Disney has always been a cornerstone of childhood, shaping countless memories with its colorful characters and enchanting stories. But as times have changed, some characters that once seemed perfectly normal—or even beloved—might not sit well with modern audiences. Whether it’s heroes with outdated worldviews or villains whose actions are too extreme, these classic characters highlight just how much society has shifted since Disney’s earlier days.
1. Dumbo’s Crows
While Dumbo’s uplifting story of perseverance is timeless, the crows who help him learn to fly have been scrutinized for perpetuating racial stereotypes. The leader, Jim Crow, even takes his name from segregation laws. Though the crows mean well in the story, their depiction reflects the era’s insensitivity and would be reimagined entirely today.
2. Peter Pan
Peter Pan remains an adventurous icon, but one of the biggest issues in his story is the portrayal of Native Americans in Peter Pan. The “What Makes the Red Man Red?” song is now widely seen as offensive, reducing an entire culture to caricatures. Though Peter himself is charming, his carefree attitude toward some questionable moments would make modern audiences pause.
3. The Siamese Cats in Lady and the Tramp
Si and Am, the sneaky Siamese cats, are memorable for their mischievous antics and catchy tune. But their exaggerated accents and behavior are seen as a harmful stereotype of Asian culture. The 2019 remake even replaced their scene entirely, which shows just how much attitudes have changed.
4. The Huntsman from Snow White
In the original Snow White, the Evil Queen instructs her Huntsman to kill Snow White and bring back her heart in a box. The whole idea of showing a henchman carrying out such a grim task in a children’s movie feels far removed from the sanitized approach of modern fairy tales. It’s no surprise Disney toned down similar plots in later films.
5. Shere Khan from The Jungle Book
Villains like Shere Khan once added danger and suspense to animated films, but his menacing threats and relentless pursuit of Mowgli might feel a little too intense for younger viewers today. While modern villains tend to have more humor or backstory, Shere Khan remains a pure embodiment of fear.
6. The Aristocats’ Chinese Cat
Disney’s The Aristocats features a jazzy ensemble of alley cats, including one playing the piano with chopsticks while sporting buck teeth and a stereotypical accent. This depiction of a Chinese character feels cringeworthy today and is yet another example of how animated films sometimes mishandled cultural representation.
7. Captain Hook from Peter Pan
Hook’s role as a pirate villain is a Disney classic, but his character might raise eyebrows today for his portrayal of disability. Hook’s missing hand, replaced with a hook, is used to symbolize his evil nature, a trope that modern audiences often criticize for perpetuating negative stereotypes about disabled people.
8. Uncle Remus from Song of the South
While Uncle Remus is a warm and kind character in Song of the South, his depiction as a happy-go-lucky storyteller on a plantation downplays the harsh realities of history. Disney has since retired the film entirely, acknowledging that it no longer aligns with modern values.
9. The Coachman from Pinocchio
The Coachman, who lures boys to Pleasure Island and transforms them into donkeys, is terrifying. His lack of punishment at the end of the story only adds to the unease. Today’s audiences might find his blatant manipulation of children far too disturbing for a family film.
10. King Louie from The Jungle Book
King Louie, the jazz-loving orangutan, is often criticized for being a problematic caricature tied to racial stereotypes of the time. While his song “I Wanna Be Like You” is undeniably catchy, the character’s portrayal feels dated and insensitive today.
11. Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians
Cruella’s obsession with fashion made her a fascinating villain, but her desire to turn puppies into coats might be too much for today’s animal-loving audiences. While villains are meant to be bad, Cruella’s specific brand of cruelty hits a nerve in an age where kindness toward animals is highly valued.
12. The Hyenas from The Lion King
Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, Scar’s goofy henchmen, have faced backlash for potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes of certain groups through their accents and behaviors. While they’re meant to be comedic relief, the way they’re portrayed in comparison to the noble lions could raise questions today.
13. The Evil Queen from Snow White
The Evil Queen’s extreme vanity and willingness to poison a young girl to maintain her beauty might feel overly dark in today’s context. The idea of teaching children that women’s worth is tied to their looks is also a message that wouldn’t fly in modern storytelling.
14. Peg-Leg Pete
Mickey Mouse’s longtime nemesis, Pete, often appeared as a sinister character with a peg leg. Like Captain Hook, his disability was used as shorthand for villainy, a trope modern media has moved away from to promote more balanced portrayals of disabled characters.
These characters reflect the storytelling norms and societal attitudes of their time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. While they’re still beloved by those who grew up with them, it’s interesting to see how Disney has adapted its approach to align with evolving cultural values. Which of these characters do you remember fondly, and how do you feel about the ways storytelling has changed?
