As adults, it's fascinating to look back on the films we loved as children. In some cases, we discover that movies we adored are not the masterpieces we once thought they were. In other cases, the stories can resonate even more deeply. And then there are the moral lessons these stories can tell that don't always stand up well to scrutiny.
Along with entertaining youngsters, many of these movies seek to impart simple messages on its audience. But these stories can often communicate a different message that may not have been intended and is not the sort of thing you want to teach a child.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Every Christmas season, countless families watch the classic seasonal gem A Christmas Story. The nostalgia-filled comedy looks at a young boy named Ralphie who just wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas even though his parents tell him it's too dangerous.
We've all had those childhood Christmas presents we coveted, whether we got them or not. However, this film seems to suggest that no matter how many times you are told no, if you are persistent enough, you'll get exactly what you want. The message is made even cloudier by the fact that the object of Ralphie's desire does prove to be a dangerous weapon.
Cinderella (1950)
The classic Disney fairy tale Cinderella is the story of a young girl who grows up forced to work as servant for her cruel stepmother and stepsisters following the death of her father. After meeting her fairy godmother, Cinderella is able to meet Prince Charming and leave the oppressiveness of her stepfamily forever.
Disney seemed to really have a vendetta against stepparents and this is the most damning of them all. The film suggests stepmothers are not your real family and will never love you like your own biological family does.
Moana (2016)
Though one of the more recent Disney films, Moana is the story of a young girl living in her island community. It is already beloved, especially by young fans. When Moana learns that the crops and fish are becoming scarce, she sets out on a sea voyage to lift a demigod's curse and save her people.
One of the biggest moments in the film is when Moana defies the commands of her parents and sets out on the ocean alone. Though an inspiring moment, it also seems to suggest if there is something a kid really wants to do, they don't have to listen to their parents at all.
Home Alone (1990)
Like A Christmas Story, Home Alone is a holiday favorite for generations of fans. Macaulay Culkin stars as a young boy who is accidentally left home alone while his family goes on a Christmas vacation. He then has to fend off a pair of burglars trying to rob his house.
All the slapstick gags of the young boy's boobytraps distract from a rather disturbing lesson. Young Kevin, instead of getting help from an adult, decides to take the law into his own hands in some pretty extreme ways.
Mulan (1998)
Though the recent live-action adaptation wasn't a huge success, the animated Mulan remains a classic. However, both versions of the tale end on a note that is hard to swallow. After disguising herself as a male soldier and joining the Chinese army, Mulan saves the day and is praised as a hero.
However, receiving praise from the people in power who previously oppressed her doesn't seem like a victory. Mulan was even threatened with execution for impersonating a soldier. It's hard to see the army as the good guys after all that.
The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Like many Disney classics, The Princess and the Frog is a loose adaptation of a classic fairy tale. The charming Louisiana-set film follows an aspiring chef named Tiana who is transformed into a frog. As it turns out, the curse wasn't all bad as it allowed her to be less focused on her work and discover love.
There are plenty of films with morals about being less work-obsessed, but that feels misplaced here. Tiana's dedication to her work has allowed her to rise from humble beginnings and get close to her dream of opening a restaurant. But the film suggests she should have made more time to find a boyfriend.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Yet another holiday classic, although it's not quite clear which holiday The Nightmare Before Christmas belongs to. It tells the story of Jack Skellington, the leader of Halloweentown who attempts to give new purpose to his life by convincing his town to celebrate Christmas instead.
Ultimately, Jack makes a mess of Christmas and decides to embrace Halloween. But this ending appears to carry the message that you should just stick to what you're good at and not try something new.
Aladdin (1992)
One of the great achievements of the Disney Renaissance, Aladdin remains a hugely entertaining animated adventure all these years later. It is the story of the titular poor young man that finds a genie who transforms him into a prince so he can woo the sultan's daughter.
According to this movie, one should always start a new relationship off with a lie. Aladdin lies to Jasmine at every turn, even when he is given the chance to come clean.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ariel remains one of the most popular Disney princesses of all time. She is the daughter of King Triton of the sea but dreams of living above water and meeting the charming Prince Eric. She eventually makes a deal with Ursula the sea witch to get the chance to become human.
This is another example of the wrong lessons on love being taught. When Ariel wants to be with Eric, she decides the only way to do it is to change who she is. This works quite quickly on the dashing prince.
Beauty And The Beast (1991)
There are many who call Beauty and the Beast Disney's best film — but that doesn't mean its story always adds up. The romance between Belle and the Beast is sweet, but to get all those warm and fuzzy feelings, you also have to ignore one alarming detail about how it all started.
After Belle is found sneaking around the castle, the Beast imprisons her there. So it is a little unclear if Belle really does develop feelings for Beast or if she's just experiencing Stockholm Syndrome.