For all the classic moments Disney has provided over the last eight decades, a majority of those moments tug at your heartstrings. You may remember from your own childhood, the very first time one of those significant moments left you in a bathtub full of your own tears?
Perhaps it was the hunt for Bambiโs mother where you learned about death, or Snow Whiteโs red apple that taught you to be cautious of strangers. Either way, they are great preparation for emotional times and harsh realities.
Sometimes, as adults, we forget how fragile we are. Reliving these heart-wrenching Disney moments through our aged eyes brought us to tears. Stop here and get your jumbo box of tissues ready, you'll need it.
Quasimodoโs Humiliation | The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Perhaps attending the Festival of Fools wasnโt the smartest idea for Quasimodo. The humiliation he encounters from festival-goers who partake in throwing tomatoes at him, combined with being the center of attention for the first time in his life, made for a pretty brutal experience. Reminiscent of Sissy Spacek in Carrie. Especially when he begs for help from his master, who sits and watches as we witness how cruel humanity can be.
Ellie's Death ย | Up
We are instantly mesmerized by the entire love story of Ellie and Carl. Arguably one of the greatest opening sequences in the film, their short tale of love, life and loss is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Teaching us at an early age that sometimes, great things come to an end.
Hunting Season | Bambi
One could say that watching this scene at such an early age can scar you forever. Just when it seemed as though Bambi and his mother had successfully made it past hunting season, the camera reveals that Bambi will be taking on this world without his guiding light. He would continue to make it past his first winter without his mother, a guaranteed punch to the gut.
Widow Tweed Leaves Tod | The Fox and The Hound
Abandonment! ย What seemed like a regular drive past the countryside soon turns sour when Widow Tweed has other plans. Making her way through the woods with Tod cuddled in her arms,ย Tweed decides that they have reached the end of their chapter. As Tod looks on confused, all that is left is the memories. Pet owner hearts ache worldwide.
Baby Be Mine | Dumbo
One can only imagine what thoughts pondered through Dumboโs mother while she was held captive in chains. All of those worries were put aside, as her main priority soon became nurturing and keeping a young Dumbo calm. As she rocks him to comfort to the sad tune of โBaby Be Mine,โ the audience is left wondering what the fate of Dumboโs mom will be.
The Incinerator | Toy Story 3
A nail-biting finish! The terrifying blaze that faces Andyโs collection of toys reminds us of all the times our favorite toys faced their demise at dreaded garage sales. Holding hands and heading towards their death in the furnace, we are left with both hands covering our eyes.
Mufasaโs death | The Lion King
Mufasa's final scene is easily one of the most mourned movie deaths of all-time. Perhaps even more heartbreaking is the sight of Simba pleading with his father to march on. The waterworks begin to take over when we witness Simba curl up beneath his dad's lifeless paw.
Wall*E Rebooting | Wall*E
Wall-E not retaining any of the memory is as heartbreaking as our hard drive being wiped clean due to a virus. Tragic and unsettling. Fortunately, it is only a few tense minutes before him and EVE live happily ever after.
Bing Bong's Sacrifice | Inside Out
From a young Rileyโs depression, to Joy realizing not everything comes up roses, Inside Out carried multiple moments of sadness. However, none come close to Bing Bong sacrificing his life for Joy. Reminding us that at some point itโs time to say goodbye to those childhood possessions we have such a hard time letting go of.
Cinderellaโs Ripped Couture | Cinderella
John Hughes should cut Walt Disney a check for inventing the โI donโt have anything to wear to the dance premise.โ Watching a hard-working Cinderella get torn to shreds while her stepmother watches, reminds us that sometimes family can be left behindโฆ. for good.