Encanto is Disney's 60th animated feature and focuses on the magical life of the Madrigal family. But when the family's magical powers are threatened, the protagonist, Mirabel, is on a mission to save her family and the magic inside their Casita. With the weight of the world on Mirabel's shoulders, she learns more about herself and her family while trying to keep the magic alive.
In doing so, plenty of inspirational quotes were spoken (and sung) as the Madrigal family fought for their lives and the community they built. Aside from the glorious scenes that Disney depicted on screen, it's the inspirational quotes and refusal to quit that fans gravitated towards.
Isabela On Staying True To You
"I'm Tired Of Perfect, I Want Real."
Isabela Madrigal is Mirabel's older sister. When her time came to receive her magical power, she was given the gift of flowers. Without effort, Isabela could produce a field of flowers, vines, and bouquets to lift the spirits of others.
On top of producing flowers and always smelling like one, Isabela was also stunning and "perfect" in Mirabel's eyes. It wasn't until Mirabel got to know Isabela better that she learned her sister was tired of appearing perfect. What she wanted more than anything was to be real. The notion of being true to oneself regardless of how it looks to others is what's inspiring about this line.
Bruno On Mirabel's Importance
"You’re Exactly What This Family Needs. You Just Need To See It."
Bruno was Mirabel's seemingly deranged uncle that she didn't personally know. After being given the gift of psychic abilities, he escaped the family because his visions weren't helping the Casita or town. There were theories about what happened to Bruno, but those theories were debunked when Mirabel eventually met him.
The closer Bruno and Mirabel became, the wiser Bruno was. He reminded Mirabel that she had a purpose within the family — even if she didn't see it. This line is inspirational because it's a reminder that even when a person is feeling lost within their family or friend group, they have a special purpose that others see.
Mirabel Comparing Herself To Her Family
"Gift Or No Gift, I Am Just As Special As The Rest Of My Family."
In the opening scene of Encanto, Mirabel explains to the town's children about her family and what makes them special. The kids were fascinated by the Madrigal family and wanted to know what Mirabel's gift was. Mirabel dodged the question through song but the answer eventually came out: she had no powers.
The kids were disappointed, but Mirabel reminded them that she was just as special as the rest of her family. Her strength and confidence in herself are inspirational. Mirabel gives off Sagittarius vibes on the zodiac due to her empathy for others and strength within.
Bruno On How To Solve The Casita's Crisis
"How Do You Help A Family Miracle? You Hug Your Sister."
Before Bruno was introduced, he was nothing but a figment of the Madrigal family's imagination. He was a bad seed that almost hurt the family due to his visions. It wasn't until Mirabel found Bruno that he became one of the more likable characters and that all of those dark tales about him were false. Bruno loved his family so much that he disappeared to save them.
When Mirabel needed Bruno, he told her the only way for her to save Casita was to hug her sister and make peace with her. Bruno's inspirational quote is a gentle reminder to hug the ones a person loves most and to not let petty jealousy get in the way of bonds.
Luisa On Her Stress
"If I Could Shake The Crushing Weight Of Expectations Would That Free Some Room Up For Joy Or Relaxation, Or Simple Pleasure?"
Luisa Madrigal is another sister of Mirabel's that was given the gift of strength. Luisa was incredibly important around town because she helped keep the town afloat with her strength. She rescued donkeys, moved mountains, built homes... There was nothing Luisa couldn't do.
However, it wasn't until Mirabel got to know Luisa more that she uncovered a character detail she never noticed — Luisa was insecure. Although she was strong and important, Luisa felt pressure from the entire town. She never had a chance to be weak, which was scary. Luisa's song was inspiring for listeners because it reminded everyone that as strong as a person is, they too can have weak moments where they feel the weight of the world.
Mirabel On Holding Onto Hope
"Even In Our Darkest Moments, There’s Light Where You Least Expect It."
What gives the Madrigal family their powers is a magical candle that Abuela was gifted 50 years before. If the candle's flame went out, that meant the Madrigal powers also disappeared. Mirabel had the intelligence to find the missing key to the family's puzzle to keep the magical candle's flame bright.
In a play on words, Mirabel noted that while the flame burnt out, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. For viewers who felt similar darkness to Mirabel, it's inspirational being reminded that "there's light when you least expect it."
Bruno On Living In The Present
"You Can't Hurry The Future."
Once Mirabel was introduced to Bruno, hating him became an unpopular opinion in Encanto. Bruno was nothing like the horror those around Mirabel described him as. He was actually incredibly lively and caring — he just didn't want to hurt his family with his visions, which is why he left.
When Mirabel begged Bruno for a new vision as to why the magical candle's flame was going out, Bruno warned her that "you can't hurry the future." This subtle quote is inspiring because as many plans, dreams, or wishes for the future that a person has, they cannot rush the future. It comes in its own time.
Mirabel
"All I Need Is A Change. All I Need Is A Chance."
Encanto had magical musical numbers throughout. One of the songs ("Waiting on a Miracle") sung by Mirabel revealed her true feelings on being one of the only family members without a gift.
As she watched her cousin Antonio get his gift of talking to animals, it was impossible for Mirabel not to think about herself. All she needed was a chance to prove to the family that she was just as special and helpful as her family members. The moment was a sad one for Mirabel, but it's inspiring for others to know they're not alone in wanting a second chance to prove themselves.
Abuela Asking The Magic For Assistance
"Open My Eyes. If The Magic Is Here, Help Me Save The Miracle."
Abuela Alma is the founder of the magical candle and the matriarch of the Madrigal family. She is the head of the household and has the ultimate say over the candle and Casita. Because Mirabel didn't receive a gift, Abuela and Mirabel didn't have the closest bond because Abuela feared she would ruin the family. Mirabel felt this pressure and went above and beyond to prove herself.
As the magic was dying, Abuela said a prayer to her late husband. She begged for a sign to see if the magic was still there. In reality, the magic was all around her but Abuela was close-minded. The inspiration is hidden within the quote because Abuela had everything to save the magic but her eyes were closed to it.
Mirabel On Her Family's True Power
“The Miracle Is Not Some Magic That You’ve Got – The Miracle Is You.”
At the end of Encanto, Abuela and Mirabel makeup and inspire the family to rebuild Casita. Healing the relationships between Alma, Isabela, and Mirabel is what gave Casita its magic back. As they were rebuilding, Mirabel sang a song that reminded viewers that our miracles are not magic — the miracle is inside all of us. It's an inspiring message that reminds viewers to dig from within and realize how special their own magic is.