Disney’s 10 Shortest Animated Films

Disney is famous for its timeless animated films, though many of its earlier creations were short. The studio first gained recognition with charming shorts that introduced iconic characters like Mickey Mouse. Later, in 1937, Disney took a risk by creating its first full-length animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The risk Disney took with animation proved successful, and the studio started consistently making movies for theaters that raised the bar for the entire industry. What counted as a full-length movie wasn’t quite the same then as it is now, but Snow White premiered at a solid 83 minutes long. World War II created challenges for Hollywood, and as a result, most movies became shorter during those years.

Following the war, Disney quickly resumed creating innovative animated movies, and over time, these films gradually became longer. Animated Disney movies are usually a little shorter than live-action films, which is typical for animation. However, a few Disney films are quite short, barely meeting the length requirements to be considered a full-length feature.

10. The Great Mouse Detective (1986) – 74 Minutes

Following Walt Disney’s death in 1966, the company went through a difficult period until the Disney Renaissance began in 1989. Films like The Great Mouse Detective show how the studio was trying new things at the time. This movie is a playful take on Sherlock Holmes, featuring a mouse detective investigating the kidnapping of a toymaker in Victorian London.

At 74 minutes long, The Great Mouse Detective is a bit shorter than most other Disney movies from the 1980s – about 10 minutes less, in fact. This actually works in its favor, keeping the story moving quickly. It’s a fun and engaging Disney adventure with a few clever scenes, though it doesn’t quite stand out as one of the studio’s most iconic films, likely because it feels like a smaller-scale story.

9. The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh (1977) – 74 Minutes

Winnie the Pooh first appeared in books before becoming famous through Disney’s movie, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. This film brought the charming bear to a wider audience by combining three (and later four) earlier Pooh stories, such as his search for honey, meeting Tigger, and a windy day adventure. It was Disney’s first film made up of separate segments since 1949.

As a Disney fan, I always find it interesting how The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh stands out. It’s actually the shortest full-length animated film Disney put out in the ’70s, when everything else seemed to be getting longer and longer! The animation is just so charming and sweet – you can’t help but love Pooh and his friends, and it’s easy to see why he became such a big face for Disney. But honestly, while each little segment is delightful, the movie as a whole feels a bit rushed. It’s a lovely film, but I wish it had a bit more breathing room.

8. Oliver & Company (1988) – 74 Minutes

Disney faced challenges staying current with changing tastes in animation, and released films like Oliver & Company. This movie is a playful take on Oliver Twist, telling the story of a kitten without a home who makes friends with a group of stray dogs, and eventually finds a loving home with a young girl. Because it relies so much on what was popular at the time, it hasn’t aged particularly well and isn’t considered one of Disney’s most classic films.

At just 74 minutes long, Oliver & Company doesn’t have enough time to tell a truly engaging story. It feels rushed, and the plot suffers as a result. Additionally, the film’s many references to 1980s pop culture can make it feel dated and harder for modern viewers to connect with the classic Disney feeling of nostalgia.

7. Fun And Fancy Free (1947) – 73 Minutes

During the early years of Walt Disney Animation, many of their first ten films were collections of shorter stories. Fun and Fancy Free came out near the end of this period. The movie is framed by a story featuring Jiminy Cricket and includes two separate animated shorts, with the most well-known being the tale of Mickey Mouse and the beanstalk. Fun and Fancy Free really reflects the style and trends of when it was made.

Okay, so like most of those old Disney packages – you know, a bunch of shorts strung together – some parts really work and others… not so much. It’s pretty short at just 73 minutes, though there were definitely shorter ones back then. Honestly, both of the shorts included have been released separately, and that kind of highlights that Fun and Fancy Free doesn’t really feel like a must-see classic. It’s a fun distraction, sure, but it’s not something I’d put up there with the greats.

6. The Three Caballeros (1944) – 71 Minutes

During World War II, Disney significantly reduced its film production. However, The Three Caballeros stood out as a cheerful exception. As a sequel to Saludos Amigos, the film features Donald Duck traveling throughout Latin America on a series of exciting adventures. It’s especially remembered for introducing the character Panchito Pistoles to the world of Disney.

Each part of the movie is surprisingly well-made, and The Three Caballeros keeps things interesting throughout. Its 71-minute length is a real plus, because no segment feels too long. It’s a short Disney film, and its quick pace actually makes it even better.

5. Bambi (1942) – 70 Minutes

Building on the success of Snow White, Disney continued to create popular films. Though Fantasia was their longest movie yet, lasting two hours, their subsequent films became more concise. Bambi was their fifth consecutive hit, a heartwarming story about a young deer learning about life in the forest. The film also represented another leap forward in animation techniques.

The animation in this film is truly stunning, some of the best ever created, and gives it a magical feel that’s rare in movies. While the story is simple, it actually works to the film’s advantage. Its short runtime—just 70 minutes—doesn’t feel rushed at all; the charming story fits perfectly within that time. It could have been longer, but it’s difficult to argue that Bambi isn’t close to perfect.

4. The Adventures Of Ichabod And Mr. Toad (1949) – 68 Minutes

Released after World War II, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad was the last film Disney made using the package format for almost three decades. The movie is split into two parts: one adapted from The Wind in the Willows and the other from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Both segments are considered by many to be among Disney’s finest short films and remain popular today.

Honestly, this movie felt really short – barely over an hour – and it didn’t quite feel like it deserved to be a full-length film. The individual segments were beautiful, truly, but they didn’t connect at all. It just felt like a collection of great shorts, not a real movie. It’s a shame, because the next year Disney released Cinderella, and that really signaled the end of those package films they’d been doing for a while.

3. Dumbo (1941) – 64 Minutes

Dumbo is a classic Disney animated movie, though it’s shorter than many people realize. The story follows a circus elephant born with very large ears who eventually discovers they’re actually a strength. While some parts of the film haven’t held up well over time, Dumbo remains a key part of Disney’s history, appearing in theme park rides and other projects.

Even though it’s a bit longer, Dumbo’s 64 minutes are well spent. The story follows a classic three-part structure, like many 90-minute films, but it’s more concise. Plus, the animation is visually striking and innovative, especially considering it was created back in the early 1940s.

2. Winnie The Pooh (2011) – 63 Minutes

Few people recall the 2011 movie Winnie the Pooh, but it’s officially considered one of Disney’s classic animated films. The story follows Pooh and his friends as they try to locate Eeyore’s lost tail. Interestingly, it’s still Disney’s latest movie made using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques.

At just 63 minutes long, Winnie the Pooh is much shorter than most animated or live-action movies. Releasing a film that brief is unusual, and it probably didn’t make much money because of its length. Even with a short added to the beginning, audiences likely didn’t feel they got their money’s worth.

1. Saludos Amigos (1943) – 42 Minutes

At just over 42 minutes long, Saludos Amigos is Disney’s shortest full-length movie – a record the studio isn’t likely to break. Created during World War II as a friendly offering to Latin America, the film is made up of four separate stories that each focus on a different part of the continent. While it’s a pleasant watch, none of the segments really stand out.

Films like Saludos Amigos are often left out of a studio’s main collection (similar to The Reluctant Dragon), but Disney still includes the 1943 movie as one of their official films. At just 42 minutes long, it’s shorter than most TV shows—and even shorter than typical movies from that time during World War II. While it’s an alright film, it doesn’t compare to its follow-up, The Three Caballeros.

2026-02-01 16:33