There’s been a lot of chatter about Disney’s penchant for only half-committing to the library since launch with people usually citing the gaps and holes on major requests. Some of the more completionist-minded members of the community have pointed out that if you break down the library into collections or categories, Disney isn’t completing anything. It appears pretty evenly split between half of any given category missing or only a few select titles.
Both are frustrating for different reasons. In the case of categories that fall 1 – 3 titles short it seems that they’ve just given up and moved on. With Disney’s team of lawyers and coffers full of money, licensing or full-out purchasing the rights to certain titles would not be a bank-breaker. If negotiations on royalties are holding things up, Disney should be more generous.
In the cases where half the category is missing, it offers concerns of pacing with library distribution or suggests the content team don’t have a proper plan in place and are just throwing spaghetti at a wall each month. It’s easy to “back-seat” curate but wouldn’t it be sensible to eliminate some holes before moving on to other things? Thanks to many people for their assistance in bringing this all together, especially Disney Library Expert Brayden.
*THIS ARTICLE IS SOLELY LOOKING AT THE USA LIBRARY*
Let’s start by looking at 3 of the 5 Brand Tiles on Disney+ because it’s reasonable to think these would be Disney’s priorities.
This page, much like What’s On Disney+’s iconic “Over 800 Missing Titles” article will be regularly updated with community help much like their list.
PIXAR
All 24 Pixar feature films are streaming. This is the only “complete” film category. The brand tile itself is not complete. There are 5 Pixar shorts that have not appeared. It seems like Disney would want to add them so that Asad Ayaz can advertise “The complete Pixar – now on Disney+.”
Missing Shorts:
- Welcome to the Fiesta (Coco Blu-ray, DVD, Digital) (2018)
- Dante’s Lunch (Coco Blu-ray, DVD, Digital, YouTube) (2017)
- Mr. Incredible and Pals (The Incredibles DVD, Blu-ray, Digital) (2005)
- Marine Life Interviews (Finding Dory Blu-ray, DVD, Digital) (2016)
- Miss Fritter’s Racing Skoool (Cars 3 Blu-ray, DVD, Digital) (2017)
STAR WARS
The entire 9-film Skywalker Saga is streaming. Disney’s recent addition of the unprofessionally subtitled “Star Wars Vintage” Collection brought this brand tile close to completion and was reassuring to many who felt Disney would never add these non-canon titles. Getting this close makes the other missing titles seem silly as most of them are freely available on YouTube and Disney already has a bunch of similar free-on-YouTube shorts streaming.
R2-D2: Beneath the Dome (2001) – This mockumentary pretends that R2-D2 is a real actor. It was filmed during Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Star Wars Resistance (Shorts) (2018) – Like many of the shorts series Disney+ has already added, these are freely available on YouTube under the Disney XD account.
Star Wars Resistance Bucket’s List (2018-2020) – Poor Resistance – another series of shorts forgotten from this same show. In USA DisneyNow streams this series.
Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures (2018) – Animated “recaps” of Star Wars aimed at kids which aired on Star Wars Kids (which is apparently a real YouTube channel… why?)
Star Wars: Roll Out (Shorts) (2019) – Months before Disney+ launched, Star Wars Kids (yes, again) premiered this set of shorts with the Star Wars characters all being balls, or something.
Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge (2020) – A game show that was intended for Disney+ but weirdly moved to the Star Wars Kids (sigh) YouTube channel just before premiere. I expected it would eventually stream after the episodes had aired. August 5th, 2021 marks the one year anniversary of its conclusion. I hoped Disney would add it this August after a 1 year exclusivity period to YouTube but guess not.
Many Lego Star Wars Titles Are Missing:
Lego Star Wars: Revenge of the Brick (2005)
Lego Star Wars: The Quest for R2-D2 (2009)
Lego Star Wars: Bombad Bounty (2010)
Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace (2011)
Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012)
Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles (2013) is missing its first 3 episodes – The Phantom Clone, Menace of the Sith, and Attack of the Jedi. Some of this content is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in South East Asia.
MARVEL
21 of 24 MCU films are streaming. The MCU films are a special case – due to Universal’s rights to The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Sony’s rights to Spider-Man Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man Far From Home (2019) the MCU will never be complete. In some countries Hulk actually is streaming! I believe Disney could easily make a deal to buy the Hulk rights – if not overall, at least for that one particular film. It’s not like it’s a cash cow for Universal on its own. It wasn’t particularly well reviewed either. I still hold out hope we’re within 5 years of Disney getting Hulk rights. Spider-Man rights are another mess. The recent deal made with Sony to stream library titles and recent titles post-Pay 1 window is confusing and nobody really knows if the Spider-Man films will be on Disney+ before 2023.
Marvel is also in an unfortunate position not familiar to Pixar and Star Wars – numerous pre-MCU titles are not owned by Disney and probably never will be unless Chapek is replaced with another Iger, someone into acquisitions. These titles include: Lionsgate’s 8 animated films, Universal’s live-action Hulk series and films from the 70s, Lionsgate’s Punisher films, WarnerMedia’s Blade films, Sony’s Ghost Rider films, and Sony’s Spider-Man films as well as Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon.
To be fair – we won’t include these titles in our view of Marvel’s brand tile being “complete.” Here’s what’s missing that Disney needs to sort out.
Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD (1998) – Never been available digitally. David Hasselhoff as Nick Fury?
Marvel One Shots – This is the most shocking absence as these shorts provided glue between Phase 1 and Phase 2 films.
UPDATE September 9th: The first One-Shot to be listed is All Hail the King!
Classic Marvel Cartoons
The Marvel Super Heroes (1966) – The very first Marvel cartoon starred Iron Man, Thor, Namor, and Captain America. It’s reasonable to assume they’re remastering it since it is so old and has never been released. It was actually scheduled for DVD release in 2005 by Disney, but they pulled the listing for unknown reasons and it’s never come out. Maybe they will release it next year to introduce fans to “Namor” before his Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) debut.
Spider-Man (1967) – The classic Spider-Man theme song everybody loves. We know Disney has these rights as the Into The Spider-Verse credits credit Disney for the footage / song. This feels like an odd one to sit on. Could it be released before No Way Home?
Fantastic Four (1967) – The First Family of Marvel’s First cartoon is owned by Hanna Barbera… or is it? There are mixed signals on this. We’ve also seen other Warner Brothers produced titles (Star Wars Clone Wars 2D Micro Series) appear on Disney+.
The New Fantastic Four (1978) – The Human Torch is a replaced with a robot named HERBIE in this because at the time Universal was holding the rights to his character for a film that never came out.
The Incredible Hulk (1982) – Disney actually sells this one on VOD to buy / rent. Why is it missing?
Marvel Mash-Up (2012) – Used clips from older cartoons , remixed them and added funny dialogue. It’s because of this series and its usage of Marvel Super Heroes, New Fantastic Four, and Incredible Hulk that we know Disney has them under their purveyance. Interesting note: This series is coming someday because it’s listed right here – https://www.disneyplus.com/series/marvel-mash-up/7W6DosbGOdNP
Avengers Disk Wars (2014) – This anime is streaming on Disney+ in Japan. Last year Disney added the Future Avengers (2018) anime but I guess this one has different rights…
Moving on from BRAND TITLES let’s look at other major categories Disney can’t seem to complete.
Walt Disney Animated Canon
58 of 59 films are streaming. I can’t even begin to comprehend this. The 1 missing film is available via Disney Movie Club on DVD – not banned. Disney has done nothing despite numerous articles about its tacky absence.
Make Mine Music (1946)
DCOMS
104 of 110 Disney Channel Original Movies are steaming. DCOMS are a big draw. They have even have a fanbase. Imagine people’s surprise that the service launched without the first one. A perennial favorite that airs on Disney Channel every October and has a reboot coming this fall.
Under Wraps (1997) – How is this still missing? Disney is listed as “provider” on all VOD sites where it is available to rent / buy.
The Other Me (2000) – Removed globally in June. Nobody knows why. Not a good sign. Thus far global removals (White Wilderness, Shaggy Dog, I Captured the King of Leprechauns) have never returned unless pulled for a fix. This one was not pulled to fix.
The Jennie Project (2001) – This title was listed in Disney’s giant launch list tweetstorm. There is video evidence it was present in the Netherlands trial. Why did Disney pull it globally on launch day? We’ve reached out to Disney multiple times over the past year regarding this title and our messages have not been returned.
Jett Jackson: The Movie (2001) – WildBrain own the series, but Disney is listed as provider on all VOD sites where this film is indeed able to be purchased / rented. Like the other 3 before, the “cover art” the VOD sites use even has the Disney branding.
Radio Rebel (2012) – MarVista owns this film. They are currently streaming it on Peacock, Prime Video, Netflix, and Pluto TV. It’s ridiculous that they aren’t streaming it on Disney+. This is Disney’s 89th DCOM. MarVista owns multiple other DCOMS including Zapped (2014) and The Swap (2016). They’re still streaming… why not this Debby Ryan gem?
Spin (2021) – Technically it’s missing but it will show up soonish.
DisneyToon / MovieToon Studios
This category is a mess. Far too many shorts missing and 3 very noticeable missing films.
Seasons of Giving (1999) – Features a couple episodes of The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1988) and 1998 ABC special, A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving. This film compilation doesn’t need to be added… but the Thanksgiving short does.
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie (2005) – The amount of requests I saw for this last year during Halloween were crazy. Yet it’s still MIA. It’s also a sequel to a film that is streaming.
Disney Princess Enchanted Tales Follow Your Dreams (2007) – Strange absence.
Missing Shorts:
Redux Riding Hood (1997) – Oscar-nominated short… not streamable. Part of Twisted Fairy Tales series.
The Three Little Pigs (1998) – Part of Twisted Fairy Tales series.
Legend of the Chihuahua (2009) – Beverly Hills Chihuahua short
Happiness Was Made to Share (2009) – Short from Disney Princess Enchanted Tales
Working for a Dream (2009) – Short from Disney Princess Enchanted Tales
Pixie Hollow Games (2011) – Also one of 2 missing Disney Fairies franchise shorts.
Pixie Hollow Bake Off (2013) – Also one of 2 missing Disney Fairies franchise shorts.
Vitaminamulch: Air Spectacular (2014) – Planes short
Disney Live Action Remakes / Re-Imagined Franchises
As you can see within this section are multiple titles missing from other smaller categories / franchises.
Son of Flubber (1963)
Doctor Dolittle (1967) (Not a remake, the original itself)
Barefoot Executive (1971) (Not a remake, the original itself)
Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1995)
Barefoot Executive (1995)
Beyond Witch Mountain (1982)
The Absent-Minded Professor (1988)
The Absent-Minded Professor: Trading Places (1989)
Disney’s Escape to Witch Mountain (1995)
Freaky Friday (1995)
Parent Trap 2 (1986)
Parent Trap 3 (1989)
Parent Trap 4: Hawaiian Honeymoon (1989)
Herbie, the Love Bug (1982)
The Love Bug (1997)
Return of the Shaggy Dog (1987)
Shaggy Dog (1994)
Shaggy Dog (2006)
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
Maleficent (2014)
Cinderella (2015) (On Starz until July 31, 2022)
Television Series Based on Major Disney IP
Herbie, the Love Bug (1982)
Fox’s Peter Pan and the Pirates (1990-1991)
Aladdin The Series (1994-1995)
Jungle Cubs (1996-1998)
Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1997-2000)
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000-2001)
House of Mouse (2001-2003)
Legend of Tarzan (2001-2003)
Avengers Disk Wars (2014-2015)
Stitch! (2008-2015)
The 7D (2014-2016)
Disney XD Series
Aaron Stone (2009-2010)
I’m in the Band (2009-2011)
Zeke & Luther (2009-2012)
Motorcity (2012-2013)
Penn Zero (2014-2017)
The 7D (2014-2016)
Gamer’s Guide (2015-2017)
Two More Eggs (2015)
Playhouse Disney
Bear in the Big Blue House (1997-2006)
Stanley (2001-2004)
PB & J Otter (1998-2000)
Jojo’s Circus (2003-2007)
Bunnytown (2007-2008)
Johnny and the Sprites (2005-2009)
Jungle Junction (2009-2012)
Jim Henson / Muppets
Hey Cinderella (1969)
Muppet Frog Prince (1971)
Muppet Babies (1984-1991)
The Muppets at Walt Disney World (1990)
Bear in the Big Blue House (1997-2006)
Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005)
A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008)
One Saturday Morning Cartoons
Jungle Cubs (1996-1998)
Pepper Ann (1997-2001) [Coming to Disney+ September 8]
The Weekenders (2000-2004)
Buzz Lightyear (2000-2001)
Lloyd in Space (2002-2004)
Teamo Supremo (2002-2004)
Toon Disney / Jetix Cartoons
Legend of Tarzan (2001-2003)
Fillmore! (2001-2004)
W.I.T.C.H. (2004-2006)
Get Ed (2005-2006)
Yin Yang Yo (2006-2009)
Disney+ has little regard for their vintage films. Pre-Touchstone and Hollywood Disney released everything under the Disney Pictures name. For the sake of simplicity we’ll refer to 1950-1979 as vintage era. Let’s break it down by decade. We will make not if the title is unavailable on VOD. Almost every title is as well as available via Disney movie Club making their absences more frustrating.
Vintage Disney Pictures Films
1950s
The Sword and the Rose (1953)
Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue (1954)
The Littlest Outlaw (1955)
The Great Locomotive Chase (1956)
Westward Ho the Wagons! (1956)
Johnny Tremain (1957)
The Light in the Forest (1958)
Tonka (1958)
White Wilderness (1958) [Pulled from Disney+, vaulted permanently?]
1960s
Toby Tyler (1960)
Kidnapped (1960)
Ten Who Dared (1960)
Nikki, Wild Dog of the North (1961)
Moon Pilot (1962)
Bon Voyage! (1962)
Big Red (1962)
The Legend of Lobo (1962)
In Search of the Castaways (1962)
Son of Flubber (1963) [Sequel to film on the service. Remake is on service]
Miracle of the White Stallions (1963)
Savage Sam (1963) [Sequel to Old Yeller]
Summer Magic (1963)
The Waltz King (1963)
A Tiger Walks (1964)
The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964)
The Three Lives of Thomasina (1964)
Run, Appaloosa, Run (1967)
The Monkey’s Uncle (1965)
Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. (1966)
The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966)
Follow Me, Boys! (1966)
Monkeys, Go Home! (1967)
The Gnome-Mobile (1967)
Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar (1967)
The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit (1968)
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968)
Never A Dull Moment (1968)
Smith! (1969)
Rascal (1969)
1970s
King of the Grizzlies (1970)
The Boatniks (1970)
The Wild Country (1970)
Scandalous John (1971)
The Barefoot Executive (1971)
Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972)
Napoleon and Samantha (1972)
Run, Cougar, Run (1972)
Charley and the Angel (1973)
Superdad (1973)
One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing (1975)
Ride a Wild Pony (1975)
No Deposit, No Return (1976)
The Littlest Horse Thieves (1977)
Hot Lead and Cold Feet (1978)
The North Avenue Irregulars (1979)
The Omega Connection (1979)
1980s
Coming soon…
Drew Ryan is a film, TV, and Disney geek. He has degrees in English, Student Personnel Administration, and Library & Information Science from Lawrence University, Concordia University-Wisconsin, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Interested in the minutia and licensing of streaming service content, he is always publishing lists, suggestions, and advocating for Disney’s missing library to be added to Disney+. Drew subscribes to Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+. You can find him waxing nostalgic over classic Disney Channel or geeking out over Marvel, CW shows, & Disney on Twitter.
Gregory Bertrand is a film and television enthusiast. His degree in Early Childhood Education is from Saint Cloud State University and he’s currently teaching in a school. When he isn’t shaping young minds, he spends his time researching, analyzing, and documenting Walt Disney contractual obligations while streaming a slew of old and original content.
