Disney Movies to Start Off the New Year Right

Let’s not sugar coat it: 2021 was a hard year. Now that’s it’s 2022 we are faced with two options: fear what might happen next or hope for the infinite possibilities of the new year. Disney tends to be an advocate of the latter. Disney movies are all about hope. As we venture into this year, let’s lean into the possibilities and start the year with positive, shining hope. Thinking about this idea, we decided to create a list of Disney movies that would help us get into that mindset. Take a look at these incredible movies and then start your own hopeful marathon!

Related: Top Ten Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World RIGHT NOW! Winter 2022 Edition

Credit: DisneyDining

A Bug’s Life

First up we have A Bug’s Life. This was only the second full-length feature film that Pixar ever made, and yet it is still one of our all-time favorites. We think this is a perfect one for the start of a new year because it is largely about second chances and making your own way in the world. Flik causes a mess in his ant colony because he is different. He does things in a unique way that the rest of the ants aren’t ready for yet. So when he gets a chance to prove himself and make things right, he jumps on it. Of course, it does not go super smoothly – but when in life does anything go super smoothly? He paves his way by working hard and sticking to what he believes in. And, in the end, Flik saves the day. We believe that everyone should be a little more like Flik.

Related: “A Real Bug’s Life” Coming Soon To Disney+

Credit: Disney

Up

So…we would recommend watching Up only if you want to start off the new year in tears and then feel optimistic. It’s a delicate balance. We chose Up because it is such a redemptive film. Mr. Carl Fredricksen is sad, alone, and tired. That’s how most of us felt in 2021, right? Mr. Fredricksen needed some hope. And strangely, he found it in the form of an 8-year-old boy named Russell. Together they go on an adventure of a lifetime. This film gives Mr. Fredricksen a second chance at happiness and gives Russell the love and attention he needs. You are sure to feel all warm and fuzzy at the end of this movie. And maybe it’ll inspire your own adventure!

Credit: Disney

Moana

Make way! Make way! We could all use a little of Moana’s determination, don’t you think? She is the epitome of having a goal and sticking to it. And yes, some stubbornness doesn’t hurt. Moana is all about her adventure to make things right from her people’s past. Plus, she is able to find herself along the way. Maybe we don’t have to return a sacred heart to an angry volcano woman in order to have a good year, but we can learn some valuable things from Moana. Her grit and resilience are two things to help make a year amazing, even in the midst of hardships.

Related: EPCOT’s ‘Moana’-Inspired Attraction Construction Continues

Tangled

Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution? Rapunzel kind of did in Tangled. Her resolution was to see the floating lights and discover who she truly is. She and Flynn went on a huge adventure to discover things they didn’t even know they were searching for. A lot of times, the New Year is like that. We have no idea what’s about to come, but we move toward it anyway. And in the meantime, Rapunzel and Flynn were able to discover new dreams that they didn’t even know they had. Let’s all move forward into this new year with bountiful expectations and endless dreams.

Credit: Disney

Aladdin

Ever feel like a riff-raff? We do it all the time. But we know we are so much more than that! Sometimes it just takes a little belief and faith in yourself to get things going. Aladdin didn’t have the best self-esteem. But with the help of his best friends, Genie and Abu, he was able to see himself in a new light. He definitely had some stumbling blocks along the way, but don’t we all? We’d be kidding ourselves if we said that there wouldn’t be more hardships to come. But it’s all about how we handle those difficulties. Aladdin helps us to remember to be true to ourselves and always stay one jump ahead.

Credit: Marvel

Avengers

There’s a curveball for you! So maybe the Avengers doesn’t have a super deep, hidden meaning to it. But it’s a great movie to get the year going strong! Hulk strong! Sometimes you just need a fun and happy action flick to get your blood pumping and adrenaline working. Facing a brand new year definitely takes some strength. That’s why the Avengers are here to remind us that we all have a little superhero in us to take on the day!

Credit: Pixar

Inside Out

Inside Out is on this list to help us remember to take care of our mental health this year. We can’t all go on endless adventures without taking some time to recharge and heal up our minds. Riley goes on an unbelievable journey in the film. It’s one that many of us are quite familiar with. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are such important characteristics to carry with us into the New Year. Sometimes we’ll need a little more Joy. And sometimes we’ll need a little more Sadness. And both things are okay and true and good. Take care yourselves out there, folks!