Disney movies are what I might call the defining characteristic of my childhood. These movies bring tears and smiles to the audience, following a recipe from Walt Disney himself. Now, say what you will about Walt Disney and the company behind those wonderful movies for the child in all of us. You can’t deny that they make amazing movies, animated and live-action. I’d be willing to bet that you’ve been captivated by a Disney movie once or twice. We can learn a lot from Disney movies, so I’ve compiled a list of the best Disney movie quotes that I try to live by. Maybe you’ll find a new motto.

What’s a motto? Nothing! What’s the motto with you?

The Lion King: Simba’s Pride

If there’s so much I can be, can I still just be me the way I am?

Live By: As I get older, I’m learning that life is full of crazy expectations. Everyone has an idea of who I’m supposed to be, what I’m going to accomplish, and why I’m doing it. It’s hard, feeling like you’re going to let someone down if you don’t meet their expectations because you’ve always been ‘that kid.’ The question Kiara asks herself is one that I often find myself asking too. If there are so many people expecting something from me, can I meet those expectations and still be Jordan? I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.

Beauty and the Beast

I want so much more than they’ve got planned.

Live By: I think I love this quote so much for the same reason that I love the quote from The Lion King: Simba’s Pride. People have been watching me since I was a kid, wondering who I would be when I finished growing. Some have expectations of who I’m supposed to be at this point and where I should be in life. While I strive to meet and exceed everyone’s expectations of me, I also want so much more than they have planned for me. That’s probably why I find myself relating so adamantly to Belle.

A Goofy Movie

No matter how big you get, you’ll always be my son.

Live By: As you get older, it’s so easy to find your parents annoying or obnoxious. I think that is just a normal part of growing up. It does lead to some pretty awful things being said, though. That’s part of why I enjoy both Goofy movies so much. It highlights how, even though we get older, our parents still want an active role in our lives. I think this quote is an awesome reminder of that too. No matter how big we get, we’re always going to be their kid.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help. Justice!

Live By: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a sorely underrated Disney movie because of the darker story elements, but it also has a beautiful message to it. The female protagonist, the gypsy Esmeralda, fights for the justice that her people are often denied because of their culture. She does not shy away from threats by the evil Frollo, continuing to speak out. Her quote above is one of my favorites because it reminds me why I need to speak up when something is wrong. We have to help those who cannot help themselves.

A Bug’s Life

We’re a lot stronger than you think we are… And you know it, don’t you?

Live By: I haven’t watched A Bug’s Life in a long time, but I think that the story about the ants trying to escape the grasshoppers’ rule is a fascinating one. My favorite part of the movie has always been Flik’s monologue after their plan fails. He acknowledges that his family is far stronger than everyone thinks they are and that the grasshoppers are afraid of it. This quote’s an awesome reminder that the people who often try to cut you down the most are the ones who fear your strength.

Lilo & Stitch

This is my family. I found it, all on my own. It’s little and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good.

Live By: It’s no secret that my family lost an amazing man two years ago and hasn’t been the same since he passed away. My siblings and Mom will tell you that going from a family of five to four has left us all broken. However, I like to think that it’s also made our love stronger because the only ones that understand what I lost is them. This quote is a powerful one because of that, reminding me that we have to stick together if we’re going to make it to the next day. Despite our family being one person smaller and broken, we’re still good. Yeah, still good.

Frozen

Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours.

Live By: I think that Frozen is probably one of my favorite Disney movies in recent years, because of its focus on the love between sisters (see Lilo and Stitch for another good example). It also has one of the best messages about what love is. It’s a sacrifice and compromise, whether it’s the love between family or friends or a significant other. Love is putting someone else above yourself and trusting that they do the same for you, a timeless message we should strive to live by.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, I really enjoy Disney quotes. Do you have a list of Disney quotes that you live by?