So, I got to thinking the other day, y’know, about those Disney movies we all grew up with, or maybe still watch. It’s funny how people get SO attached to their favorite one. Like, they’ll defend it to the end of the earth. And it kinda made me wonder, what’s the deal with that? Does your go-to Disney flick actually say something about, well, you?
I didn’t crack open any psychology textbooks or anything, don’t worry. This was more of a, uh, personal investigation. Just me, observing folks, listening to what they rave about, and then trying to connect some dots. It all started when I was trying to pick a movie for a family night, and the debate got surprisingly heated. Everyone had their non-negotiable favorite, and their reasons. That’s when I really started paying attention.
My Deep Dive (Not Really That Deep)
First off, I realized you gotta categorize a bit. It’s not all just princesses and talking animals, though there’s plenty of that. I started just by thinking about the movies that always come up in conversation.
Like, take The Lion King. I’ve noticed people who pick this one, they often talk about the big themes – responsibility, destiny, the whole circle of life thing. Maybe they see themselves as someone who has to step up, or they just appreciate a story with that kind of epic scale. Or, heck, maybe they just really, really love “Hakuna Matata.” Can’t argue with that.
Then you got your Little Mermaid fans. Ariel, right? Always wanting something more, something different. I reckon folks who love this one are often big dreamers. Maybe a little rebellious, wanting to explore beyond their own backyard. Or perhaps they just wished they could breathe underwater and hang out with a crab that sings. Fair enough.
I spent a good afternoon just scrolling through lists of Disney movies, trying to remember the vibe of each one. What was the core message? Who was the hero really like?
- People who go for Mulan? I see a lot of courage there. Someone who values strength, not just physical, but like, inner strength. Doing the tough thing, breaking the mold. That seems to be the common thread I picked up on.
- And Aladdin? Street smarts, adventure, maybe a bit of a rogue. Fans probably like a charming underdog, someone who makes their own luck. Plus, Robin Williams as the Genie – that’s a whole category of awesome on its own.
Getting a Bit Personal with It
This whole thing really kicked into gear when I tried to figure out my own all-time favorite. For years, I’d just say whatever sounded cool at the time. But then I actually sat down and thought, “Okay, which movie do I actually go back to? Which one kinda resonates, even now?”
It took me a while, shuffling through memories. I landed on one that surprised me a little. And when I dug into why that one, it wasn’t just ’cause of the animation or the songs. It was something about the main character’s journey, a particular struggle they went through that I guess I connected with on some level, even if I didn’t realize it back then. It was about overcoming something, not just finding a prince or whatever.
That’s when I figured, okay, maybe there’s something to this. Not like a perfect science, of course. Some dude might love Peter Pan just ’cause he wishes he could fly, and that’s as deep as it goes. And that’s cool too!
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Look, I’m not saying you can psychoanalyze someone based on whether they prefer Beauty and the Beast over Frozen. That’d be nuts. But I do think the stories we love, the characters we root for, they often reflect something we value, or aspire to, or a part of ourselves we see in them. It’s like a little window.
My “practice” here was really just about paying more attention. Listening to why people loved certain stories. Thinking about my own choices. It’s been kinda fun, actually. Made me rewatch a few old classics, too, which is never a bad thing.
So next time someone tells you their favorite Disney movie, maybe ask ’em why. You might learn something interesting. Or you might just get a passionate speech about why Scar is the best villain ever. Either way, it’s a conversation starter, right?
