We all grew up watching animated movies. Some part of my inner child still gets excited when we see the old classics running up on the television. They have a strong connection to all our lives. The main reason for such a fact is that the cinematic industry for animated movies is quite developed. They may be movies for children but as a 90s adult, I sure am inspired by all animated movies. These movies are only a virtual representation of an imaginary world, but they have an honest grasp of life. The lessons that these movies portray are quite powerful. We advise every reader to see these animated movies if you want to have a movie night where you want to feel a rollercoaster of emotions; from happy and inspired to sad and emotional. Here are the top 15 animated movies with great life lessons:
15. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
This is one of those movies that make you feel good about yourself. It takes the image of a panda who does not have the shape or stature of a hero. But the movie turns him into this legend who realizes his true power. All he does is believe that true power is one’s ability to acknowledge one’s worth.
If you can tackle your way through the negativity and insecurity, you will find a peaceful path where you can exist with your flaws without dumping your true strength.
“One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.” – Oogway
14. Tangled (2010)
Tangled is the story of an adventurous girl who never gave up on her dream of catching lanterns. But most of all, the main lesson that we find empowering is that things rarely are how they appear to be.
The poor girl was manipulated by a woman who came off as a sweet, caring person. On the other hand, people who seemed vicious at the inn were some of the sweetest people with hopes of little wishes.
“Go. Live your dream” – Hook Hand
13. UP (2009)
This is one of the most emotional movies floating up in the cartoon town. It signifies the essence of a relationship and how when you truly believe in something, you can get the result to be according to your wishes.
Moreover, it also teaches the lesson of letting go. How important it is to let go of your past to embark on new ventures that are waiting for you, regardless of your age.
“Adventure is out there.” – Ellie
12. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Big Hero 6 has to be one of the underrated movies of this decade. It involves the story of two brothers who loved each other dearly and the younger one tries to seek revenge for the older brother’s death. However, the lesson that is portrayed beautifully is that forgiving the other person is better than taking revenge.
The taste of revenge lasts for a few minutes. Forgiveness will help you grow as a person. Moreover, you do not have to face these troubles alone. Your friends and family will get you through the rough phases of your life. You need only ask, and it is okay to ask for help.
“It is okay to cry. Crying is a natural response to pain.” – Fred
11. Inside Out (2015)
This movie manifests the beautifully complex human mind in the simplest of ways. The movie shows how being happy and jolly all the time is not just what makes your life complete.
This is such a deep stance over life that we need to encounter our negative emotions, we have to express ourselves when we feel a bit blue. Only then can we understand the true meaning behind life. We need to give room for our emotions to breathe so that they do not overwhelm us in the long run.
“Do you ever look at someone and wonder, what is going on inside their head?” – Joy
10. Finding Nemo (2003)
One of the oldest movies gave us one of the oldest life lessons. The movie focuses on a father exploring the lengths of the sea to find his son.
It is when you believe that you can do something that you can manage to do that thing. No matter the consequences and no matter the discouraging words you hear, if you believe in yourself, you will eventually find your way.
“Just keep swimming.” – Dory
9. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters, Inc. showed the value of friendships and honest career development. It shows the power of motivating someone and pushing them towards a goal. It allows people to understand that there are other routes that a person can take when they must choose a career.
It does not have to be the dominant one or the one that your friend is choosing. It also depicts very beautifully, how friends can choose different career paths but remain each other’s loved ones.
“There’s more to life than scaring.” – Mike
8. Ratatouille (2007)
In this movie, the representation of a rat being a cook was one of the queerest depictions in cartoon history. But it was presented in a way that captured all our hearts.
The life lesson that it portrayed with cinematic brilliance was the importance of never giving up. It is after we have failed, do we learn what not to do again.
“The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability.” – Remy
7. Brave (2012)
Brave is one of those Disney movies that captures the essence of freedom for the princess rather than sticking her with the usual happy ending. Not that it is bad, there is just more than one perspective for every situation.
This movie shows how the princess is not afraid to embrace her independence. She found her love for archery and made a name for herself. The movie even offers a comical tone to lighten up the mood.
“Our fates live within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.” – Merida
6. Wreck-it Ralph (2012)
This is another amazing animated movie that focuses on the essence of friendships. Ralph soon realizes his bond with his friends and tries to do everything he can to keep their friends alive.
But the most important lesson in the movie is how we should not judge anyone based on their looks. Everyone has a personality hidden inside themselves that is loved and mesmerizing. We only need to see it.
“There is no one I’d rather be than me” – Ralph
5. Wall-e (2008)
Wall-e has to be one of the most sophisticated movies of all time. It shows the downfall of human nature after they succumbed to the planet of ease and technology. But what we have failed to recognize is that this ease is what has made us distant from our family and friends.
Moreover, this is what has snatched us from the world of doing something meaningful for each other. We cannot merely exist in a mundane world. We need to strive to live for others, and ourselves.
“There is no greater wonder in the world than the love we hold for others.” – Wall-e
4. Coco (2017)
In Coco, we find ourselves amongst the importance of having a family. A big, happy family is what keeps us going no matter how annoying it can get with their little quirks. If we have a family, we should always cherish and acknowledge their presence. And never let ego overcome the power of forgiveness.
Bad things happen. People say things. It should be in your heart to listen to why they did what they did. So, you can try forgiving them in the long run.
“We may have our differences but nothing’s more important than family.” – Coco
3. Zootopia (2016)
There are rarely any animated movies that have not depicted animals in a feel-good movie kind of way. This is another one of those masterpieces that advises the viewers to never stop dreaming.
If you have a dream or an ambition, do everything that you can to keep following and chasing that dream. Even if you fail, you need to get back up even stronger.
“Tomorrow’s another day” – Judy Hopps
2. Coraline (2009)
This may be one of the twisted and dark movies on this list, but it does provide a great life lesson along the way. The alternate reality that binds the teenager in the film makes her appreciative of the life that she is living.
She becomes grateful for the small things in her life. That is what we should be preaching in this materialistic world that we have built for ourselves.
“They say even the proudest spirit can be broken with love.” – Other Mother
1. Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story defines the concept of love most beautifully. It advises people on how we should keep the ones we love, close to us and do everything in our power to keep them close.
Everybody has a history which is why we should always be kind. We should always be there for our friends because they might be going through something that they are not telling us about.
“The important thing is that we stick together.” – Buzz Lightyear
Hope you enjoyed reading our list of the top animated movies with great life lessons. Feel free to share your views in the comments below!
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