Here are some lesser-known Disney animated movies that you should definitely add to your list to watch and enjoy together with family and friends.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

Initially slated to be a musical titled Kingdom of the Sun, The Emperor’s New Groove follows a young Incan emperor named Kuzco who is accidentally turned into a llama in an effort to be overthrown by his advisor, Yzma, an old-looking villain who concocts potions to turn other people into animals.

Upon turning into a llama, Kuzco is forced to form an unlikely friendship with a village leader, Pacha. The two have previously met as Kuzco wanted to turn Pacha’s village, which is built on a hill, into a summer home. They later strike a deal to return Kuzco to his palace and turn him back into a human in exchange for the village.

This movie may not be as memorable as other Disney works, but it teaches one to be selfless, humble and considerate of other people’s feelings. It is a very relaxed movie to watch with friends and family. It also features songs performed by Sting and Bob Dylan, as well as a direct-to-video sequel and a spin-off series.

Brother Bear (2003)

This adventure-comedy movie focuses on the relationship between Inuit people and nature itself, with messages including opening up one’s heart to love and appreciating cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Kenai is part of a tribe that believes all creatures were created through the Spirits, which are said to appear in the form of an aurora. Along with his older brothers, Denahi and Sitka, Kenai is given a totem as a rite of passage symbol. However, as the totem is a bear, which symbolizes love, Kenai refuses to accept it and is later turned into a bear by his brother’s eagle spirit. The shaman of his tribe tells him to go on a journey back to the mountain where the aurora is found to ask his brother to change him back, in the hope that Kenai will learn from his mistakes. Along the way he meets new friends, two Moose brothers and a young bear cub called Koda.

Featuring songs from English singer Phil Collins following his success with the Tarzan soundtrack, this heartfelt movie emphasizes familial bonds and how we appreciate nature and those around us. Its direct-to-video sequel was later released in 2006.

(Read also: 5 movies to watch with your kids)

The Aristocats (1970)

Set in Paris in 1910, this musical adventure-comedy follows aristocratic cats whose lives are turned upside down when they are taken to the countryside by the villainous butler of retired opera diva Madame Adelaide Bonfamille, Edgar, in an effort to receive her inheritance.

Dreading their return to the comfort of their home, Aristocat Duchess and her three children find their guide in charismatic alley cat Thomas O’Malley. With the help of geese sisters, they return to Paris and are entertained by Thomas’ band of musician friends, as the Aristocats gain a new perspective in their lives.

It is basically a very entertaining movie with great songs to sing along to including a very catchy one known as “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat”.

Robin Hood (1973)

Incorporating fables into the legendary Robin Hood story, this movie features a sly fox as Robin Hood, who likes to play with the authorities and escapes arrest every time he helps the poor in the town of Nottingham, which is led by an evil and merciless substitute king, Prince John, as he surrounds himself with gold and leaves the town in poverty. Robin spreads not only kindness but also hope, an essential value in the face of destitution. His love, Maid Marian, is played by a female fox named Vixen.

One point to take away from this movie is to always be kind and give back to those who are less fortunate.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

This powerful, tear-jerking movie about friendship made its way into Disney fans’ hearts in 1981.

Another animal-based movie, it shows the unlikely friendship between a red fox and a hound dog who are childhood friends as they lived next to each other. Tod, the fox, lives with a farmer named Widow Tweed, while Copper, the dog, lives with a hunter named Slade. Although they lead different lives, and they break off their friendship for a while, they realize that though they may not be in each other’s lives, they will always be best friends in each other’s hearts.

Friendship and loyalty are powerful enough to trump a lot of things, a sentiment that is expressed strongly throughout this movie. (kha/kes)

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