When it comes to subliminal messages in Disney movies, there's always going to be controversial views. Personally, I find the adult-based hidden messages funny. Here's the thing: The Disney subliminal messages are just the animator's way of having a little bit of fun (trying to sneak something hidden that's highly inappropriate into a children's film). But, there's a reason these animated movies have a "U" (universal) rating. Either way, they are either Disney trying to stick it to the man, or viewers' imaginations...
The Little Mermaid: The Phallic Palace
On copies of The Little Mermaid it seems that one of the castle's spires resembles who looks like a phallus - hence The Phallic Palace. It was reported that an angry artist tried to sneak in the phallic as a way of revenge after he heard news of his upcoming redundancy. The artists has since stated that he wasn't about to lose his job and the cover was due to a time frame he had to abide by - the coincidence of the resemblance was just unlucky...apparently.
The Lion King: Thong Front Cover
In 2002, The Lion King was re-released in the cinema for a limited time only. During its time in the cinema the movie made £1,385,481 ($1,825,849) on the opening weekend. At first glance, the movie post looks quite innocent as it depicts Simba. But on closer inspection, does that look like a semi-naked girl wearing what seems to be a thong? Either a very cleverly placed Disney hidden message, or simple too many people with dirty minds?
Tangled: Hidden Word S-E-X
Back in 2010, the anticipated Disney movie Tangled was released and it included a pomotional poster featuring the initials S, E and X! The movie poster that included characters: Flynn, Rapunzel Maximus and Pascal looks like a "fun" interpretation of the movie until at a further glance it looks like another Lion King incident. Another one due to viewers' imaginations, or simple another hidden message by Disney? Either way, what was the chances all three initials being present?
The Lion King: Sex Message
Just around after half way through the movie The Lion King there is a cloud of dust that forms when Simba, Pumbaa and Timon are chilling out, gazing at the stars while on a cliff. If you watch carefully the newly-formed dust-cloud seems to spell out S-E-X. Some say the hidden message is supposed to spell S-F-X as it was inserted by a special effects group.
Aladdin: Good Teenagers, Take Off Your Clothes
In the scene where Aladdin flies up to Jasmine's balcony using his magic carpet and is greeted by Jasmine's tiger Rajah, you can hear a subtle voice in the background that supposedly says: "Good teenagers, take off your clothes." You will need to turn the volume up as it's hard to hear without. Disney has since said the script written for Aladdin says he should have said "C'mon...good kitty. Take off and go" in that scene. But why have him whisper it?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit: Jessica Rabbit's Private Parts
If you are the kind of guy that gets turned on by cartoon characters such as Jessica Rabbit I have good news for you because the animators at Disney have thrown a few stills of Jessica Rabbit without any underwear on. In the scene where Jessica Rabbit is cruising around Toon Town in an animated cab with Bob Hoskins, take note of the part where Jessica Rabbit is throw out of the cab.
The Rescuers: Naked Woman
Around 38 minutes into the movies The Rescuers, when Bianca and Bernard ride around the city in an empty sardine tin which is attached to Orville, if you pay attention you will notice a naked woman in the background. But unless you are pausing and going frame by frame then the chances are you will miss it. In fact it was down to Disney making the subliminal message public that people noticed it. Disney has since said that the image wasn't edited in by animators, but was done in the post-production stage and in 8 January 1999, Disney decided to recall 3.4 million copies of the 1977 animated movie.
The Wabbit who Came to Dinner: Bugs Bunny's Little Fella
In 1942 a Merrie Melodies cartoon was aired called Wabbit Who Came To Dinner which showed a lot more than we all wished to see. Pay attention to the shower scene: Did you see what looked like Bugs Bunny's rabbit-hood!? Some of you are saying it's merely the gap between his legs, but if so, the scene was created in such a way it was supposed to look like something a lot ruder.
The Little Mermaid: Minister's Erection
In The Little Mermaid during Ursula's wedding scene you will notice what looks like a "penis-shaped" object protruding from the minister's pelvic region. When comparing this still with others in the same scene you can see the alleged "erection" may in fact be the minister's knee. Although this is probably true, it was done in a way to suggest an erection, but a way of getting away with it - Nice thinking, Disney.
Donald Duck Swears
Everyone knows that Donald Duck is known for having a speech impediment which means some words could be easily mistaken for others. Well, back in 1937 the short animation film The Clock Cleaners was released. In this short Disney animation it seems that our favorite duck not only got away with us all not questioning why he wasn't wearing any pants, but he is angered to the point of saying the F-Bomb which is pretty clear to hear!