Family Films That Gently Explore Death

Description: Disney's tale of a young deer growing up in the forest, dealing with the loss of his mother, which has become a symbol of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life.

Fact: Bambi was the first Disney film where the animals did not wear clothes, aiming for a more realistic portrayal of nature.

Description: This Disney classic tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a fox and a hound, highlighting themes of friendship, loss, and the cycle of life.

Fact: This was one of the last Disney animated features to be produced by the original team of animators from the 1930s.

Description: A coming-of-age story where Vada, an eleven-year-old girl, deals with her mother's death and her own fears about mortality, especially after her best friend Thomas J. dies from a bee sting.

Fact: Macaulay Culkin, who played Thomas J., was already a household name due to "Home Alone" when he starred in this film.

Description: This adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel deals with themes of loss, healing, and the redemptive power of nature, as Mary Lennox discovers a secret garden that helps her and her cousin Colin cope with their grief.

Fact: The film was shot on location in England, with the garden scenes filmed at Fountains Hall in Yorkshire.

Description: This film follows two young friends who create an imaginary kingdom to escape their troubles. When tragedy strikes, it becomes a poignant exploration of loss, friendship, and the power of imagination in dealing with grief.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel by Katherine Paterson, who wrote it as a way to cope with the real-life death of her son's friend.

Description: This adaptation of E.B. White's book tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte, who writes messages in her web to save his life, teaching about friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.

Fact: The film features a voice cast including Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, and Oprah Winfrey.

Description: The opening sequence of this Pixar film is a tear-jerker, showing the life and love of Carl and Ellie, and Carl's subsequent journey to fulfill their dream after Ellie's passing.

Fact: The film's opening montage was so emotionally powerful that it was used by Pixar as a test for new employees to see if they could handle the emotional depth required for their work.

Description: This animated masterpiece from Pixar explores the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, where Miguel, a young boy, journeys to the Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family's history. It teaches about remembering and celebrating those who have passed away.

Fact: Coco was the first film ever to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song ("Remember Me") in the same year.

Description: Simba's journey from cub to king involves the death of his father, Mufasa, and his own struggle with guilt and responsibility, making it a profound story about loss and growth.

Fact: The film was inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the biblical story of Joseph.

Description: A couple, unable to conceive, magically receive a child who teaches them about love, loss, and the importance of family. The film deals with the emotional journey of letting go.

Fact: The film was inspired by a story idea from Ahmet Zappa, son of musician Frank Zappa.