Disney Movies with Heartbreaking Endings
Looking for movie recommendations? We've got eight picks from the Disney catalogue that will have you sobbing uncontrollably. From The Fox and The Hound to Frozen II, there's a lot more to these stories than just magic and a happy ending.
Some of these Disney movies are too sad to be part of the House of Mouse's happy-go-lucky catalogue. With their darker themes and realistic portrayal of life's challenges, these are the best Disney movies to watch if you're craving something more grown-up.
Here are the eight Disney movies that don't have happy endings:
1. 101 Dalmatians
The Dalmatians' happy ending in 101 Dalmatians may make you feel warm and fuzzy, but the reality of caring for 101 puppies is a lot more stressful. What's more, Cruella de Vil's eventual escape from prison in the live-action adaptation is one of the most cringeworthy moments in film history.
2. The Great Mouse Detective
Who would have thought a movie about a mouse detective would be so heartbreaking? Based on the books by Basil Blackwell, The Great Mouse Detective is a twisted tale of the friendship between a little girl and the titular mouse, who is actually Basil in disguise. The highlight of the movie is the tragic fate of the villain, Ratigan, due to racial prejudice.
3. Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is a classic tale of magic and childhood wonder. While the Banks family certainly enjoyed their time with the magical nanny, the film ends on a bittersweet note as Poppins leaves them behind, knowing that they are capable of looking after themselves from now on.
4. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The French Quarter of the 1500s is a far cry from London, and Quasimodo's time spent there has a large influence on his life. The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases our tragic hero's first heartbreak and lack of human companionship, leading him to believe that there is something inherently wrong with him.
5. Peter Pan
We all wish we could fly away to Neverland forever, but the Lost Boys' decision to stay on the magical island has a heartbreaking consequence. The film's heartbreaking final scene implies that while they are having the time of their lives, they are missing out on adoption opportunities and are fated to be abandoned again.
6. Frozen II
Disney's most famous pair of siblings are forced to live apart in the heartbreaking Frozen II. Elsa must stay away from Arendelle to protect her kingdom from her own powers, while Anna is forced to fulfill her duty as queen. The sisters have always been close, and the film's final scene implies that their separation is not permanent.
7. The Fox and the Hound
The Fox and the Hound is like Disney's version of The Notebook. The childhood friendship between Todd and Copper is one of the most heartwarming tales in Disney history, but the ending of the movie breaks our hearts into a million pieces. The final moments of the film showcase the heartbreaking realization that the pair simply cannot stay together, despite their best efforts.
8. Bambi
Based on the book by James Howe, Bambi is a tale of the titular deer's quest to become the Great Prince of the Forest. While the movie is mostly light-hearted, the events that befall Bambi are far from cheery, from his father's sudden death to a terrifying forest fire. The movie ends on a hopeful note as Bambi completes his transformation into the leader of the Forest and a new family is introduced, but the trauma Bambi endures throughout the movie is enough to give you nightmares.
Now you know the eight Disney movies that don't have happy endings, you can prepare yourself for a devastating few hours at the cinema.
