It's always fun to find and watch the old VHS tapes you loved as a child, or see a classic Disney favorite be added to Netflix. Once we take a look back at our favorite childhood movies, we start to realize how relevant they are in our adult lives. Children's movie creators are excellent at making their films enjoyable for both kids and the parents or caregivers forced to watch it on repeat. Looking back, children's movies include emotional experiences and advice that go well beyond an entertainment factor.
As I've grown up, more and more of the adult-directed quotes from these movies have resonated with me, and the movies are more enjoyable. Some of the quotes in the list below are inspirational, while others are relatable in a hilarious way. I now view the fun characters and catchy songs that are always included in children's movies from a new perspective.
1. “Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.” – Frozen
As central themes in "Frozen", compassion and selflessness help elevate the story and allow the movie to become more than a snowy adventure.
2. “The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” – The Lion King
Everyone experiences pain in their lifetime, and learning not to dwell is important for a healthy emotional balance. This quote from Rafiki is one I didn't originally pick up on as a child, but it certainly means a lot to me as an adult viewer.
3. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”- Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
I use this quote any time I feel someone I care about needs encouragement. It was easy enough to memorize as a child, and it has stuck with me ever since.
4. “You will have your own challenges, and I'll bet you'll meet them splendidly.”- The Wild Thornberrys Movie
Eliza and her family were always relatable, even as they traveled around the world and befriended wild animals. For anyone anticipating a big change or new challenge in their life, this optimistic quote is for you.
5. “You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul.” – Ratatouille
Other people influence our self-concept more than we realize, and "Ratatouille" combats that phenomenon by showing us that even a rat can pursue his dream of being a chef.
6. “Everyone is born, but not everyone is born the same. Some will grow to be butchers, or bakers, or candlestick makers. Some will only be really good at making Jell-O salad. One way or another, though, every human being is unique, for better or for worse.”- Matilda
As we grow older, we learn to appreciate our individuality immensely. Matilda was a role model who stayed to her true self, even if it meant choosing a different lifestyle than her parents.
7. “But she'll always be with you, as long as you remember the things she taught you. In a way, you'll never be apart, for you are still part of each other.”- The Land Before Time
This quote can be used in conversations about grief and loss, long-distances from loved ones, or even reflecting about people who have impacted your life.
8. “That's it, I'm out of ideas. We're closed. Hot air balloon? Too expensive. Giant slingshot? Too conspicuous. Enormous wooden horse? Too Greek.”-Monsters, Inc.
The Disney/Pixar writers know how to add comedy for adults flawlessly.
9. “You're right, Prospector. I can't stop Andy from growing up... but I wouldn't miss it for the world.”-Toy Story 2
Every parent knows this feeling, and even young adults or teenagers who have young children in their lives can relate.
10. “In terms of money, we have no money.”-Despicable Me
College students everywhere say this phrase without even trying to quote the movie.
11. “They are so cute, from a reasonable distance.”-Madagascar
There's always that one animal or child you don't want to get too close to...
12. “Try not to look like a country bug. Blend. Blend in.” –A Bug’s Life
Adults don't necessarily have the same 'popular crowd' dynamic that plagues middle and high schools everywhere, but they do typically try to avoid drawing attention to any major differences in themselves (see above "Matilda" and "Ratatouille" quotes as total opposite quotes to this perspective).
