We 90’s kids had the privilege of growing up during the height of the Disney Renaissance. I know for a fact that this impacted our childhoods. Even writing this right now is giving me major nostalgia. Disney movies taught me about love, loss, and how to make my dreams come true. Here are some of the pivotal moments that shaped my youth:
1. Mulan
Mulan is Disney’s biggest badass. After Mulan took the biggest risk of her life posing as a man, and nearly dying, she still fights for her country and ultimately saves it. And when all of China bows to her, every heart in the room is warmed. Mulan taught me to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you--and you do not have to be a man to make a difference. “Sign me up for the next war!”
2. Pocahontas
Who didn’t wish they were Pocahontas when they were little? “Colors of the Wind” is my life anthem. Sometimes we all need to step into another person’s shoes to truly understand them and you cannot exclude an entire group of people because of one opinion. If you’re not Team John Smith, don’t talk to me.
3. Beauty and the Beast
Easily one of the best Disney love stories because it wasn’t love at first sight. You get to see Belle and the Beast actually fall in love. Lesson: you may find love in the most unlikely of places. Plus who doesn’t love dancing furniture?
4. Lion King
“Hakuna Matata” is the best life motto ever. Even if you get lost during your journey, no worries--there will always be people there to help. Let’s be honest, we all found Simba weirdly attractive for a lion.
5. Little Mermaid
The music alone in “The Little Mermaid” makes it one of my all time favorites. Ariel learned that sometimes you need to make sacrifices for the ones that you love...and that forks are not for brushing hair #dinglehopper.
6. Aladdin
I am still waiting for the magic carpet I wanted for my fifth birthday. Lesson: regardless of your beginnings, anyone can find happiness and anybody can be a diamond in the rough.
7. Hercules
What a classic. Hercules work his butt off to become a god again, but ultimately turns them down to stay with the person he loves. We could all take the hint: we need to work hard for the things that matter. My life would be so much more fun if i had a group of sassy singers following me around.
8. Tarzan
“Tarzan” legitimately made me want to go live with gorillas. He does everything in his power to protect his family even though he is different from everyone else. Plus, the way he basically skateboards down all the trees is maybe the coolest thing ever.
9. The Emperor’s New Groove
PULL THE LEVER KRONK…WRONG LEVERRRRRR (And obviously Kuzco learns to be himself and stop taking others for granted).
10. Atlantis
Milo is the prime example of taking risks for adventures’ sake. We all need a little explorer attitude sometimes. And I think we all identify with his awkwardness.
11. Lilo & Stitch
“Ohana means family. Family means no body gets left behind, or forgotten." Enough said.
