Top 20 Disney Movies That Dealt with Serious Issues

These Disney movies dealt with some serious issues for all ages. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most notable times Disney proved it was far more than just children’s entertainment and discussed real-world problems in thoughtful and relatable ways. Our countdown includes “Frozen II,” “Finding Dory,” “Mulan,” and more! Which Disney movie do YOU think dealt with a serious issue surprisingly well? Let us know in the comments!

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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.

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[trinaq]

I loved how brilliantly both "Coco" and "Encanto" explored generational trauma, and how it effects different individuals further down the line.

[Rae]

What makes Ellie’s Death sadder is that you can tell just how important she was to Carl and shows how much of a good person she was, in spite of her limited screen time.

[DanGamingFan]

Disney would never make a movie like _The Hunchback of Notre Dame_ today because of how serious and strong the issues discussed are. It was truly powerfull, with fhe most dispicable villain They've ever, or will ever create.

[kstre]

One thing I really want to point out alongside what Zootopia demonstrates is the effects of bullying, which became *very* relevant and even necessary to the plot. The cruel joke played on Nick as a child is what caused him to be so offset by Judy’s interpretation of the “feral” victims, and Gideon mocking and even attacking Judy for her dreams to become a cop led her to carry around fox replelant (with her parents insisting she do so) and ended up driving a wedge between hers and Nick’s relationship. It was very well set up and I love how these traumatic experiences were carried into adulthood and portrayed throughout the film instead of forgotten about.

[TheCommenterDragon]

The Disney films that tackled serious issues are some of my favorites! Especially because it's proof that not all animated Disney films are all sunshine and rainbows.

[trinaq]

I really appreciate that Disney explores mature themes, and doesn't talk down to its target audience. It knows that kids aren't dumb, and treats them like adults.

[mighty_milady_maren]

I really liked how Frozen 2 also showed how you can be a close family unit but take your own paths. Also, Elsa doesn't need a romantic interest to make her life complete.

[nickdorenkamp]

For movie that talks about death, Coco definitely feels like warm hug for those who suffered the loss of a loved one.

[globbyakaweirdjellyguy]

I know that it’s hard to beat a good Disney villain, but the intergenerational trauma they’ve shown in some of their more recent movies like “Encanto” brings complexity and shows that sometimes things aren’t so black and white.😊
“Big Hero 6” and it dealing with grief was incredible too. I always tear up when Tadashi dies and at the garage scene.😢

[widowgirl]

I love Encanto, how it portrays Colombian culture, the characters, its heartwarming moments, and the way it tackles serious issues

[tonytan]

Inside Out tore my heart out knowing that I can't protect my kids from feeling the full range of emotions. It's part of their growth and also a way for us to bond.

[nathansullivan]

I would like for Dumbo to be higher on this list not only for its message on animal cruelty, but also how this message was ahead of its time. Dumbo was made in 1941, when rampant cruelty to animals was ongoing. This movie probably brought widespread attention with how such mistreatment of animals is morally wrong, most notably of how Jumbo was torn away from his mother and the latter labeled “mad” even though she was merely protecting the former.

[vulpixfairy]

This is why I see Disney movies as opportunities to teach my preschoolers and my son the lessons they want to pass to us. Sure they’ll probably remember only the princesses, the princes and magic powers so forth, but I want to see them past this and use their character developments and the obstacles and problems they encounter as points of discussion. I love that this list has so many of my favourites.

[OBrienIsaCK]

This list is incredible. I’m 17, and I captured two things from this video-
Firstly, wow! Childhood was so fun! So many movies, so many good times, and so many smiles.
Secondly-my love of movies stems from struggles in my own life and my introspective mind, and trying to find peace.

Please, everyone, stop hate. You have one life, your goal should be to live a good one and bring joy to others. I hope anyone who reads this has a good day.

[ClosedCaptions-ifkx]

I really like how A Goofy Movie dealt with how ideas can converge between parents and children

[gipkucq]

I love the way Mandy Moore reads the line "Did I mumble, Mother, or should I even call you that?" So awesome!

[disney]

Thanks so much for including Treasure Planet. Though it should've been a lot higher on this list because of how Disney rarely tackles heavy subjects like parental abandonment, the struggles of growing up as a teen, and the negative consequences of greed. That's what makes Treasure Planet so unique and special and one of the many, many reasons why it's an underrated masterpiece that really shouldn't have failed miserably in theaters. It was very bold and brave of the legendary Ron Clements & John Musker to put those mature topics into their sci-fi take on Treasure Island and execute those same topics masterfully. The film definitely deserved better.

[PlutoPebble]

Inside Out really helped me understand its okay to have bittersweet memories

[demonprincess]

Encanto and Mulan were my favorites. The expectations in Encanto and the children's struggles to escape them. And the fact that Mulan didn't outmuscle the men and was able to defeat Shan Yu with her brain instead. Both were brilliantly performed

[olvialee]

Speaking of grief, I lost my uncle this year. I was very close to him when I was little. I might keep my emotions but I tend to cry my heart out when I’m home alone. It’s been very hard for me