Disney’s animated films are some of the most iconic in the industry. They make people feel good, cry happy tears and learn a bit about the world. However, above everything, Disney’s films are hilarious. Fans have watched some of these emblematic movies dozens of times and know all their favorite scenes by heart. Some of the jokes, quips and one-liners from fan-favorite characters have become cultural staples.
Disney is known for including some of everything in its movies: emotional moments, epic battles and absurd and hilarious jokes. Some movies will have the audience laughing and crying from one scene to another. However, the best jokes are the ones that stand out the most in the long term.
Updated on March 24, 2025, by Andrea Sandoval: Disney continues to delight fans with its amazing animated films. While some Disney films are tragedies and others are feel-good adventures, they all share great jokes. From absurd scenes to ridiculous dialogue, Disney knows precisely how to make their audience laugh. This list is updated to include more of the funniest jokes in Disney movies and reflect CBR’s latest style guide.
15
Chief Bogo Reprimands Judy Hopps and Makes a Little Joke about Frozen
Zootopia Police Chief Makes a Slick Reference to Disney’s Modern Classic
When Judy Hopps, the lead character of Zootopia, insists that she wants to become a cop, her boss, Chief Bogo, tells her this quote. In the Zootopia world, a society with anthropomorphic animals, rabbits are not considered suited to becoming cops. Chief Bogo hilariously affirms that their life is not a cartoon musical (which it is) where her dreams magically come true (which they eventually do).
“Life isn’t some cartoon musical where you sing a little song, and your insipid dreams magically come true. So let it go.”
However, what makes this quote a fan-favorite in the Disney universe is that it includes a reference to Frozen, with the “Let it go” comment alluding to the iconic Frozen song. Frozen is also a cartoon musical where “insipid dreams magically come true.” Fans love it when Disney makes fun of itself.
14
Kronk Argues with Himself and It Makes No Sense
The Emperor’s New Groove is Fully of Top-Tier Comedy Performance
The Emperor’s New Groove is considered one of the most hilarious Disney films of all time. It’s hard to choose just one joke from that movie, but it’s certain that Kronk is the star of the show. The dim-witted villain stole people’s hearts with his absurd commentary but well-intentioned personality.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“No, no. He’s got a point.”
Funny enough, this quote is not from Kronk himself but from the angel on his shoulder. When the devil on Kronk’s shoulder tries to convince him by showing him that he can stand on his hands, Kronk wonders what that has to do with the argument. Funny enough, the angel on his shoulder believes that is a great argument. Of course, the scene is hilarious because Kronk is right, and the fact that the devil in the shoulder can stand on his hands is pretty impressive but irrelevant.
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13
Woody Cleverly Insults Buzz Lightyear
Toy Story’s Two Protagonists Roast Each Other
Buzz Lightyear has always been a bit in denial about his true nature. While Buzz is a toy based on the character Buzz Lightyear from the in-universe film Lightyear, he actually believes he is a space ranger. Woody tries to make Buzz understand that he’s a toy and even spells it out for him, but Buzz continues to be in denial.
Buzz: “The term you’re looking for is ‘Space Ranger’.”
Woody: “No, the word I’m looking for I can’t say because there are preschool toys present!”
Buzz gets on Woody’s nerves, and the latter confirms that the actual word he wants to call Buzz he can’t say because there “are preschool toys” present. However, adults know that the real reason is that this is a film for children. This joke was a sneaky way for Disney to introduce a swear word without actually saying it. No kid understands the joke, but adults know which words Woody might be thinking of.
12
Hermes Jokes about Narcissus and His Self-Love
Hercules Makes a Mythological Zinger
At the very beginning of Disney’s Hercules, Hera and Zeus throw a party for their baby son, Hercules. Hermes arrives at the party and congratulates the couple on their fabulous occasion, saying that he has never seen so much love in a room since Narcissus had discovered his own image. Hermes is saying that the amount of love in Olympus for Hercules is limitless, making fun of Greek mythology and the movie’s setting.
“I haven’t seen this much love in a room since Narcissus discovered himself”
In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful man who fell in love with his reflection on the water. Narcissus would look at himself so much he turned into a flower one day. This myth is where the term “narcissism” comes from and is often used to describe people who are very self-centered. Not only does the joke imply that Narcissus’s love for himself is enormous, but it also shows the Greek figure looking at himself in the mirror. Many people get angry at the lack of consistency in this movie when it comes to Greek mythology. Still, this film hilariously uses these elements to create funny scenarios for a modern audience.
Hercules
- Released
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July 3, 1997
- ESRB
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E For Everyone // Violence
11
Flynn Proves That Rapunzel Isn’t as Clever as She Thinks
Tangled’s Star Gets Knocked Down a Level
After Flynn steals the crown Rapunzel is supposed to wear, he hides in the girl’s tower. Rapunzel has been hiding for years, so she’s scared of strangers, especially one breaking inside her home. She hides his satchel and ties Flynn to a chair, threatening him with a pan.
Flynn: “Where is my satchel?”
Rapunzel: “I’ve hidden it, somewhere you’ll never find it.”
Flynn: “It’s in that pot, isn’t it?”
When Flynn asks where his satchel is, Rapunzel proudly says she hid it and that it is somewhere he’ll never find it. Funny enough, to Rapunzel’s surprise, Flynn immediately guesses the satchel is inside a pot. Flynn’s condescending tone of voice and Rapunzel’s surprise are hilarious, but the funniest part is Rapunzel hitting Flynn on the head instead of answering the question.
10
Esmeralda Puts Phoebus in His Place
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Rife With More Mature Content
In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Phoebus and Esmeralda have their first interaction inside the Cathedral when Phoebus quickly notices Esmeralda’s disguise. For obvious reasons, Esmeralda quickly distrusts him. However, Phoebus proves to be different than she first thought.
Phoebus: “You Fight Almost As Well As A Man” –
Esmeralda: “Funny. I Was Going To Say The Same Thing About You”
Before Esmeralda realizes Phoebus’ good intentions, she starts fighting him. Phoebus, full of witty remarks, tells him she fights “as well as man,” but Esmeralda has this hilarious comeback that rejects the misogynist comment. The joke is not only witty and hilarious, but it also confronts the absurd standard of “fighting like a man.” It’s quotes like this that make Esmeralda one of the best Disney characters.
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9
Kristoff Wants To Tell Olaf the Truth about the Summer
Anna Seeks to Protect Olaf in Frozen
Disney’s animated films are some of the most iconic. As such, fans have watched some of these emblematic movies dozens of times, getting to know all their favorite scenes by heart. Some of the jokes, quips, and one-liners from fan-favorite characters have become cultural staples, such as this hilarious dialogue between Kristoff and Anna. When Olaf insists that he will have the best time during the summer, in the song “In Summer,” Kristoff, knowing very well that Olaf will be met under the heat, insists on telling the oblivious snowman.
Kristoff: “I’m Gonna Tell Him” –
Disney is known for including a little bit of everything in its movies: emotional moments, epic battles, and, of course, absurd and hilarious jokes. Some movies will have the audience laughing and crying from one scene to another. However, the best jokes are the ones that stand out the most in the long term. Kristoff’s assessment is probably caught by both children and adults, and given the simplicity of the joke, it is also timeless.
8
Timon Always Knows What To Say (and It’s Always Hilarious)
The Meerkat Is The Lion King’s Comedic Heart
When Simba needs to create a plan to distract the hyenas, Timon has a sarcastic answer ready. Ironically, this immediately leads to one of the most iconic scenes from The Lion King. Timon literally starts dancing and singing in a Hawaiian outfit while offering Pumbaa as a meal.
Timon: “What Do You Want Me To Do, The Hula?”
Not only is this line hilarious, but the song is also funny. The lyrics, “If you’re hungry for a hunk of fat and juicy meat, eat my buddy Pumbaa here ’cause he is a treat!”, are one of the most emblematic moments from Disney. This is the kind of absurd moment classic Disney is known for, and it is one of the Disney tropes people actually miss.
7
Grandmother Fa Really Wants Mulan To Get Married Soon
Mulan’s Grandma Encourages Young Love
At the end of Mulan, Shang goes to Mulan’s palace to return her father’s helmet. Funnily enough, at that specific moment, Grandmother Fa was complaining that she had brought home a sword instead of a man. To her delight, the badass Mulan invites Shang to stay for dinner, which implies they will become a couple.
Grandmother Fa: “Would You Like To Stay Forever?”
Since one of the main themes in Mulan is that the titular character’s family wants her to get married as soon as possible, this scene closes in a hilarious way. On top of that, this joke is extremely relatable to all women whose mothers want them to marry someone successful. Grandmother Ma’s quip is the perfect characterization of an older lady, always complimenting possible suiters for their daughters and granddaughters.
6
Kronk Knows Exactly What Poison Yzma Is Talking About
Yzma’s Assistant is Hilarious Throughout The Emperor’s New Groove
When Yzma makes a plan to poison Kuzco during dinner in An Emperor’s New Groove, she asks Kronk how everything’s going. Kuzco proceeds to go into detail about the different plates for dinner, but Yzma interrupts him and tells him that’s not what she means. While she tries to omit the word “poison,” Kronk smugly repeats it at least five times.
Kronk: “The Poison. The Poison For Kuzco. The Poison Chosen Especially To Kill Kuzco. Kuzco’s Poison. That Poison?”
One of the reasons The Emperor’s New Groove is one of the best Disney movies is the hilarious dynamic between Yzma and her useless minion Kronk. Whereas Kronk has zero common sense, Yzma has no patience for him. This scene continues to become more and more comical after the poison turns out to be an “extract of llama.”
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5
Professor Porter Knows His Daughter Loves Tarzan
Jane’s Father Understands Her Attraction
After Tarzan saves Jane, she returns to Professor Porter and tries to explain the whole situation to him. Funnily enough, instead of being incredibly scared by the experience, Jane is more focused on the incredible man who saved her. While Jane describes Tarzan, she starts drawing him on a board and talks a lot about his intense eyes.
Professor Porter: “Should I Leave You And The Blackboard Alone For A Moment?”
Professor Porter, sensing that Jane has a crush on her savior, makes the hilarious above joke. Even though Tarzan is a children’s movie, it’s one of those jokes that adults mostly understand. The sexual innuendo is especially funny because it is surprising, as no one expects it in a children’s movie.
4
Hades Is Bald for a Few Hilarious Seconds
His Hair Betrays Him
When Hades releases the Titans, they make their way to Olympus, but the god commands them to get there faster. Taking advantage of his destruction, Pegasus blows on his head, turning off the fire on Hades’ head that emulates his hair. To that action, he replies with the above quote in a tone of disbelief and a touch of vanity.
Hades: “Wow, Is My Hair Out?”
This ridiculous moment is followed by Pegasus’s donkey-like laugh, reminding fans that even if he looks majestic and can fly, he’s still a horse. Given that this is a very epic moment in Hercules, this joke serves to relieve some tension before things get darker for Hercules. Besides, it’s always hilarious when something that was supposed to be part of character design becomes a prop for a scene. Truth is, despite being the villain, Hades is also the comedy core of the movie, with his amusing expressions, constant outrage, and ridiculous dialogue that contrasts with the fact that he is, after all, the god of death.
3
The Genie Loves to Make All Sorts of Puns With His Magic
Robin Williams Leads a Comedic Tour de Force in Aladdin
After the titular character of Aladdin finds the lamp and rubs it, the Genie inadvertently gets Aladdin out of the cave without it being an explicit wish. When Aladdin makes him aware of this, the Genie frustratedly replies, “Well, I feel sheepish,” while turning into a literal sheep. The Genie’s capacity to reshape himself into any form allows for many jokes like this, but this is the funniest one.
The Genie: “Well, I Feel Sheepish”
The wordplay of “sheepish” and “sheep” is hilarious, as is Genie’s reaction to the whole situation. Cartoons have the ability to contrast images with dialogue, creating this sort of amazing pun that gets to amuse all the adults in the audience. The absurdity of the whole scene has made it one of the most memorable ones from an iconic Disney movie.
2
The Elderly Bear Who Always Lies about Her Husband’s Death
Brother Bear Injects a Moment of Levity
While the older bear and Edgar don’t have a big role in Brother Bear, they certainly have one of the funniest scenes in the movie, so much so that it has become a staple on the internet. When the elderly bear is telling a story to the bears of the Salmon Run, she alludes to her dead husband, Edgar.
Edgar: “(Offscreen) Quit Telling Everyone I’m Dead!”
What’s even funnier is that Edgar, who is very much alive, says “quit telling everyone I’m dead,” which implies this is a common occurrence. She likely wants to give her stories a bit more drama, but it’s still incredibly funny that she doesn’t have a problem killing off her husband to make them more interesting.
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1
Cogsworth Doesn’t Believe in Love
The Beauty and the Beast Includes a Rather Adult Joke
When the Beast falls in love with Belle in Beauty and the Beast, he wants to do something special for her but doesn’t know what kind of gesture would be appropriate. Cogsworth, ever so useful, suggests the items in the above list, which points out the most cliché things.
Cogsworth: “Well, There’s The Usual Things: Flowers, Chocolates… Promises You Don’t Intend To Keep”
It’s always hilarious to find this sort of joke in a kid’s movie. Evidently, most children wouldn’t know what Cogsworth is talking about. Instead, adults are the ones who get the irony of the phrase. Even if the joke is a bit dark for the context, there’s no doubt it’s a great one.
