Notorious for their capability to affect you in different ways throughout your life no matter what your age, Disney movies are also renowned for tugging on the heartstrings, and drawing a tear from even the hardiest of viewers. Many boxes of tissues have been used, many shoulders have been cried on and many messages have been conveyed through Disney movies, so there is no better name to associate with classic moments that broke our hearts. And to celebrate that effect, we’ve put together a list of the ten most heart-breaking moments from classic Disney films.
10. The Destruction Of The Cave – The Little Mermaid
Ariel is a beautiful young mermaid who’s spent her whole life fascinated with humans and their lives above the water – so much so that she’s dedicated an entire hidden cove under the sea to artifacts she’s collected that belong to humans. Never mind that she has no idea what the majority of the items’ true purpose is – she uses a fork to curl her hair – these items mean the world to Ariel because they represent a life she cannot have, but one which she wishes to get a closer look at.
When Triton therefore is informed that she has been up to the surface of the water, he becomes enraged, fearing for the safety of his daughter and incredibly angry that she could continually disobey him. In a rage, he uses the power of his trident to destroy every item in the cove after being led there by Sebastian the small red crab he has employed to keep an eye on Ariel. The upsetting thing about this particular scene is how devastated Ariel is, her father having just destroyed all of her favourite possessions, and effectively destroying her insight to the human world which she so admires.
We are currently seeking Film contributors on WhatCulture. To find out more about the perks of being a Film contributor, click here.
You Might Also Like...
- 10 Great Movies Too Depressing To Really Love
- 10 Idiotic Decisions Made By Characters In Man of Steel
- 10 Totally Inept Movie Criminals
8 Actresses Who Tricked You Into Thinking You Saw Them Nude
11 Irresistible Movie Moments That Wore Out Your Pause Button
100 Things Wrong With The Dark Knight Rises [Video]
10 Scenes You Won't Believe You Missed in 2012
10 Most Infuriating Movie Cliffhangers
10 Major Plot Holes You Probably Missed
10 Happy Movie Endings That Probably Had Horrific Consequences
12 Ruthless Movie Villains Who Were Defeated By Complete Fools
10 Comments
Good list. You forgot the death of Carl Fredricksons baby in Up, that is worthy of the list.
Yes indeed that montage in Up gets me every time.
The entire 10 minutes (or so) of Up!
I won’t disagree with anything on this list, but I feel like Tangled should be in there somewhere. Right before they release the lit lanterns into the sky for the remembrance of Rapunzel’s birthday, the king is all sad and sheds tears since she’s still lost after 17 years.
I’m a dude…but that moment’s gotten me TWICE now, darnet…
The first 10 minutes of Up left me an absolute sobbing wreck. And I’m a full-grown man, for crying out loud (literally).
Damnit Cherrie! The Oatmeal already made me cry today, and now this! Well played.
Also upset that Up didn’t get a spot, especially considering that brat Ariel is #10. Sorry, Carl Fredrickson’s tragic tale gets to me more than aquatic teenage rebellion. I’d have also nominated the deadbeat Dad montage in Treasure Planet, because even coming from a stable home it just makes me bawl. And don’t get me started on Todd and Copper!
Shame this list isn’t on the Popular Posts list. Maybe if you named it “Andy Plays With His Toys For The Last Time”, people would have mistook it for another skin list and you’d have had a hit! Nevertheless, stellar list.
Love this list despite it bringing back teary moments of Disney movies – I’d agree with having the first montage of Up.
My choice for number one? ‘When She Loved Me’ in Toy Story 2 – Jessie reflects on her former owner, Emily, and how she grew away from and ultimately abandoned her. And a generation of fans started bawling.
Pretty good list, other Toy Story 3 scene is when the toys are going die and accept it, Woody looks at Buzz the look on Buzz’z face and then holds out his hands, then they all hold hands and are going in it together. Thats pretty hard hitting, specially if you grew up with them like I did.
Also in Treasure Planet when Jim wakes up as younger and sees his dad leaving and runs after him then. Thats not bad.
Another, Dinosaur? The opening with the meteor shower.
Also as some one else has said Toy Story 2 Jessies past
Oliver and Company always makes me cry so much! Two main tearjerkers are firstly when little Oliver is the last kitten in the box when it rains and he’s left all alone then also when Penny realises he lost :’(
Thanks for all your lovely comments!
I completely agree that both Tangled and Up should have had a place on this list! The only reason they didn’t quite make it on there was because I tried hard to keep it truly classic Disney….Wall-e just snuck his way in there, the sneaky devil! :)