Locating death in children’s animated films

When death is discussed with children, a more subtle and mythical version of the subject is presented to them. Simultaneously, though, they are exposed to popular culture, in various forms, that precisely explores death: e.g., music, films, cartoons, games. One such type, which may not always be classified as popular culture in its broader sense, but is popularized culturally, is animated films. In animated movies, we see representations of death on a regular basis, and the presented images vary from the personification of death to the emotional reaction to death. Children are exposed to the concept of death and not under the terms provided by their parents or guardians. This chapter explores the various ways in which death is presented in children’s animated films and highlights the contradiction between the intention to protect children from death and their frequent exposure to it as a narrative device in cinema.