Vintage Disney Quiz: Can You Beat Your Grandparents?

Los Angeles, January 17, 2026

Disney Nostalgia: How Well Do Millennials *Really* Know the Classics?

A surprising number of beloved Disney films are slipping through the cracks for younger generations.

• Many millennials haven’t seen classic Disney films like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”
• Disney trivia can be surprisingly challenging, even for those who grew up with the films.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in how we perceive and remember childhood favorites.

The number of times I, a millennial, have seen “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” is zero. And apparently, I’m not alone. A recent, informal survey revealed a surprising gap in classic Disney knowledge among those of us who came of age during the Disney Renaissance and beyond.

A still from a classic Disney film.

It’s easy to assume that because we *grew up* with Disney, we’ve seen it all. But the sheer volume of content produced over the decades means that even dedicated fans have gaps in their viewing history. “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” released in 1954, is a prime example. While it remains a beloved film for many, it’s often overshadowed by later, more heavily marketed Disney properties.

Did you know? “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” was Disney’s first live-action feature film.

This isn’t just about obscure titles, either. Even well-known films can yield surprising trivia results. How many can correctly identify the name of Cinderella’s stepmother? Or the specific spell Maleficent casts in “Sleeping Beauty?” These details, once ingrained in childhood memories, can fade with time.

The phenomenon speaks to a broader trend: the selective nature of nostalgia. We tend to remember the *feeling* of childhood—the warmth, the excitement—rather than the specific details of every movie or TV show we consumed. Our brains curate a highlight reel, and sometimes, even the classics get left on the cutting room floor.

What makes a Disney film truly memorable? The combination of compelling storytelling, iconic characters, and groundbreaking animation techniques all contribute to a film’s lasting impact. But even the most beloved films require repeated viewings to maintain a strong presence in our collective memory.