Disney has told a multitude of stories over the years, providing audiences with characters to love and learn from. Sometimes, for the sake of better storytelling, the audience is forced to say goodbye to their beloved characters. Whether a hero or villain, every Disney character seems to get the death that they deserve, no matter how sad it is.
From Gurgi’s heartfelt sacrifice in The Black Cauldron to the tragedy of Mufasa’s murder in The Lion King, Disney knows how to tug at the emotional heartstrings of its audience. The audiences then mourn the lives of the on-screen characters.
10 Olaf Is Completely Selfless In His Demise (Frozen II – 2019)
As soon as Olaf realizes that he’s dying, his first thoughts are of his family. He worries that Elsa has pushed herself too far. Olaf even uses his last words to apologize to Anna that he’s leaving her to continue her journey alone. The tragedy of Olaf’s death is especially apparent in Anna’s reaction. Throughout her childhood she was left alone. In Frozen 2, Elsa pushed her away, Kristoff got lost in the woods, and without Olaf, Anna is left despairingly alone.
9 Mr. Gracey Never Had To Die (The Haunted Mansion – 2003)
Mr. Gracey was a man so besotted with his love, Elizabeth, that he couldn’t bear to live in a world without her. After his suicide in The Haunted Mansion, it should have been the end for Mr. Gracey. Having suffered Ramsley’s deception, Mr. Gracey was cursed to spend his afterlife trapped in his mansion, unable to reconcile with the love that he died for. Everything about his death was unfair in this Romeo and Juliet-like tragedy. Had Ramsley not poisoned Elizabeth (or if Mr. Gracey had found her real note), he could have found peace much sooner.
8 Gurgi’s Sacrifice Saved The World (The Black Cauldron – 1985)
From the minute Gurgi leaped on screen, he quickly established himself as a cowardly rascal. Where danger lay, he ran the other way, with little regard for anything but his own life. At the prospect of no longer being alone, Gurgi faced his fears and ran to the aid of Taran and his companions. Although Gurgi only planned to escape that Horned King’s Castle with his friends in tow, he realized that it wouldn’t be enough. The Horned King had claimed the Black Cauldron.
Measuring the values of his friend’s lives aginst his own, Gurgi came to the tearful conclusion that he had to sacrifice himself to destroy the Black Cauldron and stop the Horned King. The image of Taran cradling Gurgi’s corpse, having retrieved him from the cauldron, still haunts many to this day.
7 Tadashi Hamada Died A Hero (Big Hero 6 – 2014)
“Someone has to help.” The last words that Tadashi Hamada said to his brother before running into a burning building are what best sum up his character. Although Tadashi had a lot to live for, being one of the brightest minds of a generation, he gave up everything in the hopes of saving one person. The audience then join Hiro on his journey through the funeral. Hiro grieves, having lost the person who mattered the most to him. Tadashi didn’t just leave his life behind, he left his entire family struggling to pick up the pieces in Big Hero 6.
6 Gramma Tala Knew Moana’s Quest Was More Important Than Her Death (Moana – 2016)
It is clear that the titular character of Moana always felt misunderstood by those around her. The exception is Gramma Tala, who celebrated her granddaughter for all that she was and could be. Although Tala seems strong, she’s hiding just how frail she is until she’s certain that Moana is ready to begin her quest. The sight of Moana tearfully refusing to leave her grandmother’s side as she dies (while Tala says she has to go) is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a Disney film.
5 The Death Of Bambi’s Mom Was Chilling (Bambi – 1942)
Though some viewers may be desensitized by the films of today, the death of Bambi’s mother was considered one of the saddest deaths to ever hit the silver screen. Up until that moment, Bambi had focused on the joyful life of the young prince of the forest, who was oblivious to the dangers of the world. One moment, the deer are enjoying the first grass of Spring.
When the ominous music hits, the mother and son are forced into a tense chase. After Bambi’s mom’s death, fans were left with the chilling scene of Bambi, alone in the blizzarding woods, calling for a mother who would never come back.
4 Mufasa (The Lion King – 1994)
The Lion King had many upsetting themes – an orchestrated stampede, a father trying to rescue his son, and a brother’s betrayal. Yet, things got worse when young Simba discovered his father’s limp body in the gorge. In denial about his father’s death, Simba tried desperately to rouse Mufasa. Simba begged Mufasa to wake up while nudging against him in an attempt for a hug. For years after the Mufasa’s death, Simba suffered under the weight of his father’s memory, as did many of the audience.
3 Aslan Suffered Greatly (Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe – 2005)
In The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Aslan suffered his death at the hands of Jadis, the White Witch. Much like other noble characters, Aslan sacrificed himself to save the Pevensie children, unafraid of his fate. Although Aslan knew that he would be revived by the ancient magic of Narnia, Lucy, Susan, and the audience did not as they suffered through his grim demise. Surrounded by his enemies, Aslan was bound, tortured, and humiliated in this twisted mockery of death.
2 Pedro’s Death Was Worse The Second Time (Encanto – 2021)
During Encanto‘s opening scene, the audience learn the story of Pedro. Pedro’s sacrifice was the basis of the magic that the Madrigals were granted. While the tale is sad, it’s not truly heart-breaking. Since the story is from the perspective of five-year-old Mirabel, it’s not surprising that she’s more impressed with magical powers and a house that came to life.
When Pedro’s tale is depicted again later, it’s from his wife Alma’s perspective. Instead of Pedro’s death, the viewer is also shown his life. He was a kind man, a loving husband, and a selfless leader. He and Alma had to abandon their home, risking the lives of their newborn babies on a treacherous journey. Witnessing Pedro’s death the second time is worse, especially when the flashback continues. It shows how heartbroken Alma is. She’s alone, and struggling to hold up the weight of the town as well as raising the children Pedro sacrificed himself to save.
1 Leslie Was Too Young To Die (Bridge To Terabithia – 2007)
When fans last sees Leslie, she’s joyously running home in the rain with her dog, the picture of health and happiness. This is why, in the next scene, her death is so upsetting. When Jesse heads home, he is embraced by his family who are relieved that he’s safe and well. Upon questioning their odd behavior, Jesse is told that his best friend Leslie died.
She drowned when the rope swing that acted as their bridge to Terabithia broke, leaving her unconscious in the river. The most terrible part of Leslie’s death is Jesse’s realization that children aren’t invincible. There could always come a day when life plays a cruel trick, taking them from the world far too soon.
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