Inside Out 2 stormed into theaters this weekend and instantly became one of Pixar’s biggest hits. Thank goodness, because the once unstoppable animation studio saw its reputation take several dings over the years after a batch of less-than-stellar productions. Although Inside Out 2 may not be the most remarkable Pixar production, it captures the spirit of their earlier works and is full of heart, likely to evoke genuine emotion even from the most cynical viewers. As such, it winds up quite high in our list of the best Pixar movies ranked.
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The best Pixar movies to watch
28) Lightyear (2022)
A curious misfire by Pixar, this reimagining of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear muffs an easy slam dunk by 1) not bringing back original Buzz voice actor Tim Allen and 2) turning Buzz into the villain of his own production. No, really. Director/writer Angus MacLane jettisons the good-natured action hero seen in Toy Story in favor of an egomaniac who must learn to let go of his toxic masculinity. At one point, Buzz quite literally appears as the main villain, making one question why Andy would choose a middling Space Ranger over the scene-stealing cat, which is why it is at the bottom of our list of the best Pixar movies ranked.
27) Cars 2 (2011)
The only out-and-out dud produced by Pixar (and the only film in their canon I’ve never watched again) feels more like a 90-minute toy commercial than an actual film. Ostensibly a send-up of 60s spy thrillers, the sequel follows Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) as he accidentally gets sucked into a complicated plot that could impact the World Grand Prix. Gorgeously animated and containing a few slick action beats, Cars 2 is far too annoying and goofy to enjoy.
26) Cars 3 (2017)
Like Cars 2, Cars 3 never amounts to more than predictable fluff designed to sell toys. I get it. These pictures may not move the needle in terms of originality, but young kids love ’em. They also entice viewers to spend significant money on a trip to California Adventure just to wait in line for hours to experience the popular Cars attraction.
Still, the Cars trilogy might have worked even better had it followed the Rocky formula and allowed Lightning McQueen the chance to ascend the ranks against increasingly formidable opponents. Instead, in Cars, he’s treated as a cocky young star in need of an upgrade; in Cars 2, he’s reduced to an extended cameo; and in Cars 3, he is tossed aside in favor of a younger model. These could have been memorable films rather than overproduced commercials.
25) The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Plagued by production woes, The Good Dinosaur wastes astonishing animation on a ho-hum story about a cowardly young dinosaur striving to find his courage out in the wild. Eventually, he befriends a human caveboy named Spot, and the two make their way through the wild, bumping shoulders with rough-riding T-rexes and a group of angry pterodactyls. The Western flourishes are fun, and the score by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna is memorable, but the results are disappointingly mediocre compared to other Pixar offerings.
24) Turning Red (2022)
Turning Red, while pretty to look at, too often feels like a movie you’ve seen a dozen times. A 13-year-old named Mei discovers she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions, navigating the chaos of adolescence and her strict mother’s expectations while learning to embrace her true self. It’s far too thematically close to Brave to stand out within Pixar’s catalog.
23) Luca (2021)
Before 2019, Pixar developed unique stories with interesting characters who set off on remarkable quests filled with adventure and self-discovery. Somewhere along the way, the creatives ran out of ideas and merely repackaged older products. Case in point: Luca, a bland tale about a pair of young “sea monsters” attempting to experience the joys of the surface world without giving away their true identity. As is typical, the animation is vibrant, and genuine emotion shines through, but the overall production is not particularly memorable.
22) Toy Story 4 (2019)
Did we need another Toy Story film after the third chapter sent our beloved pals off into the sunset? Probably not, which is why Toy Story 4 fails to take off and feels like an unnecessary addition to the series, introducing more characters in the name of marketing. Woody and Co. are separated in a small country town where our favorite cowboy reunites with Bo Peep, now a kick-ass, independent girl of action. We also meet Forky, a fork brought to life by Bonnie, who endures an existential crisis — is he a toy or trash?
Again, the animation is astonishing. Our colorful characters have never looked this good, but their adventure is, unfortunately, less entrancing on this go-round. Yet, somehow, we’re getting a Toy Story 5.
21) Onward (2020)
Ditto with Onward, which is a strange fantasy tale that follows a pair of brothers named Ian and Barley Lightfoot as they travel through a magical kingdom to bring back the rest of their deceased father. See, Ian sucks at magic, so when he tried to revive his pop, he only managed to conjure his lower half. This means that Ian and Barley are stuck wondering about their strange world with a pair of trousers.
Yeah, it’s another road film in which broken people learn the value of friendship and family. All good. Onward is a decent piece of escapism with a couple of great gags and a fair amount of heart. It’s not top-tier Pixar, but it beats most studio offerings.
20) Soul (2020)
Soul starts with a bang as Jazz pianist Joe Gardner bites the dust and experiences the other side, guided by a dispirited soul named 22. Regardless, the second act thrusts Joe and 22 back to Earth; they experience life via a body swap — he’s a cat, and she now inhabits his body. Ugh.
What started as a beautifully animated story about life and death quickly derails into the usual assortment of mind-numbing slapstick. Thankfully, a solid third act ends Soul on a powerful note, making the experience worthwhile. Kudos to Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey for breathing life and energy into the lead characters.
19) Elemental (2023)
Another simple offering from Pixar creates a vibrant, unique world for a simplistic story about prejudice. Set in a world where anthropomorphic elements—fire, water, land, and air—live together, the story follows Ember, a fire element, and Wade, a water element, as they navigate a world that often segregates elements based on their inherent differences.
It’s basically the Sneetches, albeit with fully rendered 3D characters. In other words, you’ve seen this one before and will likely predict the story beats well before they happen. Luckily, the visuals, voice work, and music are top-of-the-line, making Elemental an engaging, if not entirely original cinematic experience.
18) A Bug’s Life (1998)
Following Toy Story, Pixar pivoted to the world of bugs for this tale about a colony of ants who recruit a group of bugs to protect them from some truly nasty grasshoppers. Naturally, these bug saviors, unbeknownst to the ants, are circus performers, not fighters. No matter, because the plucky Flik plans to utilize their talents to scare away the bad guys. Will Flik save the day and win the heart of the princess? No one will mistake A Bug’s Life for high art. Still, the animation is cute, and the characters are memorable, making for a breezy 90 minutes.
17) Cars (2006)
Ditto with Cars, which is a predictable yarn that never strays too far from the beaten path but is engaging nonetheless. Lightning McQueen is a cocky, self-absorbed superstar in the making who must learn the value of teamwork and friendship. Will he cast aside his arrogant ways with the help of the kindly townsfolk of Radiator Springs — namely, Doc Hudson, Sally, Mater, Luigi, Ramone, Sheriff, Fillmore, Sarge, Flo, and Guido? Will he make it to the big race on time? Will there be an opportunity to show off his newfound character traits on the world’s biggest stage? Again, Cars doesn’t rework the formula but offers a sweet, occasionally thrilling night at the movies.
16) Up (2009)
I never understood the universal acclaim for Up. Sure, the first 10 minutes are among the best produced by Pixar. However, the rest of the movie is just another predictable road trip story where an unlikely pair learns to appreciate each other. I tend to tap out when the flying dogs appear. Up follows an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen, who embarks on a journey to fulfill his late wife’s dream of visiting Paradise Falls by attaching thousands of balloons to his house and inadvertently taking a young boy named Russell along for the ride. Up is certainly a fun tale but far from Pixar’s best.
15) Monster’s Inc. (2001)
Sweet as a teddy bear, Pixar’s fourth feature-length effort offers the perfect blend of heart, pathos, and kid-friendly comedy. Although the animation may seem dated compared to more recent Pixar films, Monsters Inc. still impresses with its creative storytelling. The movie follows the adventures of two monsters, Mike and Sulley, as they unexpectedly end up protecting a human child affectionately called “Boo” from their own kind. John Goodman and Billy Crystal do wonders as our ragtag heroes, while directors Pete Docter and David Silverman keep the picture humming at a snappy pace, placing it in the middle of our list of the best Pixar movies ranked..
14) Wall-E (2008)
Wall-E remains a curious picture filled with big ideas that are unfortunately overshadowed by a predictable plot. The picture takes place on a future Earth abandoned by mankind. Humans, you see, fled the planet after consuming all of its resources and left behind an army of robots to clean up their mess. Wall-E is the last functioning bot, but he longs for more. He’s a curious fella who travels his garbage-filled home collecting items and learning everything he can about the former civilization. One day, a more advanced robot named Eve arrives and whisks Wall-E to space, where he discovers the last remnants of the human race.
Directed by Andrew Stanton, Wall-E’s wistful first half far exceeds the clunky and rambunctious second half. Still, the film remains an entertaining romp and raises a few interesting questions about the nature of humanity.
13) Finding Dory (2016)
We probably didn’t need a sequel to Finding Nemo, but that doesn’t mean Finding Dory isn’t worth the ride. The story follows Marlin, Nemo, and the always-forgetful Dory as they search for Dory’s long-lost parents. Their journey once again takes them across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute, where they meet a whole bunch of quirky characters. Director Andrew Stanton goes for broke with this sequel, which might give adults headaches but should delight younger kids.
12) Incredibles 2 (2018)
Pixar made audiences wait 14 years to see the next adventures of the Parrs, the superhero family introduced in the classic The Incredibles. Was the sequel worth the wait? Mostly. While essentially a retread of the first film, albeit with Elastagirl swapping positions with Mr. Incredible, director Brad Bird finds exciting (and hilarious) ways to explore this unusual family dynamic and packs as many chases, fight sequences, and superhero smackdowns as possible into its 130-minute runtime. The Incredibles 2 doesn’t top its predecessor — how could it? — but still delivers everything one could ask for from this vibrant franchise.
11) Brave (2012)
It took me a few tries to fully appreciate Brave, but now I consider it one of my favorite Pixar films. Brimming with luscious scenery and a lovely score by Patrick Doyle, Brave follows a stubborn princess named Merida who seeks a life of adventure far from the clutches of her dutiful mother, Queen Elinor. When a chance encounter with a witch unexpectedly transforms Elinor into a bear, the mother-daughter duo must put aside their differences to find a cure. Chock full of familiar Pixar tropes, Brave stands out due to its impeccable animation, relatable characters, and edgier story beats that might be too intense for younger viewers. Billy Connolly steals the show as Merida’s free-spirited father.
10) Inside Out 2 (2024)
Finally, after years of ho-hum pictures, Pixar returns to form with Inside Out 2. Several years after the first film, the sequel sees Riley and her team of emotions—Joy, Sadness, Envy, Rage, and Fear—dealing with the highs and lows of puberty while attending a hockey camp. Into the mix arrives a new batch of emotions for Riley (and Joy) to contend with, namely Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui.
Naturally, problems arise, forcing Joy to travel to the back of Riley’s mind to save her from losing her sense of self. Colorful animation and terrific voice work by all involved ensure another animated crowd-pleaser. Thankfully, Pixar’s team goes the extra mile and finds clever new ways to mine this unique concept, allowing us to experience the complicated rollercoaster of adolescence uniquely and thoughtfully. Well done!
9) Toy Story (1995)
So much time has passed that it’s easy to forget how novel the original Toy Story was when it first hit cinemas in 1995. At the time, the film’s computer animation was mind-blowing and ushered in a new wave of cinema splendor. Yet, the story of two rival toys battling for their owner’s affection is what sealed the deal.
Even after three sequels, a handful of direct-to-TV shorts, and countless knockoffs, Toy Story still packs a punch. Having Tom Hanks and Tim Allen on board certainly helps, but the clever concept and witty dialogue pushes this crazy adventure to infinity and beyond.
8) Toy Story 2 (1999)
The Toy Story pictures improved with each new entry, at least until Toy Story 4. Toy Story 2 dives deeper into its characters, shedding light on Woody’s past while further exploring a toy’s heartwarming (and sometimes cruel) existence. This time, Woody is kidnapped by a greedy toy collector, requiring Buzz and Co. to leave the confines of Andy’s room to rescue him.
We’ve seen this story before, but director John Lasseter musters a surprising amount of humor and heart from the concept. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll laugh some more. Toy Story 2 is a certified classic. Buzz vs. Zurg remains one of the funniest pieces of cinema I’ve ever witnessed with a sold-out crowd.
7) Monster’s University (2013)
For whatever reason, viewers scoff at Monsters University and often list it among Pixar’s lesser efforts. Hogwash, I say! Monsters University is a marvelous prequel that deepens the lore established in Monsters Inc. while casting our heroes, Mike and Sulley, in an all-new light. The film’s defining element is its core message: despite our personal limitations, we can still find success through hard work, determination, teamwork, and creativity. As a token underdog, I love it.
The plot follows a young Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University, where they vie for supremacy among their classmates. Initially foes, the pair must team up with a ragtag team of castoffs and work together to produce the ultimate scare, graduate, and hopefully land jobs at the Monsters Inc. Company. Top-notch animation and a terrific voice cast further enhance a sharp script. Vastly underrated.
6) Coco (2017)
Perhaps Pixar’s most striking picture, Coco, remains a powerful (and heartwarming) story about family, music, and creative expression. The story follows a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s generations-old ban on music. Through a magical twist of fate on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead.
Alongside his new friend, Hector, Miguel embarks on a journey to uncover the true story behind his family’s history and traditions, ultimately learning the importance of family, love, and following one’s dreams. Eye-popping visuals enhance a captivating narrative revolving around the importance of family and staying true to one’s art. A beautiful film.
5) Toy Story 3 (2010)
The best of the Toy Story saga, Toy Story 3, bids adieu to our rambunctious clan of toys with humor and heart. Set days before Andy heads off for college, the third chapter finds Woody and the gang accidentally shipped off to a daycare where they deal with an evil bear named Lotso.
The toys must escape the facility and return to their owner while dealing with an uncertain future. Packed with clever gags, notably an extended prison break sequence, and abundant heart, Toy Story 3 is the perfect trilogy capper — too bad they had to muddy the waters with Toy Story 4. Michael Keaton’s Ken is an all-timer and in the top five of our list of the best Pixar movies ranked.
4) Ratatouille (2007)
I’ve probably watched Ratatouille a thousand times, and for good reason: Brad Bird’s delectable comedy is a feast for the eyes and soul. The picture follows Remy, a rat with an exceptional sense of smell and taste, who dreams of becoming a chef despite the prejudice against rats in the culinary world. He forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, a garbage boy at a famous Parisian restaurant, and together, they create culinary masterpieces that captivate both critics and diners.
Bird sprinkles the picture with an artful, even mature, perspective on creativity, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence, making Ratatouille a delightful animated film and a thoughtful exploration of culinary artistry and personal fulfillment.
3) Finding Nemo (2003)
At this point, any remaining entries on the list could easily claim the No. 1 spot. There was a time Pixar simply could not miss. Early entries like Toy Story and Monsters Inc. displayed their knack for blending creative storytelling with heartwarming drama, but 2003’s Finding Nemo is the one that launched Pixar into the stratosphere. Award-worthy voice work by Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres highlights this fish tale about a grief-stricken father searching for his only son, Nemo.
Along the way, he meets Dory, a fish suffering from short-term memory loss, who serves as his only guide through the treacherous ocean. Every joke lands, the visuals pop, and the tried-and-true tale of self-discovery and resilience in the face of incredible odds hits hard. A genuine classic.
2) Inside Out (2015)
There was no way Inside Out 2 would outdo Pete Docter’s original. Really, though, how does one follow perfection? No, seriously, Inside Out is a perfect film, a beautifully rendered tale that brilliantly captures the nuances of adolescence. Here, we follow a young girl named Riley as she deals with life in a new town away from her friends. The twist is that we quite literally experience Riley’s emotions — Joy, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, and Fear, actual characters living inside her mind.
Joy stands as the group’s de facto leader but finds herself tossed aside when Sadness suddenly begins tweaking with Riley’s emotions. A calamity of events sends Joy and Sadness into the deeper regions of Riley’s mind, forcing them to work together to save their girl from making a terrible choice. Colorful, sweet, surprisingly profound, and endlessly clever, Inside Out stands as one of the most inventive films of the modern era. A true classic.
1) The Incredibles (2004)
Pixar’s The Incredibles remains the studio’s most ambitious production. Action-packed, quirky, and often thrilling, this high-flying adventure follows a family of superheroes forced into hiding following a series of lawsuits. Eventually, duty calls and it’s only a matter of time before our clan — namely, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their kids Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack — returns to action to combat the villainous Syndrome.
Writer/director Brad Bird infuses the animated comedy with relatable family quirks but tackles the idea that those with unique talents and abilities should be celebrated and embraced rather than suppressed or hidden. Honestly, I’d love to see this type of animated flick more often, a film that breaks from the norm and presents something truly incredible. The Incredibles stretches the possibilities of animation and delivers an intelligent, thoughtful flick for all ages. There aren’t many like it, which is why it tops our list of the best Pixar movies ranked.