When a movie truly strikes you in the emotions, you might want to crawl up beneath some covers with a box of tissues. Sad Disney films are just what you require during those moments to give yourself a major catharsis. Disney is the master at touching people’s hearts, although it isn’t usually hailed as the studio’s forte.
Disney is renowned for its Broadway-caliber animated musicals and the thrilling action in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to name a few. However, since Pixar’s takeover, it has had a tremendous knack for manipulating your emotions.
Watched #insideout for the first time and honestly It was a very happy yet sad movie #pixar #disney pic.twitter.com/FewOQUyu0o
— Joe Cook (@JoeCook80543637) March 12, 2021
Consider watching one of these sad Disney films when you need a good weep. You may discover unusual — and, shall we say it, more mature — choices like The Fault in Our Stars, which is one of the saddest films of all times, upon this streaming service in addition to the Disney, Pixar, and Marvel we are all familiar with. After crying out all your tension, you may resume watching amusing comedies or uplifting, feel-good movies.
20 Sad Disney Movies:
20. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Director: Gareth Edwards
- Writer: Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy, John Knoll
- Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video, Disney+
WARNING: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story SPOILER ALERT!!!!
Nevertheless, if you are familiar with Star Wars history, you know that the Rogue One mission will not succeed. The fact that it genuinely gets there and isn’t ashamed to convey a terrible narrative makes it one of the finest Star Wars movies, in my opinion.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Plot:
A brand-new epic adventure is “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” A gang of unexpected heroes gathers during a war. Their goal is to steal the blueprints for the Death Star, the Empire’s greatest annihilation weapon.
This pivotal moment in Star Wars history brings together regular individuals who decide to do exceptional actions and join forces with others to create something bigger than themselves.
19. Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
- Writer: Jordan Roberts, Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson
- Cast: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV.
Big Hero Plot:
It is about a 14-year-old robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) who wants to get revenge for his brother’s murder by transforming an inflatable medical robot named Baymax and his companions into a high-tech superhero squad in the animated film Big Hero 6. This one has its share of humorous moments, but you won’t be able to help but cry at how the movie handles mourning.
Throughout the film, Baymax grows to be one of Hiro’s closest friends, as well as the only remaining connections he has with his departed brother. Tragically, Baymax gives his life to save a pilot from a crumbling teleportation vortex so that Hiro’s spacecraft seems to have enough energy to escape. Hiro begs that he be spared because he has already lost his sibling, but the robot tells him that Tadashi designed him to aid people at any cost.
The scene is a reflection of Tadashi’s previously in the movie when he sacrificed himself to save his professor by running into a burning house, causing his own death. It comes out that Baymax supplied Hiro with his microchip, which is how the adolescent was able to resurrect the robot towards the movie’s conclusion, assuming you haven’t already run out of tears of sadness by this time.
18. Bao (2018)
- Director: Domee Shi
- Writer: Domee Shi
- Cast: Sindy Lau, Daniel Kai Lin, Sharmaine Yeoh
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Bao Plot:
Bao is a sad movie as it makes it difficult to witness Bao without sobbing at least a few tears, so believe us when we say that. In this Academy Award-winning short film, they follow a Chinese Canadian mother in her middle years who battles with empty nest syndrome but seizes the chance to be a loving mother once more when one of her steamed buns (known as baozi) mysteriously comes into existence.
Will, however, the past be repeated? It’s scrumptious, charming, and guaranteed to make you hungry.
17. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
- Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
- Writer: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Stan Lee
- Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo
- IMDb Ratings: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
- Streaming Platform: Prime Videos and Disney+
This Disney movie of Marvel’s Avengers, sequence picks up after the concluding scenes of Infinity War, in which Thanos snaps his fingertips and wipes out half of humanity. The leftover Avengers and their friends band together and work to devise a plan to undo his deeds 23 days later. Without giving anything away, we’ll say that the gut-punching conclusion will require a box of Kleenex.
16. Howard (2018)
- Director: Don Hahn
- Writer: Don Hahn
- Cast: Don Hahn, Sarah Gillespie, Shirley Ashman
- IMDb Ratings: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video, Disney+
Howard Review:
One of the most depressing movies on the entire streaming platform is this Disney+ documentary about Howard Ashman, the lyricist behind Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and a portion of Aladdin. At age 40, Ashman passed away from problems related to HIV/AIDS, but his films have preserved his heritage.
15. Clouds (2020)
- Director: Justin Baldoni
- Writer: Kara Holden, Casey La Scala, Patrick Kopka
- Cast: Fin Argus, Neve Campbell, Sabrina Carpenter
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Clouds, created by Justin Badoni of Jane the Virgin, is based on the true story of singer Zach Sobiech.
Clouds Plot:
When Sobiech, a high school boy, receives an osteosarcoma diagnosis and learns that he has a limited time to live, he makes an effort to realize his ambition of composing and producing an album. It’s both depressing and encouraging.
14. Onwards (2020)
- Director: Dan Scanlon
- Writer: Dan Scanlon, Keith Bunin, Jason Headley
- Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- IMDb Ratings: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+
Onwards Plot:
Introducing Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt) and Ian (Tom Holland), two young elf siblings searching for a magical relic that may help them discover their deceased father. However, they encounter many difficulties when they embark on their fascinating new voyage. They come across startling revelations that they would never have anticipated.
Onwards level of emotion catches up with you: It first had the sense of a comedy about 2 odd-couple brothers going on an adventure. But as the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear how their voyage is motivated by sadness since their goal is to uncover a spell that would temporarily bring their recently departed father back to life.
13. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
- Director: Josh Boone
- Writer: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber, John Green
- Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff
- IMDb Ratings: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
- Streaming Platform: HBO Max, Disney+
The Fault in Our Stars Plot:
The star-crossed relationship involving Hazel with Gus, two teens who connect at a support group for people with cancer, is the subject of this movie, which is based on the tearjerking young adult novel by John Green.
It evokes all the feelings that come to the surface when you consider your first significant loss and your first great crush. Hazel & Augustus are on an emotional roller coaster as they hunt to find the author of their favorite book, experiencing love, despair, and passion.
To find Peter Van Houten, the writer of An Imperial Affliction, they fly to Amsterdam. Hazel and Augustus receive some devastating news while on their tour, and their worlds completely collapse over them.
12. Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
- Director: John Lee Hancock
- Writer: Kelly Marcel, Sue Smith
- Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Annie Rose Buckley
- IMDb Ratings: 7.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV.
The genuine account of how Walt Disney persuaded Pamela Travers, the writer of the Mary Poppins series of books, to allow him to turn her works into a film is told within Saving Mr. Banks.
Saving Mr. Banks Plot:
This Academy Award-winning movie, motivated by the actual tale behind the creation of the 1964 movie Mary Poppins, depicts Walt Disney as he tries to acquire the picture rights to P. L. Travers’ (Emma Thompson) novels. Through several flashbacks, viewers are also given a look into the author’s tumultuous upbringing, which served as the source of inspiration for her writing.
Anyone will be moved to tears by Travers’s terribly difficult life and the beauty of Disney. Anyone who can recall what it was like first to view their parents as fallible people would shed a tear upon reading this.
11. The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)
- Director: Peter Hedges
- Writer: Peter Hedges, Ahmet Zappa
- Cast: Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, CJ Adams
- IMDb Ratings: 6.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 36%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
This magical realism-inspired film, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda from Hamilton and Jennifer Garner as well as Joel Edgerton, features the following premise:
The Odd Life of Timothy Green Plot:
A couple that is having difficulty becoming pregnant buries a box containing all of their family-related requests and hopes of having a future family, and lo & surprise Timothy Green appears and appears to fulfill their dreams.
But Timothy has a peculiar quirk: He grows leaves sprouting on his legs, and whenever he realizes a parental wish, one of the leaves drops off. No one is sure what will occur when all of them go. How tragic is it? Two young viewers sobbed so intensely that their videos went popular on social media.
10. Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Director: Lee Unkrich
- Writer: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
- IMDb Ratings: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV.
Toy Story 3 Plot:
Throughout “Toy Story 3,” Woody, Buzz, and all others deal with Andy’s decision to go to college. They choose to check out the daycare lifestyle. Still, the toys discover that the facility is operated by a dishonest teddy bear dubbed Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear and flee.
However, their escape route takes them to the landfill, where they become trapped in the incinerator. Toys stand united and acknowledge that their doom is certain as they are dragged further to the flames.
The moment is incredibly moving for viewers familiar with these recognizable figures from their youth. Fortunately, the gang is saved just in time. However, the truth that the toys were willing to die together demonstrated their devotion to one another.
9. Brother Bear (2003)
- Director: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
- Writer: Tab Murphy, Lorne Cameron, David Hoselton
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Rick Moranis
- IMDb Ratings: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Brother Bear created an emotional imprint on most people who offered it a try, despite not enjoying the same popularity as some of Disney’s previous animated films.
Brother Bear Plot:
This Disney movie relates the tale of an Alaskan native kid who, after executing a bear and attributing it to his brother’s death, was punished by the Spirits by being transformed into a bear.
The Northern lights touch the ground at a far-off mountain that the child, Kenai, is compelled to take this lengthy and dangerous journey. Yet, the film does not need to last 20 minutes to make viewers cry. The tragic event that triggered Kenai’s retaliation plan moved many viewers to tears.
8. Inside Out (2015)
- Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
- Writer: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, Meg LeFauve
- Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
- IMDb Ratings: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Inside Out Plot:
Inside Out seems to do an excellent job of handling severe problems in a nuanced manner amidst the straightforwardness of its presumption by vividly attempting to bring the contrasting emotions of a girl named Riley to life since she roams the difficulty of making adjustments to the abrupt shifts engendered by her family shifting to San Francisco.
Of course, with her personified feelings, it’s difficult to see Riley struggle with these problems, so that fact alone caused a lot of moviegoers to become upset. For Disney fans, a component of what makes it great is its lesson, which highlights the value of not tackling challenges alone.
7. Coco (2017)
- Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
- Writer: Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
- IMDb Ratings: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
Coco Plot:
Coco, a Day of the Dead-inspired film with a Mexican setting, candidly discusses a subject that almost all family films studiously avoid. While wannabe musician Miguel, 12, unintentionally travels to the Land of the Dead, his quest to beg his family to relax the restriction on him performing music in front of them raises questions about what occurs following death and how individuals cope with it.
This topic undoubtedly evokes strong feelings. Rather than capitalizing on the heartache and loss that might accompany it, the film takes a bright and vibrant perspective as Miguel’s quest for self-discovery brings him to some significant realizations. Exceptionally popular, even by Pixar norms.
6. Old Yeller (1957)
- Director: Robert Stevenson
- Writer: Fred Gipson, William Tunberg
- Cast: Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, Tommy Kirk
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Old Yeller Plot:
This classic chronicle the ups and downs Travis, a 15-year-old kid, and the energetic yellow dog go through throughout the dog’s existence. When tragedy hits, it’s especially sad because of something regarding the innocence of the link between children and animals.
It’s unexpected to see a live-action Disney film from the 1950s as one of the studio’s most well-liked depressing films among the studio’s animated classics from the past and now. But Old Yeller is special in many ways. Old Yeller has an air of an elderly-fashioned adventure about an old dog who turns out to be a strong friend to two rural brothers.
Of course, tragedies are a common theme in Disney films from this era featuring endearing animal-supporting characters, and Old Yeller is no different. It is a sad Disney movie, it may not be as well-known as many of Disney’s animated films or live-action ones, to viewers. They have watched it and have been affected by its devastating finale.
5. Dumbo (1941)
- Director: Samuel Armstrong, Norman Ferguson, Wilfred Jackson
- Writer: Joe Grant, Dick Huemer, Otto Englander
- Cast: Sterling Holloway, Edward Brophy, Herman Bing
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Dumbo Plot:
Dumbo, the tale of a circus elephant whose big ears are teased until he learns he can fly with them, is known for its sad moments more than its funny or frightening ones. The animated film, although brief, manages to cram a significant amount of impact into sequences, such as when Dumbo’s mother is stolen and placed in a cage.
After witnessing Dumbo under such tragic circumstances, his later ascension is equally likely to bring on tears, accompanied by a sense of satisfaction that the baby elephant succeeds in the end. Few Disney fans can deny having warm recollections of Dumbo’s story of triumph and sorrow.
4. The Lion King (1994)
- Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
- Writer: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton
- Cast: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
- IMDb Ratings: 8.5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
Some of the best Disney movies were made in the 90s and of them was the classic Lion King continues to be an immortal masterpiece in its own right. It’s one of the saddest Disney films, even though its 2019 adaptation isn’t one of the finest live-action sequels of animation movies.
The Lion King Plot:
One of the greatest well-known Disney tales is when Simba is banished from his kingdom when Scar usurps his father’s crown, King Mufasa, ultimately triumphantly returning to reclaim the crown. Despite this, the plot’s twists are still quite powerful.
The Lion King reaches emotional peaks that practically no other Disney film ever has, even if any particular sequence doesn’t define the film. Simba sees his father drop from the cliffs above after Scar has moved him.
There is this moment. It comes as no surprise that The Lion King is one of the most cherished Disney heartbreakers because it is a broad popular favorite.
3. Bambi (1942)
- Director: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, David Hand
- Writer: Felix Salten, Perce Pearce, Larry Morey
- Cast: Hardie Albright, Stan Alexander, Bobette Audrey
- IMDb Ratings: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
Bambi Plot:
The painstakingly produced tale of a deer growing up to become the prince of the forest in Bambi—possibly the most notoriously sad and depressing Disney film—is a genuine gem. While not all of the film is devoted to terror and loss—there are many humorous moments to keep the audience entertained in between—when it does, it renders those unforgettable moments.
Bambi Review:
Bambi is one of the most horrific deaths in animated film history, making it nearly impossible to walk into it without knowing what to anticipate. Still, it leaves viewers reeling. The film’s extraordinary quality ensures that it still stands up today despite its reputation for being one of the saddest Disney films.
2. The Fox and the Hound (1981)
- Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, Art Stevens
- Writer: Daniel P. Mannix, Larry Clemmons, Ted Berman
- Cast: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 70%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV.
The Fox and the Hound is a sad Disney movie and a masterpiece.
The Fox and the Hound Plot:
It involves two close friends made into adversaries was released several years after the golden age of Disney animated films but before the resurgence. Even though Tod, a fox, and Copper, a dog under training, rapidly become the greatest of friends when they first meet, it looks like they are meant to be torn apart or even worse.
The Fox and the Hound Review:
The Fox and the Hound likely elicit both happy and sad emotions thanks to a dramatic ending that makes the two realize what is essential. Its appeal for being one of the studio’s finest sad Disney films demonstrates that it’s a treasure worth rediscovering, especially in light of its significance in Disney’s history and the reality that it is not as well-known.
1. Up (2009)
- Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
- Writer: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
- Cast: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger
- IMDb Ratings: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Prime Video
One of the saddest love stories ever written opens “Up.” Word of warning: Up will make you weep in the first fifteen minutes. However, don’t worry. Situations do get better (sort of).
Up Plot:
Ed Asner plays Carl Fredricksen, an old gentleman. In this Pixar classic, the latter’s wife tragically dies before they leave on their fantasy vacation. He uses hundreds of balloons to transform his house into a makeshift airship since he is still adamant about keeping his word. It’s entertaining, touching, and has much more depth than you’d think.
Suppose you can get through the horrifying opening sequence. In that case, there is a positive aspect in that the remainder of the movie is not as depressing. But who has the mental capacity to go past that?
