Disney movies are known for teaching children lessons, be they subliminal or blatantly obvious. As we get older it is often easier to recognize the messages that Disney is trying to make clear. The following list is composed of ten Disney movies, and four things that can be learned from each.

 

• Beauty and The Beast (1991)
  • Beauty can come with brains.
  • Beauty is found within.
  • You have to learn to control your temper. (As Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, and Lumièresay to the Beast, “You must control your temper!”)
  • You have to learn to make sacrifices for those you love.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1992)
  • Listen to your friends, they only want what’s best for you.
  • Don’t follow the crowd.
  • You can’t be good at everything.
  • Never the less try your best. (As Jack says in his song, “Poor Jack”, “Well, what the heck, I went and did my best!”) 
• The Lion King (1994)
  • You can’t always trust family. (Uncle Scar wasn’t exactly the go to family man…)
  • You can’t run away from your past.
  • Your loved ones are always with you.
  • Death is a part of life.
• Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  • Look for alternatives.
  • Don’t believe everything you hear.
  • Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.
  • Look at the bright side. (Mike Wazowski was excited to be on television and a magazine even though he was not able to be seen in either!)
• Lilo & Stitch (2002)
  • Family is a priority. (“Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten.”)
  • There’s a place for everyone.
  • Genesis 50:20- Even though something seems bad it may be a blessing.
  • You can choose your own destiny, even if you’re made for evil you can chose to be good.
• The Incredibles (2004)
  • Don’t hide your true self- accept your differences.
  • You shouldn’t hide things from your family.
  • Utilize your talents.
  • Your wife is the greatest good you’re every gunna get. (If this needs an explanation you should re-watch the movie)
• High School Musical (2006)
  • Don’t stick to the statuesque. (They did an entire song on this one!)
  • Follow your dreams.
  • You don’t have to choose between your talents.
  • Accept people for who they are.
• Wall E (2008)
  • Don’t be lazy.
  • The environment is important.
  • If you’re not paying attention you can miss out on things. (Just imagine, living on a ship for years and not realizing it has a pool!)
  • Stand up for what you believe in.
• Inside Out (2015)
  • It’s okay to cry.
  • Everyone has different emotions that must be understood.
  • Kids can have complicated emotions just like adults.
  • Sometimes you just have to let go. (Bye bye Bing Bong… Still too soon.)
• Zootopia (2016)
  • Don’t believe stereotypes.
  • Don’t let anyone put you down. (Judy Hopps can be a cop whether she’s a bunny or not.)
  • You shouldn’t be ashamed of where you come from.
  • You have to start somewhere.

What is your favorite Disney movie? What is something that is obviously being taught in it, would your child be able to pick up on this message? What is something less obvious that might take a child longer to see?