Top 10 Most Inappropriate Disney Moments

“Hercules” (1997)

When first announced, many assumed“Hercules” was going to be heavier on the action and lighter on the laughs, but the final product proved them wrong. The film is chock full of humor, not all of it aimed at the younger set. Case in point: As Meg and Hercules find themselves in a romantic garden, we hear about the day they’ve just had. Dinner sounded like fun, but that production of “Oedipus Rex” inspired a “parental problems” jest from Hercules. Most younger viewers won’t understand that Oedipus unintentionally ended up killing his father and getting too close to his mother. Likewise, Hermes’ quip about Narcissus? We know what he’s talking about, but don’t tell the kiddies.

“The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000)


This one is a bit open to interpretation, but it’s too good not to include. “The Emperor’s New Groove” contains zany humor, much of it courtesy of its terrific voice cast. This moment, however, is a visual. Kronk, the shall we say dim-witted and definitely oversized henchman of the evil alchemist Yzma, is seen snoring peacefully in an itty-bitty tent. Well, at least a part of him is covered by that tent. Because Kronk, in typical comic character tradition, is depicted with physically exaggerated proportions, some viewers think that tent is placed over a piece of the anatomy that often “tents” itself. Others say, no, it’s just his knees. We leave it up to you.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

You’d think that during a scene in which our title heroine has to stop the wedding of her beloved to a villainous imposter, people would be too busy to notice any little improprieties. Well, you’d think wrong. When the mesmerized Prince Eric and the disguised sea witch Ursula begin their wedding ceremony, some people let their gaze shift to the minister officiating at this wedding. And many who did so noticed that he seemed a little more…excited…about this ceremony than is proper. There is a bulge in his midsection, but it could be just his very knobby knee. Still, intentionally or not, it comes across to many as a misplaced appendage. Taking no chances, Disney removed it from later releases of the film.

“Zootopia” (2016)


“Zootopia” was a smash hit, perhaps at least partially because of its clever mixture of anthropomorphic cartoon and buddy cop comedy. Judy Hopps is the first rabbit police officer in the big city of Zootopia. She may be from a small town, but she knows how to play the urban game. Needing to enlist con man Nick Wilde to help her on a case, she cleverly traps him into confessing to tax evasion and leverages that to get his help. Along the way, she makes an off-handed reference to the fact that bunnies are known for multiplying. Adults will know that’s a reference to the many children rabbits often produce. Kids will just be laughing at her tricking Nick.

“Cars” (2006)

Puns and double entendres are a big part of many comedies, but sometimes they can go a little far when used in kid-oriented entertainment. In “Cars,” Lightning McQueen is attempting to make the jump from rookie racer to legitimate star. After an early race, Lightning meets a couple of ardent fans. Mia and Tia are Mazda Miata twins, who are thrilled to meet their hero. They even go so far as to flash their headlights at Lightning - and his response indicates that “flashing” in his world is similar to flashing in ours. And the fact that these twins appear to be on the young side makes Lightning’s smug reaction a bit distasteful.

“Frozen” (2013)

If it wasn’t clear before, the chemistry in the “Frozen” sleigh ride scene makes it certain that Anna and Kristoff are endgame. This is especially true from the interplay between the two as Anna explains how she became engaged to a man she’d only just met. The back and forth dialogue is so fast at times that you’d be forgiven if this little sly reference didn’t register at first. But given Anna’s vehemence about foot size not mattering, we can’t help but think she knows about the supposed correlation between feet and manliness. Later, in “Frozen 2,” we also get a little glimpse into Anna’s playtime preferences.

“The Rescuers” (1977)

No one noticed this little naughty bit until “The Rescuers” came out on home video. It seems to have been an inside joke slipped into the film - by who, we may never know. Anyway, in what is a very well-animated action scene, Bernard and Miss Bianca are flying around on the back of an albatross as part of their mission. At one point, in what appears to be only a few frames at most, a picture of a topless woman pops up behind the mice. It’s too fast to have been caught in the original release, and when discovered the folks at Disney took steps to correct it in future copies.

“Mulan” (1998)

One of the most memorable scenes from “Mulan” is the meeting between the warrior and the dragon, Mushu. Once he is actually seen, Mushu doesn’t seem like such a big deal. But his compact size belies his larger than life personality, much of it courtesy of Eddie Murphy. While most of this sequence is harmless, there’s one questionable exchange involving Mushu’s claim of x-ray vision. The moment can’t help but feel invasive, but at least Mulan has the opportunity to show the dragon that pervy behavior is not acceptable. Mushu isn’t through, of course, getting off a comment later that implies Yao has erectile issues. Funny and effective, and thankfully it passes children right by.

“Aladdin & the King of Thieves” (1996)

When Robin Willaims was in front of a microphone, there was no telling what might come out of his mouth. That seems to have been the case here, with a quick aside tossed off just as Aladdin and Jasmine’s wedding gets interrupted. A bunch of bad guys upset the proceedings, and when they surprise an elephant, the animal’s movements cause something like a small earthquake. Cue Williams, who delivers a comment that is definitely sexual in nature. It’s inappropriate but definitely funny - and it helps to detract from the lesser quality animation of this direct to video sequel.

“Toy Story 2” (1999)

Male anatomy jokes do tend to pop up - so to speak - with surprising frequency in Disney films, and we end our list with another one. In “Toy Story,” Woody’s name by itself could conceivably fall into this category, and his reaction to Bo Peep’s invitation leaves little doubt as to what is on his mind. But that’s much more controlled than Buzz Lightyear’s little unexpected reaction to seeing Jessie’s acrobatics in “Toy Story 2.” Mind you, it’s intended to be flattering, and it does get a laugh - but try explaining to your child why you’re chuckling over it.





What Disney moments went over your head as a child that you kinda love today? Let us know in the comments below!