Disneyfilms have always been a good source of life lessons with their blend of fantastic tales, colorful and memorable characters, and deeper themes delivered in a digestible format that kids will be able to understand. However, some of the life lessons found in several Disney movies can be applied not just to kids but to adults as well.
RELATED:The Best Quotes From Disney Movies
These Disney movies are not just a huge hit for the House of Mouse in terms of the box office; they have also cemented themselves as true timeless classics with the absolute gems of life lessons they impart to the audience. If ever you are feeling a tad bit lost, as everyone does at certain points in their lives, try watching some of these great Disney films to help you reset and refocus.
8Tangled (2010) - Don’t Be Afraid To Experience New Things
A lot of young adults, no matter their generation, will be able to relate to Rapunzel. Not with being abducted at birth and imprisoned in a tower, but with how terrifying it can be to step out of your comfort zone.
That is something that will never be easy to do, but sometimes keeping yourself within that comfort zone can limit your potential and the opportunities that will pass you by.
Rapunzel learns this lesson, which will inevitably lead her to find out the truth and even experience a lot of new things, people, and emotions that help her grow as an individual. Having the courage to try something new is an essential part of growing up.
7The Lion King (1994) – No Worries
One of the best animatedDisney movies from the 1990s, The Lion King is the total package with its memorable heroes, villains, songs, and story. While the theme of the film generally focuses on accepting one’s responsibilities, one that is equally practical in the real world comes in the form of the Swahili saying “Hakuna Matata,” which roughly translates to “no worries.”
While personal concerns need to be confronted, smaller worries should never take hold of your mind 24/7. Don’t sweat the small stuff, as they say. Never let the minor inconveniences consume your thoughts, as these too will soon pass.
6Beauty And The Beast (1991) – Do Not Judge A Book By Its Cover
A classic tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast also holds a good life lesson to take to heart, which is not to judge someone too quickly. This particular life lesson is even more prevalent today with the level of influence that social media can bring.
Remember that a quick 10-second phone video usually doesn’t tell the complete story. People today are quick to draw conclusions without gathering all the facts, and they would greatly benefit from following in Belle’s footsteps.
However, the lesson also swings back to Belle, as the townsfolk find her to be odd due to her not following social norms and not liking what is deemed “popular” at the moment. Kids and teenagers will undoubtedly relate to this in particular. It is okay not to go with the flow if your genuine interest is in something else.
5Up (2009) – It Is Never Too Late To Try
Up is a 2009 movie by Pixar and is considered one of their finest in terms of the emotional impact it brings to the table. It is also notorious for delivering one of the best interpretations of a relationshipwithin the span of the first 15 minutes, from happiness to heartache and everything in between.
RELATED:Best Disney Pixar Movies
The movie will follow Carl, a grumpy old codger who wishes to accomplish what he and his late wife, Ellie, always dreamed about doing – go on an adventure to the mythical Paradise Falls. It is never too late to follow your dreams, even if delays have hampered the goal.
Keep in mind that it is not about how long it takes for you to achieve your goal; the important thing is that you get there. You would never want to reach a point in your life when one of the most burning questions in your mind is “What if?”
4Mulan (1998) – Do What You Feel In Your Heart Is Right
Mulan is a multi-layered and complex movie that has a pretty broad list of lessons that you can interpret from its classic tale of heroism. However, the core of Mulan is about being true to yourself and fighting for those you care about, even if it means going against social norms.
One of the most crucial turning points in the movie is accompanied by the song “Reflection,” which further emphasizes this pivotal scene. Mulan is at a crossroads where she needs to choose between being chained to limitations imposed upon her or doing what she feels is the right thing and going against tradition.
It is a tough conundrum to be in, no doubt, but such is life. Mulan teaches you to always go with what you feel is right, no matter how difficult the path will be.
3Finding Nemo (2003) – Never Give Up
A movie about family, friendship, and the indomitable will, told in fish form Finding Nemo is an emotional rollercoaster of a movie and one for the ages. A crucial theme in the movie that continuously appears throughout is not giving up.
Dory’s mantra of “Just keep swimming” is the perfect analogy for not giving up no matter how tough it gets. Even when faced with such adversity, you should remember that it won’t always be like this, and if you “keep swimming,” you will eventually overcome the obstacle in front of you.
This is a life lesson that will often be quite a handy proverb to keep in your heart.
2Inside Out (2015) – It’s Okay To Feel Sad
Inside Out tells the story of a young girl, Riley, who is currently going through a rather rough patch in her life. Inside Riley’s mind are emotions portrayed as actual characters, such as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust.
Joy is leading the group, and while her intentions are noble in wanting Riley to feel happy, this meddling causes chaos in Riley’s mind.
RELATED:Disney Pixar Movie References We Missed As Kids
Inside Out is a creative take on handling emotions and how sometimes it is perfectly fine to feel other emotions, even those that we’d rather not, like sadness. In order for you to cope with certain situations, feeling and embracing even negative emotions can lead to a better understanding of yourself, which will make you stronger in the end.
Sometimes, even positivity can become toxic, and accepting the spectrum of emotions is necessary for your growth.
1Frozen (2013) – Be Honest With Yourself
One of the most recent smash hits for Disney, Frozen takes the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Snow Queen” and adapts it for modern audiences. With asong that has become quite iconicand even a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ community, Frozen certainly connects with a lot of people today.
The movie’s primary lesson is to accept what makes you different, embrace it, and make it a source of your strength and not a hindrance. Think of that superb line by Tyrion Lannister fromGame of Thrones(A Song of Ice and Fire), “Make it your strength.
Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
