Disney movies are famous for their positive messages, inspirational heroes, and life lessons. Audiences are familiar with notable heroes like Pocahontas and Milo Thatch, and beloved princesses like Jasmine and Ariel. While Disney characters are all memorable in their own ways, some may have been potentially bad influences.
While Ariel's rebelliousness was sometimes a red flag, so was Lightning McQueen's ungratefulness and arrogance. These certain traits paint a different picture for these characters, even if they later redeemed themselves. However, selfless heroes like Mulan and Pacha make for great role models, given their bravery, kindness, strength, thoughtfulness and so much more.
Potentially Bad Influence: Jasmine (Aladdin)
Jasmine, fed up with people making decisions for her and having no say in her life, including who she marries, runs away. It's understandable why she feels the way she does, but running away certainly didn't make things any better, and she again gets angry when she walks in on her father, Aladdin, and Jafar discussing her future without her.
Jasmine's lack of finding another means of communication and making hasty decisions like running away potentially make her a bad role model, even if her actions are comprehensible and the reason for her rebellious nature is understandable.
Good Role Model: Milo (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)
Milo's zest for discovering Atlantis is contagious; his cheery nature and kindness may clash with the rest of the crew members of the expedition, but they eventually grow to like the young cartographer and linguist.
Milo risks his life to save Atlantis and Kida, and though he's out of his element, he never shies away from taking on a challenge. He is smart, brave, and kind, making him a fantastic role model.
Potentially Bad Influence: Lightning McQueen (Cars)
When audiences first meet him in Cars, Lightning McQueen is arrogant, ungrateful, and mean. He doesn't appreciate his crew, and he doesn't have many friends. As it turns out, ending up in Radiator Springs was a life saver for him, considering it changed him, and his life, for the better.
However, his attitude towards his crew and his lack of respect could potentially make him a bad influence, even though he did change his ways later on in the film.
Good Role Model: Tiana (The Princess And The Frog)
Tiana dreams of owning and running her own restaurant in New Orleans. She works diligently without a break or a complaint, and never loses sight of her dream, despite people telling her to give up on it.
She may work too hard and forget to have fun, at least initially, but rest assured, Tiana's work ethic and belief in herself are important aspects that make her a wonderful role model.
Potentially Bad Influence: Peter Pan (Peter Pan)
Peter Pan is into fun and games, which is certainly entertaining, but for being the leader of the Lost Boys, he lacks certain responsibility that is needed for such a role. He can also take unnecessary risks, such as provoking Captain Hook, and he can be quite mean at times as well, such as allowing Wendy to be teased mercilessly by the mermaids.
While fun and lighthearted, Peter's good qualities don't make up for his lack of responsibility and teasing nature, which in turn paints him as a potentially bad influence.
Good Role Model: Pacha (The Emperor's New Groove)
Pacha is a hard worker and a family man. He takes care of those close to him, and he shoulders a great deal of responsibility. He doesn't want to worry his family when it looks like they may lose their home so Kuzco can build his own. Despite having the upper hand in getting Kuzco to reconsider his plans after Kuzco becomes a llama, Pacha doesn't take on the task of helping the emperor for his own benefit.
Instead, Pacha helps Kuzco, who frequently demeans and breaks his promises to Pacha, out of the goodness of his heart. Pacha's determination to uphold his promises, do the right thing, and see the good in people are a big part of what makes him such a great role model.
Potentially Bad Influence: Flynn (Tangled)
While dashing and charming, Flynn Rider is also a thief. He double-crossed his partners after they had stolen the crown from the palace, and he initially tried to do everything he could to ensure Rapunzel returned to her tower so he wouldn't have to hold up his end of their deal and could take off with the crown.
Flynn gradually changed and became honest as he spent more time with Rapunzel, but his previously dishonest manner could make him a potentially bad influence.
Good Role Model: Pocahontas (Pocahontas)
Pocahontas was wary of John and the other men upon their arrival, but she was also curious. She watched John's movements before she met him, her inquisitive nature obvious. Pocahontas can see beyond trivial social standards and is more than willing to see past differences, only wanting peace and harmony not just for her people, but for John and the other men as well.
She's a good judge of character, and she does what's right, even when she's the only one fighting for the right thing. Her bravery and kindness are noteworthy, and her love for John was strong and true, making her a terrific role model.
Potentially Bad Influence: Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
While Ariel's genuine curiosity in the human world is admirable, and her frustration with her father understandable, Ariel's rebelliousness ultimately paints her as a potentially bad influence.
She ran away from home, she made a deal with Ursula, who she knew to be bad news, and she took a big risk in taking on the requirements of Ursula's deal. As it was, Ursula tried to double-cross her, and Ariel nearly lost everything.
Good Role Model: Mulan (Mulan)
Mulan desired to make her family proud, and she selflessly took on the dangerous task of taking her father's place in the military, fearing for his life if she didn't. She took a great risk, and she never gave up throughout training, despite the obstacles in her way.
Even after her secret is discovered, Mulan is still driven to do her duty and warn her fellow soldiers of the arrival of the Huns and helps them to save the emperor and by extension, save China. Mulan is a hero in every aspect, and she has a heart of gold, making her a wonderful role model.