3 Classic Disney Plots We Prefer Backwards

There’s not much better than curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a classic Disney movie.

But, let’s be real — some classic Disney movies have some, well, issues, and we have to wonder what they might be like if they were a little different. Backward, even. What do we mean? Well, for 2/22/22 we’re looking at what some of our favorite Disney movies could look like if the story was told in reverse.

The Little Mermaid

Look, we LOVE The Little Mermaid. It’s got mermaids, the fabulous Ursula, a handsome prince, amazing music — it’s the total classic Disney movie package. But we also kinda like the story told…backwards, and now you’re probably thinking something like, “what are they talking about…” But wait! Hear us out.

In The Little Mermaid, curious Ariel is a young mermaid who longs to explore the human world, especially after she falls in love with Prince Eric. She seeks out the sea witch for legs, and even gives up her voice for a chance with Eric. After lots of conflict, she decides to stay a human. But what if the story was told backwards?

In reverse, Ariel would still pine after human life, only to eventually realize that changing herself for a boyfriend is a TERRIBLE idea, especially if it means sacrificing something she truly loves (singing). She learns her value and that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and decides to remain a mermaid. Maybe she even finds a nice merman boyfriend!

Hey, we’d watch it. We’ll have to wait and see if the live-action version of The Little Mermaid has any similar plot points, but somehow we doubt it.

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is an unlikely love story about the beautiful Belle falling in love with her captor, the Beast, whose violent and cruel nature is changed by her love. He learns to love, she escapes her boring village, and they have a happily ever after ending. Right?

Naturally, some of us have problems with the ethics of this storyline, mostly because Belle is held captive by the Beast. But what if this story was told backwards, and Belle learns from her time with the Beast that it’s NOT her responsibility to change someone? Instead of falling in love with her warden, she realizes that her poor provincial town isn’t THAT bad.

So she returns to the village, starts a school for girls, and spends the rest of her days reading to her heart’s content. Sounds like a more realistic story, no?

The Fox and the Hound

And The Fox in the Hound, the oh-so-sad story about Tod (fox) and Copper (hound), who become unlikely friends as kids, only to grow up and learn that they’re just too different to remain friends. Ugh, it’s SO sad. Sure, they’re natural enemies and all, but why can’t they be friends forever?! 😭

Well, in our backward retelling of The Fox and the Hound, when they meet as kids they DON’T like each other! Instead, over time they realize how to overcome their differences, and they trot off into the sunset, besties forever. Much better.

If only we could see these versions of classic Disney movies! Until then, keep reading AllEars for more Disney fun.