The Rescuers (1977) - 5/5

This is an understated contemplation on the nature of faith in the face of hopelessness. It boasts an unrelentingly bleak atmosphere that it douses with equally unrelenting heart. In true Don Bluth fashion the silliness is limited to a flavor of villain caricature and avoids affecting the plot. Instead, it allows the story themes to play out with a lot of depth without becoming too intense for more sensitive viewers. It’s masterfully executed and achieves its conservatively ambitious goal with real staying power for those not driven off by the family-friendly aesthetic.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Pursuit of Happyness by way of The Great Mouse Detective.

Setting: Crime
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Film Noir

Robin Hood (1973) - 5/5

This is one of the two most classic Robin Hood adaptations every put on screen, and it does not disappoint. This family adaptation doesn’t shy away from the hopeless plight of the villagers, and the theme of hopelessness doesn’t interfere with the swashbuckling adventure. The silliness here is kept to a minimum when compared to similar Disney fare, and never gets to the point where it might begin to affect the plot. It’s fun, creative, charismatic, and the whole movie is downright iconic, from Friar Tuck to the stork disguise at the archery tournament.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) by way of The Sword in the Stone (Disney).

Setting: Action Adventure
Plot: Heist Adventure
Tone: Family Adventure