In a bid to fill a significant cultural gap, a South African man in his early 30s took on the ambitious task of watching 72 Disney animated films over a few months.
Phethelo Fakude, 32, shared his rankings of the family-friendly classics on Reddit, igniting a whirlwind of debate among viewers online. Posting under the username u/jaguarpf on August 20, the film buff recounted his experiences, offering a unique perspective uncolored by childhood nostalgia. The post quickly went viral, garnering over 15,000 upvotes and more than 3,500 comments.
Fakude, who works as an attorney, embarked on this cinematic journey to understand the allure and impact of Disney's classics, which he had missed during his youth.
"I'm a cinephile and a bibliophile, and the Disney classics are a cultural milestone in cinema," Fakude told Newsweek. "References to the films often came up in other media I engaged with and also among my friends."
Having grown up watching more mature genres such as horror and drama, the attorney was curious to discover what the Disney magic was all about. His methodological approach to the task included watching both original animated films and their live-action remakes, totaling over 100 hours of content.
Fakude's top five highest-rated films are The Lion King and Frozen II, both earning 4.5 stars, followed by Lilo & Stitch, Tangled, and Fantasia, each rated four stars.
His bottom five included flops like The Lion King's 2019 remake, Chicken Little, Dumbo, Mulan's 2020 remake, and Pinocchio's 2022 remake, all receiving a dismal half-star rating.
Hits, Misses, and Surprises
Fakude found unexpected joy in films like Atlantis: The Lost Empire, citing its captivating worldbuilding and score, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which he praised for its heavy religious themes and realistic villain. Sleeping Beauty was lauded for its awe-inspiring animation, while live-action remakes like Pete's Dragon and Maleficent also earned high marks.
However, some popular classics failed to impress him. He rated Mulan three stars, finding it good but not remarkable. Beauty and the Beast and The Emperor's New Groove were similarly underwhelming, while Treasure Planet and Hercules received scathing reviews.
Fakude says that his delayed foray into Disney was both enlightening and transformative.
"The biggest thing I learned is that Disney isn't just fairy tales and princesses," he said. "The films cover a wide scope of the human experience.
"There are sibling stories, adventure stories, coming-of-age stories, and so many great friendships."
Vikas Keshri is the clinical director of Bloom Clinical Care Counselling and Therapy Services. He told Newsweek that the "innocence and simplicity" of Disney films are what initially pulls children toward and what keeps them coming back as adults.
"We can appreciate art in all its forms without dissecting its deeper psychological meaning," the mental health professional said. "Disney movies are fun movies to watch where the plot is told in a straightforward manner, making it perfect to watch during stressful times.
"Watching Disney movies could bring people back to a time when they were a kid. It's the warmth and peace the nostalgia brings that makes people want to re-watch their favorite Disney movies."
Keshri, who is based in Ontario, Canada, added that some people also use Disney movies as an escapism tool.
"These people might have great experiences watching Disney movies growing up and want to relive the pureness and fullness of childhood happiness and joy that they might see as something they can no longer achieve," he said.
While Fakude's rankings entertained thousands of viewers, his verdict on Treasure Planet sparked particular controversy among fans of the film.
"I love Treasure Planet. It's such a cool fusion of steampunk, [science fiction]," one viewer posted.
Another added: "100 percent agree. The ships are absolutely gorgeous! I love the moon sliver planet thing and just how big their universe is. There's so much creativity in this movie..."
Fakude's comprehensive critique offers a fresh perspective on Disney's extensive filmography. His journey through the entertainment giant's animated history was more than just a personal challenge—it was a cultural reconnection. He said: "It feels like a social gap has been filled."
Though he remains critical of Disney's recent output, Fakude's newfound appreciation for the classics affirms the timeless appeal of Disney's storytelling magic.
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