I am a devoted Disney kid. This undisputed fact has been stated in past articles and comes as no shock to any of you (especially if you know me personally). Disney magic has filled our homes and memories for generations. The beautiful moments Disney creates help us appreciate the magic in even the smallest things.
However, despite all of this magic and good memories, at times I'm unsure how any of us came through our Disney childhood unscathed! Along with the happily ever afters, talking animals and beautifully composed music, Disney films have the tendency to produce heart wrenching stories that can make even us adults turn on the waterworks.
Let's see how many of these movie scenes and songs can still bring us to tears, even as "grown up" Disney kids!
10. Your Mother and Mine ("Peter Pan")
Wendy's lullaby was enough to make the entirety of Captain Hook's crew burst into tears, and it is enough for me, too! I'm sure, if we're all honest, this sweet moment from "Peter Pan" tugs at our heartstrings.
9. When She Loved Me ("Toy Story 2")
If you're anything like me, this scene made you feel more than a little guilty about the childhood toys you neglected. As adults, this song makes us reminisce on the little simplicities of childhood, which bring emotion of their own.
8. Ohana Means Family ("Lilo & Stitch")
"Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten."
While, for the most part, "Lilo & Stitch" treads on the the light and comedic side of Disney, this moment with Nani and Lilo (and later with Lilo and Stitch) makes us remember to value those closest to us...and, more often than not, leads to a couple of tears.
7. Quasimodo's Kindness ("The Hunchback of Notre Dame")
If the cruelty Quasi faced in this film doesn't make you want to cry, then witnessing his selflessness and kindness will! Often overlooked, Quasimodo is a hero in every sense of the word.
6. Pocahontas Waving Goodbye ("Pocahontas")
This heartbreaking scene from Pocahontas crushes the romantic soul in all of us. We say "wingapo" along with Pocahontas as she watches John Smith cross the sea, back to England (while we cry uncontrollably as the orchestra plays a reprise of "Colors of the Wind").
**Spoiler alert: We know the film "Pocahontas" takes outrageous liberties with historical accuracy. Still, it makes us cry every time.**
5. Carl and Ellie Montage ("Up")
The Disney Pixar film "Up" begins with an unforgettable montage of the evolution of Carl and Ellie's lives and eventual love. Within the first moments of the film, you have cried both tears of joy and tears of sorrow. While this montage ends leaving you feeling like your heart has been ripped out of your chest, it also leaves you desiring a never-ending love like Carl and Ellie's.
4. Marlin and Nemo ("Finding Nemo")
"We still have to name them...
I like 'Nemo.'"
Another one of Pixar's opening scenes makes the list again with the death of Marlin's wife (Nemo's mom). For me, the beginning of "Finding Nemo" has become so nostalgic, even the film's opening theme spurs a flood of emotion. Listen to it!
3. Baby Mine ("Dumbo")
More tears will be shed as we move to Number Three on our list. This scene in "Dumbo" can make even the toughest critics a bit sentimental. Just try not to tear up as Dumbo's mom (sensing a theme here?) is locked up, and then rocks him while singing a lullaby. Never to part, baby of mine.
2. Bambi's Mother ("Bambi")
I must confess, I have only seen "Bambi" in its entirety once; this scene is the reason why. My emotions simply cannot handle witnessing the death of Bambi's mother. I also blame this film for my intense sadness upon seeing deer in the wild. Nonetheless, this film is a beautiful addition to these Disney moments.
1. Simba and Mufasa ("The Lion King")
"Dad? Dad, come on.
You gotta get up. We gotta go home."
**Confession: I teared up while typing that quote.**
In my opinion, this is (by far) the most heartbreaking Disney moment. No matter how many times I watch "The Lion King", this scene brings me to the brink of tears every time...today, for instance.
We celebrate Disney victors and true love's kisses, but these heartfelt moments should be celebrated also! They're an enormous part of what makes Disney films so magical.
