15 Heart-Wrenching Animated Movies That Left Us in Tears

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While it’s often assumed that animated films are primarily for children, they certainly aren’t devoid of powerful emotions. In fact, animated films have been around almost as long as moving pictures themselves. One of the earliest and most acclaimed companies to produce these animations was none other than Disney.

Over the years, Disney has expanded, adapted, and transformed their content, moving beyond basic cartoons to produce more intricate, emotionally resonant, and mature projects. Similarly, numerous animated films from various studios have incorporated deeper, emotional, and mature storylines, eliciting profound emotions in viewers.

10. Dumbo

From the very beginning of Disney’s journey, I noticed a strong emphasis on weaving profound emotional narratives into films featuring animal characters. This approach allowed these creatures to grapple with complex emotions, thereby adding a human-like quality to them, all while striking a chord with viewers. A prime example of this can be found in the 1941 classic, Dumbo.

The story Dumbo revolves around an elephant born with unusually large ears. Due to this peculiarity, other animals would mock him, leading Dumbo to feel lonely, isolated, and rejected. But as the tale unfolds, Dumbo discovers how to embrace his unique traits and transform them into something he can be proud of and eager to showcase. This transformation makes the movie both touching and enlightening for those who may identify with feeling different or alone.

9. The Land Before Time

1988 saw Universal Pictures creating another heartwarming animated feature, titled “The Land Before Time“. Despite dinosaurs being long extinct, this movie breathes life into these colossal creatures once more, delving deeply into a time before human existence. The narrative focuses on a band of young dinosaurs who have tragically lost their parents.

In defiance of their advanced age and the absence of parental figures, these young dinosaurs band together, forming deep connections, and essentially creating their own family unit. The theme of a makeshift family and resilience in the face of challenges is strongly conveyed within the movie. Moreover, the finale is intensely emotional, giving birth to a series of heartwarming dinosaur films.

8. Bambi

Moving on to Disney again, it’s worth noting that “Bambi” premiered a year after “Dumbo,” specifically in 1942. In this movie, we follow another young animal character who finds themselves in a challenging situation due to their parents being unfortunately killed by a hunter. Reminiscent of the plot from “The Land Before Time,” the story unfolds as these creatures embark on a journey to survive and prosper despite the hardships they face.

Bambi, a film that stands out as both memorable and impactful, begins by showing a young deer being suddenly separated from his mother, who is tragically killed. The movie then delves into the emotions that follow, such as grief, mourning, and the struggle to move forward and make her proud. It’s an incredibly emotional tale, and even though it was made years ago, it still touches the hearts of viewers young and old today.

7. All Dogs Go To Heaven

1989 saw the animated film “All Dogs go to Heaven” revisit the theme of death. The story revolves around a dog who is deceitfully abandoned by his former associate, ending up imprisoned and eventually meeting his demise. However, the movie subtly suggests that every canine goes straight to heaven. Remarkably, this doesn’t deter Charles from returning to the mortal world, driven by the desire to face his betrayer and set things right.

At this stage of the plot, he encounters a young woman who had been abducted by his former companion. The movie tackles heavy themes like death, deceit, and kidnapping, yet it skillfully incorporates wit and optimism without diminishing the gravity of these issues. Instead, the humor serves to enrich the narrative. It’s a powerful piece of work, and the conclusion is another moving culmination of the storyline.

6. Brother Bear

The initial item on this list features human characters, but it soon shifts its focus when the main character is turned into a bear after an incident. When Kenai sees his brother getting killed by a fierce grizzly, he reacts angrily and ends up killing the bear in revenge. Later, spiritual guides from his tribe transform him into a bear as a means of teaching him a valuable lesson.

In a forest, Kenai encounters a young bear cub who becomes his companion and guides him on a journey to reclaim his former self. But it soon transpires that this cub is actually the offspring of the bear Kenai had earlier killed. In an unexpected setting with an improbable alliance, Kenai learns that family bonds endure within the animal world, and his hasty decisions inflict permanent harm. Yet, these two sorrowful souls find solace in each other.

5. Grave Of The Fireflies

This animated masterpiece, “Grave of the Fireflies,” hails from studios in the Eastern world, showcasing how animation in these regions has been tackling more mature themes for many years. Released in 1988, it stands apart from many others due to its human protagonists, making its poignant story of grief, beauty, hope, and love more universally relatable.

As a devoted cinephile, I must express my profound admiration for this powerful Japanese production, set during the last months of the Pacific War. Two orphaned children, left to fend for themselves, find solace in each other as they brace themselves for the challenges that lie ahead. This film is nothing short of breathtaking; it stirs deep emotions and prompts profound reflection, surpassing many non-animated narratives in its emotional intensity. The medium itself only heightens the intrigue and impact of this moving tale.

4. Toy Story 2

The Toy Story series played a pivotal role in transforming Pixar into the prominent movie production company it is now. Remarkably, the initial installment sets the stage for toys mysteriously coming to life when humans aren’t present. Yet, the sequel delves into themes of maturing and saying goodbye to cherished childhood playthings.

As a devoted fan, I’m captivated by how this narrative breathes life into toys, making them express sorrow as children they were once cherished start drifting away. Even though Andy, our central figure, still delights in his playthings, new characters like Jessie emerge, abandoned by their previous owners. This scenario unfolds one of the most poignant moments in the entire Toy Story saga.

3. The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant is a strong movie produced by Warner Bros., set in an alternate Earth during the 1957 Cold War era. In this turbulent period of conflict, mothers put in extra effort to nurture children following the absence of their fathers, neighborhoods become divided, and youths struggle to find belonging amidst a strange and perilous environment.

In this particular situation, Hogarth Hughes encounters an extraordinary companion – none other than the Iron Giant. Although the Giant isn’t a native of Earth, their disparities do not hinder a strong friendship from forming between them. The film delves into themes such as loss, solitude, and family hardships, with numerous poignant emotional sequences scattered throughout.

2. Big Hero 6

Among all the films listed, Big Hero 6 stands out as the most contemporary, having been released in 2014. However, it’s not just its modernity that sets it apart; this animated film delves deeply into intense and emotional territories, making it one of the most profound explorations in contemporary animation. The story begins with Hiro Hamada already mourning the loss of his parents. Yet, his brother, a beacon of light, remains by his side, helping him find reasons to hope, dream, and strive for success. Sadly, another tragedy occurs, as Tadashi is killed shortly after the opening sequence.

Following Tadashi’s passing, Hiro fell into a profound sadness, and his guardian had a tough time lifting him out of his sorrow. Yet, over time, Hiro forged a bond with his brother’s final masterpiece, Baymax. This connection enabled Hiro to pay tribute to and remember Tadashi, while simultaneously pursuing the individual who caused his demise.

1. The Lion King

Ultimately, let’s revisit Disney and the movies featuring talking animals, where The Lion King emerges as the leading choice. This is mainly because it poignantly portrays a critical event – Simba’s father Mufasa’s tragic demise. Simba, a spirited young lion, yearns to emulate his father Mufasa. Unfortunately, when Simba lands in trouble, Mufasa bravely saves his son, but unfortunately, he gets ensnared in a stampede that leads to his untimely death.

In profound sorrow, the movie portrays Simba’s heart-wrenching loss of his father, as he cries out for him to be alright, yet ultimately watches him disappear forever. For the remainder of the story, Simba grapples with moving forward, until he gathers wisdom from companions about how to seize the day. The movie later unveils some unsettling surprises, but overall, it’s a powerfully emotional and gripping tale that consistently stirs up tears.

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2025-04-28 00:11