What Disney Movie to Watch When Sad

Among the wholesome, uplifting stories and life lessonsDisney movies have imparted onto audiences over the years, there are numerous emotional moments that fans will never forget. While many Disney movies have sad scenes to up the stakes or an elevated sense of emotion to certain storylines, it doesn't always mean the entire movie is inherently sad.

For movies that are more weighted towards being sad than uplifting or fun, there have to be multiple tear-jerking scenes. These scenes also have to have a lasting effect on viewers, especially if it isn't resolved in their entirety by the end of the movie. Movies such asThe Lion King,Big Hero Six, andThe Princess And The Frog all have incredibly sad moments. However, they're countered by enough uplifting and energetic aspects to stop audiences from feeling sad by the end of the film.

10 The Rescuers May Have A Happy Ending But Penny's Misfortunes Cut Deep Regardless

As far as Disney movies go, The Rescuers has it all. While "adventure" and "comedy" are words thrown around when describing this film, they don't really do the movie justice. The Rescuers has plenty of somber and sad moments, and the story that revolves around the orphan girl, Penny is especially heartbreaking.

Penny recounts how she's constantly overlooked for other children, and Medusa often berates and belittles her. When you also consider how she's being used to retrieve the Devil's Eye Diamond, there's not an audience in the world that wouldn't root for Penny and her rescue. It's a sadness that doesn't need death to amplify its impact. It cuts deep regardless.

9 The Subject Of Death Will Always Hit The Emotions & Coco Did Just That

Disney Pixar's Coco was always going to tug at the heartstrings. It danced around a topic as final as death. However, the movie ultimately surprised and moved audiences all over the world. A family that's banned music may not seem like the most interesting concept in the world, but it allowed for its return later on in the movie to be more impactful.

There are many moments that make audiences emotional. For example, when Miguel finds out his hero, Ernesto is a fraud and that his great-great-grandfather is Hector. Also, when Coco seemingly dies and fades away, only to find joy upon hearing Miguel sing "Remember Me."They're all tear-jerkers of both joy and sadness. Ultimately, the general message of the movie is about remembering and cherishing those who have passed. It's a beautiful twist on a sad topic.

8 Dumbo's Treatment & Separation From His Mother Would Make Anyone Cry

While Dumbo is redeemed with a happy ending, the movie still has plenty of sad moments. It covers topics such as bullying and discrimination (which The Hunchback Of Notre Dame also does well) and highlights the general controversies surrounding the treatment of animals within the circus.

Dumbo is a nickname initially given to Jumbo Jr. as an insult. He's ridiculed for having large ears, which also hamper his balance and everyday capabilities. When Dumbo's mother intervenes after he's picked on by members of the circus, she's deemed to be mad and locked in a cage away from her child. It's a heartbreaking moment. However, there are plenty of uplifting moments in the movie, despite the fact a modern-day re-watch might leave more conflicting or sad impressions.

7 Old Yeller Was A Prime Example Of A Beloved Character Being Built Up Before Being Ripped Away

The main non-animated Disney movie that sticks with people for being particularly devastating and sad is Old Yeller. The 1957 movie based on the novel of the same name tells the story of the Coates family who fall in love with a dog they name Old Yeller.

They welcome him into their family, and all seems well until an outbreak of rabies (also known as Hydrophobia) devastates their farm and eventually makes its way to Old Yeller. In the movie's most devastating moment, the family has to put the dog down. It's a scene that stands the test of time of undeniably heartbreaking. While the movie ends with the family getting a new puppy, it does nothing to replace the memories of Yeller's demise.

6 The Fox And The Hound Was A Rare Case Of A Disney Movie Not Having A Clear & Obvious Happy Ending

The Fox And The Hound may not have any heart-wrenching deaths that leave audiences shocked and speechless. However, it does have deep-cutting emotions when it comes to friendships that aren't destined to be. It starts with an orphaned fox named Tod who ends up being cared for by a kind woman named Widow Tweed. It's there that Tod meets a young puppy named Cooper, and despite being told they'll become enemies in the future, they swear that they'll be best friends forever. It's perhaps the most devastating foreshadowing in a Disney movie ever.

Tensions inevitably escalate and the two find themselves on opposite sides. When Widow Tweed has to leave Tod in the forest, who's once again abandoned, it's one of the most heartbreaking moments in Disney – especially when Tod doesn't understand what's going on. With Copper and Tod narrowly avoiding death and the fact they'll always be on opposite sides,The Fox And The Hound isone of the most underrated and emotional Disney films out there.

5 Inside Out Was Literally About Emotions

A movie focusing on the emotions of a young girl is always going to be a rollercoaster, but Inside Out really tugged at the heartstrings. While it goes through the motions of a child dealing with joy, disgust, sadness, fear, and anger, a catastrophe occurs that results in Joy and Sadness having to restore order in Riley's memories.

Along the way, they encounter Riley's childhood imaginary friend, Bing Bong. This sets up one of the saddest moments in the movie when Bing Bong has to sacrifice himself so Joy can escape on the wagon rocket. Even Joy begins to lose hope at one point, and when emotions get emotional, it elicits a similar response from audiences too.

4 Finding Nemo's Opening Scene & General Premise Were Heartbreaking, Even If The Journey Itself Was Fun

Finding Nemo is a conglomeration of emotions. However, at its core, it's a sad tale. It might have been a fun and exciting adventure for audiences worldwide, but it's ultimately a tale of loss. A fish named Marlin has to deal with losing his wife and hundreds of offspring after a barracuda attack, and then losing his only remaining child.

The subsequent journey Marlin goes on to find Nemo may be exciting, but it's fraught with danger and a general sense of desperation. Despite all the comic relief Dory provides, her sadness and desperation when Marlin wants to quit and leave her is another heartbreaking moment viewers have to endure.

3 That One Scene From Bambi Will Always Haunt The Minds Of Disney Fans

Bambi is often regarded as one of the saddest ever Disney movies, and for good reason. It may have its uplifting and wholesome moments surrounding Bambi, Flower, and Thumper growing up together, but the devastating moments are the most memorable aspects of the movie.

With Bambi's mother being shot and killed and the wrath of Man leading to extensive forest fires, the movie really makes the audience care for its characters. Then it rips out the feeling of safety and sanctuary using a message about the need for environmentalism.

2 Toy Story 3 Was The End Of An Era, Even If It Wasn't The End Of The Franchise

While Jessie's backstory inToy Story 2 is incredibly sad, Toy Story 3 also lays it on thick. Toy Story movies have fun and heart stuffed into an entertaining package because of their animated toy characters. However, due to the connection audiences have with the character, the sad moments hit harder.

Toy Story 3 not only has an emotional goodbye between the toys and their owner, Andy, they also have a near-death experience with an impending inferno while holding hands. It was a moment that left no dry eyes in the house when the movie was first released. Both moments offered different takes on the inevitable finality within the series (despite Toy Story 4 happening several years later).

1 The Devastation Of The Opening Montage From Up Lingered Throughout The Entire Movie

While there are plenty of Disney movies where characters have to deal with grief following the death of a loved one (Big Hero Six andThe Lion King being two of these), the first ten minutes of Up were undeniably devastating.

The montage of Carl and Ellie growing up together, falling in love, enduring a miscarriage, bouncing back, and enjoying their life together until Ellie dies is heartbreaking. It shows Carl left all alone after a life of happiness and love. And although the majority of the movie is fun and upbeat, the lingering sadness and regret Carl feels about Ellie missing out on the adventures resonates with audiences.

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About The Author

Tom Steel (221 Articles Published)

Tom Steel is a writer and list contributor for CBR on all things anime. He is passionate about Pokemon most of all but also all things TV, film, gaming and sports. A University graduate with a degree in German Studies, Tom almost took the path of journalism instead, and is now excited to pursue it in a different capacity. Keep an eye out for his lists and deep-dives into the Pokemon anime and games, along with so much more. Follow him on Twitter at @Steelio307

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What Disney Movie to Watch When Sad

Source: https://www.cbr.com/saddest-disney-movies-ranked/

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