Disney is a name that has been with its fans for decades, having grown up alongside many of their biggest fans in a manner of speaking. Appropriately, many of the studio's best movies have concerned the subject of growing up and adapting to changing lifestyles and environments. Seeing as how all of their fanbase goes through it at some point, it makes sense that not even beloved animated characters would be immune to the struggles.
Coming of age films are nothing new and, as demonstrated with Turning Red, they haven't gone out of style. Although Mei's acceptance of her inner panda is currently the talk of the town, she wasn't the first to handle the subject by a longshot.
Turning Red (2022)
Pixar's latest masterpiece, Turning Red, doesn't pull any punches in its blatant metaphors for kids jumping the hurdles of teenage years and learning how to process things and relationships in a healthy way. Turning into a giant red panda might not be the biggest problem the movie's audience has to face, but the struggles of puberty against the backdrop of middle school certainly are.
So much has already been said about the film's message, but it tackles sensitive subjects and managing emotions in such a comprehensible way that it bears repeating. While it does use clever language and motifs, it doesn't gloss over the reality of the matter or pander to overly-soft terminology.
Moana (2016)
Taking things in a more traditionally Disney route, Moana sees its main character tackling her coming of age ritual by restoring the heart of Te Fiti. The hero's journey is a trope that's present in many of Disney's films, but the coming-of-age element is more in the background for the princess of Motunui.
To become the next chief of her people, Moana has a lot of responsibilities thrust upon her by her father. Upon embarking on her quest with Maui, the path to leadership is mirrored in the obstacles and perils they face to save the islands from Te Ka's blight. Sometimes, good storytelling relies on what goes subtly unseen.
Brave (2012)
As many Pixar fans will undoubtedly notice, Turning Red shares a lot in common with Brave. Apart from being a fantasy film with a redheaded leading lady and someone getting transformed into a giant animal, both films feature the importance of familial relationships and the message of communication and acceptance.
While the relationship is arguably more tumultuous between Merida and Queen Elinor, the films share many similar ideas regarding their protagonists' relationship and internal struggles. Merida has a great deal expected of her, but she wants to be mature and manage it her own way, figuratively fighting for her own hand. Simply put, sometimes independence must be taken instead of earned.
Onward (2020)
Onward is a blending of interesting elements, apart from the creative modern-fantasy approach Pixar chose. It marries the previously mentioned theme of the hero's journey with a focus on brotherly love, but it also deals with the theme of maturing for both Ian and Barley.
Kids growing up and going to college is a concept Pixar had dealt with previously in Monsters University, and while Ian's journey is very relatable, it's Barley that truly has the growing-up motif in the film. Though he might appear like the childish slacker, Barley's blend of the paternal and fraternal roles is what makes his evolutionary arc more interesting. Sometimes a little misdirection can be exceptionally effective.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
Up until the third entry in the series, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang were all known as Andy's toys. Although they'd been with their owner for literally nearly all his life, they can't prolong the inevitable. Andy does eventually grow up, and that fact is brilliantly reflected in how the toys react to that fact, particularly Woody.
While it appears that Andy might be taking Woody to college with him at first, both Andy and his beloved cowboy have to accept that a new chapter is unfolding and it's time to step in that direction. It's not so much about letting go, but rather embarking on that next step willingly. Even so, it's still no less bittersweet.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Big Hero 6 is a film that more fans, Disney buffs included, need to pay attention to. Despite the reliance on superheroes and big cuddly robots, it covers some seriously mature subject matter for those still growing up and the grownups in the audience as well.
The film covers different aspects of maturing that many viewers either forget or just need refresher courses on, such as grief, mental health, and the importance of a support network of friends. Emotional wellbeing is a subject that is often glossed over in modern culture, and the message of this movie is more complex and moving than a superhero story might suggest.
Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
Raya's growing-up arc happens quite rapidly at first, having to assume the leadership role left behind by her father after he is turned to stone by a corrupting curse. However, her emotional maturation is what takes center stage as she and Sisu embark on their quest to restore the lands of Kumandra.
As heroic as Raya is, she carries a lot of anger and hatred towards her nemesis, Namaari, up until the final confrontation in the film. She's not wrong for bearing this grudge, but her rage and mission for vengeance does blind her to the bigger picture. Unity is the key to restoring the kingdom, and it's a motif the audience walks out with as well.
Mulan (1998)
In both the original animated classic and the live-action remake, Mulan displays maturity beyond her years. She breaks free of the mold set before her to protect her father and her family from the oncoming invasion from the Huns. The message of choosing between what is expected and what is right reverberates through both adaptations, and it lands with warrior-trained accuracy.
The story of Mulan is one that breaks down barriers and deviates from the perceived norm, something that many young audience members still need exposure to in today's culture. Although they might not have to get down to business and defeat the Huns anytime soon, everyone has to make a path-defining choice at some point.
The Lion King (1994)
As cliche as it sounds by today's standards, The Lion King is more than a Shakespearean allegory for wrestling with the past. While that's certainly a big part of Simba's saga through the Pridelands, the true coming-of-age narrative deals with the protagonist finding his place (in the great Circle of Life).
For some, finding their place is about fitting in. For others, it might be about finding their own tribe. Either way, Simba finds meaning in both venues before he's able to succeed and take his place as king of Pride Rock.
Inside Out (2015)
There are perhaps few films that approach the subject of mental health and emotional well-being as comprehensibly as Pixar's Inside Out. Like so many films under the Pixar name, the movie takes an incredibly complex and intricate subject and paints it in a way any age can understand.
With the subject of mental health slowly rising to the forefront in various forms of media, the movie presents Riley's feelings and difficult emotions in a way any viewer can understand and relate to. Pink elephant creatures and imaginary boyfriends aside, it's a movie that reiterates that sometimes it's okay not to be okay.