Disney has told a multitude of stories over the years, providing audiences with characters to love and learn from. Sometimes, for the sake of better storytelling, the audience is forced to say goodbye to their beloved characters. Whether a hero or a villain, every Disney character seems to get the death that they deserve, no matter how sad it is.

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From Gurgi's heartfelt sacrifice in The Black Cauldron to the tragedy of Mufasa's murder in The Lion King, Disney knows how to tug at the emotional heartstrings of its audience. Fans worldwide mourn the lives of these on-screen characters.

This article contains mentions of suicide.

Updated on January 11th, 2023 by Alexandra Locke: Some of the most tragic deaths can be found in Disney films. Even if a character is a large part of the story, there is still a chance that they are not safe - no matter the movie. With so many Disney deaths from which to choose, this article has been updated to include even more of Disney's saddest deaths.

20 Henry Was Short-sighted In Seeing Arlo's Potential

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Arlo trying to reach Henry from a cliff (The Good Dinosaur)

The Good Dinosaur is not one of Pixar’s greatest films, but it does have one of the saddest deaths. In the first half of the movie, Arlo tries to stand out among his family but never seems to make enough of an impression. Determined to help Arlo make his mark on the wall, his dad, Henry, forces him to track down a cave boy that escaped from their farm.

Unfortunately, Arlo injures himself just as the rain begins. Henry hurries to save Arlo but ultimately gets swept away by a flash flood. The death was so quick and unnecessary that it makes Henry’s death even sadder than it already is.

19 Ray Was The Heart Of The Movie

The Princess And The Frog (2009)

Ray laying down and smiling in The Princess and the Frog

Raymond is the high-spirited Cajun firefly from The Princess and the Frog. With his charisma and his unapologetic approach to romance, Ray shows Naveen and Tiana what it means to love.

As the secondary force for the film’s heart, it was heart-wrenching to see Ray meet his end. While confronting the devilish Dr. Facilier, Ray is trampled by the fiend. This unceremonious end was not only dark but unnecessary to Dr. Facilier’s goals, making Ray’s death pointless.

18 Olaf Is Completely Selfless In His Demise

Frozen II (2019)

Olaf - Frozen

As soon as Olaf realizes that he is dying, his first thoughts are of his family. He worries that Elsa has pushed herself too far. Olaf even uses his last words to apologize to Anna that he is leaving her to continue her journey alone.

The tragedy of Olaf's death is especially apparent in Anna's reaction. Throughout her childhood, she was left alone. In Frozen 2, Elsa pushes her away and Kristoff gets lost in the woods. Without Olaf, Anna is left despairingly alone.

17 King Agnarr & Queen Iduna Died Trying To Find Answers

Frozen II (2019)

Elsa and Anna with their parents

King Agnarr and Queen Iduna set out on a journey together, leaving their daughters behind. Despite reassuring the girls of their return, the monarchs of Arandelle never would. While their tragic death is highlighted in Anna’s grief as she sings, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” in Frozen, the second film shows audiences what actually happened.

In their quest to help Elsa with her powers, Agnarr and Iduna set sail for a mystical place, only to be swallowed up by a storm. The image of them holding each other as the waves crash around them shows that even in their final moments, the king and queen stood by each other at all costs.

16 Mr. Gracey Never Had To Die

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Master Edward Gracey Haunted Mansion

Mr. Gracey was a man so besotted with his love, Elizabeth, that he could not bear to live in a world without her. After he took his life in The Haunted Mansion, it should have been the end for Mr. Gracey. Having suffered Ramsley's deception, Mr. Gracey was cursed to spend his afterlife trapped in his mansion, unable to reconcile with the love for whom he died.

Everything about Mr. Gracey's death was unfair in this Romeo and Juliet-like tragedy. Had Ramsley not poisoned Elizabeth (or if Mr. Gracey had found her real note), he could have found peace much sooner.

15 Gurgi's Sacrifice Saved The World

The Black Cauldron (1985)

gurgi dies the black cauldron

From the minute Gurgi leaped on screen in The Black Cauldron, he quickly established himself as a cowardly rascal. Where danger lay, he ran the other way, with little regard for anything but his own life. However, at the prospect of no longer being alone, Gurgi faces his fears and runs to the aid of Taran and his companions. Although Gurgi only planned to escape the Horned King's Castle with his friends in tow, he realized that it would not be enough.

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Measuring the values of his friends' lives against his own, Gurgi came to the tearful conclusion that he had to sacrifice himself to destroy the Black Cauldron and stop the Horned King. The image of Taran cradling Gurgi's body, having retrieved him from the cauldron, still haunts many to this day.

14 Hector Rivera Was Betrayed

Coco (2017)

Hector sings to his daughter

At the beginning of Coco, Hector seems like a run-of-the-mill grifter. Yet, as time goes on, audiences learn more about his past and how much his family means to him - even in death.

Therefore, when the true nature of his death is revealed - even though it happened in the past - it shocks fans to their core. Although he is already dead in the present, Hector’s death not only deprived the world of his songs but also took a father away from his daughter indefinitely. It was a terrible death that destroyed a family in the process.

13 Tarzan's Parents Died After Surviving So Much

Tarzan (1999)

Tarzan Opening

When their boat catches fire and sinks, the only option for two Victorian parents is to make a new life for themselves in the African jungle in the movie, Tarzan. The couple works hard to build a nice home for their growing family. However, they are not prepared to face the local wildlife.

In a haunting scene, Kala - a grieving mother gorilla - walks alone into the tree house, only to find Tarzan’s parents’ corpses. The bloody footprints on the floor, and the disheveled room paint a picture of a grizzly attack. After having survived so much already, it was heartbreaking to see Tarzan’s parents’ demise.

12 General Li's Troops & The Villagers Were Massacred

Mulan (1998)

Tung Shao Pass from Mulan

Li Shang is leading his newly minted troops to aid his father's division in protecting a key location in Mulan. All the soldiers are excited to finally take part in their first mission, only to come upon a gruesome scene.

General Li's entire division, and the villagers they were protecting, have been massacred. Not a single person is left living, much to the shock and horror of Li Shang in particular. This scene is even more jarring, as the soldiers come upon the village in the middle of a musical number. Before they leave, Li Shang honors his father by placing his helmet on his sword in the snow.

11 Tadashi Hamada Died A Hero

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Tadashi Big Hero 6

"Someone has to help." The last words that Tadashi Hamada said to his brother before running into a burning building are what best sum up his character. Although Tadashi had a lot to live for - as one of the brightest minds of a generation - he gave up everything in the hopes of saving one person.

The audience joins Hiro in his grief at the funeral, as he lost the person who mattered the most to him. Tadashi did not just leave his life behind, he left his entire family struggling to pick up the pieces in Big Hero 6. Fortunately, Baymax is there to remind everyone of Tadashi's legacy.

10 Gramma Tala Knew Moana's Quest Was More Important Than Her Death

Moana (2016)

Gramma Tala Moana

The titular character of Moana always feels misunderstood by those around her. The exception is Gramma Tala, who celebrates her granddaughter for all that she is and can be. Although Tala seems strong, she is hiding just how frail she is until she is certain that Moana is ready to begin her quest.

The sight of Moana tearfully refusing to leave her grandmother's side as she dies (while Tala says she has to go) is one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a Disney film - especially considering that Tala is the only person to support Moana going beyond the reef.

9 Sitka Died Protecting His Brothers

Brother Bear (2003)

Sitka, Kenai, and Denahi from Brother Bear

Sitka is the oldest of three brothers and the most responsible in Brother Bear. When his youngest brother, Kenai, is tasked with hanging the fish to keep it from bears, Sitka warns Kenai to tie it tightly. Unfortunately, Kenai only half listens to his brother, to disastrous consequences.

A bear gets at the fish, leaving practically none for the village. In his anger and embarrassment, Kenai provokes the bear, causing his brothers to run to his aid. While the three brothers fight bravely, Sitka realizes that the only way to save any of them is to sacrifice himself to bring the bear down. He stabs the ice below him with his spear, causing an avalanche that brings down both the bear and himself. This death is so tragic because it did not have to happen.

8 The Death Of Bambi's Mom Was Chilling

Bambi (1942)

Bambi in a snowstorm, after his mother's death, listening to the Great Prince

Though some viewers may be desensitized by the films of today, the death of Bambi's mother was considered one of the saddest deaths to ever hit the silver screen. Up until that moment, Bambi had focused on the joyful life of the young prince of the forest, who was oblivious to the dangers of the world. One moment, the deer are enjoying the first grass of spring, and the next, tragedy strikes.

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When the ominous music hits, the mother and son are forced into a tense chase. After Bambi's mom's death, fans were left with the chilling scene of Bambi, alone in the snowy woods, calling for a mother who would never come back.

7 Kerchak and Kala's Baby Chased A Frog

Tarzan (1999)

Kala and her Baby from Tarzan

The first few minutes of Tarzan are some of the most crushing in Disney history. Tarzan's family is shipwrecked but builds a life for themselves on the new continent, only to be brutally killed by Sabor the leopard. While this is indeed a tragic fate, many fans felt the more horrifying death was that of Kala and Kerchak's infant.

In the middle of the night, the baby leaves the nest to chase a frog. However, this leaves him unprotected - allowing Sabor to pounce. The despair audiences see on Kala's face as the music plays still haunts fans to this day.

6 Ellie Fredricksen Leaves Carl Behind

Up (2009)

Ellie and Carl Fredricksen from Up

Ellie and Carl Fredricksen met when they were children, and grew their relationship from there in Up. They eventually get married and plan many adventures to share. However, the couple is plagued by financial troubles that prevent them from ever realizing their dream. Even so, they keep hope alive until the moment Ellie passes away.

Although her death is what finally spurs Carl to take the leap and travel to Paradise Falls, it was still a gut-wrenching blow - especially in the first few minutes of the movie. Ellie's courage and legacy live on in the memories Carl carries of her.

5 Mufasa's Death Was Planned

The Lion King (1994)

Dead Mufasa in The Lion King

The Lion King has many upsetting themes: an orchestrated stampede, a father trying to rescue his son, and a brother's betrayal to gain power. Yet, things get worse when young Simba discovers his father's limp body in the gorge.

In denial about his father's death, Simba tries desperately to rouse Mufasa. Simba begs Mufasa to wake up while nudging him in an attempt for a hug. For years after Mufasa's death, Simba suffers under the weight of his father's memory, as did many viewers.

4 Aslan Suffered Greatly

Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (2005)

disney chronicles of narnia aslan with peter and lucy

In The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, Aslan suffers his death at the hands of Jadis, the White Witch. Much like other noble characters, Aslan sacrifices himself to save the Pevensie children, unafraid of his fate.

Although Aslan knew that he would be revived by the ancient magic of Narnia, Lucy, Susan, and the audience did not as they suffered through his grim demise. Surrounded by his enemies, Aslan was bound, tortured, and humiliated in this twisted ritual.

3 Pedro's Death Was Worse The Second Time

Encanto (2021)

Pedro Madrigal Encanto

During Encanto's opening scene, the audience learns the story of Pedro Madrigal. Pedro's sacrifice was the basis of the magic that the Madrigals were granted. While the tale is sad, it is not truly heartbreaking. Since the story is told to a five-year-old Mirabel, it is not surprising that she is more impressed with magical powers and a house that came to life.

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When Pedro's tale is depicted again later, it is from his wife Alma's perspective. Along with Pedro's death, the viewer is also shown his life. He was a kind man, a loving husband, and a selfless leader. He and Alma had to abandon their home, risking the lives of their newborn babies on a treacherous journey. Witnessing Pedro's death the second time is worse, especially when the flashback continues. It shows how heartbroken Alma is. She is alone and struggling to hold up the weight of the town as well as raising the children Pedro sacrificed himself to save.

2 Bing Bong Sacrifices Himself To Save Joy

Inside Out (2015)

Bing Bong fading away in Inside Out

Inside Out follows a young girl named Riley who moves to San Francisco for her dad's new job. Although she is initially excited, everything is too different from her Minnesota hometown. Riley's new surroundings take a toll on her and her emotions... Literally.

When Joy and Sadness get lost inside Riley's head, the two begin an epic quest to return to headquarters. Along the way, they meet Riley's old imaginary friend, Bing Bong. Bing Bong tries to help the two emotions get back - to no avail. He and Joy eventually become trapped in the Memory Dump, but Bing Bong nobly sacrifices himself to save Joy, so she can help Riley be happy again.

1 Leslie Was Too Young To Die

Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

Leslie - Bridge to terebethia

When fans last see Leslie in the movie Bridge To Terabithia, she is joyously running home in the rain with her dog, the picture of health and happiness. This is why, in the next scene, her death is so upsetting. When Jesse heads home, he is embraced by his family members who are relieved that he is safe and well. Upon questioning their odd behavior, Jesse is told that his best friend Leslie died.

Leslie drowned when the rope swing that acted as their bridge to Terabithia broke, leaving her unconscious in the river. The most terrible part of Leslie's death is Jesse's realization that children are not invincible. There could always come a day when life plays a cruel trick, taking them from the world far too soon.

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