3 Classic Disney Animated Movies That Hit Completely Different Watching Them as Adults

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For nearly eighty years, Disney animated films have been a key part of growing up for people all over the world. The studio is likely the most important maker of animated films, especially in Western countries, and although some might see them as just “children’s movies”, Disney’s films are known for their fantastic stories and amazing artistic skill.

For example, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast made history as the first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. While Disney films are generally made for everyone, some animated movies are particularly impactful when viewed as an adult. Things like the humor, the underlying themes, or even how certain storytelling choices seem now might not be what you recall from your childhood viewing of these three films.

3) Aladdin

Watching Aladdin as an adult feels very different, and that’s largely thanks to the incredible talent of Robin Williams. His portrayal of the Genie is packed with smart humor and quick-witted allusions. Williams transformed what could have been a simple retelling of a story from One Thousand and One Nights into a truly original and funny movie, enjoyable for viewers of any age.

We didn’t really appreciate how well he imitated Jack Nicholson, Robert DeNiro, and Rodney Dangerfield until we were much older. Director Ron Clements and Jon Musker skillfully combined the more mature humor in Williams’s performance with bright and engaging visuals and jokes that kids would enjoy, which is why Aladdin remains one of our most beloved Disney animated movies ever.

2) Zootopia

When I first saw Zootopia, I thought it would just be a fun movie about a city full of adorable animals. But honestly, this 2016 film is so much more! It’s a really engaging mystery, but it also tackles some surprisingly deep topics. The story follows Judy Hopps, an ambitious and genuinely good rabbit police officer (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), who ends up teaming up with Nick Wilde, a sly and cunning fox (voiced by Jason Bateman). They’re trying to figure out why animals in the city are suddenly starting to act on their basic, wild instincts. And what’s brilliant is that Zootopia uses this whole idea of animals reverting to their primal sides to explore themes of race and class in a way that’s mature, but still totally accessible – it doesn’t talk down to anyone.

Zootopia is fun and engaging throughout, and it delivers its message without feeling overly forceful or lecturing. Directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush created an incredibly detailed and humorous world to tell a story that will stay with viewers, even those who are discerning, long after the credits roll. Plus, the scene at the Department of Motor Vehicles, where everyone is a sloth, is brilliantly funny and a true cinematic moment that you’ll fully appreciate once you’ve gotten your driver’s license.

1) Peter Pan

Disney’s 1953 film, Peter Pan, is based on J.M. Barrie’s beloved play and novel from the early 1900s and remains a classic even today. The story – a coming-of-age tale about a boy who flies and never grows up, living on the magical island of Neverland (second star to the right) – has deeply impacted both literature and popular culture. However, revisiting the Disney movie now reveals that some aspects haven’t held up well over time. This is particularly noticeable in how the film depicts the native inhabitants of Neverland. Clearly inspired by American Indigenous peoples, the cultural appropriation displayed by Peter, Wendy, her brothers, and the Lost Boys is problematic. While it’s tempting to excuse it based on the era in which it was created, the song “What Made the Red Man Red?” is indefensible.

As a movie lover, I always find myself thinking about how truly awful Captain Hook is. It’s not just that he’s a villain, but how intensely cruel and obsessed he is with Peter and all the Lost Boys. I get that he’s supposed to represent adults who’ve forgotten how to have fun, maybe even mirroring Mr. Darling himself, but it’s still pretty unsettling, no matter when you watch Peter Pan. It really makes you think!

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2025-09-29 17:16