Top 20 Disney Movies That Dealt with Serious Issues

These Disney movies dealt with some serious issues for all ages. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most notable times Disney proved it was far more than just children’s entertainment and discussed real-world problems in thoughtful and relatable ways. Our countdown includes “Frozen II,” “Finding Dory,” “Mulan,” and more! Which Disney movie do YOU think dealt with a serious issue surprisingly well? Let us know in the comments!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#Disney #SeriousIssues #Pixar #Animation #Serious

[@MsMojo]

Which Disney movie do YOU think dealt with a serious issue surprisingly well? Let us know below, and be sure to also watch our video of the Top 20 Times Disney Channel Shows Got Serious - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJakqWCBrJymZ6s

[@rainbowrunner1550]

Every day is a good day when MsMojo uploads a Disney video!

[@MewGamer-bj9in]

Tangled

[@hunterrousseau3770]

Zootopia, most definitely 💯

[@brokenbridge6316]

This was a great video

[@MsMojo]

@@rainbowrunner1550

[@trinaq]

I loved how brilliantly both "Coco" and "Encanto" explored generational trauma, and how it effects different individuals further down the line.

[@romaindelorme5371]

Turning red too

[@thomashuffman3237]

Well, at least in "Encanto" the abuela was called out on her shitty actions, realized the effects of her behavior, and tried to fix it. In "Coco", Abuelita is never called out on her behavior, shows no regrets until the end, and never attempts to apologize to Miguel.

[@bennymora3086]

Those two films were one of my favorites!🥹

[@michellecrocker2485]

Yeah but the grandmothers weren’t exactly likable.

[@PleaseTryAgains]

I accidentally clicked on your profile and it said you have 1K+ comments on this channel….. are you okay or are you a bot?

[@DanGamingFan2846]

Disney would never make a movie like _The Hunchback of Notre Dame_ today because of how serious and strong the issues discussed are. It was truly powerfull, with fhe most dispicable villain They've ever, or will ever create.

[@watershipup7101]

Agreed

[@genjis5155]

I heard they're making a live-action remake. Hate to see how much they'll dumb it down.

[@thusnameddigital9397]

​@@genjis5155Oh god

[@garnetbird7557]

Very true.

[@familyoftacticaldroids309]

Or if they do, it would be like...PG-13 or R due to everything. Even that beginning when they were torturing the guy made me have to turn away it was so gruesome and not what I expected. It was my first time watching, and I was an adult.

[@Rae0814]

What makes Ellie’s Death sadder is that you can tell just how important she was to Carl and shows how much of a good person she was, in spite of her limited screen time.

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

I know right?

[@glitterboxx19]

What made it sadder was that he still had her chair next to him and talked to her even though he can't see her physically. ❤

[@quiannamorton7650]

MY FAVORITE❤‼️ I work closely with the geriatric population and often times there are gentlemen just like Carl who have grown with a special woman who leaves him due to passing. A lot of times we meet these men like how we met Carl, alone, set in their ways and don’t like change, while grieving. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! It did the best illustration from another perspective of the grumpy old man❤️‼️

[@TheCommenterDragon]

The Disney films that tackled serious issues are some of my favorites! Especially because it's proof that not all animated Disney films are all sunshine and rainbows.

[@slystone4892]

Actually none or very few of them are

[@TheCommenterDragon]

@@slystone4892 I meant fairytale wise. Because you know not every fairytale has a happy ending and they have their share of dark,depressing,horrific and twisted moments.

[@eglol]

Yeah, it's good to tell people what's wrong with the world, so they can try to fix it.

[@slystone4892]

@@TheCommenterDragon ok get it

[@BG-be8di]

oh yes, when I was a child, thanks to these movies I was already learning that not everything is rosy.. I still carry the lessons with me

[@trinaq]

I really appreciate that Disney explores mature themes, and doesn't talk down to its target audience. It knows that kids aren't dumb, and treats them like adults.

[@christopherwilkinson7935]

Shouldn't Camilla shouldn't Camilla be labeled abuela

[@briannahlabelle2458]

Same

[@CloverPandaQ]

Diskey when gay:

[@nathancruz9172]

23:12 me too.

[@henrylechmere5042]

Up was one of the most depressing films of all times, but worth the watch

[@mighty_milady_maren6766]

I really liked how Frozen 2 also showed how you can be a close family unit but take your own paths. Also, Elsa doesn't need a romantic interest to make her life complete.

[@ForrestFox626]

Still felt unnecessary outside of those

[@k3stre1]

One thing I really want to point out alongside what Zootopia demonstrates is the effects of bullying, which became *very* relevant and even necessary to the plot. The cruel joke played on Nick as a child is what caused him to be so offset by Judy’s interpretation of the “feral” victims, and Gideon mocking and even attacking Judy for her dreams to become a cop led her to carry around fox replelant (with her parents insisting she do so) and ended up driving a wedge between hers and Nick’s relationship. It was very well set up and I love how these traumatic experiences were carried into adulthood and portrayed throughout the film instead of forgotten about.

[@ClosedCaptions-if7kx]

I really like how A Goofy Movie dealt with how ideas can converge between parents and children

[@chloeeng6811]

And eye to eye is max and goofy relationship

[@gracehowell.]

'Coco' isn't just about death, but about dementia. That movie broke me.

[@chloeeng6811]

Yeah

[@tonytan7328]

Inside Out tore my heart out knowing that I can't protect my kids from feeling the full range of emotions. It's part of their growth and also a way for us to bond.

[@nickdorenkamp959]

For movie that talks about death, Coco definitely feels like warm hug for those who suffered the loss of a loved one.

[@PlutoPebble]

Inside Out really helped me understand its okay to have bittersweet memories

[@Snakeysnek01717]

I NEVER cry, ever. At least watching stuff. When they played the scene where she was crying, just the ONE, i teared up. Amazing.

[@Snakeysnek01717]

Well I DO cry but not ever when I've never seen a movie and never bonded with the characters .

[@user-gi8pk9uc7q]

I love the way Mandy Moore reads the line "Did I mumble, Mother, or should I even call you that?" So awesome!

[@widowgirl1254]

I love Encanto, how it portrays Colombian culture, the characters, its heartwarming moments, and the way it tackles serious issues

[@thereallg4587]

*Zootopia was the first movie to come in mind when it comes to a kids movie having a serious topic.*

[@Aashbard01]

That could not be more true. It deals with racism and implicit bias, even from Judy and learning to overcome all of that. Nick also experiences trauma as a result of being abused by the very scout group he wanted to be a part off. Belweather's corruption of Zootopia is another one.. Wow! I'm amazed that Disney can pack so many issues into a 2 hour film

[@user-pb5cz2el1x]

Yeah zootopia was the first movie that came to mind too It's absolutely amazing And it taught us a lot About how not to judge people By what they are in the Outside🦊🐰❤

[@nathansullivan8472]

I would like for Dumbo to be higher on this list not only for its message on animal cruelty, but also how this message was ahead of its time. Dumbo was made in 1941, when rampant cruelty to animals was ongoing. This movie probably brought widespread attention with how such mistreatment of animals is morally wrong, most notably of how Jumbo was torn away from his mother and the latter labeled “mad” even though she was merely protecting the former.

[@melissagrant4178]

I alway cry, that she was label mad elephant, just for protecting her son

[@Aashbard01]

I agree with both of you. Animal crueltyy is an incredibly serious and very real issue in today's world. I'd also like to point out the fact that this movie was made during World War ll, that means it would really pack a punch😢

[@globbyakaweirdjellyguy954]

I know that it’s hard to beat a good Disney villain, but the intergenerational trauma they’ve shown in some of their more recent movies like “Encanto” brings complexity and shows that sometimes things aren’t so black and white.😊 “Big Hero 6” and it dealing with grief was incredible too. I always tear up when Tadashi dies and at the garage scene.😢

[@jessicapinkman-hd4bw]

big hero 6 was meh

[@summertime6785]

Disney may be aimed mainly for kids, but that doesn’t stop them from addressing serious issues faced in the real world. Really gets you to relate to the characters in the story.

[@chasehedges6775]

💯💯💯💯

[@bethmbam4848]

And thus not entertaining kids or adults

[@juanchoresultay2704]

Nah, Walt Disney would disagree would that. It’s for all ages not just kids

[@beysmentssecuritycamera6013]

@@juanchoresultay2704who cares ??!! He’s dead ! And I’m pretty sure many adults till stuck in their childhood due to things or trauma

[@juanchoresultay2704]

@@beysmentssecuritycamera6013 Bruh he made Disney and his words would live up even after he died ! I never said anything about the issues tackled by Disney because all the themes weren’t all for kids only. Disney wasn’t only their to just entertain but to give people a important message ffs!

[@jots2493]

Honestly I think Bambi 2 also deserved at least a mention. It portrays great the loss of a mother figure and the single parenting challenges (especially those of a single dad)

[@kittyslypaws746]

Brother Bear deserves to be at Number 1, because It has a really beautiful message about understanding perspective.

[@megami7373]

i’m shocked that it wasn’t !

[@henrylechmere5042]

Big things start from small!

[@kateluxor2986]

Like hell. I watched it in the theatres and I was bored beyond belief. I really didn't like any of the characters, except the bear cub but even he kind of got on my nerves a little. Plus, the film was too slow, it just lagged in too many places. And they could have shortened it by about 10-15 minutes. Put me out of my misery. When the end credits started rolling, I couldn't get out of there fast enough!!! My Mom had come with me because she'd wanted to see it too. But afterwards, I found out she was less than impressed with "Brother Bear." It's one of Disney's weakest movies. Point, Blank, Period. It has no right being on this list. The list they put together here is just fine. I love "Encanto", " The Lion King", and so forth. Actually, they could have put "The Rescuers" on this list. It deals with kidnapping, child abuse (to a degree) and child endangerment. And it's handled with the right amount of seriousness, sadness, hope, and humor. It's a great movie from back in the day. I grew up with it. And I love it!!!

[@hollyclarkesfm]

I always found Nemo and Dory representing different disabilities. Such as Nemo’s being physical and Dory’s mental. Which is why I love them both :) I love doing studies of films, especially with actual deep themes that u don’t recognise as a kid, but the more u get older the more u understand.

[@alexanderdixson9956]

I relate to that a lot, when I was in middle school, I found that I had autism and always wondered why I always acted so differently around everyone else, especially at school, throughout the majority of my life, and it made me really introverted and it was hard for me to fit in, but I’ve made lots of amazing friends through middle school and high school and I’m excited to make more in college, and that they accept and love for who I truly am, and I thank god for bringing them into my life 🙏🏾💝✝️☮️😇⭐️

[@vulpixfairy1985]

This is why I see Disney movies as opportunities to teach my preschoolers and my son the lessons they want to pass to us. Sure they’ll probably remember only the princesses, the princes and magic powers so forth, but I want to see them past this and use their character developments and the obstacles and problems they encounter as points of discussion. I love that this list has so many of my favourites.

[@olvialee7221]

Speaking of grief, I lost my uncle this year. I was very close to him when I was little. I might keep my emotions but I tend to cry my heart out when I’m home alone. It’s been very hard for me

[@alexanderdixson9956]

I’m praying that you find inner peace and closure, and that he’s in heaven watching over you from above and watching you live the rest of your life 🙏🏾💝✝️🦁🐑🕊️😇☮️

[@MISAARIA]

Encanto should have been MUCH higher. I can't think of another film that tackled generational trauma, and it did a beautiful job.

[@lilac3266]

exactly!! like 11!?? REALLY? encanto was like the only Disney movie I’ve seen being brought up in actual therapy appointments and it opened up discussion on a taboo topic as well. It also didn’t use anything to shy away from the topic it conveyed the history and each member’s individual struggle. Deserved so much higher

[@tamakunminnip2117]

Coco.

[@1992disney]

Thanks so much for including Treasure Planet. Though it should've been a lot higher on this list because of how Disney rarely tackles heavy subjects like parental abandonment, the struggles of growing up as a teen, and the negative consequences of greed. That's what makes Treasure Planet so unique and special and one of the many, many reasons why it's an underrated masterpiece that really shouldn't have failed miserably in theaters. It was very bold and brave of the legendary Ron Clements & John Musker to put those mature topics into their sci-fi take on Treasure Island and execute those same topics masterfully. The film definitely deserved better.

[@demonprincess9680]

Encanto and Mulan were my favorites. The expectations in Encanto and the children's struggles to escape them. And the fact that Mulan didn't outmuscle the men and was able to defeat Shan Yu with her brain instead. Both were brilliantly performed

[@Keely_Coles]

Treasure Planet is such a underrated movie and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it!

[@deinemudda6104]

I didnt like it

[@1992disney]

@@deinemudda6104 Why?

[@deinemudda6104]

@@1992disney I dunno I wasnt captured by the story and it was waaay to sentimental for my liking , happy other ppl enjoy it

[@1992disney]

@@deinemudda6104 Well that's a shame. There's a reason why it has a big and devoted fanbase.

[@deinemudda6104]

@@1992disney glad so many ppl enjoy it, I accept that it´s just not my cup of tea and that´s ok too

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I wouldn't say serious, but early Disney has pretty dark moments still like Snow White's Evil Queen transforming into the old hag and Pinocchio's Coachman with the donkeys and Pleasure Island

[@c.d.dailey8013]

Pinocchio was really harsh. It goes way beyond the kiddie lessons that Jimminy teaches explicitly. Pinocchio was likely a victim of something illegal. Child kidnapping, trafficking, working and enslavement are serious issues today. That probably happened in the movie. Poor Pinocchio. He went through Hell before he became a real boy.

[@darthstarkiller1912]

Some other honorable mentions: Being a single parent after a spouse's death - "Bambi II" Illegal poaching and animal conservation - "The Rescuers Down Under" Interracial relationships, prejudice and generational truama - "Elemental" Child abuse and kidnapping - "The Rescuers"

[@relentless_thoughts]

And Brother Bear for trauma

[@GCKMimi]

Rescuers and Rescuers DU are so slept on

[@sadhbhcorr942]

Grief, PTSD, childhood trauma - The Lion King PTSD, ongoing trauma, prejudices, war - The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride Racism, discrimination, drugs - Zootopia Animal cruelty and endangerment, kidnapping - 101 Dalmatians Bullying, discrimination, prejudice - Dumbo Being a child who lost a parent - Bambi and Bambi 2 Saying goodbye to old friends you've known for years - Toy Story 4 Adolescence, the onset of puberty, growing apart - Turning Red Internal struggles, trauma, togetherness, sisterhood - Frozen Internal struggles, conflicts, togetherness, brotherhood - Onward Grief, mourning, interpersonal struggles, sadness, loneliness - Up Family values, communication, honesty, it's okay to be sad - Inside Out

[@GlitchyHalo]

@@sadhbhcorr942kidnapping, manipulating, gaslighting, fat shaming, other forms of verbal abuse, and hanging: Tangled

[@Kpimpmaster]

I think Elemental’s messages were already brought up in the other movies which made explain it’s poor numbers in theaters

[@OBrienIsaCK]

This list is incredible. I’m 17, and I captured two things from this video- Firstly, wow! Childhood was so fun! So many movies, so many good times, and so many smiles. Secondly-my love of movies stems from struggles in my own life and my introspective mind, and trying to find peace. Please, everyone, stop hate. You have one life, your goal should be to live a good one and bring joy to others. I hope anyone who reads this has a good day.

[@rmarieshen862]

Just one comment on Rapunzel,I would not call it "problematic parenting." Too much of a euphemism. It is outrigth narcissistic abuse and coercive control.

[@esteemedmortal5917]

💯

[@EmmyLayton]

Tangled quite honestly made me realize when I got older that my mother was much the same way, especially when she actually said something very similar to Mother Gothel, so thanks Disney!

[@rainbowpegacornstudios]

The Lion King and Big Hero 6 tackled the issue of grief perfectly. It's not easy losing a loved one that I felt like Hiro did too many times for my comfort in admitting it.

[@romaindelorme5371]

I also love the modern take on the initiatory trip from Moana. She struggle with her future, her father fear and her own doubt on what she's supposed to chose for her life.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

Tangled becomes even more messed up when you watched the series and you find out that Mother Gothel abandoned her own child Cassandra before she kidnapped Rapunzel

[@joshuagonzalez4183]

damn!… :(

[@chelseacanales8763]

Losing a love one is hard to swallow and it hurts every single day. I remember watching Coco it was after my grandma passed away and it hurts. Both passing of my grandparents still hurts, but I have to remember that there are better days ahead, and they are watching over me

[@TCHorwood-xq7mw]

❤

[@jaclynsanture6643]

They are watching over you, you will be blessed in life

[@kyndrablankenship1758]

I saw Encanto with my friends the day after my grandpa passed. I had actually asked my grandma if it would've been ok to keep my plans because I knew they would ask me if we were still on. She said grandpa would've wanted me to have fun.

[@melissagrant4178]

Even through it been couple of year since I lost my dog and I got a new dog, I sometimes miss her

[@lenee8959]

The misconception is that Merida doesn’t want to fall in love. I don’t think that’s the case. She just doesn’t want to get married to somebody she doesn’t love.

[@miscellaneoussarnian5282]

1: one of the main reasons why I watch Disney animated movies is that the characters go through internal conflicts/trying to deal with something serious; Elsa having to tackle her power and the fear that Pabbie installed in her, Tarzan and Mirabel both wanting to fit in with their families etc. 2: only 3 words can describe how I feel about Encanto being at the top of bottom half. Disgraceful, Disgusting, Despicable!

[@AstatineIodinePotassium]

Did you want Encanto to be higher or lower🤨

[@miscellaneoussarnian5282]

@@AstatineIodinePotassium higher, obviously

[@lilac3266]

This! like zootopia is good but encanto wasn’t afraid to portray the real, raw, authentic trauma of a family. I like how even mirabel is flawed as a protagonist. She’s pushy and even at times dismissive of her sisters struggles. I love how it didn’t need a silly twist villain to portray the issue. I love how mirabel gains confidence as she discovers more about the family. I love how alma isn’t actually malicious just misguided it’s really refreshing. 11 is absolutely way too low encanto is one of the only movies that I’ve seen THERAPISTS analyze everywhere.

[@juju1204k]

I never had a child hood. It was taken away from me I had to be a parent to my little brother but it made me stronger 💪

[@JonathanLasry]

I didn’t like the hunchback of Notre-Dame when I was a kid. As an adult, I think it’s one the best Disney has to offer ! Hellfire will forever haunts me !

[@JD10503]

Tony Jay brought his A game to that role, no doubt about it.

[@Caprabone]

I worry that the current right wing religiosity that is infecting everything recently will make Frollo the hero in the planned live action remake..😢

[@grahamdamberger7130]

The title Simba's Pride had two meanings. A clan of lions is known as a pride, but the title was also a reference to Simba's personal pride in the years following Scar's defeat. Even though Scar went about things the wrong way (no one should ever trust hyenas), many people with older siblings can relate to and sympathize with him as in the olden days the firstborn son is often first in line to inherit their father's role. And if he is blessed with a son of his own, the situation can become dire for his younger brothers as they now have a nephew to compete for the inheritance of the role with. But going back to Simba, he took a long while to get over Scar's betrayal and the trauma that came with it. And then learning that some of his pride believed in Scar's philosophies opened up some old wounds, and he ended up contradicting himself when he taught young Kiara that "we are one", but refused to listen to her and Kovu when the latter "supposedly" led him to a trap set up by Zira (even though Kovu had no idea that he was leading Simba into a trap). I'm not saying Simba was in the wrong for exiling Zira and her followers. As king of Pride Rock, that was an obligation. However, as the film went on, it became clear that Zira was, for the most part, the only one carrying Scar's will and legacy (more so following the death of Nuka), and most of her followers only followed her as a means of survival. Fortunately, Simba was able to move past his trauma after Zira's death and welcomed her followers back into his pride.

[@nicolasbouchez3100]

I'm french, so I excuse for all following spelling mistakes. And I'd say more : in Lion King II, who said that Zira's followers knew Scar themselves ? Nuka knew him, because he was born during Scar's reign, contrary to Kovu and Vitani. However, anonymous lionesses were more probably foreigners exiled by Simba, who after hyenas experience, thought that every foreigner was a potential danger. In first movie, if Prideland was destroyed, it wasn't because of hyenas themselves, but because of their number. Too many predators in the same land. This sequel learns us not to love too much our family, because we risk to become blind to their mistakes (Simba repeated his father's) or what they were really (Zira loved so much Scar she always refused to believe his death was the result of his own actions and treasons, what it get her to become as sadism, coward, and even more blood thirsty than Scar, and wanting that her own children become murderers). However, Kiara, even if she loves her parents, shows more distant to them, is very more open minded than her father, and knows see when her own pride is or was mistaken. And Kovu finds back his good personnality he had child, and learn trust about Scar (and in same time, about his mother). It's necessary to see evil which is present in our own "pride", and not only in the ennemy.

[@familyoftacticaldroids309]

Sad thing is: Simba lost his dad to a MURDER, and not something like a sickness or other "natural causes". :( And to add to that, it was his own relative - who he basically seemed to love and trust at the time - who did it. It's gotta be super hard to live after you find that your own relative killed another relative, of whom you loved deeply. I know Simba didn't find out about it until his return, but still...I could only imagine his pain if he saw Scar murder Mufasa and not just Mufasa falling / dying.

[@BG-be8di]

Exactly, that part is the saddest and that's what hurts the most

[@chloeeng6811]

And feeling like his father death is his fault

[@kermitTHEdinosaur93]

Those are really great serious issues that Disney tackled almost like: .Crimes, and Desire for Freedom- Aladdin (1992) .Prejudice, Man vs. Animal- The Jungle Book (1967) .Accepting Your Role in Life- Wreck It Ralph (2012) .Inner and/or Outer Beauty- Beauty and the Beast (1991) .Finding Your Own Kind, Real Family- The Tigger Movie (2000)

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

So true

[@melissagrant4178]

I love the Tigger movie, Pigget big movie teach us even if you small you can do big thing

[@dottiedotpie]

omg i love that you included tigger movie. it has always been a big favorite since i was little especially with how complicated my family was/is. I think Atlantis should also be on the list

[@Altoryu]

Mind you the reason why Ralph had a hard time accepting his role is because no one appreciated his role, to the rest of the game's residents he was just 'the bad guy' and didn't realise that without him they were screwed. So really should add the topic of learning to not take people for granted along with self acceptance.

[@kermitTHEdinosaur93]

@@Altoryu That's exactly right

[@HannahBanana126]

I LOVED Finding Nemo and Dory especially with Dory cognitive problems! I have a intellectual/learning disability and it has been a weight on my shoulders lately with college stuff coming up. Trying to apply for help, trying to understand everything about college and what could be best for me, and I'm trying to work on getting my first job at 18 in a good environment and understanding people, but its difficult. My anxiety, stress, overthinking, and huge procrastination issue just make it worse, and I keep putting it off even though I need to prioritize it TODAY. Some people don't understand and don't have patience for people who need extra help and time.😔

[@melissagrant4178]

I have a learning promble, I talk different from the way most people talk, I never went to college and never have a real job

[@sunnygirl523]

That’s why I love finding dory more than finding Nemo cuz I have adhd just like dory and it makes me cry every time I see it 🥹

[@voodooguyyinc.2775]

People keep forgetting Lion King is just a retelling of Hamlet, then Lion King 2 is Romeo & Juliet. Just Shakespeare in Disney form.

[@charlesschofield4018]

I remember both Forrest Gump and The Lion King had the same message; You got to put the past behind you

[@wintertheampharos4725]

Granted you’ll have to face your past eventually and learn from it before finally letting go.

[@nightslayer6951]

Losing a loved one at any age is hard to deal with

[@sunnythehedgehog5026]

Not Everyone. I didn't feel anything at when my parents died at all.

[@nightslayer6951]

@@sunnythehedgehog5026 Why didn't you love them

[@gtprime2410]

I relate to disability issues a lot in Finding Dory. I'm autistic.

[@geviesanta3631]

No way, I can relate to that issue, too. I'm also autistic.

[@gtprime2410]

@@geviesanta3631 I'm glad you relate!

[@KayleeBlack-el8wu]

Finding Dory is another one of favorite movies, and I relate to this because I am also autistic.

[@kpsonicdude]

gtprime2410 I can relate to the disability issue too because I'm also autistic

[@gtprime2410]

@@kpsonicdude So happy to learn that!

[@KingdomHeartsFan3211]

Another great example is “Elemental”, which incorporates themes of immigration, xenophobia, class differences, and interracial relationships in a way that’s palatable for all ages. Given that much of the film draws from director Peter Sohn’s own life story, it’s not surprising how authentic the story feels.

[@zakirstocks9514]

I Absolutely Love *A Goofy Movie* and *Encanto* are both going through some SERIOUS issues the characters are going through!

[@clicky1996]

Disney needs to make more movies directed towards adults. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of my favourite movies of all time because it tackled such adult issues. Disney doesn’t have to be all about entertaining the kids.

[@lavoniaholloway1245]

You are under the impression that Disney has other studios meant for adults, right? They just have no interest in applying their name to them. But Buena Vista and Touchstone used to be specifically for movies that could fall under a range of different age demographics. Just because you don’t see the Disney logo doesn’t mean they’re not Disney movies

[@sqseq1237]

7:49 Childhood always sticks with us no matter what. You’re never to old to play.

[@twilightanndanaez]

Brother bear... just hearing the name makes me cry... I'm being so serious 😢

[@bookwolf9638]

Lilo and Stitch doesn't only look at the family dynamic between Nani and Lilo following their parents' deaths, but also opens up discussion about raising someone who is potentially autistic. Lilo fits all the basic traits of Autism in young girls: impulsive, reckless, unable to voice her feelings properly or respectfully, weird hyperfixations (the pictures of beach-goers; 'voodoo' and Pudge the fish)... Seriously, pull up a list of symptoms of autism and go back and watch Lilo & Stitch. You'll be checking several boxes along the entire movie.

[@AvengefulSiren]

This list highlights some of my favorite movies. Treasure Planet is for sure number one, but the rest I also love. And sadly, there are way too many Count Frollos in this world right now

[@cajayson8301]

Nice list but I would've added these three: 1. Pinocchio (human values about bravery, truthful, being unselfish...plus the fact none of the baddies faced any consequences) 2. The Rescuers (child abduction) 3. Beauty and the Beast (inner beauty)

[@Yellowguy0619]

Debt and Poverty - Oliver and Company

[@Xav1298]

I’m so glad they put the Hunchback of Notre Dame as number one on this list

[@sylviagrice4140]

Yay! They added Encanto to this list! That one does have some pretty serious issues.

[@lilac3266]

glad it was added but i think it deserves way higher. It’s rare for Disney movies to be brought up in therapy appointments but I had NEVER seen so many therapists talk about a movie when it came to encanto

[@Markimark151]

Lilo and Stitch, Lion King, Hunchback of Norte Dame, Mulan, Zootopia have really strong themes that even Disney nowadays doesn’t address anymore! Zootopia is an allegory of our society being prejudice to law abiding citizens! Especially the law enforcement is getting wrongfully blamed by stupid activists, who happen to be the twisted villain in Zootopia!

[@okamireader5]

I feel Brother Bear deserved to be on the list, not just an honorable mention, becuz it depicted how severe the consequences of one's actions can really be, not only on one's self bu on others. Kenai sought revenge on the bear he provoked for the death of his brother, Sitka, whose death could have been avoided if Kenai had done what he was supposed to and secured the fish they'd brought for their tribe, or at the very least not provoked the bear at all Not only that, Kenai showed blatant disrespect of his culture in not only throwing away the totem he'd been given but doing so right in front of Tanana, their shaman woman, signifying his contempt of Love and thinking it had anything to do with Manhood (when it has everything to do with not just Manhood but Humanity and Life) Killing the Bear out of Hate offended the Great Spirits that they had Sitka change Kenai into a Bear in order to teach him a lesson and get a whole new perspective of the world... and then later understanding the true consequence of his offense - That Kenai had killed the mother of Koda, a young bear cub he'd grown to sincerely love like a little brother, causing Kenai to fall into a remorseful depression and truly understand the evil he had done out of misplaced vengeance, enough that he confessed what he had done to Koda, which very nearly destroyed their bond of brotherhood When Kenai went to the mountain where the Lights touch the Earth, he was at his deepest low, not knowing what else to do and feeling he had no one left, especially when Denahi showed up to kill him (not realizing who he really was). The Spirits did not intervene even in the moment where Denahi almost killed Kenai, only for Koda to jump in. When Kenai saw Denahi chase Koda, he didn't hesitate to risk his own life to protect him, and that was when the Spirits, acting through Sitka, finally stepped in and gave Kenai back his humanity and showed Denahi what he had almost done, terrifying him Everything Kenai had learned however taught him that Love is very powerful, such that his own for Koda made Kenai understand that Koda needed him more than his people did and he willingly returned to being a bear to live with and look after Koda, and in doing so he had lived by his totem, allowing him, a boy, to become a man... by becoming a bear

[@im_not_meg.]

beautiful. bravo.👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@princesspixel3151]

I honestly think that we shun away from religion in general because we’re too scared of potentially encountering those like Frollo, and their gaslighting beliefs that we’re doomed to fry in hell despite everything. Even as a Christian myself, I find that awful… especially when we were told to “Love our neighbors,” not… well, y’know. 😢

[@princesspixel3151]

Also, if you disagree about this, that’s okay! Besides, this is just another opinion I’m rambling about

[@JD10503]

​@princesspixel3151 As a Christian myself, I think the reality of Hell shouldn't be understated. That being said, people like Frollo give a bad name to religion as a whole. But there's a difference between religion and true Christianity. Just my 2 cents on the matter.

[@princesspixel3151]

@@JD10503You’re absolutely right about Hell itself! People clearly underestimate the horrors of that place, and some even consider it the best place ever… even better than Heaven! It’s like Kronk’s shoulder devil said, “He’s trying to lead you to the path of righteousness. I’m gonna take you to the path that ROCKS!”

[@BPJD2004]

Just a reminder that instead of banning the use of animals in circuses, maybe a system of proper documentation from an outside source during the training of captive bred animals could be used instead so that we can have circuses and safety for the animals used. I wanted to go the circus so badly when I was a kid, but when I turned 11, they shut down the last one in the US. I was so mad 😡

[@TCWRebelsResistanceWords]

Big Hero 6, Encanto, Coco, and Brave are so relatable to me. Big Hero 6 and Coco are relatable for me dealing over the loss of my beloved grandmother, whom I was extremely close with, over 5 years ago, and honoring her memory and learning how to deal with it. Encanto and Brave relate with me on whom I am as a whole. While my immediate family loves me, I’m still considered a black sheep due to my ADHD and Asperger’s syndrome. Like Merida’s mother in Brave, my own mother, many years ago, wanted to have a say in my life and didn’t want me to make my own choices and in some small ways still does. Doesn’t help that she treats me like she treats my younger severely autistic brother who needs help with everything. Like Mirabel in Encanto, I’m deeply loved but also considered different and usually looked over and my parents would rather spend time with my brother since he hardly does anything rather than me, which really makes me feel like Mirabel, left out and not worth anything

[@awesomegirl5190]

It's Mirabel

[@melissagrant4178]

You are better than what your family expect from you

[@TCWRebelsResistanceWords]

@@melissagrant4178 thanks. That means a lot to me. I know I am, but I just way too often feel so trapped by their criticism. Doesn’t help that I have to live at home because financial matters (and finding more work hours) are a huge weak spot due to my ADHD

[@melissagrant4178]

@@TCWRebelsResistanceWords Don't listen to their criticism, you are bigger and better than they are, just keep swimming swimming, what do you do we keep swimming swimming swimming

[@BraeMartin-sw6xk]

Abuela Madrigal is actually sympathetical, I mean, everything she went through, who could blame her? 😢😢😢

[@pc_hmk2204]

Yes. She definitely has PTSD definitely. And she knows pain. So that's why she think she should have control but she don't realise her consequences of her actions even done in good intentions.

[@cristinamacabrerapacheco2838]

Other films that I would put, in this case for Pixar: - Onward: Grief and Estrangement from an Absent Family Member, and of course Internal Struggles, Conflicts and Brotherhood, because even in a world dominated with magical creatures, fairy tales, unicorns, mermaids, wizards, dragons, elves and more, that film tackled an important message for appreaciating even more our brothers and sisters, because even more than being with some of your family members like your lost mother or father that you never got to know in your life, you have other people in your family with whom you can give and fill your love and warm, especially that's what our brothers and sisters are for. - Finding Nemo: Overprotecting our children after a tragic event, because after Marlin lost his wife and almost 400 children because of the barracuda attack, except one (Nemo), he started overprotecting his son because of his disability to swim with his special fin and after Nemo was captured by a human dentist, Marlin along with Dory he had to face his fears crossing all the ocean in order to rescue his only son. - Elemental: Interracial Relationships, Prejudice and Generational Trauma - Cars 3: Retirement, Ageing, Sexism and Ageism, because in the third installment of Cars movie franchise, Lighting McQueen had to face and accept that a new generation of racing cars was surpassing him and in the emotional scene on his crash he was having one of the most difficult moments on his life, and during the training scenes with Cruz Ramirez and Smokey to had a last race to compete, and later in the final scenes he accepted to retire and let the other ones like Cruz Ramirez to had a chance to compete.

[@nikradameri6106]

I miss when Disney used to make this kind of movies hopefully they won't disappoint us with The Wish

[@ARWINGx1]

9:10/Treasure Planet 12:32/Tangled 15:12/Finding Dory Although this MAY sound out of context for the first one, but I feel that one thing that MAY be relatable to this is: Being a Son with Autism/Asperger's with neglectful parents. (or nowadays, neglectful mother) Forcing me to be self-reliant, maybe to a fault. (in case anyone would ask for examples) In short, even though my mom's well aware of my condition, she never supports me, due to her narcissism+laziness. Heck, she even tried to "suppress" it. (as if there was an on/off switch for me to hit/flip...)

[@sydneyrogers808]

Big hero 6 was a movie that changed my life, I was currently coping with the loss of my grandfather When this movie came out.

[@lunarose698]

Treasure Planet is still my favorite Disney movie of all time. You can't blame Jim for being the way he is. The guy watched his dad walk out on him without even telling him goodbye. That is piercing for a kid his age.

[@alexanderdixson9956]

Yeah, everyone needs a father figure in my life, my real dad walked out on me and was barely in my life, but I had my grandfather and uncles to teach me how to be a Man, and I thank God that he’s blessed me with them, and I hope he’s blessed other men to change their sons, nephews, and brothers from boys to men Tarzan really taught me that too, especially Son of Man from Phil Collins, I love that song so much, it really speaks to me and my heart and soul, and refers to man being made in the image of God, like Jesus & Adam, and humanity as a whole and it emphasizes our shared humanity and transformative journey of personal growth, the journey to becoming a man requires patience and perseverance, also personal growth, self discovery, self trust, and the power of nature, and trusting yourself and your instincts, and it emphasizes embracing challenges and facing your fears to become the best version of yourself, going through ups and downs, and the importance of sharing what you know and learning from others, there’s something greater than yourself that you can aspire to, the importance of self-esteem and self-confidence and by embracing challenges and growing from them, you can Achieve great things, and by embracing the challenges the come your way, you can become the man your meant to be, and I feel like the song itself encourages young men to face their humanity and to strive for their full potential and the importance of friendship, even when you face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, they can be overcome with the help of others . This song is an anthem of empowerment and self confidence, and a message of self-discovery, perseverance, and the power of nature for everyone 🧔🏾‍♂️✝️

[@user-sc9dv5ni7c]

I'm so sorry to hear that. You're doing just fine without him right?

[@MilasMixMedia]

As someone who has autism, I really like how there are showing that to younger kids who have a disability or not, as someone who has a severely Autistic brother who is serve it’s great to see that portrayed on screen and is so retable to me in many ways, it’s great. Also i can relate to having Trauma and letting go of the past and anxiety all of that.

[@sarahm8695]

The Next Right Thing hit me HARD. As someone who's been battling depression most of my life, I had seen a song capture what I have been experiencing so accurately.

[@rileybuckner9263]

I almost forgot about Finding Dory. That movie was amazing. I have ADHD and Autism and the challenges I deal with related to those are similar but different to what Dory dealt with. I have my own way of dealing with problems, remembering things, and other situations. Definitely loved the amount of support she had in the end. ❤️

[@DebiG1057]

Bambi broke my little heart when it came out. I'm 66 now and I still remember it. I lived near an orphanage.

[@cameronjr8]

Top 10 Kids Shows that dealt racism. Example: Static Shock

[@karinasalazar6919]

Loved Static Shock!!

[@dominicfuentes4070]

I've already watched Static Shock.

[@PrincessMavenKittyDarkholme]

Shrek

[@darkangel7589]

Teen Titans

[@LadySamurai88]

Lilo and Stitch is so much more then just Child Custody and Loss. As a child i always felt like i never belonged somewhere and i felt so different then my family. Later i became depressive and this movie helped me. It felt like it was made for me and that Lilo and Stitch was based on me.

[@ShalalatYT]

Istg really appreciated encanto and frozen 2 on the life lessons and how they really issued those real life problems in such an entertaining way

[@sapphirewingthefurrycritic985]

It took me way too long for me to realize that Lilo's parents were dead and what a social worker was.

[@davidle4936]

Lightyear (2022) may not be the best Disney movie, which is certainly not the worst, but I do appreciate how they handled the themes of obsession and solidarity!

[@anar8343]

Yay! A top 20 list! A top 10 was great but I was waiting for them to make something like this

[@aswalchitra]

Disney's stories are always SYMBOLIC , the new ones are more , the olders are more sublte , both are perfect from their own perspectives But I've notice how some idiots like to rant badly on the villains, which is like if you have more success , you get more hate. But, yeah Disney is getting cornered, for really small reasons.

[@soldierray153]

I think Bambi 2 did a decent job of exploring the topic of a child adjusting to the loss of a parent as well as how a workaholic parent is tasked with adjusting to live of raising a child on their own

[@brokenbridge6316]

Theirs always been three take away lessons that I've always thought of when thinking about "Encanto." No one is perfect, Be Honest with yourself, and never take those around you for granted because you just might lose them. I grant you it also says something about generation trauma. But that's what I thought of first after seeing the movie for the first time.

[@lilac3266]

well the thing with encanto is ir didnt just cover one issue it covered multiple issues of expectations and family roles and trauma responses so there’s multiple take always from the movie

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@lilac3266---I was just saying those were the lessons I thought of when I first saw the movie. But yeah that could also be taken away from the movie too.

[@rainiaananda9327]

FernGully: The Last Rainforest!! (I know, originally not by Disney, but they currently own it), Human encroachment, environmental impact, polution, deforestation, corporate greed and take over... but also, even the smallest can make a huge difference. In fact, the proceeds went to environmental action. So, since this didn't hit the top 20, I'm going to say... someone needs to watch FernGully again.

[@Father_of_Death]

No they don't. It was produced by FAI Films and distributed by 20th Century Fox, the distribution rights expired and now it is owned by FAI Films and licensed to Shout! Studios.

[@melissapoling3768]

It's not a Disney movie. Actually it's by studio ghibli. There's a movie called grave of the fireflies. I won't get into spoilers but it centers around the impact that war has on a country, homelessness and starvation. I bawl like a baby every time I watch it 😥

[@LindaF100]

Can only watch it once

[@Katiew1011]

I would’ve added for a Beauty and the Beast for, bullying and loneliness

[@aliceeve6421]

In brother Bear deals with the guilt of actually murdering someone. Granted it was a bear but it was someone's mother and he has to face the fact that what's done cannot be unchanged all you need to do is the next right thing

[@KeeperOfUntoldDreams]

Coco is my favorite movie of all time, being someone who had their great-grandparents being a good chunk of my life and even got to know my great-great grandmother when I was _very_ young, it was wonderful to see a movie show a kid having a close bond with his great-grandmother and get to meet his great-great grandparents (even if was in death).

[@calebsoria1777]

All 20 of these any child would see as fun or a good movie but when you get older as you learn about history, politics and education you really get a more deeper understanding of what these movies truly mean

[@BG-be8di]

you said it well and very true, that's how we delved more into the serious themes of these movies when we grew up

[@calebsoria1777]

@@BG-be8di indeed

[@wendyodell356]

I knew "The Hunchback from Notre Dome" would be #1. What is more important than how we treat people and standing up for those who are being bullied! Good choice, Ms. Mojo 🎉

[@rodolfovargas7952]

Dumbo, The Lion King, Big Hero 6, Treasure Planet, Encanto, WALL•E, Coco, and Inside Out.

[@axels3188]

I think that The hunchback of Norte dame is the number 1 Disney movie to tackle serious Issues.

[@robertweltonsworldofanimat4525]

I hope we don't have to wait too much longer for another Disney/Pixar masterpiece.

[@hunterrousseau3770]

No 2️⃣ one of the things I like about this movie is how to tried to hammer in this message in a movie that was made for kids, and I'm really excited for what the sequel will have in store for us all 🐰🦊❤️

[@kainbennett7183]

i can relate to both the Lion King, Frozen, (the sequel) as both can relate to losing a family member and losing a family member is a tragic memory to feel

[@Bekka_boo13]

I could only get some through coco I sobbed the whole time I watched it…never again 😭

[@EmilyS-gk3st]

For Ellie from Up, I can relate to her wanting to have kids but not being able to have them. I have Turner Syndrome, so physically cannot have kids of my own. I learned this when I was about 12. I was devastated that my childhood dream of having children of my own some day wasn't going to be possible, but adoption and fostering are still possibilities, and I've long since come to terms with the fact that's the way it's gonna be.

[@ellianachavez6596]

I feel u I won't be able to have children the natural way cause I've had cancer twice now

[@Sovereign-kh4ng]

As a Autistic gay man, with an overprotective but also narcissistic single-parent mother. I relate to Tangled so much, my mother was the same way, saying the same things as Mother Gothel and when I turned 18, I left and never went back. I am 35 now.

[@JaDangerz]

I still don't forgive Abuela in Encanto or Isabela for being a jerk. Mirabel didn't deserve all the crap she got from everyone because she didn't get a gift and neither did Bruno. Bruno and Mirabel could've left together and cut ties with the family and start a new life elsewhere.

[@lilac3266]

mirabel and Isabelas conflict was mutual. Alma apologized and took responsibility and mirabel is not the kinda person to cut ties as we seen

[@rileybuckner9263]

So Zootopia hit extremely hard the first time I watched it. My empathetic side was showing. I was actually pissed off about Nick's trauma and I was feeling his and Judy's pain. I kept going back to Nick's scene about his childhood and I kept going back to Judy's childhood as well. I felt Judy's pain when she talked to Nick again near the end. All in all it's one of my favorites but I get really emotional watching it.

[@monokuma2104]

When I saw the argument between Mirabel and Abuela, I was screaming "Damn right....tell her"........

[@gamuiceyt01]

She was awful to Mirabel and put so much pressure on her family