Background and historical context
The Post-Renaissance Era followed the incredible success of the Renaissance but marked a transitional period for Disney Animation. During this time, Disney grappled with changing industry dynamics, including the rising popularity of computer-generated animation (pioneered by Pixar and DreamWorks). Traditional hand-drawn animation, which had been Disney’s hallmark, was beginning to lose favour with audiences as CGI films like Shrek (2001) and Finding Nemo (2003) captured imaginations.
Internally, Disney faced creative and leadership challenges. Michael Eisner’s later years as CEO saw tensions with key collaborators, including Pixar, whose partnership with Disney was strained until Bob Iger brokered a deal to acquire Pixar in 2006. Meanwhile, Disney’s animated films often experimented with storytelling and tone, leading to mixed critical and commercial reception. Despite these struggles, the Post-Renaissance Era was a period of innovation, as Disney sought to redefine itself in a rapidly evolving animation landscape.
Socio-politically, the early 2000s were marked by global uncertainty due to events like 9/11 and the subsequent wars, as well as economic instability. Themes of individuality, family, and resilience reflected this societal backdrop, particularly in films like Lilo & Stitch and Meet the Robinsons.
Lilo & Stitch (2002) -Image - Business Insider
Films included in the Post-Renaissance Era
Fantasia 2000 (1999)
IMDb: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81% (Critics), 74% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.5/5
Dinosaur (2000)
IMDb: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% (Critics), 48% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.0/5
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% (Critics), 83% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.8/5
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
IMDb: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 49% (Critics), 54% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.3/5
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
IMDb: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% (Critics), 77% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.8/5
Treasure Planet (2002)
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 69% (Critics), 72% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.5/5
Brother Bear (2003)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 37% (Critics), 65% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.3/5
Home on the Range (2004)
IMDb: 5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 52% (Critics), 29% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 2.6/5
Chicken Little (2005)
IMDb: 5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 36% (Critics), 45% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 2.6/5
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% (Critics), 74% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.3/5
Bolt (2008)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics), 74% (Audience)
Letterboxd: 3.4/5
Someone please explain to me how Bolt got the highest critical ratings of this era. In my opinion, it is probably the penultimate worst on this list (Home on the Range being bottom… of course).
Relevance at the time
The films of this era reflected Disney's struggle to adapt to a rapidly changing animation industry and audience preferences. Each film sought to stand out, often veering into unconventional storytelling and stylistic choices.
Fantasia 2000 paid homage to Walt Disney’s original vision with a modern update, emphasising classical music and ambitious animation.
The Emperor’s New Groove embraced irreverent comedy, a departure from the dramatic and musical styles of the Renaissance.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet attempted to explore science fiction and action-adventure, genres that were less common for Disney.
Lilo & Stitch stood out as a bright spot with its heartfelt focus on family and belonging, resonating with a post-9/11 audience.
Films like Home on the Range and Chicken Little reflected Disney’s struggle to capture the humour-driven, CGI animation style popularised by studios like DreamWorks.
This era also marked Disney's full transition from hand-drawn animation to CGI, with Chicken Little as their first fully computer-animated film. While this shift positioned Disney for long-term success, it took time for the studio to find its footing in the CGI space.
Technological innovations
Digital Animation: Disney transitioned fully into computer-generated animation during this period, starting with Dinosaur (a blend of CGI and live-action backgrounds) and culminating in Bolt.
Visual Effects: Films like Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet experimented with integrating traditional animation and CGI, leading to stunning visuals. Treasure Planet used a technique called “Deep Canvas” to create immersive 3D environments.
Digital Production Processes: Meet the Robinsons marked one of the first times Disney fully adopted digital workflows for a CGI feature, setting the stage for future successes.
Influence on pop culture
While not as universally beloved as Renaissance films, Post-Renaissance movies have left a lasting impact:
Lilo & Stitch: Its "Ohana means family" message and quirky characters have become iconic. Stitch remains a fan favourite, prominently featured in merchandise and theme parks.
The Emperor’s New Groove: Though it struggled initially at the box office, it gained a cult following thanks to its humour, memorable quotes, and characters like Kuzco and Kronk.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Its unique art style and adventurous tone have influenced other animated works, and it has an ever-growing fan base.
Bolt: As the precursor to the Disney Revival, it hinted at the studio's future success in the CGI space.
The Post-Renaissance Era was a time of transition and experimentation for Disney, producing a mix of hits and misses. While some films like Lilo & Stitch and The Emperor’s New Groove achieved lasting appeal, others struggled to connect with audiences. Nonetheless, this period laid the groundwork for Disney’s Revival Era, proving that the studio could adapt and evolve in a changing industry. For Disney fans like me, it’s a fascinating era to explore—filled with bold risks, unique stories, and moments of brilliance.
Edited by Olivia Gilbert
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