14 Straight-to-VHS Sequels You Totally Forgot
Plenty of beloved movies got cheap direct-to-video sequels that most people never realized existed.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Studios used to produced low-budget sequels that skipped theaters and went to VHS tapes. These films tried to capitalize on the success of classics. However, they often delivered poor results. Here are 14 forgotten sequels that faded into obscurity almost as quickly as they appeared.
1. The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride
LittleRolox3 on DeviantArt
This sequel tried to capture the magic of the original but focused on Simba’s daughter and a Romeo-and-Juliet-style love story. While the songs were catchy, the animation felt noticeably cheaper. Fans either loved the drama or quickly forgot it existed.
2. Aladdin and the King of Thieves
MychalRobert on DeviantArt
Instead of the big-screen adventures, this one wrapped up Aladdin’s story with his long-lost father. The budget was lower, but Robin Williams returned as the Genie, which gave it a boost. Still, many missed it entirely.
3. Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World
griffinknightavenger on DeviantArt
Gone were the sweeping landscapes and epic soundtrack — this sequel had Pocahontas traveling to England. The plot shifted into political drama, which felt out of place for a kids’ movie. It never reached the heights of the original.
4. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Gkaidann on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of continuing the story, this one squeezed itself into the timeline of the first film. It had Belle planning a holiday celebration inside the castle. Charming in theory, but the animation didn’t live up to Disney’s usual standard.
5. The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
griffinknightavenger on DeviantArt
This time, Ariel’s daughter Melody takes the spotlight, dreaming of life under the waves instead of above them. Though the premise cleverly flips the original’s story, the magic and emotion that made the first film iconic barely make a splash here, leaving it as more of a nostalgic footnote than a memorable sequel.
6. Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure
spiffyspitz on DeviantArt
The sequel shifts focus from romance to rebellion, following Scamp as he runs away to chase his freedom. While the animation captures some of the original’s charm, the story treads familiar ground with predictable lessons and songs that never quite stick.
7. Tarzan & Jane
hp4life on DeviantArt
Rather than feeling like a true sequel, this one plays like leftover TV material stitched together into a feature. Its uneven pacing and recycled animation make it feel more like a compilation special than a continuation of Tarzan’s jungle tale.
8. Cinderella II: Dreams Come True
mydisneyadventures on Wikimedia Commons
Instead of expanding the fairytale, this sequel delivers three loosely connected palace vignettes that lack any real sparkle. It’s charming in moments, but the short, uneven stories feel more like DVD extras than a worthy follow-up to Disney royalty.
9. The Hunchback of Notre Dame II
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Gone are the gothic tones and haunting music of the original, replaced with a soft, cheerful story about Quasimodo finding love. It’s well-meaning but forgettable, trading depth and darkness for simplicity that fails to capture the spirit of the first.
10. Mulan II
griffinknightavenger on DeviantArt
This sequel trades the epic stakes of the original for a lighthearted road trip filled with matchmaking mishaps. The humor feels forced, and the action nearly disappears, turning a warrior’s legacy into a lukewarm romantic comedy that fans quickly left behind.
11. Bambi II
Jhonsamclin on Wikimedia Commons
Set between two moments of the original, this “midquel” explores Bambi’s relationship with his father, the Great Prince. While beautifully animated, it struggles to leave an emotional impact, feeling more like a quiet interlude than a meaningful addition.
12. The Jungle Book 2
griffinknightavenger on DeviantArt
Mowgli returns to the jungle for another round of adventures, complete with familiar songs and faces. Despite a theatrical release, the film carries a straight-to-video energy, offering mild nostalgia without the depth or wonder of the classic.
13. Atlantis: Milo’s Return
Leonid Mamchenkov on Flickr
What began as potential spin-offs became a stitched-together sequel with uneven pacing and flat storytelling. The sense of wonder and exploration that defined the first film is lost, making this one feel like an afterthought in Disney’s catalog.
14. 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure
Andreipreston on DeviantArt
Patch steps into the spotlight to find his own identity, leading to a harmless but uninspired adventure. While the animation holds up well, the story lacks the humor and heart of the original, fading quickly from memory like a forgotten pup.