10 Modern Disney Movies That Are Totally Traumatizing

Disney films are frequently regarded as timeless masterpieces for a number of reasons. Many of us have fond memories of growing up with them, even if those memories may include some hidden emotional turmoil. Despite our frequent jokes about earlier movies being filled with tear-jerking moments, contemporary Disney films are just as prone to evoke strong emotions. Consider the last Disney movie you watched in the theater; chances are there was at least one scene that had you on the verge of tears. Don’t worry, we won’t judge – we were teary-eyed too. It’s perfectly fine for movies to be emotionally complex, though it can occasionally come as a surprise when the film ratings don’t reflect this aspect of the storyline.

Over numerous generations, Disney movies have been a significant part of upbringing, allowing each generation to identify their formative Disney movie experiences. Given Disney’s past, it’s likely that one film will address the theme of parental loss (a common theme in Disney films due to historical reasons). In essence, this is just the start, as contemporary movies have introduced fresh creators, and with these new viewpoints come innovative ways to tug at our heartstrings.

1) Up (2009)

In most movies, particularly Disney productions, the opening scenes often carry a melancholic or emotionally heavy tone. However, it’s fair to say that none can match the poignancy of the beginning in the movie Up. The film opens with a heartwarming sequence showing Carl and Ellie’s love story, from their first meeting, through marriage, and into old age. For those unfamiliar with the film, it’s not hard to imagine the climax of this montage. The emotional peak is reached when Ellie passes away, leaving an indelible impact on Carl that requires no words to express.

This served as the fundamental base for the movie “Up“. After losing Ellie, his world and everything he cherished, Carl became lost himself. It’s quite simple to imagine ourselves in his situation, feeling that profound sorrow. Merely thinking about it might cause many viewers to tear up once more.

2) Inside Out (2015)

In truth, portraying the feelings of a young girl in the movie “Inside Out” authentically required a strong impact. Consequently, this animated film took viewers on an intense emotional journey, which is one reason why it became so popular. The narrative struck a chord with audiences of all ages as emotions such as Joy, Disgust, Sadness, Anger, and Fear were beautifully depicted on the screen.

The main takeaway from Inside Out is that Joy discovers Sadness is essential and will continue to be a crucial part of emotions. As viewers, we also learn this lesson along with Riley, making it both moving and poignant, reflecting the dual nature of life. Bing Bong’s sacrifice underscores this lesson, creating one of the most emotional scenes in the movie.

By rephrasing the original passage, we maintain the message while using simpler language and a more conversational tone to make it easier for readers to understand.

3) Finding Nemo (2003)

In simpler terms, “Finding Nemo” is promoted as a mix of comedy, drama, and adventure. While it does have funny parts, the start of the movie is incredibly emotional and sad. Although people often joke about Dory later on, when you actually watch the film, it can be quite tear-jerking from the beginning. The first ten minutes are particularly tough, starting with Marlin and his spouse setting up a cozy coral home. Unfortunately, viewers quickly witness a barracuda swallowing most of their eggs and the mother fish.

Only Nemo remains as the sole survivor. The start of this tale is heavy-hearted, and one can only imagine the sorrow Marlin felt while trying to find his lost son. Indeed, the opening scenes lay a solid foundation for an indelible movie experience, but they certainly left us with a lump in our throats as well.

4) Toy Story 3 (2010)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always admired how Toy Story fearlessly delves into heart-wrenching moments within its tales. The creators understand that life isn’t just about sunshine and rainbows; it’s a mix of joys and sorrows, and the most compelling stories reflect this balance. We believed that the depth of sadness couldn’t surpass Jessie’s backstory in Toy Story 2, but we were mistaken. Toy Story 3 is brimming with emotional scenes that tug at your heartstrings, beginning with Andy’s agonizing choice to part ways with all his cherished toys.

The situation is relatable, as many of us have grappled with decisions about holding onto or letting go of valuable possessions. Similarly, we’ve grown fond of the characters over a long period, making it effortless to feel emotionally involved in what unfolds next. The movie undeniably leaves an impact with its poignant incinerator scene, a moment that needs no further explanation.

5) Coco (2017)

It’s not surprising that Coco would make viewers tear up, given its theme of the Day of the Dead. The movie handles a sensitive topic like death exceptionally well, but it’s still emotionally poignant. There are numerous sad scenes throughout the film, where characters authentically experience and express their feelings, drawing us into their emotional journey.

It’s fascinating that some emotionally poignant scenes in this story don’t solely revolve around death. Instead, they delve into a young man named Miguel’s hidden passion for music, which was consistently discouraged by his family, reasons for which become clearer later on. Throughout these heartrending scenes, Miguel communicates with the deceased and strives to return to the world of the living.

6) Big Hero 6 (2014)

Big Hero 6 is one of the initial animated superhero movies produced by Disney that became an enormous success. The audience adored this team’s heart and excitement right from the start, which is why it was unexpected not to see a follow-up movie (although there was a television show). Despite its numerous joyful moments, Big Hero 6 wouldn’t have been as impactful without some emotional scenes.

In the initial stages of “Big Hero 6”, key characters like Hiro and Tadashi Hamada are introduced and developed. Eventually, Hiro assumes the role of the main protagonist, while Tadashi meets an untimely death in the movie. This unfortunate event transpires due to his selflessness, as he bravely re-entered a burning building to save others. It’s only natural that we cried along with Hiro and stood by him as he chose to honor his brother’s memory by becoming a hero himself.

7) Brother Bear (2003)

Kenai, Denahi, and Sitka. A sad event occurs early in the film when Sitka sacrifices himself to protect his brothers. This leaves Kenai filled with anger and sorrow, leading him to hunt and kill a bear (believing it was responsible for Sitka’s death). The story is full of one calamity after another.

These pivotal moments play a crucial role in the movie “Brother Bear”, as they illustrate how and why the character Kenai undergoes his transformation into a bear. The film is deeply moving and unapologetic, tackling tough themes such as grief and brutality head-on.

8) Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

The movie “Bridge to Terabithia,” adapted from Katherine Paterson’s novel, still managed to surprise a contemporary audience. Those unaware of the book were taken aback by the conclusion, to say the least. Even those who anticipated the plot may not have been psychologically ready for the story’s on-screen unfolding, with Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb delivering captivating performances that breathed life into the narrative in a striking manner.

Many readers would concur that the ending of “Bridge to Terabithia” is among the most heart-wrenching finales ever penned. Though it attempts to offer a sense of closure, the tragic demise of Leslie leaves no room for optimism. The book and movie serve as valuable lessons for children, underscoring the harsh realities and unpredictable nature of life. They also drive home the point that life isn’t always fair, and we can’t always retract our actions or words.

9) The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Isn’t it ironic how movies about dinosaurs and children often seem to evoke strong emotions, sometimes even sadness? Many of us recall the sorrow we felt watching characters like Little Foot in “The Land Before Time.” A similar emotional journey can be found in “The Good Dinosaur,” a 2015 film from Disney Pixar. What might have made this more difficult for some viewers is that they may have expected a story without any death, given the premise of the asteroid missing Earth. However, the film did not shy away from including such events.

Incorrect. The story commences with a devastating flash flood. We’re all aware of how perilous these can be, and “The Good Dinosaur” didn’t mince words about it. Shy Arlo, one of the main characters in the movie, witnesses his father’s death amidst the floodwaters. To make matters worse, Spot (another key character) has also lost his parents, leaving these two young ones to navigate their sorrow together.

10) Maleficent (2014)

Discuss as you may about Disney’s continuous remakes, they sometimes produce something truly memorable. Witness the Disney series delving into villainous beginnings, such as Maleficent. This film presents a more somber narrative, revealing the backstory of the potent fairy who served as the basis for Sleeping Beauty.

One memorable scene in the movie “Maleficent” stands out, and it’s likely even those who haven’t seen the film are familiar with it. In this movie, Maleficent wakes up, having dozed off next to someone she trusted, only to discover that her wings have been cruelly removed. This scene was a powerful, emotional blow, and its symbolism intensified the impact. It’s a scene with multiple layers: younger viewers might find it frightening to see Maleficent losing her wings, while older audiences can interpret the deeper, darker meaning behind this act.

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2025-08-05 01:42