With a career spanning over five decades, Russell has graced the silver screen with his undeniable talent and charisma. But did you know that before he became an iconic action star, Russell had a fruitful partnership with none other than Disney?
How many Disney films was Kurt Russell in?
Kurt Russell’s journey with Disney began at a young age, when he signed a 10-year contract with the studio in the early 1960s. He soon became one of Disney’s most promising young stars and went on to appear in a number of films under their banner.
One of his earliest Disney films was “Follow Me, Boys!” (1966), where he portrayed a teenager who becomes involved with the Boy Scouts. This heartwarming tale showcased Russell’s natural talent and set the stage for his future collaborations with Disney.
In 1971, Kurt Russell starred in “The Barefoot Executive,” playing an ambitious mailroom clerk who discovers that his pet chimpanzee has a knack for picking television show winners. This comedic gem showed audiences just how versatile Russell could be, effortlessly blending comedy and charm.
Another notable film from this era is “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” (1969), where Kurt Russell played Dexter Riley, an ordinary college student who gains superhuman intelligence after an accident involving a computer. This science fiction adventure delighted viewers and further solidified Russell as one of Disney’s rising stars.
Throughout his tenure with Disney, Kurt Russell continued to captivate audiences with memorable performances in films such as “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t” (1972) and its sequel “The Strongest Man in the World” (1975). These lighthearted comedies showcased his ability to bring laughter to audiences of all ages.
As we explore the list of Kurt Russell Disney movies, it becomes clear that this talented actor left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of fans around the world. From family-friendly adventures to hilarious escapades, each film allowed him to showcase different aspects of his acting prowess.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into some more iconic Kurt Russell roles within the magical realm of Disney!
List of Kurt Russell Disney Movies
14. The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968)
The Bower Family Band petitions the Democratic National Committee to sing a Grover Cleveland rally song at the 1888 convention, but decide instead to move to the Dakota territory on the urging of a suitor to their eldest daughter. There, Grampa Bower causes trouble with his pro-Cleveland ideas, as Dakota residents are overwhelmingly Republican, and hope to get the territory admitted as two states (North and South Dakota) rather than one in order to send four Republican senators to Washington. Cleveland opposed this plan, refusing to refer to Congress the plan to organize the Dakotas this way. When Cleveland wins the popular vote, but Harrison the presidency due to the electoral college votes, the Dakotans (particularly the feuding young couple) resolve to live together in peace, and Cleveland grants statehood to the two Dakotas before he leaves office (along with two Democrat-voting states, evening the gains for both parties).
Director:Â Michael O’Herlihy
13. Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020)
Explore the rich history of the Walt Disney Archives as legendary producer and host Don Hahn tours rarely seen areas of the department’s vast collections along with beloved Disney locations — including theme parks and the studio lot — through an engaging, historical lens.
Director:Â John Gleim
12. Sky High (2005)
Set in a world where superheroes are commonly known and accepted, young Will Stronghold, the son of the Commander and Jetstream, tries to find a balance between being a normal teenager and an extraordinary being.
Director:Â Mike Mitchell
Revenue:Â $86,369,815
11. Miracle (2004)
In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team’s coach, Herb Brooks, put a ragtag squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. Despite the long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning for a distraction from world events. With the world watching, the team rose to the occasion, prompting broadcaster Al Michaels’ now famous question to the millions viewing at home: “Do you believe in miracles?” Yes!
Director:Â Gavin O’Connor
Revenue:Â $64,445,708
10. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
When a feisty little fox named Tod is adopted into a farm family, he quickly becomes friends with a fun and adorable hound puppy named Copper. Life is full of hilarious adventures until Copper is expected to take on his role as a hunting dog — and the object of his search is his best friend!
Director:Â Ted Berman, Art Stevens, Richard Rich
Revenue:Â $29,800,000
9. Superdad (1973)
A dad tries to impress the daughter — a soon-to-be college student he thinks is hanging around with a bad crowd.
Director:Â Vincent McEveety
8. The Strongest Man in the World (1975)
The Strongest Man in the World is a 1975 film starring Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley, a student in the fictional Medfield College. A school laboratory accident mixes one student’s vitamin cereal mix with Dexter Riley’s chemical experiment. The students decide to dispose of the mess by giving it to their neighbor’s cow, with unintended consequences: the cow begins producing an extraordinary amount of milk! When they try it out on themselves, they discover that the mixture gives any human superhuman strength for a few minutes. The school sees this as the thing needed to save their school from closure, but a competitor learn of this deal, and hires two criminals to stop it.This is the third and final film in a series of comedies, which depict the adventures of perpetual college student, Dexter Riley. It follows the 1972 film, “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t,” and the 1969 film, “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.
Director:Â Vincent McEveety
7. Now You See Him, Now You Don’t (1972)
Dexter Riley is a science student at Medfield College who inadvertently invents a liquid capable of rendering objects and people invisible. Before Dexter and his friends, Debbie and Richard Schuyler, can even enjoy their spectacular discovery, corrupt businessman A.J. Arno plots to get his greedy hands on it. Slapstick hijinks ensue as Dexter and his pals try to thwart the evil Arno before he can use the invisibility spray to rob a bank.
Director:Â Robert Butler
6. Charley and the Angel (1973)
Charley is a workaholic family man that finds out from an angel that his “number’s up” and he will be dying soon so he tries to change his ways and be a better husband and father with the time he has left.
Director:Â Vincent McEveety
5. The Barefoot Executive (1971)
In the great Disney tradition of wild family fun, a young Kurt Russell stars as Steven Post – an ambitious mailroom clerk at a second-rate TV network. With his eye on the boardroom, and getting nowhere with the studio’s top dog, he makes a career-changing discovery. His girlfriend’s lovable pet chimp can pick a hit show every time! His secret for success turns into a madcap monkey business when he makes vice president and jealous rivals want in on the act. Ride along with narrow escapes and a classic cast featuring Joe Flynn and Harry Morgan in a comedic climb up the corporate ladder that will leave you howling for more!
Director:Â Robert Butler
4. The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit (1968)
Frederick Bolton has to solve two problems. First, his boss has instructed him to come up with a reasonable campaign to promote a new product, a stomach pill named “Aspercel” – by tomorrow. The second problem is Fred’s daugther, Helen. She is absolutely fond of horses, takes riding classes and has already had decent success in some competitions. Her biggest wish is to own a horse herself, a dream her father cannot afford at all. Now Fred tries to solve both problems at once by simply combining them: A horse named “Aspercel”, ridden by his daugther should bring the name of the pill into the papers and make Helen happy, too. But there’s still one more obstacle: Helen and Aspercel of course have to win a few prices to make this idea work…
Director:Â Norman Tokar
3. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Some college students manage to persuade the town’s big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When the problem- student, Dexter Riley, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer;now he remembers everything he reads. Unfortunately, he also remembers information which was in the computer’s memory, like Arno’s illegal businesses..
Director:Â Robert Butler
2. Follow Me, Boys! (1966)
Lem Siddons is part of a traveling band who has a dream of becoming a lawyer. Deciding to settle down, he finds a job as a stockboy in the general store of a small town. Trying to fit in, he volunteers to become scoutmaster of the newly formed Troop 1. Becoming more and more involved with the scout troop, he finds his plans to become a lawyer being put on the back burner, until he realizes that his life has been fulfilled helping the youth of the small town.
Director:Â Norman Tokar
1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
Director:Â James Gunn
Revenue:Â $863,756,051
How long did Kurt Russell work for Disney?
Kurt Russell’s journey with Disney spanned over four decades, making him one of the longest-tenured actors to have worked for the company. He began his career as a child actor in the 1960s and appeared in several Disney films such as “Follow Me, Boys!” and “The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.”
As he grew older, Russell continued to collaborate with Disney on various projects. In the 1970s, he starred in movies like “The Strongest Man in the World” and “Escape from Witch Mountain,” solidifying his status as a prominent figure within the Disney family.
In later years, Kurt Russell took on more mature roles while maintaining his connection with Disney. He starred in hit films like “Captain Ron” and “Sky High,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
With each project that Kurt Russell undertook during his extensive career with Disney, he captivated audiences young and old alike. His charisma, talent, and undeniable screen presence helped shape some of our fondest childhood memories.
While it is difficult to quantify precisely how many years Kurt Russell worked for Disney since he continues to collaborate with them today (most notably appearing as Santa Claus in Netflix’s “The Christmas Chronicles”), there is no denying that his association with the company has left an indelible impact on both parties involved.
Kurt Russell’s contributions to cinema are vast and varied but one thing remains constant – his enduring relationship with The Walt Disney Company will forever be ingrained in Hollywood history.