Before we step into this list of all times Disney killed parents in animated classics, we’re quickly going to try to understand why Disney has to break our hearts, say, basically every time. Why, oh why Disney? Well, no one really has an answer to this, but we can hypothesize that plot wise, this is the kind of background story that builds up the main character. The kind of past that gives a purpose to the hero’s goal and shape this character’s journey. Sometimes, losing a parent is even the call to adventure, the call that will initiate his odyssey.
The second hypothesis is that Disney didn’t really invent this “we have to kill the parents” tradition. Most of Disney animated movies are based on all time classic tales, or strongly inspired by famous plays. For example, The Lion King (1994) is largely based on Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare and published in 1603. That being said, if Mufasa, King of the Pride Lands, dies from the hand of his own brother, Scar, it is not a Disney creation. Disney simply followed Hamlet’s narrative arc, as King Hamlet himself is killed by his brother Claudius.
The third probable hypothesis is that Walt Disney lost his mom in a terrible accident, which could explain the lack of mother figures in a lot of animated classics.
Now, let’s dive right into this list, shall we?
Both Parents Died/Presumed Dead
Cinderella
Cinderella lost her mother when she was a child and her father died only a few years later. She had to stay with her evil stepmom and stepsisters.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Snow White’s mum died soon after her birth and her father passed away after marrying the Evil Queen.
Tarzan
His parents were both killed by Sabor, a leopard. Kala, a female gorilla, adopted Tarzan.
Lilo and Stitch
Nani and her little sister Lilo lost their parents in a car accident before the beginning of the film.
Frozen
Elsa and Anna’s parents died in a shipwreck and Elsa became Queen of Arandelle.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
The crystal protecting the city consumed Kida’s mother. Rourke killed Kida’s father, the King of Atlantis.
The Sword in the Stone
Both of Arthur’s parents, King Uther Pendragon and Lady Igraine both died, leaving him an orphan.
Ratatouille
Linguini lost both his parents, Renata Linguini and Gusteau.
Mother Died
Bambi
Everyone remembers the scene where the hunters kill Bambi’s mum. It was very traumatizing.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
While trying to protect her baby, Judge Frollo killed Quasimodo’s mother.
Brother Bear
Koda’s mum was killed by humans, while she was trying to protect her baby.
Finding Nemo
Coral, Nemo’s mother was killed by a barracuda at the beginning of the movie.
The Fox and the Hound
Tod’s mother was shot by a hunter, while trying to escape with her baby.
Beauty and the Beast
Belle’s mother is not mentioned but we assume that she died, leaving her daughter and her husband behind.
Ariel’s Beginning
The movie explains how Ariel lost her mom. Queen Athena was crushed by a ship after saving one of her daughters and trying to reach for a music box on a rock.
Aladdin
Jasmine’s mother is never mentioned, but we can assume that she died when the princess was younger. Aladdin finds his father, Cassim, in the sequel. But he also found out that his mother died when he was little and was led to believe he was an orphan.
Pocahontas
Chief Powhatan raised his daughter on his own as her mom died many years ago.
Father Died
The Lion King
King Mufasa was killed/betrayed by his brother Scar. For most of his life, Simba thought that it was his fault if Mufasa died.
The Princess and the Frog
Tiana’s father, James, died during the First World War.
Mulan
Shang’s father, General Li, died fighting the Huns.
What death do you find the most heart-wrenching in a Disney Classic? Let us know in the comments!
