Top 10 Times Disney Made Us Believe In True Love

“The Lion King” (1994)

Lions Nala and Simba grew up together and were the best of friends. However, following the death of Simba’s father Mufasa, the two cubs lose touch because Simba flees the kingdom. Their reunion as adults is a bit rocky at first, but some nuzzling leads to one of the most famous romantic interludes in Disney history. Set to a beautiful pop song, their nighttime frolicking through the jungle is a fantastic encapsulation of the feelings of two friends who come to see one another in a new, romantic light. Plus, we’ll never get those lyrics out of our heads; even the ones by Timon and Pumbaa.

“Mulan” (1998)

Fa Mulan struggles with living up to the expectations that her family and society have for her. However, despite her desire to rebel against what her family wants her to be, she still loves them. This is best illustrated by the moment that kicks off the main plot of the film. The army comes recruiting for her father, whose age and illness would certainly kill him if enemy soldiers didn’t. To protect him, Mulan disguises herself as a man and joins in his place. Much has been said about what parents will do for their children, but there are children who will go to extreme lengths for their parents too.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)

Given that he was born with several deformities and kept away from the public eye, Quasimodo, the eponymous hunchback of Notre Dame, grew up craving acceptance and companionship from other people. While he is at first heartbroken when he realizes that the beautiful Esmeralda does not love him as he loves her, he still rescues her when her life is in danger. For his efforts, he is hailed as a hero by the people of Paris; giving him the love of his fellow man, which was what he really needed all along.

“WALL-E” (2008)

Love isn’t just something for organic lifeforms – it can also happen between robots. The romance between Waste Allocation Load Lifter WALL-E and Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator EVE is sweet and simple, but not without its drama. The events of the film see WALL-E damaged and an attempt by EVE to save him unfortunately reboots WALL-E without his memories - or his love for her. However, a “kiss” from EVE both literally and figuratively sparks WALL-E’s memories; restoring him to his old self and leading to an adorable happily ever after for the pair.

“Tangled” (2010)

The romance between Flynn Rider, or Eugene, and Princess Rapunzel is certainly unconventional. Although they initially spend time together out of necessity, genuine feelings develop between them and they even share their dreams for the future together. During a confrontation with Rapunzel’s erstwhile captor Gothel, Eugene is stabbed. As he lays dying, the two confess that they were each other’s new dream. With his last breath, Eugene cuts Rapunzel’s hair; preventing Gothel from using its magical properties and freeing the young woman. If using one’s dying breath to save the one you love isn’t true love, we don’t know what is! And thankfully, Eugene lives to reap the rewards of his sacrifice.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

Another unconventional Disney romance occurs between the cursed prince known as Beast, and the young woman he has sort of taken prisoner, Belle. In order for he and his servants to be set free of the spell that’s been put upon them, Beast must find someone to love him in his new form. In spite of their strange circumstances, real affection begins to develop between our protagonists - he even gives her access to his massive library, after discovering her love of books. But when Belle’s father is in danger, Beast lets his love go, even if it means that he and his friends could be stuck the way they are forever. After all, if you love someone, you must set them free… though not usually this literally. Luckily, it was all worth it in the end!

“Aladdin” (1992)

This classic Disney renaissance film had several moments we considered, from the true bromance moment of Aladdin freeing the Genie with his final wish, to Aladdin and Jasmine realizing how much they have in common by speaking in unison. But we really couldn’t choose any other moment than “A Whole New World.” Aladdin and Jasmine’s magic carpet ride visualizes the experience of being swept off your feet by newfound love, while the beautiful scenery, as well as their enchanting duet, sweep us up along with them every time we watch the scene.

“Frozen” (2013)

Although there’s romantic love on display in “Frozen” our pick has to go to a moment of familial devotion. An unfortunate accident causes Anna to be struck by her sister Elsa’s ice powers in the heart, which will eventually turn her to solid ice, without an act of true love to thaw it. Despite her worsening condition, Anna stands between Elsa and Hans when the treacherous prince tries to kill her sister, at which point she turns to ice; deflecting the blow. It’s her selfless sacrifice for her sister that thaws her out and demonstrates what real love for a sibling can push you to.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)

Though we could have gone with Naveen’s willingness to set aside his desire for a comfortable life and to even become human again if it means he can be with Tiana, we’re going with one of the most unusual loves found in a Disney movie: that of the firefly Ray for the actual Evening Star. Ray’s affection is such that not only has he named the star Evangeline, but he also sings a beautiful song to “her.” While this could be the case of a misplaced but still sweet one-sided love by a firefly for an even brighter light in the sky, the fact that Ray appears to become a star himself after he is killed has led some to believe that Evangeline may have been his dead wife or girlfriend. Regardless, it’s incredibly heartwarming that Ray’s love reaches the stars themselves.





Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

When Cinderella & Prince Charming Dance at the Ball

“Cinderella” (1950)



When Lady & Tramp Kiss While Eating Spaghetti

“Lady and the Tramp” (1955)



When Hercules Gave Up Godhood for Meg

“Hercules” (1997)



Jane Chooses to Stay with Tarzan

“Tarzan” (1999)

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Nick Stops Judy from Getting Fired

“Zootopia” (2016)

“Up” (2009)

Yeah, we’re cheating a bit here, but can you blame us? “Up” hits us right in the feels immediately by showing the romance between Carl and Ellie from their days as children to old age, with all the triumphs and heartbreaks along the way. Even after Ellie’s death (oof, more heartbreak!), Carl’s grief and desire for solitude are very relatable; as we can imagine feeling the same after losing the love of our lives. But rather than dwell forever, Carl does his best to make Ellie’s childhood dream a reality by taking their house to Paradise Falls. Now that’s true love!