Ever since its first-ever animated movie, Disney has always been known for its magical and beautiful love stories that are told in multiple creative ways. The way that the studio makes the romance bloom and builds up the chemistry between the characters is second to none, and few can replicate the way that Disney has done it. From Belle and the Beast to Rapunzel and Flynn, Disney’s love stories know no bounds, regardless of race and upbringing, and the romantic relationships between these characters have been the centerpiece of many beloved masterpieces.
However, when we think about it, not every Disney romance can be considered suitable for this modern day and age. In fact, there are a lot of questionable, or even toxic relationships in the House of Mouse that we may not have realized at first. Let’s take a look at these 8 weird Disney couples that age poorly with time, and make us raise an eyebrow whenever we think about them.
#1. Snow White and The Prince (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves)
Source: Disney
While Snow White remains one of the most iconic Disney princesses ever, her choice of lover might raise some questions. Of course, it’s a Disney movie, but deciding to marry a prince who you just met two times is a bit hasty, and that particular royalty even kiss you without consent in the second encounter. Imagine waking up to see a random guy you just met locking lips with you, Snow White really should have learned her lesson after meeting the Queen.
Besides, it’s important to note that The Prince has no idea that Snow White can be woken up at that time with a kiss. This means he just walks up to an unconscious girl in the middle of the forest and kisses her because she is too beautiful. Creepy.
#2. Aurora and Prince Philip (Sleeping Beauty)
Source: Disney
Likewise, the same can be said about Aurora, who decides that she will marry a prince she just met. In fact, she didn’t even know him before he kissed her! While a modern girl would have been suspicious and stayed alert of the guy, our Disney princess is too lovestruck to see the imminent problem.
#3. Giselle and Robert (Enchanted)
Source: Disney
Takes place in a more modern setting, it’s ironic how the film tries to stray away from the classic love at first sight route, but instead makes the heroine falls in love with another undeserving man, Robert. I mean, come on, he’s willing to dump his 5-year relationship fiancée to be with an eccentric girl who crawled out of a manhole (No offense, Giselle). Not to mention, Robert acts quite cynical and rude to Giselle in the first place, before mellowing down and starting to treat her a bit nicer later on. A normal girl would have stayed away, though.
#4. Bob and Helen Parr (The Incredibles & The Incredibles 2)
The Incredibles is a great franchise about family relationships, but when we think about it again, Bob Parr might be a wonderful superhero, but he’s definitely not a good husband and dad. In the first movie, he prioritizes his hero works over his family, and even keeps it a secret from them, thus putting his family in danger. We thought Bob might have learned a lesson or two, but then he shows another problem in the 2018 sequel, opposing his wife’s wish to become a superhero again.
Also, if I remember correctly, Bob rarely helps Helen with the housework, and doesn’t really connect with his children either. He learns this lesson the hard way in The Incredibles 2, though, and now, hopefully, is a better dad.
#5. Anna and Hans (Frozen)
Source: Disney
We all thought Hans would be the perfect match for Anna: He puts up with her antics and personality, is forgiving and funny, and he can surely sing as well! However, it’s all an act to gain the princess’s trust, as Hans’s true motive is to take over the Kingdom of Arendelle as the new king. Anna was merely a pawn in his hand, and the evil prince doesn’t even hesitate to dispose of her later on.
Luckily, in the end, Hans got arrested, while Anna also finds her new love in Kristoff. So much for “Love is an open door.”
#6. Belle and Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)
Source: Disney
While Gaston is not as evil as Hans, he’s no husband material either. The hunter is the embodiment of arrogance and selfishness, who strongly believes he can get whatever he wants, and considers Belle as one of his “trophies” more than a wife. When Belle prefers staying with the Beast, instead of backing down, Gaston rallies the whole village to come to kill him out of spite, and eventually gets the bitter ending he deserves.
#7. Ariel and Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid)
Source: Disney
While this couple has their own wholesome moments, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that Ariel just turns away from her own home and family to follow a human prince she barely knows. Prince Eric is no different, as he picks up a random suspicious girl on the beach and brings her home, just because she’s pretty. The two then marry after just a couple of days of knowing each other, with Ariel didn’t even speak to her lover most of the time since her voice was taken away by Ursula. A cute couple indeed, but not without their problems.
#8. Esmeralda and Phoebus (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Source: Disney
Look, I have nothing against Phoebus, he’s a great guy, actually, but his romance with Esmeralda doesn’t make sense. The two don’t even interact that much in the movie, and as we see, Esmeralda’s chemistry with Quasimodo is much more apparent. Seeing his love and his friend get together breaks our protagonist's heart, but can’t do anything else but congratulate them on their marriage. Of course, Quasimodo gets a girlfriend eventually in the sequel, but Madellaine is just pale in comparison to Esmeralda.
Are there any other Disney couple you would deem unhealthy and weird? Let us know in the comment.