If there's one thing Disney knows how to do, it's provoke an emotional response from its audience. Disney's been mastering this art since 1937 and has only grown more proficient at enchanting viewers as time has gone on. For many, watching an old, familiar Disney movie feels like coming home.
Part of what makes Disney movies so lasting is that they're not all happy, all the time. They cover a wide variety of issues and darker themes. A great example of this is their repertoire of beautifully tragic songs that tug at the heartstrings and allow viewers to viscerally experience the pain of the characters. It's often these sad songs that leave the biggest impact on kids and are remembered well into adulthood.
"Reflection" - Mulan (1998)
Mulan sings "Reflection," one of the best songs from the movie, in a state of defeat. She's just had a disastrous meeting with the matchmaker, who tells her that she will never bring honor to her family. She feels out of place and incapable of expressing who she truly is to the outside world.
Mulan feels, like so many people do, that she is wearing a mask for those around her, and showing her true colors would only get her further rejected. However, she longs for the day when what she has in her heart can be "reflected" in her outward appearance and actions. The more she pretends to be someone she's not, the less she recognizes herself. It's a haunting sentiment that is sadly relatable.
"Not In Nottingham" - Robin Hood (1973)
King John has overtaxed his people to near death. Because they can't afford to pay their taxes anymore, he has the entire town of Nottingham thrown in jail. Alan-a-Dale, a rooster who narrates the story, sings this song that laments the lost happiness of the town.
Images of adorable animals chained up and crying are what come to mind at the mention of this song. Each resident of Nottingham is shown as being trapped in a cold, dark prison where they are starving and longing for home. This song makes a powerful statement about the consequences of greed and shows the harsh realities of how unchecked power in the wrong hands can harm innocents.
"Not One Of Us" - The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998)
Kovu and Kiara are in love, and Simba has finally begun to trust Kovu. However, when Zira and the other outsiders ambush them, Simba believes that Kovu set him up and exiles him in an incredibly sad part of the movie. The animals of the Pride Lands sing this song, declaring that Kovu will never be accepted.
The dark tone and heavy drumbeat of this song add layers of emotion to the already harsh punishment from Simba. It almost feels as if an execution is about to take place. Watching an innocent Kovu be shamed and rejected, to the point of having rocks thrown at him and being chased out, creates a strong empathetic reaction in viewers against the injustice of the situation. Kovu's helplessness and frustration are palpably felt.
"Remember Me" - Coco (2017)
The song "Remember Me" has many lives throughout the movie Coco. Originally written by Héctor Rivera as a song for his daughter, Miguel uses it to bring Mama Coco's memory of her father back and save Héctor from fading away.
This song touches everyone who has ever loved and lost someone. The lyrics are purposefully simple, stating what anyone would want their loved ones to know – that even when apart, no matter how great the distance, if they are kept within the hearts of those they love, they will never truly be gone. It reminds the audience that simply remembering a person can be the greatest way to honor them.
"The Next Right Thing" - Frozen 2 (2019)
One of the best Disney siblings, Anna, believes that she's lost both Elsa and Olaf forever. She's so stricken with grief that she finds it hard to even stand, but she's able to pull herself up and continue on with this mantra of "doing the next right thing," even if that means just taking one small step forward.
This song is so representative of the human experience that it's almost impossible not to be touched by it. Everyone has moments where they feel as if they can't go on, whether due to mental health, bullying, or, like Anna, losing a loved one. The truth of her words is somehow deeply personal yet universally relatable, and by the time the song is over, there's not a dry eye in the room.
"God Help The Outcasts" - The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1996)
Esmerelda has been granted sanctuary in Notre Dame, but in reality, she's being held prisoner there by the twisted Frollo. She sings this song, crying out to God to save her people and all those who are mercilessly persecuted for being "different."
Esmerelda thinks only of others with her prayer, claiming that she can "get by" on her own. This generous petition is contrasted with people coming into the cathedral and praying for money, fame, and love. The selflessness she displays is emotional to watch because it's rarely seen. Her ability to still do this despite the horrors she's experienced speaks to the strength of the human soul, a concept that is heartbreaking in the most beautiful way.
"Married Life" - Up (2009)
The first five minutes of Up contain some of the most poignant moments in cinematic history. The song "Married Life" perfectly complements the love story of Carl and Ellie, from humble beginnings to heartbreaking endings and all the ups and downs in-between.
"Married Life" is a perfect example of how instrumental music can tell a story without lyrics. The song ebbs and flows with Carl and Ellie's life, changing up the tempo and instrumentation to represent different time periods and events, from painting the mailbox to Ellie's declining health. Words are not needed here – the music paired with the visuals speak for themselves, taking the audience on an unforgettable journey of both joy and sadness.
"Goodbye May Seem Forever" - The Fox And The Hound (1980)
To protect Tod from the fury of hunter Amos Slade, Widow Tweed makes the difficult decision to leave him in a nature preserve where he'll be safe. As she drives to the preserve, she reminisces on all the time she and Tod spent together.
Much of this song is spoken, not sung, with the chorus only coming in at the very end. This works well, as the widow's speaking voice paired with sad instrumentals is able to convey the small details of her memories, digging deeper into the hearts of viewers as they wait for the inevitable parting. That, combined with Tod's initial excitement at going for a drive that descends into confusion, then shock and sadness, is absolutely heart-wrenching to watch.
"When She Loved Me" - Toy Story 2 (1999)
In a sad moment that many fans cannot forget, Jessie tells Woody the story of her time with Emily, the little girl she belonged to who eventually forgot and abandoned her. Through this song, Jessie reveals important information about why she's so reluctant to be loved by another child in the saddest possible way.
This song touches on one of the hardest parts of growing up. Most people had a favorite childhood toy, and the idea of that toy being heartbroken and traumatized by them no longer wanting to play with it is a devastating idea. It also brings with it a twinge of guilt and a longing for those simpler times, and for children watching, makes them want to hold onto their toys and never let go.
"Baby Mine" - Dumbo (1941)
Mrs. Jumbo has been unjustly separated from Dumbo and locked away. When Timothy Mouse takes Dumbo to visit her, all she can do is stick her trunk through the bars and cradle him for a short while before he has to leave.
Watching Dumbo cry while sharing a brief moment with his mother is almost unbearably sad. Mrs. Jumbo gently rocking him in her trunk is contrasted with the other animal mothers and babies curled up fast asleep together, and the separation is made that much more visceral. A child being torn away from his mother is enough to bring anyone to tears, but the fact that she is unfairly jailed in the first place makes it that much harder to accept.