9 Surprisingly Mature Jokes in Disney Animated Movies

1. Aladdin and the Brothel

Aladdin, the charming street urchin, found himself in a surprising situation during the musical number 'One Jump Ahead'. Inside a building, he encountered three well-dressed young women and an older woman who didn't seem pleased to see him. While younger viewers may miss the context, adults would recognize that Aladdin had stumbled into a brothel, and his familiarity with the women hinted at a more mature storyline.

Aladdin arriving at the brothel

2. Mushu's Powers in Mulan

Mushu, Mulan's sidekick, almost ruined her plans with a boast about his powers. When he claimed to see through her armor, prompting Mulan to cover herself, it was a subtle reference to adult themes. Although the humor may seem innocent to children, the implication was clear to adult viewers.

Mulan Mushu showing his powers to Mulan dressed as a man

3. Kronk's Tent in The Emperor's New Groove

In a visually humorous scene, Kronk and Yzma camp out for the night with a striking contrast in their tent sizes. Yzma has a large, comfortable tent, while Kronk has a tiny one that he uses to cover his private parts. This adult joke, represented through the tents, is likely to amuse adult viewers while going over the heads of younger audiences.

The Emperor's New Groove Kronk sleeping with a tiny tent

4. Anna's Response in Frozen

During her journey to find Elsa, Anna met Kristoff, who asked about Hans' foot size. Anna's dismissive reply, 'foot size doesn't matter', can be seen as a lighthearted moment. However, the underlying adult humor suggests a different interpretation related to male body parts, making it a surprising and mature joke in a family film.

Frozen Kristoff and Anna talking at night

5. Lilo's 'Blue Period' in Lilo & Stitch

Lilo's struggles with depression and grief were subtly addressed through a painting she referred to as her 'blue period'. This reference to the real-world 'blue period' of Pablo Picasso, known for his works during a period of severe depression, adds a layer of mature humor that may surprise adult viewers.

Lilo and Stitch ripping off a painting

6. Shady Ads in Ralph Breaks the Internet

Ralph and Vanellope encountered some uncomfortable aspects of the internet, including pop-up ads. One ad offering 'sassy housewives ready to meet you!' captured the familiar and uncomfortable side of web browsing, presenting a mature joke that resonates with adult viewers.

Ralph Breaks the Internet Ralph amused by an inappropriate pop up ad

7. Oedipus Name-Drop in Hercules

A subtle reference to Sophocles' Oedipus Rex was made in Hercules, where the character Hercules expressed shock and confusion after watching the play. This reference to the complex and mature themes of the play added a surprising layer of adult humor to the Disney film.

Hercules and talking to Megara after their date

8. Scuttle's 'Snarfblatt' in The Little Mermaid

In a humorous scene, Scuttle misinterprets a human artifact as a 'snarfblatt' used for making music. However, the visual gag takes a surprising turn when a bunch of weed comes out of the pipe, presenting a subtle and unexpected adult joke in the family-friendly film.

The Little Mermaid Scuttle blowing into a pipe with weed inside

9. Genie's Honeymoon Joke in Aladdin and the King of Thieves

In the direct-to-video sequel, Genie delivered a joke during the wedding ceremony of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine that was clearly aimed at adult viewers. His comment about the earth moving before the honeymoon added a layer of mature humor that may have surprised those familiar with the Genie's usually lighthearted jokes.

Aladdin and the king of the thieves Genie talking to citizens