Good old Pixar ... to this day, Pixar is regarded as one of the greatest ... if not the greatest children’s entertainment company of all time. While I personally have more fondness for Disney's classic hand drawn animation, I still can't dismiss the impact Pixar left on my childhood, as well as the impact it continues to leave on each new generation of kids. Thus, to celebrate their collected works, here's my own personal ranking on each theatrically released Pixar movie. Now bare in mind, these movies wont be ranked on what I believe are objectively the worst to best of Pixar, this list is arranged simply on how each has made me feel, how many times I've re-watched them, and how often I see myself returning to them. So, with all that said, here are all 26 animated Pixar movies ranked from the film I like the least to the movie I love the most.
#27 “Cars 2” (2011)
This sequel is widely regarded as the absolute worst of all the Pixar movies, and probably for good reasons. It’s the first time that a Pixar sequel just felt like a corporate product, and not because there was an inspired idea behind it. What’s worse is that despite featuring the same characters, both the story and spy movie premise have nothing in common with its predecessor at all, to the point where it really could have just been another movie. The only saving grace is that there are some entertaining scenes, with lots of energy, and the animation is amazing to look at. Unfortunately, that’s just not enough to save “Cars 2” from being on the bottom run.
#26 “Monsters University” (2013)
While this Monsters spin-off certainly delivers a meaningful message to young viewers, it just doesn’t add that much to “Monsters Inc.” that I really cared to know or experience. In fact, this whole college themed story is something that I’ve already seen so many times before, and this film doesn’t bring anything new to the table. It just feels like a run of the mil college movie, just with the characters from “Monsters Inc.” While the message is great, the movie as a whole just hasn’t held up for repeat viewings. Speaking truthfully, it didn’t hold up for one, and I feel it could easily be skipped in favor of superior animated family films.
#25 “The Good Dinosaur” (2015)
While the film accomplished some stunning photo realistic scenery, everything else unfortunately just feels … meh. If your familiar with tales revolving around either a boy and his pet, or creatures in a prehistoric environment trying to find a way home, then this film is just a waste of time, as it follows both formulas to the letter with nothing new added. The characters are boring, the cartoony creature designs don’t match the real looking backgrounds, and the tone is way off. While past Pixar films have had mixed tones, this film just felt completely joyless to experience. It’s easily my least favorite non-sequel in Pixar’s roaster, and for a genuinely good film revolving around animated dinosaurs, I highly recommend sticking with “The Land Before Time” instead of this.
#24 “Luca” (2021)
When two fishy-creatures from the ocean arrive on shore, they take on the likeness of normal young boys, and with the help of a local friend aim to compete in a town race. Needless to say, it’s a very simple premise, but for fans of quiet walkabouts in a small community area, you may find some charm and pleasant moments in this film. I can't say the movie is a demanding experience, but there's plenty to like and enjoy if you choose to watch it. While “Luca” was a safe one and done experience for me, it certainly was worth diving into, just for a simple, and pleasant little diversion ... although I must admit, the experience is very forgettable by Pixar standards.
#23 “Cars” (2006)
I always regarded this one as just a perfectly harmless and wholesome family film, but still average. I was mid-way through middle school at the time this premiered, and I really didn’t make any kind of nostalgic connection to it. It’s also a very predictable story, with kind of an odd premise, and in a very strange setting. It still has its moments, it has its morals, and it even has some fine animation, so take it for what it’s worth.
#22 “Onward”
(2020)
Pixar seemed to take a page from DreamWorks, as this feature combined
fantasy creatures with a contemporary setting, and a heavy lean on modern
comedy. Beyond that, it’s also a film about family togetherness, as two
brothers set off on a journey to bring back their missing father … at least his
upper half. I’ll be honest, this movie did not grab my interest from the start,
and I found it a mostly dull sit. However, the film thankfully redeemed itself
with a smart, entertaining, and emotionally satisfying third act. The result is
a movie that I found to be okay at best, the ending made it worthwhile, but the
rest of the movie honestly left me looking onward to whatever Pixar had to
offer next ... yes, I had to make that pun.
#21 “Cars 3” (2017)
It goes without saying that I haven’t been a fan of the “Cars” franchise, and while this film certainly didn’t win me over, it’s at least better then the previous two movies. There was a clear effort to make this something poignant, as opposed to another cash grab sequel, but I just can’t say it crossed the finish line a winner either. Sports fans, or long-time followers of this series will probably get more than me, but as someone who’s never really liked them, it felt like a good but very forgettable flick. Truthfully, I’m not sure who the target audience is for this one, as it’s not goofy enough for kids, nor interesting enough for adults, and it just falls into this void as a result. Like I said, it’s at least a more thoughtful film then the previous movies, and if you’ve been a fan, you’ll probably like this fine, but for me ... that Incredibles sequel just can’t get here fast enough.
#20 “Turning Red” (2022)
For young teens going through big changes in their lives, you might find something you can relate to in this coming of age, family comedy/drama. Over on the East side of the world, a young, quirky teenager is torn between the adolescence of youth, and up-holding her perfect image for her mother. During moments of intense stress, she manifests into a giant Panda/Fox beast, which suddenly gains her new found attention at school. Soon, it becomes a mater of making your own choices, and being your own individual. In the plus column, this film takes clear influence from Japanize Anime, and the love for the genera is all over the picture. The film is also generally a well-intended picture, albeit a little misguided, and the message could send mix signals for some. For me, I felt it misses about as often as it hits, as it was challenging to get behind the emotions when I found every character got just a little irritating at times.
#19 “Finding Dory” (2016)
While this film can’t escape the feeling of being a pointless and admittedly even forgettable sequel, I still find it better than it had any right to be. The beauty of the ocean world is still present, the characters are still enduring, and the emotional moments are all still there. Yet, for some reason, this film just didn’t stick a perfect landing for me. It was good, and kids will probably have more fun with this film, but that’s just it. While there are some touching highlights, this sequel seems to favor goofy antics and cartoony visuals over the mature tone and heart of the first movie. Still, this was a welcome reunion with some of my favorite Pixar characters, just not one that holds as much water as others.
#18 "Lightyear" (2022)
Without question, “Lightyear” fits right into my wheel house of fast-paced, beautifully animated, straightforward Sci-Fi adventure … and for that, I certainly had a great time watching it. My only reservation with the film is that it could have easily been an original picture, with elements of both “Interstellar” and “The Martian” rolled in, but I really don’t think it needed to be tied into the “Toy Story” franchise … it really did feel like a last minuet tweak to have this tied into a successful IP. As a long time fan, I can safely say this films take on Buzz Lightyear was nothing demanding, and the villain Zurg was not accurate to the character. Even for a franchise junky like me, I still feel that studios should put more faith into something new … which Pixar usually excels at.
#17 “Incredibles 2” (2018)
Pixar has been either hit or miss with their sequels, and thankfully, this is a case in which I find the sequel to be just on point. It has the relatable family drama, but it’s also a consistently joyful and fun experience, which is something I felt missing from the first film. The focus this time is placed on the family as a whole as opposed to just the dad, with touching themes at the center, yet there’s no shortage of exciting super hero excitement, and well-placed comedy. Throw in some gorgeous visuals, especially in regards to the lighting, and you’ve got a worthy follow-up to a successful movie, and one that I genuinely found myself enjoying ... certainly not to the same extent of the first, but good enough in it's own right.
#16 “Elemental” (2023)
Pixar returns to it's wheelhouse of colorful creativity and imagination in the world of "Elemental" ... although, the freshness has lost some of it's bight. Had this come out years earlier, like around 2009, the wonder and visual design of the film would have left more of a memorable impression. It's just a victim of being released in a time where the "wow factor" really isn't there anymore. Even the star cross lovers angle was a very familiar one, with the only new element literally being the elements on display. All that being said, "Elemental" still has a lot of merit in it's production, themes and ideas, that it makes for a decent enough watch. It may not be on par with Pixar's best works, but I'll take this over a lesser sequel or spin-off, as it's at least trying to be something unique and special. For any long time Pixar fan, I'd say it's worth viewing, just don't set your expectations too high.
#15 “Up” (2009)
I certainly admire “Up” for being a really mature film with some very adult themes, but perhaps the film just feels a little too cynical to really win me over. I certainly don’t have any animosity for “Up”, I just didn’t feel that same magical balance between comedy and drama that I felt in films like “Finding Nemo” or “Toy Story 3”. When I first saw this movie, I kept saying to myself “I should be enjoying this”, but I just wasn’t. I think it’s simply a case of good material going a little too far for its own good. Having said all of that, this is still a very mature children's film, one that is absolutely worth viewing, especially for the opening 10 minutes, and if you were able to enjoy this from beginning to end, like any other Pixar film, then good for you, I really wish it worked like that for me.
#14 “A Bug’s Life” (1998)
Following on the land mark event of “Toy Story”, and even the surprise enjoyment of DreamWorks “Ants”, “A Bugs Life” has always felt somewhat mediocre to me. The characters, while generally appealing, were just kind of average, the story was basic, and once again, I felt some of it got a little too intense for its own good. Still, looking back back on this film as an adult, it certainly has it’s charms, most of the side characters are appealing, the film is bright and colorful, the musical score is one of the absolute best of the whole studio's offerings, and while it’s certainly not one of Pixar's greatest, it’s at least charming enough for repeat viewings, and it's grown on me over the years.
#13 “Soul” (2020)
When a jazz performer suddenly meets his demise, his soul finds it’s way to a land where new souls are created, and he in turn forms a partnership with a soul that doesn’t want to be born. It leads into a crazy journey though the sprit world, soul swapping with bodies on earth, and maybe in the end … both these souls will discover their own special view on the meaning of life. In many respects, this film borrows from a number of movies that I’ve been conditioned to, like “Coco”, “Inside Out”, and obviously “It’s a Wonderful Life”. As such, the message really couldn’t leave as big an impact, as the message has already impacted me in other films and stories. Having said that, the execution of this movie is nearly flawless, with powerful vocal performances, inspired ideas, a brilliantly layered screenplay, and some of the best animation the studio has ever produced. Perhaps I’m just a little too familiar with its virtues to rank this film higher, but I know a great movie when I see one … and “Soul” is without question one of the studio’s most inspired, and humble offerings.
#12 “Ratatouille” (2007)
Here's one of many fine examples in which I was initially expecting to dislike a Pixar film, but it snuck up on me, and left me smiling from ear to ear. When a rat and human chef work together to perfect their dish, they end-up turning their restaurant into a smashing success. The characters are likable, the story is refreshingly simple, and the experience feels light as air. Also, I absolutely love this movies atmosphere, with its warm colors, and the setting of Pairs feels like a character in of itself. The ending is a real joy, and one of the best from Pixar’s roster. It's simply one of those movies that just gets a little better every time I watch it, and while not one of my absolute favorites, it’s still a gem in its own subtle way.
#11 “The Incredibles” (2004)
Of all the Pixar movies, “The Incredibles” is the one that I feel I should love more then I do, but I mainly just like it, and enjoy watching it from time to time. From the perspective of a super hero comedy, this film was done very well, as the characters were great, the action is awesome, the jokes are funny, and the story holds my interest well. However, I didn't always feel a proper balance between the comedy and the cynical, even depressing moments. It’s still a terrific film, but it always felt just a little too tonally inconsistent for me to really love, and rank higher. Not one of my top Pixar favorites, but still a classic, and one that fits nicely in that box of good Pixar movies that I have fondness for.
#10 “Brave” (2012)
This was the first original Pixar movie in years that really seemed to be taking the studio into new territory. Admittedly, the execution was far from perfect, but it’s not without some merit, and despite all it's shortcomings, it's a film that fits quiet comfortably in my wheelhouse of mystical fantasy. I like that for once we have a movie centered around both the struggles and bonding between a mother and doubter. The lead princess is also a winning main character, with an awesome design, but it’s also a double edge sword, as she’s better than the movie as a whole. I feel this film struggled to find the right direction, and tone, as more care and attention was clearly given to the environment rather than an engaging narrative. Still, there’s a lot to love, as the animation is stellar, the mystical atmosphere is effective, the music is really nice, and I do like the set-world of this movie … I just wish the plot was more interesting. All the same, I loved seeing Pixar tackle the fantasy adventure genera, even if the final product was a bit of a mess.
#9 “Coco” (2018)
It's Mexico's Day of the dead, and a young boy is itching for music, even though it's going against his families wishes. Soon, he finds himself trapped in the land of the dead, and is on a journey to find the secrets of his past lineage. The initial set-up didn't hook me, but give it time, and it stands as another solid piece of work from Pixar. Truthfully, I think “Coco” is one of the best original films the studio has ever produced, it has incite into another cultures holiday, it talks about family ties, it has an imaginative setting, it has visual marvels, and for once, a Pixar movie has terrific songs that really stand out and give the film some character. It’s yet again a very emotional movie experience, and one that absolutely got me teary eyed by the end. While I feel Pixar has gotten too comfortable making sequels to their earlier hits, “Coco” proves that they’ve still got the talent and means to provide both solid, and original family entertainment.
#8 “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
Much like the “Toy Story” movies, “Monster’s Inc.” is a treasured little gem from my youth that always manages to put me in a good mood. While the lack of drama and depth dose keep it from reaching the same heights as the “Toy Story” movies, it’s still very fun and creative. The characters are charming and memorable, the story is simple, yet very innovated, the villains are some of the absolute best that Pixar has to offer, and the climax is especially fun to watch. I love the jazzy music, I enjoy the world the film created, and it’s just a really pleasant and fun little film.
#7 “Toy
Story 4” (2019)
I’m one of the most committed fans of the “Toy Story”
franchise to walk the earth … like, those films are so near and dear to me that
I’ll be holding on to them to the pit of death … and even I initially rolled my
eyes at the idea of a fourth film. Low and behold, you can always count on
Pixar to do the unexpected and deliver another solid sequel. It was everything
funny, romantic, exciting, sentimental and beautiful that the franchise has
been built on, and yet, it still wasn’t afraid to take risks, and steer our
favorite characters in a new direction. With the sharpest animation on display
yet, and another deeply heartfelt ending to add to this series resume of
powerful endings, “Toy Story 4” accomplished the unthinkable, and added
another beautiful chapter to this perfect collection of movies.
#6 “Wall-E” (2008)
I remember when this film first came out, I thought for sure that I was going to hate it, but to my surprise, it turned out of be a really good film, and one that understands the value of patience. The lead character Wall-E is so innocent, gentle and cute that it’s impossible not to like him. This is also a rare Pixar movie to feature a romantic relationship that genuinely touched me. It’s even more ironic that it’s a relationship between two robots, but that just shows how great the righting is. The two lead characters are great, the visuals are stunning, the story is simple and fun, yet not without some moral subtext, and it’s just a genuine, unique little picture that’s easy to enjoy.
#5 “Toy Story 3” (2010)
As if I didn't make it obvious already, the "Toy Story" franchise is one of my all time favorites, and the original three fit quiet comfortably among my top five favorites of Pixar offerings. “Toy Story 3” is that rare third installment that really works, and its a perfect ending to a classic series of films. The story is darker, the adventure edgier, yet the comedy is some of the funniest I’ve seen from any Pixar movie, and the emotional highlights … boy, get those tissue boxes ready. I felt this film took all the dramatic content I admired from the previous “Up”, but gave me the right balance of fun, excitement, and a great feeling of closure to a great series. Our lovable cast of characters come full circle. The villain is intimidating, while also sympathetic. It’s a sequel that took me right back to my childhood love for the first two, and is just another solid entry into the Pixar cannon.
#4 “Inside Out” (2015)
You know that little voice in your head that always tells you what to do in any given situation ... well, that’s an emotion, or more precisely, one of five distinct emotions that live in your imagination, and have creative influence on how you live each day. That’s the premise of Disney and Pixar’s 2015 motion picture “Inside Out”. From the moment I saw this movie, I felt it really had the makings of a classic, and has something to offer to younger audiences, older audiences, and especially the young at heart. Pixar had been turning out some sub-par material previously, but this was a very strong return to the high-quality films that they’ve done in the past. It was imaginative, colorful, innovative, touching, magical, and for lack of better words ... a truly emotional experience that I look forward to seeing again, and again.
#3 “Toy Story” (1995)
Perhaps one of the most sacred gems from my child hood, “Toy Story” is one of those special classics that has only gotten better with age. It’s a simple tale of a child’s playthings coming to life to fight for the most attention, and laced through that premise is terrific comedy, imagination, adventure, and even legit drama. While the film will always be remembered for reinvigorating the world of animation, it’s the films humble characters, top notch writing, clever wit, and near flawless execution of a simple story that make it last through the ages.
#2 “Finding Nemo” (2003)
It’s really hard not to like “Finding Nemo”, because it’s just so perfectly constructed, with an engaging story, unforgettable characters, an infectiously captivating ocean setting, and a wholesome moral that speaks to both children and adults alike. The colors and especially the details of this ocean setting are still captivating to this day, and even the hummer has aged well. This was also one of the first to have a really dramatic edge, but balanced out with all the right seeds of heart and fun. I don’t even need to comment further, if you’ve seen the movie already, then you know just how great it is.
#1 “Toy Story 2” (1999)
The first “Toy Story” was a big game changer in terms of animation, and a timeless classic for both its story, and well rounded characters … how could you possibly top that? Well, surprisingly, you get a sequel that’s not only as good, but in many ways improves on the first, one-up’s the entertainment, with funnier jokes, dazzling animation, yet also adds new layers to the characters, along with some surprising emotional backstories, and you have a near perfect film. Still to this day, “Toy Story 2” remains not only my favorite movie on Pixar’s roaster, but also one of my top 20 ... oh heck ... top 10 favorite films in general. The original characters are better than before, and joining them is arguably my favorite roundup of new characters from any of these movies. It’s a movie I adored as a kid, and it’s stuck with me well into my adult years.
Thanks for reading my Pixar countdown, and continue to enjoy the movies you love!
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