Top 10 Raya and the Last Dragon Moments That Made Us Cry
#10: Chief Benja Turns to Stone
In most Disney properties, the young protagonist wants to open themselves up to the world while their father is more guarded. It’s the other way around here, however, with Chief Benja attempting to unite the land of Kumandra. Although skeptical, Raya follows her father’s example and finds a kindred spirit in Namaari of Fang. Namaari betrays Raya’s trust, though, resulting in the Dragon Gem being broken and the land becoming more divided than ever. With the Druun released, a wounded Benja is unable to save himself, but he acts quickly to spare Raya the same fate. As she watches her father turn to stone, we experience all of Raya’s guilt and grief while a river of tears takes her away.
#9: World of Orphans
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In some respects, Raya and Sisu couldn’t be more different. One’s an optimist who wants to see the good in everyone. The other is constantly looking over their shoulder, ready for someone to stab her in the back. Both have experienced loss, however, showing that humans and dragons are more similar than they appear. Raya and Sisu aren’t alone, as virtually everyone is an orphan in this bleak new world. While Sisu believes there’s still a path to healing and unity, Raya once again sees things differently. We identify with both of their perspectives, which eerily echo many real-world dilemmas. Whether you see more of yourself in Raya or Sisu, this deep conversation is sure to trigger an emotional response.
#8: And Then There Was Tong
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Characters are rarely what they seem in this film, be it a dragon disguised as a human or a baby pulling cons at a sixth-grade level. Behind his towering figure and barbarous personality, Tong is overcome with grief and loneliness. Despite Tong’s fierce attempts to hide any weakness, Raya puts the pieces together when she notices a village of stone people outside. As grim as this image is, something even more dismal sits in the corner: a crib with a toy, but no baby. In so few words, we see how much has been taken from Tong and the effect it’s had on his state of mind. Losing a parent is one thing, but seeing a child turn to stone is even more devastating.
#7: Sisu’s Siblings’ Sacrifice
Aside from being the primary source of comedic relief, Sisu gives the film a heart as well. Underneath all the one-liners, Sisu feels like she’s living in the shadows of her siblings. Sisu’s brothers and sisters saw something in her, though, that not even she could recognize. In their last stand against the Druun, Pengu, Pranee, Jagan, and Amba formed the Dragon Gem. Before being turned to stone, they entrusted the gem and the fate of the world to Sisu. Although Sisu doesn’t understand why she was given this responsibility, it doesn’t really matter. Sisu’s siblings put their faith in her, which is all the motivation she needs to restore harmony. Her backstory is tragic yet uplifting, inspiring the confidence Raya needs to trust Namaari again.
#6: Running on Raindrops
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Even in a world of orphans, unbreakable bonds can be forged in the most unlikely places. Traveling the world, Raya and Tuk Tuk make several additions to their family with Sisu, Boun, Tong, Noi, and the Ongis. Although they come from different parts of a shattered world, they share a mutual desire to pick up the pieces. As the others vow their allegiance, Sisu demonstrates her newfound powers. Sisu not only summons the rain, but she’s now able to run on the falling water, practically soaring through the clouds. We guess you could call it, falling with style. This gorgeously animated sequence is only made grander than James Newton Howard’s stirring musical score, encompassing so much beauty that the audience can barely contain themselves.
#5: Namaari Sees a Dragon
Namaari is one of Disney’s most layered antagonists to date. Although she can be deceitful and even ruthless, there’s more to her than a no-nonsense warrior. Namaari’s humanity and inner dragon nerd are on full display when she first sees Sisu in her true form. Suddenly, the stern gaze in her eyes turns into a look of fear and wonder. Namaari has waited her entire life to see a dragon. Now that this moment has finally come, she can’t help but get a little choked up as she locks eyes with Sisu. While the encounter doesn’t last long, the animators communicate a whirlwind of emotion through a single expression on Namaari’s face. With her defenses down, Namaari connects with the audience like never before.
#4: Shot to the Heart
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After Raya returns the dragon pendant as a peace offering, a conflicted Namaari agrees to meet with her. In a more conventional film, Namaari would’ve been followed by her mother, sparking a misunderstanding. This film takes a far more compelling route, however. Pulling a crossbow on our heroes, Namaari is torn between doing what’s best for Fang and what’s best for the world. As Raya prepares for battle, Sisu uses her words and nearly gets through to Namaari. Raya prematurely strikes, though, causing Namaari to shoot. Caught in the crossfire, Sisu falls to what may be her watery grave. What makes her apparent demise especially heartbreaking is that both the antagonist and the protagonist inadvertently have blood on their hands.
#3: Defending Fang
With Sisu gone, the Druun on the rise, and the world crumbling to bits, Raya only has vengeance on her mind. Tacking Namaari down, Raya prepares to finish her rival off until she confronts the sad truth. Namaari may’ve fired the arrow, but Sisu would still be standing if only Raya had been more trusting. Raya finally starts to see what her father was trying to accomplish as her friends help get the people of Fang to safety. Although Raya has always viewed Fang as the enemy, there’s no point in dwelling on ancient history anymore. All that matters is saving as many people as possible, regardless of where they’re from. It’s a message that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s world.
#2: Learning to Trust
The harrowing climax finds our heroes and Namaari surrounded by the Druun, clinging to the fading gem’s pieces. Reflecting on Sisu’s words, Raya realizes that coming together is the only way to save the world. While the others are reluctant to trust Namaari, Raya takes the first step. Relinquishing her gem piece to Namaari, Raya turns to stone. One by one, the rest of her friends do the same, knowing that they might be making the ultimate sacrifice. Alone, Namaari is given a chance to escape, but she chooses to place her faith in Raya. Reassembling the gem, Namaari surrenders and joins the others. It’s like Anna turning to ice times eight. Like “Frozen,” though, there is a happy-cry ending.
#1: Raya’s Reunion
As rain begins to fall, Raya and everyone else who has been turned to stone are restored. This includes the dragons, who charge across the rain above. The reunion wouldn’t be complete without Sisu, who’s revived by her fellow dragons. Of course, this is just one of several reunions, as each member of the team returns to their families. The most touching is saved for last, as Raya sees her father in the flesh for the first time in six years. Even after all this time, Banja still recognizes his grown-up Dewdrop. The father and daughter are soon joined by Sisu, as well as a few others. Welcomed by people from all over, Banja sees his dream of a united Kumandra realized.
