I think I know why - of course without research no one knows for sure, but in my circles and reading lots of articles, I'm pretty sure I know why. It doesn't mean everybody should like it, it is OK if you don't, NOTHING is loved by 100% of the people. Even bacon and chocolate aren't loved by everyone. Although I cannot understand why!
The movie is fun, written well, entertaining, and all this stuff we know, but it doesn't explain the amazing over-the-top reaction. There are a few particularly good things that help, but are NOT the main reasons: The two princess' personalities are really relatable to kids. They identify with one or the other. Olaf is fun and very funny. And there are plenty of other things that are good - excellent animation (I love the late afternoon and sunset scenes and how they do the lighting). But again these aspects don't explain the worldwide cultural phenomenon. Here is my take on the answer: This movie has some extremely important and very generally popular morals/ideals to communicate. It communicates them clearly and very well. These ideals are EXTREMELY popular and many people LOVE that a fun movie has such good moving and important principles. In a nutshell the articles talk about a few things: [*]Real Love Defined: This movie gives a really clear and really important definition of love, and demonstrates it as a main storyline: REAL love isn't kissing and infatuation, it is putting other's needs ahead of yourself. Olaf actually states this to Anna and all the kids watch. What an awesome lesson! (He also demonstrates it throughout the movie.) The entire final scene is a culmination of this important and popular principle. How many movies do this so well and so clearly for kids? Like, NONE. (Another interesting aspect is how Olaf is actually a physical manifestation of love between sisters!) [*]Love at First Sight is WRONG: And even dangerous. Love at first sight and marriage at first sight, and trusting someone you don't know without examining their motives is a BAD IDEA. Again this message isn't hidden, it is stated and demonstrated clearly for children to learn! [*]Empowerment of self: this may be a little more subtle but may be the most important. I've read moving articles and posts on this board about special needs children embracing this movie and the song Let it Go for teaching that you need to be yourself and not live in fear. How many kids movies teach this so clearly? A side aspect is that the story doesn't stop there with Elsa rightly being herself but wrongly being selfish. The message of the movie is be yourself, but love others! Wow, another fantastic, clearly demonstrated, message that everyone can agree with! [*]Individuals can live & act and win the day outside relationships: A woman or a man's story doesn't have to revolve around love and attraction. Both woman are powerful and work their own destiny in the movie, while men also work their own destinies and help the women as partners. BUT they didn't throw out relationships and love, relationships happen and develop during the movie. A bad relationship ends and a good relation begins to develop for Anna, while Elsa begins her relationships with her sister and others at the end. [*]Family: The whole story - even the supposed "bad guy" and "good guy" are all within the same family and work it out A great lesson for kids of all ages. [*]Sacrificial love: An extension of the definition of true love, but another beautiful plot point. Everyone loves and honors stories where someone is willing to sacrifices themselves for others, This is a universal theme but one that is particularly strong in the context of family. As a Christian I particularly love this point and have already had a big party and showing in my home theater and used it in a devo. You probably know all these things and are asking the question, "So what? Why does this make it so popular?" These points are EVERYTHING to me. Because of these points and the fact that they are extremely universal, important, and popular, many, many, people have fallen in love with the movie. The kids fell in love with a movie, a song, a dress, but the parents (And you can read endless blogs and articles about this) fell in love with the ideals. These parents and grandparents said, "Wow, never had a movie with these lessons in it, before!" I love it, I'm taking the kids again, I'm getting the toys, etc. These principles are universal, popular, and quite popular around the world. And they are found in a popular and fun movie with great music! How many movies do you know where the LGBTQ community and the conservative Christian community (With a few wacko exceptions) BOTH claim the movie as their own!? The other side of this same equation is that none of the themes alienate anyone or any group! Popular themes with universal appeal in a unique and fun package. And these messages are not found expressed this well, this clearly, and with such good storytelling and fun, very often, if at all. I don't just want kids to see this movie, I think it is IMPORTANT for kids to see this movie! I am a 54 year old man, and because of the lessons in this movie it is now my favorite animated movie. Ever. And I love all the classic Disney movies. You don't have to agree to any of this, but can you see why this would make the movie so wildly popular? Edit: Another point that is so cool. Some critics complained about the lack of a villain. They are so wrong!! There are two heroes and two villains, and these four aren't people!! The two heroes: Love & Forgiveness, The two villains: Fear & Selfishness. Amazing storytelling in my opinion. Far deeper than your average animated film.
