behind us; Here are the worst Disney films of this decade, according to IMDb.
The Shaggy D.A. (5.9)
Though 1959’s Shaggy Dog was cute and comical, its 1976 sequel didn’t get quite as many positive reviews.
The film tells of a lawyer named Wilby who decides to run for office after learning that his house has been burglarized. However, he soon discovers that with a magical ring, he is able to transform himself into a sheepdog. He uses this to his advantage.
If you think this sounds strange, you’re not alone. Though it’s not the worst movie in the world, the humor of this one comes off as cheesy to many.
King Of The Grizzlies (5.9)
In this 1970 adventure film, a 19th-century Canadian hope to rid of the bear that his Cree Indian ranch hand cared for.
The film has failed to gain attention from contemporary audiences, likely because it is yet been launched on the Disney+ streaming service. Whether it ever will is unknown, particularly because the story features more than one out-dated stereotype.
Those who have gotten to watch King of the Grizzlies have enjoyed the film’s scenery but criticized the story.
Return From Witch Mountain (5.8)
The second installment in the Witch Mountain franchise rushed into theaters in 1978. Unfortunately, modern audiences aren’t quite as eager to watch it.
The film tells of telekinetic twins Tony and Tia who visit Los Angeles for a vacation. However, after Dr. Gannon and his partner Letha discover the twins’ supernatural abilities, they kidnap Tony. It is up to Tia to get him back.
The film’s plot isn’t wildly original, especially when compared to other films of the decade. Additionally, the script borderlines on silly, unable to hold up to the writing of modern features.
The World’s Greatest Athlete (5.8)
This 1973 sports film tells of two Merrivale College track coaches who discover a teen that might just become their secret weapon: an orphaned Tarzan-like boy from Africa with an itch for competition.
The film received many positive reviews when it released, becoming one of the most popular films of its year for featuring the perfect blend of athleticism and humor. However, some modern viewers feel The World’s Greatest Athlete was trying too hard and comes off as mediocre.
Herbie Rides Again (5.7)
The second installment in The Love Bug film series had the personality-filled racing Beetle, Herbie, once again taking center screen.
This time around, Mrs. Steinmetz attempts to stop property developer Alonzo who hopes to add another shopping mall to San Francisco. Meanwhile, Alonzo’s nephew Willoughby enters into a romance with Mrs. Steinmetz’s niece, Nicole. He soon comes across Herbie and his magic and figures out that this could help him solve a problem or two.
Though the film succeeded at the box office, it had nothing new to offer to viewers. It wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t necessary.
Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo (5.6)
The next installment in The Love Bug series didn’t do any better than the one that came before it.
In this one, driver Jim heads back to the track with Herbie. However, a pair of jewel thieves and a gorgeous lady driver make the race toward the finish line a little more challenging.
Yes, the return of the original Herbie star is enjoyable. No, the lack of continuity could not be overlooked.
The Biscuit Eater (5.6)
1972’s The Biscuit Eater, based on the short story of the same name by James Street and the title-sharing 1940s film, follows a boy who bonds with a German Wirehaired Pointer and eventually enters him in the state championship field trial.
The film’s endearing cast was overshadowed by the faulty screenplay and the average story. After all, many early Disney films focused on the bond between a child and a dog; This one had nothing new to offer and was the last of this style for the studio.
The Boatniks (5.5)
This 1970 comedy tells of an awkward coastguard named Tom who stands in the shadows of his war-hero father. However, after a group of jewel thieves show up, Tom gets the chance to prove his worth.
Critics felt that the film didn’t manage to pack the type of humor it aimed for. Additionally, cultural stereotypes haven’t allowed the film to age well.
Superdad (5.2)
The first of two Disney films with a 5.2 rating is Superdad. This 1973 comedy tells of a man named Charlie who becomes concerned that his daughter’s friends are a bad influence on her after she decides to stay at home instead of going away to the esteemed Huntington College. Though Charlie attempts to make her change her mind by messing with her boyfriend, this backfires and only pushes the pair closer together.
Though the film had a few key actors, its uneven pace, poor script, and dated situations have failed to attract modern audiences.
Unidentified Flying Oddball (5.2)
Topping off the list as the second of two 5.2-rated ’70s Disney features is this film adaption of Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
The movie tells of a man who works for NASA named Tom who accidentally time travels back to Camelot and ends up in King Arthur’s court alongside his twin android.
Though the story had its charms, it was incredibly predictable and failed to stand-out among the other movies of its era.
