Atlantis: The Lost Empire Deserves Higher Praise 25 Years Later

The 1990s Disney animated film is a masterpiece that has aged like fine wine, say critics.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:00pm

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It's been 25 years since the release of Disney's animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire, but the movie is still captivating audiences today. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, with a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many critics now believe the film deserves much higher praise. The story follows linguist Milo Thatch as he joins an expedition to find the lost continent of Atlantis, facing dangers and moral dilemmas along the way. With its authentic spirit of adventure, dark tones, and memorable cast of characters, Atlantis: The Lost Empire has aged like fine wine and is a must-watch for fans of classic animation and adventure movies.

Why it matters

Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a unique and ambitious animated film that deserves more recognition. Unlike many children's movies, it tackles complex moral choices and doesn't shy away from darker themes and consequences. The film's visuals, designed by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, also stand out with their angular, rugged characters and detailed backgrounds. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Atlantis has gained a dedicated following over the years, proving that great stories can find their audience over time.

The details

Atlantis: The Lost Empire follows the story of Milo Thatch, a young linguist who dreams of making great discoveries. When a mysterious stranger recruits him to join an expedition searching for the lost continent of Atlantis, Milo sets off on an adventure with a team of mercenaries and scientists. Along the way, they face dangers and uncover the Atlanteans' closely guarded secrets. The film's supporting cast of memorable characters, including the cynical communications specialist Vinny, the demolition expert Audrey, and the mad chef, add depth and personality to the story.

  • Atlantis: The Lost Empire was released in 2001.
  • The film is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Milo Thatch

The young linguist who dreams of making great discoveries and joins the expedition to find Atlantis.

Mike Mignola

The creator of Hellboy, who designed the unique angular and rugged character designs for Atlantis: The Lost Empire.

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What they’re saying

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a project that still feels fresh, bold, and incredibly captivating.”

— Julia Talakh, Author

“If you loved Jules Verne and adventure movies as a child, you will love Atlantis. Milo Thatch is a much more believable hero than Indiana Jones, who somehow managed to lecture while wielding a whip.”

— Julia Talakh, Author

What’s next

Atlantis: The Lost Empire is currently available to stream on Disney+, allowing more viewers to discover or revisit this underappreciated animated gem.

The takeaway

Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a masterpiece of animation that deserves far more recognition than it initially received. With its unique visual style, memorable characters, and compelling story that tackles complex moral choices, the film has aged incredibly well and is a must-watch for fans of classic adventure movies.