8 Most Devastating Disney Deaths Of All Time

Another one of the inundated backlog of underrated Disney movies, one of my personal favourites actually, homes one of the most tragic of deaths that Disney has to offer. Nuka is the son of Zira, an exiled member of Simba’s pride and mother of Kovu who just so happens to be the “rightful” heir to Scar’s throne.

Nuka spends the entirety of his screen time attempting to be seen by his mother for the lion that he is, and trying to prove himself as powerful and smart as Kovu only to be overlooked time and time again by Zira. To try to receive the love he deserves from his mother, Nuka attempts to kill Simba after “The Outsiders” (a group of exiled Lions) attack. He follows Simba up a mountain of loose branches and tree trunks. “Are you watching, Mother? I’m doing this for you!” He yells as he climbs closer to Simba but one loose footing and a kick from Simba sends him tumbling and he soon finds himself crushed under the weight of tens upon tens of logs as Simba escapes.

It seems strange to empathise with a character who should be perceived as an antagonist. When it comes to Nuka though, there definitely is something about his urge to prove himself to his mother, and to find his place in his pride, that really digs the metaphorical knife (his death) just that little bit deeper.