Top 10 Most Relatable Animated Movie Moments
#10: The Long Carriage Ride “Shrek 2” (2004)
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However much we love our friends and family, being stuck together for long periods with no means of escape can push those bonds to a breaking point. Our favorite annoying Donkey drives Shrek up the wall through the majority of the first movie, but one of the most relatable scenes takes place in “Shrek 2”. In order to visit Fiona’s parents, the trio take a long ride in their onion carriage to a kingdom far far away. Shrek’s building irritation, Donkey’s boundary pushing and Fiona’s quiet frustration at the two make for a familiar little tableau, timed to comic perfection.
#9: Mulan & Shang’s Adorable Crush “Mulan” (1998)
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The earlier Disney couples were all about that instalove, but for Mulan and Shang, things were a bit more complicated. She might be dressed as a boy, but she’s still got eyes, and there’s no harm in looking, right? As she gets to know Shang better, our heroine develops a proper crush, based on more than just the physical. Their mutual respect is tested once her secret is revealed, but she can finally be herself around him and soon, he’s crushing right back on her. Both parties are fearless in battle but totally awkward when it comes to romance. It’s adorable, but also completely grounded in reality.
#8: Anna in the Morning “Frozen” (2013)
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In many ways, Anna is your typical wide-eyed Disney princess, but if there’s one thing that makes her just like us, it’s this wake-up scene. While it may be cathartic to see the usually poised Cinderella rebuke her defacto alarm clock, we can appreciate this scene because of how realistic it is. With the bed hair, the droopy eyes and even some drool for good measure, Anna actually looks as if she’s just woken up. This brief moment of messiness establishes her as the more chaotic of the two sisters. Unlike Elsa, Anna doesn’t feel the same pressure to be perfect. While the snow queen is the star of the show, Anna is “Frozen’s” everygirl.
#7: Alice’s Low Point “Alice in Wonderland” (1951)
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We all need to wallow in self-pity sometimes, and Disney illustrates this phenomenon to perfection with this genteel meltdown in 1951’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Our titular heroine is stuck in a hole of her own making and so she takes a moment to sit and reflect on her bad decisions. Hasn’t there been a time when you felt like you knew the right actions to take, but just couldn't bring yourself to go through with them? Sitting there crying in the forest, with no-one to blame but herself, this scene is a low point for the optimistic Alice - but she’s never been easier to like.
#6: The Sloths “Zootopia” (2016)
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“Zootopia” is a Disney movie that isn’t scared to deal with real issues. In its own allegorical way, it tackles stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination in society. There’s plenty to relate to, whether you’re a Judy or a Nick, or somewhere in between. However, arguably one of the movie’s funniest scenes features a customer service desk filled with sloths. It’s a strange phenomenon, but whenever you’re in a rush, it often feels like the rest of the world has decided to move at a snail’s pace, just to annoy you. Whatever the situation, the effort to stay calm when others are oblivious to the urgency is hilariously illustrated by Judy Hopps’s experience at the DMV.
#5: Moana & Her Grandmother “Moana” (2016)
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In “Moana,” we’re presented with a strong female lead who trusts her own instincts. But every hero needs a mentor and Moana’s is her grandmother. Many children will be able to relate to this close and loving relationship. Although, unusually, this Disney princess still has both parents, her true confidante is Gramma Tala. They share a love of the sea and a fierce individuality. Her grandmother’s nurturing, non-judgemental presence gives Moana the strength to be herself and she relies on the old woman’s wisdom to guide her. The loss of a grandparent is often one of the first big upheavals in a child’s life and the passing of Gramma Tala is a moving moment that will strike a chord with viewers, whatever their age.
#4: Jasmine’s Resolve “Aladdin” (1992)
The princesses of the Disney renaissance era each push back against societal expectations in their own way, but Jasmine is arguably the most vocal about it. She’s sick of men dictating her life decisions - whether that’s her father, his advisors or the many suitors who come calling for her hand in marriage. Even Aladdin is guilty of ignoring Jasmine’s thoughts and feelings at times. The princess isn’t scared to stand up for herself or call people out on their nonsense. We can relate to her frustrations and occasional bursts of temper - it’s all very well to have courage and be kind, but sometimes you also have to hold others to account.
#3: Andy’s All Grown Up “Toy Story 3” (2010)
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For those of us who grew up with the “Toy Story” franchise, the third movie coincided with our transition into adulthood. As Andy prepared to leave for college, the old fans were coming of age too, making all those goodbyes doubly emotional. The entire ending sequence feels like a prolonged and calculated farewell to childhood, capable of reducing adults to ugly tears. Maybe it’s the moment that Andy and his mom look around his empty bedroom, or when he struggles, at the last minute, to let Woody go. Or when - after an afternoon of playing like old times - he ultimately drives away and leaves his toys in the hands of the next generation.
#2: Lilo & Nani’s Fight “Lilo & Stitch” (2002)
“Lilo & Stitch” is set in the modern day and also (mostly) in the real world. The characters are loveable and eccentric, but also grounded and afflicted by real-life problems. Lilo deals with jerks and the loss of her parents while her older sister Nani struggles to hang on to a job and keep the family together. They love each other but they argue too, just like real sisters. Sometimes even like a mother and daughter. In 2012’s “Brave”, Merida’s fights with her mother may have been explosive, but Nani and Lilo are on another level. Their big fight scene is hilariously relatable and their moving reconciliation is just as true to life. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Tiana at Work, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) Saving up for Your Dreams Comes at a Tiring Cost Gromit’s Trying to Sleep, “The Wrong Trousers” (1993) That Penguin Just Won’t Turn the Music Down Sophie & the Witch of the Waste Climb the Stairs, “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004) Their Conflict Is Briefly Put Aside to Defeat the True Enemy - The Countless Steps Anya & Dimitri’s Bickering, “Anastasia” (1997) They Argue Like a Rom-Com Couple, or an Old Married One
#1: Teenage Stuff “Turning Red” (2022)
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Although most Disney princesses are technically teenagers, they’re shown to be more like young women than hormonal adolescents. That is, with the exception of Ariel. Refreshingly, “Turning Red” focuses on the early teenage years instead, giving us an honest, messy and warmhearted depiction of it. Mei is an ordinary kid with a mind of her own, discovering who she is and who she wants to be. Her relationship with her girl group feels genuine and the mother-daughter dynamic is also thoughtfully explored. We all love a red panda, but not everyone was going to appreciate the specific puberty metaphor. However, we appreciate that the movie handled the subject in a funny and unpatronizing manner, giving teens something to really relate to.