Many of us can’t reminisce our childhood without invoking fond memories of watching our favourite Disney animated films. For children, they’re like catnip—an endless source of entertainment and imagination. For adults, they bring us back to happier, simpler times before we had to deal with adulting. Cinderella, Snow White, The Little Mermaid; these movies basically shaped our childhood. But just as Disney is amazing at bringing storybook characters to life onscreen, they were also great at exploring themes of courage, grief, forgiveness, acceptance, love, and of course, motherhood. Here are some motherhood-themed Disney animations that you simply must watch with your kids:
Tarzan
This 1999 animated film about a feral child raised by apes in the jungle needs no introduction. A subtle nature-vs-nurture allegory about race, upbringing and culture, Tarzan is more than just a fun love story between a jungle man and a posh British woman. The complicated familial relationships between humans and animals are explored in this movie. How people often encroach on places where they do not belong and disrupt the ecosystem, as well as the concept of a ‘chosen family’. The fierce love of a mother and the unwavering loyalty of a son. But most of all, Tarzan explores the realities of adopting a child that is ethnically different from you and your community. However, even without the underlying messages, the movie is a wild adventure full of twists and turns.
Turning Red
A recent addition to the Disney family, Turning Red dissects the complicated family dynamics in a traditional Asian household. This animated film about mother-daughter relationships will definitely be relatable to a lot of us. While touted as a coming of age story, Turning Red is more than just another glitzy, colourful teenage flick; it explores transgenerational trauma, cultural taboos and gender identity. Some film critics have even pointed out that the film’s title may be a subtle reference to menstruation. A metaphor signifying a girl’s first foray into womanhood and all the challenges she may face. The film portrays a family ‘curse’ that turns all the females in the family into giant red pandas. If there ever was a Disney film with an accurate representation of Asian motherhood, Turning Red would be it.
Lilo and Stitch
The concept of ‘sister guardians’ and parentification is relatively unexplored in the Disney universe, but Lilo and Stitch definitely hits the nail on the head. Aliens, crazy science and interstellar adventures are just the tip of the iceberg. Left to fend for themselves after their parents’ tragic death, Lilo and Nani struggle to maintain their relationship even as the world threatens to tear them further apart. Young siblings without parents will be able to relate to a lot of things in the movie. Especially the part where local authorities investigate Nani’s eligibility for legal guardianship. Imagine having to prove that you are the best person to take care of your own sibling. As Stitch the alien so aptly puts it, “’Ohana’ means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten”. This line continues to be the most popular quote in the movie even till this day, and that is why it’s truly a memorable Disney film.
Brave
Another Disney masterpiece about complicated mother-daughter relationships, Brave is about a Scottish princess who wishes to chart her own path as a leader, without a man by her side. This comes to much horror to her poor mother who is a staunch believer in custom and conservative feminine values. In an act of rebellion, Merida resorts to magic to make her problems go away, and we all know what happens when magic gets involved in family disputes. Brave explores tradition, feminism and the dismantling of harmful gender stereotypes, a good movie for any young girl to watch. Just like Mulan, Moana and Elsa, Merida is one of many Disney princesses who has proven that you don’t need a man to define your womanhood. But most of all, the film touches deeply on forgiveness and understanding, especially between mothers and daughters.
The Little Mermaid 2
A relatively overlooked Disney sequel, the Little Mermaid 2 explores Ariel’s human life as a mother raising her human daughter Melody, away from the dangers and delights of the deep, blue sea. While Ariel is more than happy to embrace her new mortal existence on land, her daughter is being drawn closer and closer to the restless call of the ocean. After finding out about her mother’s secret origins, Melody goes to claim her birth right as a mermaid. Without giving away too many spoilers, everything works out in the end. But not without a lot of lessons learned, including embracing who you are, being honest with your loved ones and not trusting strangers. And most of all, it’s about not losing touch of your roots just because you’ve started a new life and a new family in a foreign place.
The Incredibles
One of the very few superhero Disney animations in existence, The Incredibles really put the ‘super’ in ‘supermum’. After retiring from superhero business, superpowered ‘power couple’ Helen and Rob Parr, decide to lead a normal life. While Mrs Incredible is more than happy to become a domestic goddess, Rob dreams of being a superhero again. The pair work to maintain a balanced family life, whilst raising children with slowly-developing superpowers of their own. The Incredibles feature many thought-provoking themes about identity, family, growing up, and discovering your own hidden potential. And of course, the power of motherhood. The titular maternal figure of the movie, Helen, has all the traits of an awesome mum. She’s loving, relentless and will stop at absolutely nothing to make sure her kids are safe and happy. Definitely someone you can look up to.
The Aristocats
An oldie but a goodie, The Aristocats explores all the joys and sorrows of being a single mother. The story is about Duchess, a gorgeous Turkish Angora who lives a life of feline luxury with her three kittens. But when fate deals a cruel hand and robs them off their comfort and fortune, the family of four must make their way back home. In walks a dangerously handsome tomcat, aptly named Thomas O’Malley, who promises to get them there. Duchess and Thomas are like day and night, but there is a palpable chemistry that neither of them can deny. Antics ensue along the way, but not without some fireworks igniting between the pair. The movie is a light-hearted lesson on the vagaries of luck, the importance of having street-smarts, the price of greed and of course, the power of a mother’s love. The Aristocats is a light-hearted romantic comedy that will surely entertain viewers of all ages.
Encanto
Released earlier last year in November 2021, Encanto is the family-fantasy animated film that everyone needs to watch. The story revolves around the Madrigal family, their ‘miracles’, and the enormous responsibilities that come with it. However, one family member, Mirabel, ends up not getting a gift. Despite being discriminated against all her life, she stays loyal and true to her strict and impossible-to-satisfy abuela (grandmother), the family matriarch. But things begin to fall apart when the miracles start to fade. Determined to prove herself, Mirabel sets out to restore her family’s magical birth right and finally earn her place as a valued member of the household. Encanto delves heavily into Hispanic culture and complicated crossgenerational relationships. The film shows us that being the elder or matriarch of a family doesn’t necessarily make you infallible. And that the younger generation can bring just as much value, strength and progress to the family as those that came before.
Bring On the Nostalgia
Disney has been making amazing animated movies for the past 90 years and will probably continue doing so for more years to come—for both kids and adults alike. Even now many millennials and some Gen-Xers still enjoy putting on the Disney films of their time. These are the oldies that will remain evergreen long after we’re all gone. When it comes to motherhood, Disney doesn’t just portray the traditional, cliché motherly roles either. Adoptive mothers, single mothers, working mothers, and widows continue being a crucial part of their extended universe. There is probably not another animated film franchise with such a diverse portrayal of mothers as Disney. So put on something from this list, cuddle up with your loved ones and enjoy some good old nostalgia with these amazing Disney films. You may end up with a newfound respect and love for your own mum at the end of it all.
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