1. Toy Story 1995，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1079594, ID: 0114709 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Toy Story, the first feature made entirely by computer, achieves a three-dimensional reality and freedom of movement that is both liberating and groundbreaking. The movie doesn’t simply animate characters in front of painted backdrops; it fully animates the characters and the space they occupy, allowing its point of view to move freely around them. It’s an amazing ride that changed animation forever.
2. A Bug’s Life 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 317570, ID: 0120623 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A Bug’s Life, with its rich images and sneaky throwaway lines, provides a more complex and fully realized environment compared to previous Pixar films. The film is about an ant colony that frees itself from slavery to grasshoppers. The animators, led by director John Lasseter, provide rich images.
3. Monsters, Inc. 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 989891, ID: 0198781 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Monsters, Inc. is a delightful film about a world where monsters are scared of kids. The Pixar computer animators create an uncanny sense of dimension and movement. There’s something dreamlike about the visuals of Monsters, Inc., something that evokes the reverie of scuba-diving.
4. Finding Nemo 2003，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 1123334, ID: 0266543 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Finding Nemo is a visually astounding, wildly inventive winner. The marine milieu calls for more visual delicacy and aural subtlety than in past Pixar features. Their imagery captures not only the play of light through the ocean’s depths, but the texture of its roiling surface and the luminescence and character-defining locomotion of its inhabitants.
5. The Incredibles 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 819461, ID: 0317705 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Incredibles is a superhero spoof that alternates breakneck action with satire of suburban sitcom life. The Pixar Studios steps right again with The Incredibles, showing off the studio’s mastery of popular animation. The sleek computer animation is spellbinding as usual.
6. Cars 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 477444, ID: 0317219 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Cars, a film that tells a bright and cheery story with a sense of loss. It’s about a racing car named Lightning McQueen who ends up in a forgotten town, Radiator Springs. The film is a jolly comedy, filled with action and jokes. It’s a testament to Pixar’s ability to create a captivating story with inanimate objects.
7. Ratatouille 2007，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 839019, ID: 0382932 Photo by e-fle.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Ratatouille is a film that goes beyond being just an animated feature. It’s a thriller, a comedy, and a love story. The story revolves around Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a chef. The film is a testament to Pixar’s ability to create a world where a rat can become a chef and food can take on an almost unbearable sensuality.
8. WALL·E 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1213089, ID: 0910970 Photo by ideonexus.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 WALL·E is a film that succeeds at being an enthralling animated film, a visual wonderment, and a decent science-fiction story. It tells the story of WALL·E, the last functioning solar-powered robot on Earth. The film is a testament to Pixar’s ability to create a character that is cute in a human way.
9. Up 2009，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 1137415, ID: 1049413 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Up is a film that tells a story as tickling to the imagination as the magical animated films of my childhood. It’s about Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman, who fulfills his lifelong dream by flying away to the South American wilderness. The film is a testament to Pixar’s ability to create a story that deals with life experience in a way that is almost never found in family animation.
10. Toy Story 3 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.3, IMDB Votes: 900533, ID: 0435761 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Toy Story 3 is a film that is a jolly, slapstick comedy, lacking the almost eerie humanity that infused the earlier “Toy Story” sagas. It’s about the toys finding themselves at a day-care center, which they initially think they’ll like. The film is a testament to Pixar’s ability to create a story that is engaging and filled with action and jokes.
11. Cars 2 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 222187, ID: 1216475 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Cars 2 is a visually stunning film that takes viewers on an international racing-and-spying adventure. However, the film’s plot complexity may be a bit too much for some, especially kids. The film’s animation system was completely rewritten for the first time in 25 years, which is a testament to Pixar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation.
12. Brave 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 446899, ID: 1217209 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Brave is a beautifully animated film that tells the story of Merida, a rebellious Scottish princess, whose journey is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Despite its somewhat weak plot, the film’s animation and voice acting are top-notch, making it a visual treat. The film’s animation system, Presto, was first built for Brave and was a significant technological advancement for Pixar, showcasing their innovative spirit.
13. Monsters University 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 394677, ID: 1453405 Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Monsters University is a charming film that, while not groundbreaking, is still enjoyable and humorous. The film offers a fresh take on the classic boy-and-his-pet narrative, with the boy being the pet. The film’s production involved a significant amount of research, including a trip to Scotland.
14. Inside Out 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 815413, ID: 2096673 Photo by blogak.goiena.eus, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Inside Out is a poignant and thoughtful film that explores the complexity of emotions. It’s one of Pixar’s funniest and most affecting films. The film’s production involved a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including voice recording sessions and the creation of complex character models.
15. The Good Dinosaur 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 129060, ID: 1979388 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Good Dinosaur is a visually stunning film that tells a touching story of interspecies friendship. Despite its title, the film is not about the main character being ‘good’, but rather about bravery and growth. The film’s production involved a lot of research and the creation of beautifully rendered photorealistic backgrounds.
16. Finding Dory 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 307637, ID: 2277860 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Finding Dory, a sequel to the beloved Finding Nemo, is a beautifully animated adventure that dives deep into the theme of family and self-discovery, resonating with audiences of all ages. The film’s portrayal of Dory’s short-term memory loss is both humorous and poignant, making it a memorable character study that tugs at the heartstrings. The animation is praised for its realism, capturing the magic of the underwater world in stunning detail. Despite some predictability, the film’s emotional depth and engaging storytelling make it a worthy sequel that stands on its own.
17. Cars 3 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 125515, ID: 3606752 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Cars 3 offers a more nuanced and emotional journey compared to its predecessors, exploring the challenges of an aging athlete with a thoughtful narrative that resonates with both young and old. Despite some predictability, the film’s animation and character dynamics, especially between Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez, are engaging and heartfelt. It’s a testament to Pixar’s ability to balance action-packed spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, making it a standout in the franchise.
18. Coco 2017，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 603703, ID: 2380307 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Coco is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and folklore, offering a deep exploration of family, legacy, and the power of music that is both entertaining and educational. The film’s animation is stunning, capturing the colorful Land of the Dead with a level of detail that is truly breathtaking and immersive. Coco’s narrative is filled with allegory and metaphor, making it a deeply resonant and emotive work that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to Pixar’s storytelling prowess, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
19. Incredibles 2 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 336205, ID: 3606756 Photo by clamorworld.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Incredibles 2 brings back the beloved superhero family with a narrative that explores the dynamics of changing family roles. The film cleverly updates the world of the Incredibles, staying true to what fans loved about the first movie while introducing new themes and characters. Despite some narrative predictability, the film’s animation is top-notch, and its action sequences are thrilling. It’s a fun, family-friendly film that offers both entertainment and emotional depth.
20. Toy Story 4 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 284444, ID: 1979376 Photo by gaypost.it, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Toy Story 4 offers a satisfying conclusion to Pixar’s iconic franchise, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and change with a narrative that is both nostalgic and fresh. The film introduces new characters and brings back old favorites, creating a story that is both heartwarming and adventurous. The animation is superb, and the storytelling is poignant, making Toy Story 4 a fitting end to a beloved series. Despite being a sequel, the film manages to deliver a unique and emotionally resonant story that stands on its own.
21. Onward 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 172656, ID: 7146812 Photo by midlifecrisiscrossover.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Onward, a Pixar film, is a deeply personal tale that explores the possibility of spending one more day with a loved one who has passed away. The film’s high-energy, pop-culture-heavy result feels frantically eager to please. Despite its episodic structure, it provides a glimpse of what director and co-writer Dan Scanlon was aiming for in sharing an intimate piece of his childhood on the big screen. However, the character design is blandly off-putting.
22. Soul 2020，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 386846, ID: 2948372 Photo by thymindoman.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Soul, another Pixar creation, is about a jazz pianist who has a near-death experience and gets stuck in the afterlife, contemplating his choices and regretting the existence that he mostly took for granted. Despite its weighty themes, the project has a light touch. It’s a film as beautiful to contemplate as it is to behold, proving Pixar’s power to deliver outstanding all-ages entertainment.
23. Luca 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 198705, ID: 12801262 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Luca, set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Despite being a slightly predictable plot, it’s a heartwarming, beautifully told story that recaptures a lot of the magic and heart that Pixar animations are known for.
24. Turning Red 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 156227, ID: 8097030 Photo by amazon.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Turning Red is a radical, brazenly hormonal PG movie that instantly fills a huge void in the lives of awkward, novel female teens who might just be starting to crawl out of their childhood cocoons with a disharmony of mystifying awakenings and sexual feelings. It’s a film that represents much of this repeated passage of time in a montage.
25. Lightyear 2022，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 125794, ID: 10298810 Photo by sketchfab.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Lightyear, a Pixar film, is not the origin story of the Buzz Lightyear toy from Pixar’s “Toy Story” series. It’s the origin story of the reason the Buzz Lightyear toy wound up in Andy’s bedroom. The film offers a good balance between emotion and comedy. Visually stunning with plenty of humor and heart, Lightyear is another shining example of Pixar’s ability to tell captivating and grounded stories.
26. Elemental 2023，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 134156, ID: 15789038 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Pixar’s ‘Elemental’ is a visually stunning film that attempts to tackle complex social issues through its unique world-building, offering a fresh perspective on societal dynamics. The film is set in a metropolis where natural elements represent different social classes, creating a visually rich and thought-provoking environment. However, it struggles to balance its ambitious metaphor with a compelling narrative, resulting in a film that feels underdeveloped in its storytelling. Despite this, the animation is praised for its fluidity and creativity, showcasing Pixar’s technical prowess. As a critic, I appreciate Pixar’s attempt to explore new themes and narratives, but ‘Elemental’ falls short of the studio’s usual standard of storytelling excellence. It’s a colorful spectacle, but lacks the depth and nuance that usually make Pixar films so memorable.
Pixar’s Hidden Magic: 26 Mind-Blowing Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Revealed
