As adults, we learn that "happily ever after" isn't exactly all its cracked up to be. The perfect ending that many Disney movies feature is a stark contrast from how real life problems are solved. Although life is complicated, it is hard to forget the lessons, songs, quotes, and characters from Disney movies that we watched when life was much simpler. The nostalgia that these movies bring upon us as adults is a magical way to hold onto our childhood.
Seeing the bigger picture and alternate messages behind these movies that we may have missed as children is something to marvel at. Disney movies that we loved while growing up get even better with age, and watching them as an adult is just as enjoyable (if not more enjoyable) than watching them as a child. Here are 6 reasons why.
1. The quotes apply to life more now than ever before.
Rafiki's wise words from "The Lion King", the Emperor of China's quotes from "Mulan", or Genie's advice in "Aladdin" are just a few examples of characters with powerful words of knowledge that can be applied to real life situations; not just children's movies.
2. They bring out the inner child within us.
A magical world of imagination, wonder, and possibilities that Disney movies allow us to enter also lets us step back into our childhood. Disney movies allow us to "Never grow up," as Peter Pan would say.
3. When watching, you recognize jokes that you didn't recognize before.
Many jokes in Disney movies feature an "adult" nature that we did not notice as children which brings a new level of humor into the plot. Watching these movies back many years later shows that the creators of these films appeal to both children and adults when writing the story lines.
4. Singing the songs we know by heart is good for the soul.
They're catchy, humorous, often upbeat - and we remember every word from years prior. Who doesn't love singing along to a Disney movie?
5. Questioning the logic of the story lines is intriguing.
Why didn't Ariel just write down her thoughts and show them to Prince Eric after Ursula took her voice in "The Little Mermaid"? Is bestiality condoned in "Beauty and the Beast"? Was it really that simple for Mulan to pretend to be a man?
6. The characters remind us of the importance of family.
The power of the pride in "The Lion King", the bond between Abu and Aladdin, and the unconditional love that Belle and her father have for one another in "Beauty and the Beast" are just a few examples of the way that family values are portrayed through Disney movies.
