Top 30 Terrifying Deaths in Disney Movies

"The Return of Jafar" (1994)
As the film’s title suggests, the sinister sorcerer-turned-genie returns for revenge against Aladdin in this direct-to-video sequel. However, before he can finish the street rat off, Iago betrays his former master and kicks Jafar’s lamp into lava. As the lamp melts away, Jafar writhes in pain and appears to be electrocuted. We even see flashes of his skeleton throughout the ordeal. Finally, the corrupt genie implodes into dust. The original VHS cut of Jafar’s death was even more gruesome as we saw his skeleton flash more rapidly. This was removed for the DVD release to avoid possibly causing epilepsy in some viewers, but Jafar’s agony still has us quivering.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End” (2007)
Throughout the second and third “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, practically the only obstacles to Lord Beckett’s crusade to end piracy are Jack Sparrow and company. However, just when it looks like victory is Beckett’s, Jack’s crew gets some unexpected help, and they blow the East India Trading Company chairman’s ship to smithereens. Beckett is so shocked, all he can do is take a stroll on his ship one last time as it falls apart. It's definitely chilling when a villain just accepts that they're done for, but we can’t deny that watching Beckett go down with his ship was extremely satisfying.

“Big Hero 6” (2014)
They say “don’t be a hero.” Unfortunately, Hiro’s older brother Tadashi doesn’t believe this saying. A fire breaks out at his university and his favorite professor, Robert Callaghan, is trapped inside. Tadashi rushes in to save him — but the building explodes, taking the heroic student’s life. What makes this even more tragic is that it’s later revealed that the fire was no accident. Callaghan started it to get ahold of Hiro’s microbots. While he didn’t intend to get Tadashi killed, he callously disregards his student’s sacrifice in pursuit of his villainous goals.

“Frozen” (2013)
Sometimes the most horrifying deaths are the most realistic. For all the magic in “Frozen,” King Agnarr and Queen Iduna meet a very grounded demise. After bidding farewell to their loved ones, the king and queen of Arendelle set out for what they believe will be a two-week voyage. Sadly, Agnarr and Iduna never return; their ship is engulfed by dangerous waters on a stormy night. Anna and Elsa are forced to relive the trauma in the sequel when they discover the wreckage of their parents’ lost ship. Although there are no bodies onboard, Elsa uses water to summon the painful memory of her mother and father’s final moments. Embracing each other, Agnarr and Iduna accept fate as the Dark Sea claims their lives.

“Finding Nemo” (2003)
It was supposed to be the best day of Marlin’s life — he and his wife Coral are about to welcome hundreds of babies to their anemone home. Unfortunately, everything changes when a hungry barracuda sets its sights on the nest. Coral races to protect the eggs, but Marlin is knocked out. The scene is quick, but more than a little scary, especially when the predator snaps its jaws. When Marlin wakes up, almost his entire family is gone. All that’s left is one lone egg, Nemo. It’s a lot easier to sympathize with Marlin’s overprotective nature given how he lost everything in barely a minute.

“Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (1989)
While on their shrunken misadventures, the kids come across an ant. From their miniature perspective, the oversize creature is pretty scary up close. But Antie proves to be a friendly and helpful ally. Unfortunately, they’re then attacked by a scorpion, which is actually horrifying to see close up. Antie protects the kids, only to be impaled by the beast’s stinger. The kids manage to chase the scorpion off, but Antie doesn’t survive. It feels strange mourning an ant, but Antie put his own life on the line to save the children, and that makes him one of Disney’s bravest heroes in our eyes.

“Frankenweenie” (2012)
Let’s be honest, Mr. Whiskers was unsettling even before becoming a mutated vampire. Seriously, just look at those eyes! But after his transformation, he becomes a ferocious monster, hissing and lashing out at anything in his path — especially dogs. While inside a burning windmill, he attacks Sparky. But Mr. Whiskers doesn’t notice a wooden stake falling towards him from the ceiling — until it’s too late. The horror ramps up with a wide shot of the beast impaled on the flaming weapon. As graphic as it was, it was fitting that a monster like Mr. Whiskers would meet such a gruesome fate. But did he really have to take Sparky with him?

“Alice in Wonderland” (1951)
Curiosity can be a dangerous thing. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum try to teach Alice this by telling her the story of the Curious Oysters. A hungry Walrus and Carpenter trick a family of young oysters into following them into a seaside restaurant. Unfortunately, the oysters’ fun is ruined when the Walrus gobbles them all up, leaving only their shells behind. It's even more chilling considering that the poor mollusks were just children. We get the message loud and clear: don't talk to strangers, and never let your curiosity get carried away. You might not make it out alive.

“Up” (2009)
Famous explorer Charles Muntz was once Carl’s idol and inspiration. But years of trying to catch an exotic bird drives Muntz insane. He’s willing to lash out at anyone in his way, including his biggest fan and a child. In an attempt to catch Kevin, Muntz lunges at the bird and winds up leaping out the window of the floating house. Unfortunately, a few balloon strings can’t save him as he plummets toward the ground. It’s hard enough watching this scene if you’re afraid of heights, but knowing that Muntz let his own obsession be his literal downfall makes it all the more disturbing.

“The Black Cauldron” (1985)
“The Black Cauldron” marked the first animated Disney film to venture into PG territory. That might not sound like a big deal now, but since this dark fantasy came out in the ‘80s, a PG rating could get away with some pretty graphic imagery. While the film was apparently toned down to avoid an even more adult-oriented rating, the Horned King’s death is still pure nightmare fuel. With his skeletal body and terrifying red eyes, the villain already has a creepy design. But he’s only made more grotesque as the cauldron consumes him, stripping the flesh from his bones. In retrospect, he was surprisingly easy for Taran to defeat, but this doesn’t take away from the shock factor.

“Mulan” (1998)
Shan Yu is a human wrecking ball, punching through doors and slicing pillars like they’re made of butter. While the Hun leader has brute strength on his side, Mulan has strategy. With a fan, a sword, one big skyrocket and a little bit of help from her friends, she ends Shan Yu’s campaign of terror. Pinned down, the helpless villain is sent flying into a tower of fireworks, blowing to smithereens. Although Shan Yu’s demise seems cartoony on the surface, that’s only because we’re spared from seeing his crispy remains. Considering how dangerous fireworks are, it’s safe to assume that Shan Yu suffered and the aftermath wasn’t a pretty sight. For anyone with an active imagination, however, it’s hard not to envision the grisly details.

“Oliver & Company” (1988)
Although “Oliver & Company” has some breathtaking New York backdrops, it also authentically captures the city’s grittier side. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the final chase when Sykes meets his maker. This loan shark is scum, kidnapping a little girl and endangering animals in the process. As satisfying as Sykes’ demise is, that doesn’t make it less disturbing. Taking the pursuit onto the subway rails, our heroes dodge the oncoming train; Sykes isn’t so lucky. The scene is especially terrifying when you watch it in slow motion, allowing the audience to really see the fear in Sykes’ eyes as he stares down the headlights before the train obliterates his vehicle. And that, kids, is why you don’t play on the subway tracks.

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)
As much as Ratigan attempts to present himself as a refined elitist, he’s really nothing more than a filthy rat. Don’t tell him that, though, or else you might meet the same fate as Bartholomew. When Ratigan’s schemes fall apart, he lets the beast inside run rampant as he pursues Basil and little Olivia inside Big Ben. The use of sound and building music adds to the tension as Ratigan homes in on our heroes, practically ripping Basil to shreds with his claws. But as the clock bell tolls, Ratigan’s time on Earth officially runs out, plunging him to an appropriate fate for a rat like him.

“Atlantis: The Lost Empire” (2001)
This may be the most creative death on our list, petrifying audiences young and old in a new and creative way. Even as his escape plan blows up in his face, Commander Rourke is determined to go down swinging. He nearly gives Milo the axe, but our hero compensates for his lack of brawn with brains. He cuts Rourke with a crystal shard, which seemingly only leaves a minor injury. The scratch rapidly envelops Rourke’s entire body, though, crystalizing him into a phenomenally demented creature. He looks like the Human Torch, the Invisible Woman, and the Thing all rolled into one. Still refusing to give up, Rourke hits the fan and is shattered into countless pieces. And this time, it was personal.

“Treasure Planet” (2002)
A lot of Disney villains die falling from great heights. Scroop’s demise is the exact opposite. This scene is like something out of “Alien,” and while not quite as chilling as that film, it comes close enough. As Scroop attempts to snap Jim Hawkins into pieces, B.E.N. fidgets with the artificial gravity, sending the two spiraling towards the crow’s nest. Although Scroop appears to have the upperhand… or the upper-claw in this case, the agile Jim bests Scroop, ensnaring him in a black flag. As Scroop spirals to a dire fate beyond the stars, we try not to think about the ensuing asphyxiation or decompression he probably endured. But hey, maybe he ran into Mr. Arrow out there… too soon?

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988)
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” is one Disney film that was arguably made more for adult animation fans than kids. As such, the filmmakers were able to take the creep factor a step beyond—and in the ‘80s, that’s saying a lot. The scariest moment is saved for the climax when Judge Doom reveals himself as the toon who did in Eddie’s brother. Doom is destroyed by his own concoction as he’s hosed down with Dip. Channeling the Wicked Witch of the West, Doom dissolves into a puddle, wailing in agony. Unlike the Witched Witch, however, Doom leaves a big mess behind. And we thought getting run over by a steamroller was a dark way to go.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
During his early days at Disney, Tim Burton’s gothic imagination was met with some resistance. After Burton found success with films like “Batman,” Disney gave his team the freedom to produce this passion project — despite it being darker than their usual fare. Director Henry Selick didn’t hold back with the demise of Oogie Boogie. Oogie Boogie is the stuff that nightmares are made of... figuratively speaking. Literally speaking, he’s made of bugs. And thanks to a loose string, it only takes one fell swoop for Jack to unravel Oogie’s dastardly plan. Stripped of his burlap sack, which was essentially his skin, Oogie is reduced to a pile of bugs. The insects that don’t fall into the scorching cauldron below get stepped on by Old Saint Nick.

“Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Disney movie with a bigger, more exciting final showdown than “Sleeping Beauty.” In the film’s climax, the wicked Maleficent decides to bring her A-game to the table by calling on the powers of hell and taking on the form of a fire-breathing dragon in a garden of thorns. Thanks to the three fairies’ magic, though, Prince Phillip strikes Maleficent in her black heart with his virtuous sword. Thus, a ghastly villain meets her gruesome end, notably shedding some fairly graphic blood for a Disney movie.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
After an intense battle atop the Beast’s castle, it looks like Gaston and the Beast might part ways without spilling any blood. Since the phrase “live and let live” is foreign to the egotistical hunter, though, Gaston literally stabs his prey in the back. This proves to be Gaston’s undoing as he loses his balance and plummets to his death. If you think Gaston could have miraculously survived the fall somehow, the animators ruled out this possibility by adding a skull and crossbones to his pupils. How subliminally horrifying!

“Fantasia” (1940)
Prehistoric nature sure is fascinating, but also extremely deadly. During “The Rite of Spring” segment of “Fantasia,” a herd of dinosaurs peacefully enjoy lunch, when a T. rex charges in, looking for a meal of its own. It takes a bite out of a stegosaurus’ tail, but the armored dino is having none of that. The two get into a fearsome, balletic brawl. It sadly ends when the T. rex chomps on the stegosaurus’ neck. The carnivorous victor then proceeds to feast on the loser’s remains, giving us a grim reminder of the food chain in the dinosaur kingdom.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
The Evil Queen might have succeeded in offing Snow White, but she soon learns that even monarchs can’t get away with murder. As the seven dwarfs race back to the cottage, the queen absconds up a nearby mountain and attempts to crush her pursuers with a giant boulder. When a lightning bolt strikes the cliff, though, the queen becomes the first of many Disney baddies to fall to their death. Even if the fall didn’t kill her, the boulder most certainly did, providing dinner for some lingering, hungry vultures.

“The Incredibles” (2004)
Syndrome meets perhaps the most darkly humorous demise on this list, but it’s still a terrifying way to go. Edna Mode gave several examples of why capes aren’t the smartest superhero accessory. And yet, we didn’t really pay much attention to Syndrome’s wardrobe—that is until the final showdown. Syndrome’s undoing was hanging over his shoulders this whole time. While Syndrome avoids the car that Mr. Incredible chucks at him, his fate is sealed by a jet engine in which his cape gets caught. As clever as this resolution is, all we’re thinking about now is what a turbine does to the human body. Sorry, Buddy, you won’t be back for the sequel.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
Frollo has deluded himself into thinking that he’s a righteous man and soldier of God when in reality, he’s committed every deadly sin in the book. Frollo’s lifetime of sinning and hypocrisy finally catch up to him atop Notre Dame. Before he can do Quasimodo and Esmeralda in, Frollo finds himself standing under a crumbling gargoyle. Staring a devil in the face, Follo drops to his final resting place in a sea of hellfire and molten copper. Talk about an ironic way to go out.

“Tangled” (2010)
For centuries, Gothel used the Sundrop Flower to remain healthy and youthful. When Rapunzel inherited the flower’s properties, Gothel spent another eighteen years feeding off the magic. Her age finally catches up to her when Eugene cuts Rapunzel’s hair. As the hair loses its magical essence, it also loses its effect on Gothel. In a flash, Gothel transforms into a decrepit old woman. Not paying attention to where she’s going, Gothel overlooks Pascal and trips out the window. By the time she hits the ground, only dust remains. It’s an unsettling demise, although we have to admit it’s kind of funny that Pascal finished her off. Never underestimate a frog, err… chameleon.

“The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
Where Frollo only figuratively fell into hell, Dr. Facilier is literally dragged there in this scene from “The Princess and the Frog.” Facilier believes he has the upper hand with demonic powers on his side, but he underestimates Tiana and her sticky tongue. With his voodoo charm destroyed, Facilier’s friends from the other side appear to collect their debt. In Mardi Gras fashion, an army of masks, dolls, and shrunken heads take Facilier to their world, whether he’s ready or not. The moral of the story: Don’t screw with voodoo.

“A Bug’s Life” (1998)
On paper, this death might not sound especially macabre. We mean, birds feed bugs to their young everyday. Seeing the carnage from the bug’s point of view, however, we’re given a first-hand look at just how grim the food chain can be. Lured to a bird’s nest, Hopper assumes that this is another fake that the ants have cooked up. It dawns on Hopper too late that this bird of prey is the real deal. By this point, his fate is sealed. Dangling from the bird’s beak, Hopper is lowered into the nest where three hatchlings need to feed. The chicks look fairly realistic for late-90s CGI, which adds to the horror as we zoom into one’s mouth as Hopper is consumed.

“The Lion King” (1994)
Scar may usurp the throne from Mufasa, but he gets his comeuppance in the end. Being something of a Shakespearean villain, it’s only appropriate that Scar is given a proper Shakespearean sendoff. Unlike Gaston, Scar survives his fall after fighting the film’s hero. It’s what’s waiting at the bottom of Pride Rock that leads to his ultimate demise. Turns out that Scar’s hyena lackeys don’t appreciate being thrown under the bus. As fire engulfs the area, the hyenas surround their former boss, maul him to death, and likely devour his carcass as the camera pans up from the massacre. Ah well, circle of life.

“The Little Mermaid” (1989)
Ursula is already a pretty terrifying presence on her own. How can you make her any more intimidating? How about by having her grow like a hundred feet, giving her an all-powerful triton, and bathing her in a whirlpool of chaos! The only thing more frightening than Ursula herself is how she perishes as Prince Eric impales her with a ship, sending the sea witch to a watery grave. No matter how old you are, this is total scary overdrive and it was all brought to you by the dark magic of Disney.

“Bambi” (1942)
This is arguably one of the most infamous deaths in cinema history. Bambi and his mom are enjoying some spring grass when his mother senses danger. She urges Bambi to keep going as a faceless hunter pursues them. The young prince reaches safety — but where is his mother? He emerges to look for her, only to realize his mother is gone. Along with how sudden the death was, what really makes the scene horrific is how much we don’t see. Just the sound of the gunshot is enough to terrify us. There probably wasn’t a child alive that wasn’t affected by this scene when it first premiered.

“Tarzan” (1999)
Right off the bat, we see how a leopard has dispatched with Tarzan’s parents as well as a baby gorilla — but those horrors will be topped by the end of the film. Clayton’s death seems more like something out of a “Final Destination” movie than a Disney animated feature. Sure, there’s no gore, but there might as well be. In the midst of a jungle brawl with Tarzan, Clayton finds himself tangled in a cluster of vines. Unaware of the vine wrapped around his neck, Clayton gets reckless with his machete and hangs his head in defeat. The only glimpse the audience gets of the body is via its shadow, which is almost as haunting as seeing the actual carnage.


What Disney death still haunts you? Let us know in the comments.