Top 10 Animated Movie Scenes That We'll Never Forget

Hiccup’s connection with Toothless, an injured dragon he befriends, is a joy to watch. Seeing their friendship blossom is wonderful. One of the best demonstrations of their bond comes when the duo takes to the skies for the first time together. It’s clear both are enjoying themselves, though there are a few hiccups (pardon the pun) along the way. Hiccup loses his flight cheat sheet, they run into a few rocks, and there’s several close calls. But once they start moving in sync with one another, their flight really takes off. Flying scenes are always fun. But the great mix of awe, excitement, and even comedy made this scene truly special.

As children, many of us imagined what it would be like for every Disney princess to appear together in one movie. But we didn’t need to wish upon a star for “Ralph Breaks the Internet” to make our dreams come true! While trying to avoid security, Vanellope stumbles into a gaggle…a flock…a…what’s the proper word for a group of princesses? Regardless, she finds herself among her fellow Disney royals. She’s able to quickly befriend them after proving she has the required bad life experiences to relate to the princesses. They even have a sleepover! Filled to the brim with hilarious in-jokes about Disney princess tropes, this scene is everything we wanted. Well, except for an entire movie based around them all. We’re still waiting, Disney!

This gorgeous Disney film is unconventional in many ways. But it's most out-of-the-box song is also its most incredible! While seeking information about her estranged uncle Bruno, Mirabel’s family members and her fellow townsfolk tell her rumors and anecdotes about him through song. Every singer brings a distinct voice or musical style to the mix. Not only is the tune catchy, but it also increases the overall air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds Bruno. Everything culminates in all the characters singing their parts in an explosive and overlapping chorus. By balancing so many different elements so beautifully,“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” became one of Disney’s greatest songs. We don’t think we’ll ever stop discussing it!

“The Prince of Egypt” is full of amazing and memorable scenes. Honestly, we were tempted to stop right at the beginning to highlight the emotional opening number, “Deliver Us”. But the true scene-stealing moment came out at the climax. When Moses needs to help his people escape from an army, he uses his staff to create a new path forward through the Red Sea. The water animation is breathtakingly gorgeous and still holds up over two decades later. And although the army tries to catch up, the water rushes in and keeps Moses and his people safe. This dramatic and awe-inspiring scene will always take our breath away.

Standing as the only anime moment to make our list, this film shows what happens when teenagers Taki and Mitsuha (MEETsoo-ha) find themselves switching bodies. But distance and even time keep them from meeting properly. Ultimately, the duo does eventually encounter each other atop a mountain. The whole movie has been building up to the moment they get to speak after getting to know one another indirectly. It’s a tremendously cathartic and stunning scene that also has some great comedy. Additionally, it’s also more memorable because they try in vain to retain their memories of each other. If only we could all meet our soulmates in such a dramatic fashion.

Although the titular enormous robot of this film is intimidating and has the capability for great destruction, his friendship with a young boy named Hogarth is incredibly wholesome. Unfortunately, a certain paranoid government agent gives the go ahead to fire a nuclear missile at the Giant’s location without any thought for the nearby town. The robot sees only one way to save innocent people. With the missile bearing down on them, the Giant decides to sacrifice himself. His final word illustrates not only who he admires, but also who he emulates through his actions. The Man of Steel would be proud and so are we. We love rewatching this scene…through our tears, of course.

The first scene in “Up” is one we couldn’t forget if we tried! After watching Carl and Ellie meet as adorable kids, we get a montage of the life they shared together. We then watch them grow up, get married, and start a life together. But they suffer a major heartbreak when Ellie has complications during her pregnancy. After they work through their tragedy together, Carl tries to surprise Ellie with a trip. But she falls ill and passes away. Seeing the history of this couple get condensed into less than 10 minutes set to unforgettable music gets us bawling every time! This emotional bombshell of an introduction will stay with us forever.

If people were asked to think about one scene from this iconic film, we’d be willing to bet they would immediately picture a certain French ballroom. Despite the unusual circumstances that brought them together, the duo starts to develop feelings for each other. But one evening together really seals the deal. Both Belle and Beast put on the most gorgeous outfits they can find in the castle. As Mrs. Potts the teapot sings a “tune as old as song,” the pair enjoys dinner and share romantic glances. Everything builds up to the moment where the world fades away and the two just dance together. The romance, the outfits, and the timeless song will stay with us until this movie is as old as time!

After the sun rose on this awesome scene, it never set. The opening to “The Lion King” feels as primal as any landscape and as sweeping and majestic as any symphony. While that incredible song plays, we’re treated to some of Disney’s most spectacular 2D animation ever. We stand in awe as groups of animals come together to witness Simba's debut as the new heir of Pride Rock. As the little lion is displayed and the music swells, you can’t help but feel like you’re witnessing something profound and universal. The nostalgic scene will always remind us of how beautiful the circle of life is.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Once Upon a December,” “Anastasia” (1997)
A Dance of Memories Worth Remembering

“Let It Go,” “Frozen” (2013)
We’re Never Gonna’ Let This Song Go

The Genie’s Impressions, “Aladdin” (1992)
Robin Williams’ Comedic Gifts Will Never Be Forgotten

Miguel Sings to Coco, “Coco” (2017)
As If We Could Forget a Song Called “Remember Me” Or a Scene That Made Us Sob!

Bambi’s Mother Dies, “Bambi” (1942)
Generations Have Been Traumatized By This Moment!

The 3rd “Toy Story” film has a few moments that are written as indelibly on our souls as Andy’s name is on Woody’s boot. Andy’s goodbye to his toys always gets us. But a more harrowing scene stands out. At one point, Woody, Buzz, and the gang are trapped on a conveyor belt that’s headed for an incinerator. Faced with their pending destruction, the toys reach out to each other one last time….and hey, look―the Clawwwwww! Seeing them get saved made us breathe a huge sigh of relief. Although disaster is narrowly avoided, we still witnessed an intense and moving scene about mortality in a movie about toys. It also makes us hope we’ll have friends who stay with us to the end too.