Top 10 Inspirational Disney Quotes to Live By

Whether Tiana’s a human or an amphibian, you can’t deny how much of a hard worker she is. With the dream of opening her own restaurant, she works every single day to make that dream a reality, no matter what obstacles come her way, whether they be financial or prejudiced. In fact, we pretty much get all we need to know about her work ethic in one of the opening songs. In “Almost There,” Tiana lets the audience know - through her father’s advice - that if you want that fairy tale ending, then you have to be the one to go out and make it happen.

The character of Buzz Lightyear goes through many changes over the course of this incredible film series. However, two things that always remain the same are his boundless determination and signature catchphrase. Originally just another part of the space ranger persona, the phrase has now become synonymous with Buzz pushing himself beyond his limits in order to accomplish a goal, whether it be tracking down his captured friend or breaking out of a makeshift prison. While it’s unlikely we’ll end up in the circumstances the characters of “Toy Story” get into, pushing ourselves beyond what we believe to be possible is something we can get behind.

While Beast and Belle spend the majority of the movie discovering that beauty and love are far from skin-deep, we’re actually let in on the moral of the story during the opening narration. Before the enchantress turns the selfish prince into the monstrous form we’ve all come to know, she warns him not to be deceived by appearances. It’s an idea that may often be taken for granted, but that doesn’t mean there’s less value in it. If Beast can win the heart of someone like Belle by showing her that it’s what’s on the inside that really counts, then the rest of us don’t have any excuses!

The son of Zeus may be the strongest man in the world, but as it turns out muscles aren’t everything. To be a true hero, you can’t only have the power to bring down a mountain with a single punch, but rather the strength to do what’s just. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever have to face down a Hydra in the near future, but having the courage and fortitude to do the right thing, even when things get hard; now that’s the stuff of heroes!

Seems like the fairest of them all can bring joy no matter where she goes - even in the middle of a gloomy forest. After the Huntsman lets her go free, Snow White encounters the first of many animal friends, and her beautiful voice manages to lift all their spirits. In “With a Smile and a Song”, she gives the helpful hint that while life can certainly get you down, you’re responsible for your own happiness - and that through your kind actions, you can make the world around you just a little bit better. Staying positive has never sounded so poetic.

If you can see past your tears in this beautiful scene in which a young girl supposedly loses her pet alien dog, you’ll find a surprisingly mature message about the bonds of family. Well, that’s Lilo for you. The phrase is brought up several more times throughout the film, and just gets more impactful every time it’s said. As Stitch learns to value the friendship he has with the little girl, the idea behind ohana easily translates to viewers as well: love the family you have, and fondly remember those that have passed. Not bad for a movie that has a fluffy extra-terrestrial learning to surf.

Without a doubt, Fa Mulan is a certified Disney badass, overcoming both war and sexist prejudices to save her family. All in all, she’s quite a catch. The Emperor of China makes this perfectly clear by letting Li Shang know that people that can triumph in spite of great ordeals are uncommon, and should be treasured, regardless of appearance and social standing; so he’d better get a move on and let her know how he feels while he has the chance. Taking this moral to heart allows people to find value in themselves, while reminding us to judge people based on their actions as opposed to their origins.

Good old Rafiki, providing wisdom to future kings while laying the smack-down on hyenas. Just when Simba is at his lowest, this primate teaches the lion about letting go of the past with a rather painful example. It’s simple yet effective enough that even the youngest of viewers can understand. Letting go is never an easy thing, especially when you’ve been through trauma. But by both acknowledging the past and trying to move on, you take your first step towards healing. Here’s hoping that most people’s pasts don’t involve fathers being tossed off of cliffs though.

“Meet the Robinsons” may have given us a similar message, but we had to go with the quote that is as memorable as it is lovable, just like Dory herself. As Marlin sinks deeper into depression over his son’s capture, the forgetful Dory keeps trying to cheer him up. Despite her various lapses in memory, she does however come out with some clever quips that actually strike a chord, not only with Marlin but also with us! It’s very easy to get bogged down when the pressures of life keep piling on, but if you just keep moving forward, then the burden will eventually get lighter.


Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Life’s Not a Spectator Sport
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

Our Fate Lives Within Us
“Brave” (2012)

Putting Someone Else’s Needs Before Yours
“Frozen” (2013)

Trying to explain the difference between wrong and right to a child isn’t always an easy thing, yet the Blue Fairy and Jiminy Cricket do their best with this one simple saying. Granted, Pinocchio’s conscience is an actual physical being that can give him the occasional much-needed push, but the message still holds weight with audiences of all ages, even if we don’t all have a top-hatted cricket friend. It may seem rather obvious, but the sincerity of the message still rings true, and the occasional reminder to avoid dangerous temptations, not to take things at face value, and to do what you know is right can’t be faulted.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think is the most inspirational Disney quote to live by? For more entertaining top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo