Top 20 Disney Movies That Dealt with Serious Issues
#20: Tyranny
“A Bug’s Life” (1998)
Nature has a certain order, and according to Hopper and his gang of grasshoppers, that order includes a colony of ants giving them food every summer in exchange for protection. Of course, this whole setup is worse than they make it sound. Basically, it’s a group of bikers ruling over an entire village through threats and intimidation to keep them in line. The truth is that the ants outnumber the grasshoppers –and Hopper knows it. But the colony’s become too scared to realize that they can overpower the bad guys at any time. Fortunately, sometimes it just takes one brave soul to take the stand against the crushing supremacy.
#19: Climate Change & the Effects of Oil
“Cars 2” (2011)
“Cars 2” is far from being Pixar’s most popular film, but that doesn’t mean we should overlook the underlying conflict of the story. The world of sentient automobiles is slowly converting to clean-burning alternative fuel instead of gasoline. This threatens the livelihood of a gang of oil tycoon lemon cars until their ringleader promotes a fake “clean energy source” to make alternative fuel look bad so that the oilers can stay in business. It may be a relatively recognizable “big oil companies are bad” plot. But it really shows that, especially in a world populated by cars, pollution and climate change are relevant issues that many are taking steps to change.
#18: Tolerance, Change, Doing “The Next Right Thing,” & So Much More
“Frozen II” (2019)
Whether you resonated with Anna’s loneliness, Elsa’s anxiety, or both sisters’ grief, “Frozen” is universally relatable . Its 2019 sequel is packed with even more life lessons. For starters, their adventure “Into the Unknown” turns into a restorative justice mission. Also, hearing Kristoff tell Anna that his “love is not fragile” hits us hard. Meanwhile, Olaf shows audiences that change isn’t always bad and actually helps us grow. However, it’s Anna’s solo “The Next Right Thing” that speaks straight to our souls. Kristen Bell drew on her own experiences of “depression and anxiety” to relay this powerful message. The number teaches us that in the face of darkness and uncertainty, even the smallest steps can have a significant impact.
#17: The Mistreatment of Animals
“Dumbo” (1941)
The 1941 movie highlighted just how awfully animals can be treated for the sake of so-called entertainment. They risk being kept in inhumane confinement, forced into submission and a life in chains. Dumbo is even torn away from his mom, reflecting a distressing reality. That’s all before the creatures are subjected to degrading and dangerous tricks, and for what? The film has a bittersweet ending as mother and baby reunite but still aren’t truly free. The 2019 live-action remake sought to fix this, incorporating a ban on mistreating animals for entertainment and releasing Dumbo and his mom back into the wild. In reality, it’s only relatively recently that some countries have ensured circuses can’t involve wild animals.
#16: Losing a Parent & Facing the Past
“The Lion King” (1994)
We might’ve all come away from this movie proclaiming “Hakuna Matata” at the top of our lungs. But in many ways, “The Lion King” actually taught us not to turn away from our worries. Simba goes through the unimaginable pain of losing his father, and his grief is all too real. Thinking he’s to blame, he runs away and blocks out his past to live a worry-free life with Timon and Pumbaa. Eventually though, his past catches up to him, and only by acknowledging it can he find some closure. Although, in the sequel, we see how his past scars turned into prejudices. Thanks to Kiara, Simba and his Pride learn to be more tolerant and accepting.
#15: Growing Up
“Toy Story 3” (2010)
Like Andy, most of the franchise’s initial demographic had grown up by the time this third installment rolled around. Pixar even did some “Special Cliffhanger Edition” showings on college campuses to appeal to their original audiences. After all, who could better relate to Andy? The toys in the film, however, have mixed feelings about their impending retirement and struggle to come to terms with this new phase of their lives. Perhaps the most affecting moment is when Andy gives his toys to Bonnie, thus officially saying goodbye to his childhood. Growing up can be tricky, and letting go can be even harder, but sometimes things have to end to make way for new opportunities.
#14: Grief
“Big Hero 6” (2014)
Disney films are no strangers to tackling the loss of a loved one. “Big Hero 6” does an exceptional job guiding anyone who’s experienced a similar tragedy through the grieving experience. Hiro sinks into a depression of sorts, and isolates himself after his brother Tadashi dies. He accidentally activates Baymax, a caring robot his brother invented, and is tempted to turn him into a revenge machine at a point. Eventually, Baymax helps Hiro find a healthier way to process his emotions. He also proves that Tadashi’s legacy lives on through memory and actions. We were bawling again when we thought Baymax was lost forever too. But thanks to this film, we were comforted knowing we could get through anything when surrounded by the right people.
#13: Absentee Parents & Abandonment
“Treasure Planet” (2002)
The world has slept on this underrated treasure for far too long, and we think it’s time more people knew about its heartfelt story and relatable protagonist. Jim Hawkins is a surly troublemaker raised by a single mom after his dad left them. It’s a poignant reflection on how tricky it can be to heal the wounds created by absentee parents. John Silver later steps into the father figure role and teaches Jim some valuable life lessons. Even though Silver turns out to be a villain, their relationship contributes to Jim’s personal growth in a major way. It might sound cheesy, but this film is about the importance of nurture and love.
#12: Loss
“Up” (2009)
Within roughly its first 12 minutes, “Up” delivers two gut-punching and painstakingly real hard truths. Carl and Ellie are ready to start a family but receive some devastating news. It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Meanwhile, approximately 11% of U.S. women struggle with fertility. Yet these topics are often still considered taboo, leaving many who experience either feeling isolated or embarrassed. So, it’s a bold and welcome step to see Disney acknowledge these issues so openly. Of course, Ellie’s passing toward the end of the montage has us sobbing hard. But it provides the catalyst for the adventure that teaches Carl how to cope with loss and move forward.
#11: Intergenerational Trauma
“Encanto” (2021)
The Madrigals’ matriarch, Alma, has sometimes been vilified for the pressures she places on her family. However, we can’t forget that she experienced the horrors of losing her husband and home, which awakened her survival mode. Unfortunately, her determination to protect herself and her family, and uphold the gift of their miracle comes at a significant emotional cost to herself and her loved ones. Indeed, this is best exemplified through songs like “Surface Pressure” and “What Else Can I Do?” Mirabel tries to reason with her Abuela, but it’s only by acknowledging the past that she’s finally able to break the chain. Together, they take the first steps to help heal their family. This story resonated with many, especially those from immigrant families.
#10: Problematic Parenting & Isolation
“Tangled” (2010)
It goes without saying that taking a child and forcing them into isolation is wrong. But we want to focus on the relationship between Mother Gothel and Rapunzel. Gothel constantly tears Rapunzel down, whether that’s poking fun at her appearance or chipping away at her self-esteem. We truly see how badly the protagonist is affected when she first leaves her tower and has an existential crisis. However, the longer she spends away, the more her confidence grows, and she starts to heal. The movie demonstrates how emotional damage can cut deeply, especially when it’s caused by a person you’re meant to trust. Hopefully, it also shows audiences they don’t have to endure this burden in silence.
#9: Rampant Consumerism & Climate Change
“WALL-E” (2008)
Along with being a visual spectacle able to tell a compelling story with little dialogue, “WALL-E” really set the bar high for Pixar in terms of social commentary. The whole film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where excessive consumerism and environmental pollution has gotten so bad that the Earth has become uninhabitable. Thus, humans were forced to evacuate into a space colony and become complacent while robots tried and failed to clean up the mess. This was a definite eye-opener for anyone of any age about the dangerous place humanity could easily end up. Unfortunately, WALL-E won’t always be there to give us a hand.
#8: Racism & Colonialism
“Pocahontas” (1995)
“Pocahontas” was a very mixed bag in the eyes of critics, but it does an admirable job when it comes to showing the hazards of colonialism. The English settlers arrive in the new world and claim it as their own, completely failing to respect the Indigenous peoples who already live there. The latter group is understandably threatened. There are times where it feels like the film might be equating the two groups’ attitudes, which is problematic to say the least. However, there’s no denying it also shines a light on the harmful effects of racism, encourages peace, and warns against the havoc colonial practices wreak.
#7: Disability
“Finding Dory” (2016)
“Finding Nemo” has often been applauded for the way it respectfully gave visibility to a range of disabilities. from Nemo’s “lucky fin” to Dory’s short-term memory loss. However, the latter’s condition was initially used more for laughs. But the sequel “Finding Dory” brings a more serious light to her forgetfulness while she continuously searches for her forgotten parents. Her condition can be challenging to work around, but it’s even more difficult when surrounded by those who don’t understand that she processes information differently. Still, she never lets it bother her. More importantly, the film demonstrates that the best way to help someone with a disability is with acceptance and patience, and to trust that they’ll overcome any obstacle as only they can.
#6: Child Custody & Loss
“Lilo & Stitch” (2002)
With their parents’ tragic death, Lilo’s older sister Nani is left to be her guardian… but a social worker threatens to separate them if the home environment seems unsafe. Lilo’s behavior doesn’t help, but it’s not her fault – losing her parents at such a young age left a huge mark on her. Of course, the story of our titular misfits coming together to become best friends is heartwarming. But part of the film’s success stems from its mature, realistic portrayal of a family and the effects that loss can have on children and young adults. Lilo and Nani’s family may be different, but they make sure that no one gets left behind –including the newest member, Stitch.
#5: Death
“Coco” (2017)
It only seemed fitting considering how the whole film is set during Día de Muertos – an entire holiday dedicated to paying tribute to and remembering those we have lost. Death is usually a taboo subject in films for younger audiences, and can be shown as something to be feared. However, “Coco” acknowledges that it’s an unavoidable reality that viewers of all ages can learn about. In fact, understanding the concept may just help them accept it when it eventually comes. Not only that, the film makes it clear that while death is difficult, our memories of the deceased matter a great deal, and we should hold onto them.
#4: Mental Health
“Inside Out” (2015)
The buddy-comedy plot between Joy and Sadness teaches the value of respecting your teammates. But there’s one very important message behind the film – the importance of mental health. Joy wants young Riley to be happy, but denying her a chance to be sad only makes things worse. And when both Sadness and Joy are out of commission, Riley slowly falls into a depression. This perfectly demonstrates the hazards of not only bottling up your feelings, but also suppressing even one of them. It’s perfectly fine to be sad, and you should always be able to express your feelings. Letting them out may be the best way to keep your mind balanced and find inner peace.
#3: Gender Equality & The Impact of War
“Mulan” (1998)
Mulan’s expected to bring honor to her family by becoming a “primped and polished” bride. Instead, she does so by defying expectations and protecting her country. She learns to “be a [so-called] man” and keep up with her comrades. However, she’s most successful when she embraces the fluidity of gender and uses it to defeat Shan Yu. This also helps her find the self-acceptance she so desperately sought earlier. The film also highlights the devastation of war. The troops’ joyful singing is brought to an abrupt halt by the harrowing view of a completely demolished village. Mulan finds a doll, the implications and sight of which will haunt us forever.
#2: Racism, Sexism & Prejudice
“Zootopia” (2016)
Even in a world where animals can live in harmony, no one is safe from facing the divide that prejudice causes. Indeed, predators are put into the unfair stereotype of being deceitful “savage” killers. And even our heroine Judy is scoffed at for being a bunny cop – a FEMALE bunny cop, no less. With Disney’s target audience generally being young, they often have to teach the terrors of bigotry either in a black-and-white manner or through analogy, like in “The Fox and the Hound.” With “Zootopia,” they were able to hit all the right notes to illustrate and warn against the dangers of prejudice in every form.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Dealing with Loss & the Consequences of Your Actions, “Brother Bear” (2003)
Kenai Learns That Situations Aren’t Always Black & White
Cultural Expectations, Growing Up, & Self-Acceptance, “Turning Red” (2022)
Mei Teaches Us to Embrace Who We Are, Wild Parts & All
Government Regulation & Family Struggles, “The Incredibles” (2004)
The Supers Are Forced to Conceal Their Powers & Bob & Helen’s Relationship Hits a Rough Patch When He’s Unable to Let Go of the Past
Political Alliances & Gender Roles, “Brave” (2012)
So Much Conflict Could’ve Been Avoided If Merida Had Been Encouraged to Shoot for Her Own Hand from the Start
Capitalist Corruption, “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
Waternoose & Randall Sink Below Rock Bottom in the Name of the Company’s Success
#1: Religious Extremism & Misuse of Power
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
If it weren’t for the gargoyles, there is NO WAY this could be classified as a “kids” movie. Judge Claude Frollo considers himself a righteous and pure Minister of Justice who can do no wrong. He’s pretty much lying to himself, though. Not only does he hold extreme prejudice against those who are different from him, but he has no qualms with lusting after women, murder, and more. All the while, he arrogantly claims that everything he does is in God’s will. Unfortunately, there ARE people like Frollo who take advantage of their positions of power for their own needs in the worst ways. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” crucially exposes how wrong they are.