Editor’s Notice: this record was initially printed in June 2023. It has since been up to date to incorporate Pixar‘s newest output.
Once you ask somebody about their favourite Pixar movie, the reply often says much less in regards to the film than it does in regards to the particular person. The legendary animation studio has remained on the prime of its recreation for years due to how its movies use their large high-concept concepts to discover basic truths. A comedy about speaking toys turns into a narrative about friendship and rising up; a child’s film about fish turns into an emotional story of fatherhood; a movie a few rat that likes to cook dinner turns into a sneakily profound story in regards to the nature of artwork and inspiration. The films change into very private to every viewer, particularly for individuals who’ve grown up with Pixar’s work and have seen its releases function milestones of their lives.
That mentioned, even the most important Pixar fan alive may most likely admit that the studio has been going by way of a (greater than) slight tough patch for the final a number of years. The crew remains to be greater than able to placing out a basic. Simply three years in the past, Pixar launched one in every of its all-time greatest movies with “Turning Pink.” However 2022 additionally noticed the studio’s all-time worst movie with the swiftly and broadly mocked “Lightyear.”
Since 2011 with “Automobiles 2,” the studio has overindulged on sequels to a few of their canonical classics (see “The Incredibles 2” and “Discovering ory”) to virtually universally diminishing returns. Unique Pixar movies proceed to return out, however typically really feel as in the event that they’re lacking the ingenious spark of the corporate’s earliest output, with 2025’s middling “Elio” a outstanding instance.
However we’ve come right here right this moment to have fun Pixar, not mourn it. No matter whether or not its future movies disappoint or ship, we’ll nonetheless have the corporate’s basic output, most of which stays as humorous, lovely, and emotional because it did when it first premiered. Right here’s all 29 Pixar movies, from the unique “Toy Story” to “Elio,” ranked from worst to greatest.
With editorial contributions by Invoice Desowitz.
29. “Lightyear” (2022)
What it’s: “Toy Story” with out its soul. Packaged because the movie that the toy Buzz Lightyear from Pixar’s most well-known franchise tied in to, “Lightyear” takes the beloved character and refashions him as a badass house pilot. The result’s an icon flattened of all that after made him enjoyable, positioned in a charmless motion journey film that does nothing to justify its existence.
The breakout character: Not a personality, however the quote from voice actor Chris Evans about how that is “the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy relies on,” which is that this movie’s single lasting contribution to the broader tradition.
Will it make you cry? Presumably from disappointment that Pixar is severely sinking this low.
28. “Automobiles 2” (2011)
What it’s: A clumsy grafting of a spy motion film on the “Automobiles” franchise, “Automobiles 2” shifts focus away from Lightning McQueen and onto his greatest pal Mater, as he’s mistaken for a undercover agent and roped into fixing a (very foolish, uninteresting) world conspiracy. Each character apart from Mater will get sidelined, leading to an unbalanced movie that rests on the charms of Larry the Cable Man to remain afloat.
The breakout character: Mater, however in a nasty means.
Will it make you cry? No.
27. “The Good Dinosaur” (2015)
What it’s: The astonishingly uninteresting and forgettable story of dinosaur/farmer Arlo, who makes an attempt to make his means again residence with a wild human baby in tow.
The breakout character: The titular good dinosaur, we guess.
Will it make you cry? No.
26. “Onward” (2020)
What it’s: In a fantasy world model of the fashionable day, elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot try and revive their deceased father, bringing the 2 nearer than ever earlier than within the course of.
The breakout character: The legs-only model of their dad that Ian and Barley summon, who serves as good bodily comedic reduction within the movie.
Will it make you cry? “Onward” has greater than its justifiable share of fraught household dynamics on show, however in the end it’s not the tear-jerker Pixar often conjures up.
25. “Discovering Dory” (2016)
What it’s: An amusing however slight sequel to “Discovering Nemo,” 2016’s “Discovering Dory” refocuses on the breakout star of the primary film, telling the story of how the forgetful fish tracks down her long-lost household.
The breakout character: Ed O’Neil as Hank, the octopus with seven limbs that finally ends up aiding Dory on her journey. In a featherweight movie, his cranky, dour power supplies some much-needed friction when put subsequent to Dory’s perpetual optimism.
Will it make you cry? From cuteness overload upon seeing child Dory in the beginning of the film, probably; in any other case, the movie is a bit too saccharine to hit the specified Pixar affect, and principally serves to remind you of how good the unique “Discovering Nemo” was.
24. “Elemental” (2023)
What it’s: Pixar’s first rom-com and largest stab at a love story, directed by Peter Sohn.
The breakout character: Ember, the hearth character, and Wade, the water character, are the 2 breakouts, which required modern tech to drag off their animation. The method Pixar used, fluid simulation, is often dealt with by the VFX crew, however this was the primary time they took the lead in absolutely simulating the characters in a novel collaboration with character animation.
Will it make you cry? Sure, it’s a tearjerker with the movie culminating in an emotional expression of affection between the star-crossed Elementals. —BD
23. “Inside Out 2” (2024)
What it’s: Pixar’s scattered sequel to the primary “Inside Out” (see a lot, a lot increased on this record) is a pure sufficient evolution of the preliminary conceit, exploring the brand new feelings (Anxiousness, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment) that enter the thoughts management room of human lady Riley (Kensington Tallman) as she grows into her teen years. However the steadiness between the fantastical inside world storyline and the real-life coming-of-age storyline is fatally off; the comedic antics of the feelings crew by no means intersect with Riley’s struggles in a significant means, and solely dilute the storytelling happening exterior her head. The primary movie launched by the studio after chief artistic officer Pete Physician’s feedback that Pixar could be prioritizing “commonality of expertise” over “director’s catharsis,” “Inside Out 2” carries all of the indicators of an organization extra invested in introducing simply marketable and merchandisable characters than it’s in offering actual, human emotion.
The breakout character: Riley herself; the real-world plot — which sees {the teenager} meltdown throughout a keep at hockey camp as she turns into satisfied her mates are abandoning her — is a painfully uncooked and trustworthy take a look at the mini disasters of adolescence. Riley emerges as an especially sensible teenage character, one who most likely deserves higher than being the second banana to a bunch of muppety feelings.
Will it make you cry: For a sequel to an enormous Pixar cry fest, “Inside Out 2” will depart your eyes surprisingly dry.
22. “Elio” (2025)
What it’s: A scattered house opera, “Elio” has loads of pleasures, from its beautiful animation to its enjoyable alien designs. However the story, a story of a younger boy determined to be kidnapped by extraterrestrials to flee his grief over his dad and mom’ deaths, by no means completely lifts off, with skinny characters and surface-level writing that fails to raise it above mediocrity.
The breakout character: Glordin, the squishy larva-like alien that turns into a key determine in Elio’s makes an attempt to stay on the Communiverse. He’s lovely, hyperactive, humorous, and tailored to be was a plushie.
Will it make you cry? “Elio” actually tries to get the tears rolling in its climax, nevertheless it by no means has the emotional affect it’s aiming for. A part of the issue is the stakes are simply too low: The drama with Elio on earth isn’t robust sufficient to help his adventures up within the stars.
21. “Monster’s College” (2013)
What it’s: A prequel that solutions a query no person had, “Monster’s College” recounts how Mike and Sulley from the primary “Monster’s, Inc.” turned greatest mates, within the type of a really kid-friendly and solely entertaining sufficient school comedy.
The breakout character: Dean Hardscrabble, the imposing however cheap authority determine on the faculty with a memorable design and the regal voice of Helen Mirren.
Will it make you cry? Not likely the response that it’s going for!
20. “Automobiles” (2006)
What it’s: Though dinged on the time of its launch as Pixar’s worst, the unique “Automobiles” holds up nicely, particularly as the corporate put out considerably weaker movies within the years to return. Lightning McQueen’s compelled keep at Radiator Springs is a low-key however sneakily well-written story about friendship and group, and packs an emotional punch the “Automobiles” sequels principally abandon.
The breakout character: Doc Hudson, the spiky mentor to the brash Lightning, performed brilliantly by Paul Newman in one in every of his final performances.
Will it make you cry? Newman’s large “they stop on me speech” is unquestionably primed to get viewers members misty eyed.
Learn IndieWire’s information to The Finest Automobile Motion pictures.
19. “Luca” (2021)
What it’s: The totally-not-gay (wink) story of Luca and Alberto: two preteen boys with an intense bond due to a secret they have to cover with a purpose to keep away from being ostracized by their insular group. In these boys’ case, the key is that they’re sea monsters, however the subtext is clearly there, even when the movie’s shallow writing doesn’t fairly resonate as authentically queer.
The breakout character: Massimo, the intimidating however kindly father of Luca’s pal Giuliana, and the primary supply of real coronary heart for “Luca.”
Will it make you cry? It actually goals to get some nostalgic tears out of the viewers with its sunny portrait of a youthful summer time, however “Luca” by no means goes deep sufficient to actually carry the waterworks.
Learn IndieWire’s information to The Finest Mermaid Motion pictures.
18. “The Incredibles 2” (2018)
What it’s: The last decade-later sequel to “The Incredibles” is a enjoyable affair, with Brad Chook and the unique voice forged reuniting for a narrative in regards to the super-powered household going through a model new risk. However weaker villains and retreaded components from the unique lead to a film that by no means fairly lives as much as the perfection of the unique, even with Bob Odenkirk becoming a member of the forged.
The breakout character: Voyd (voiced by Sophia Bush), the dorky superhero fangirl of Helen who makes the most important impression out of any of the brand new supes launched.
Will it make you cry? The extreme flashing sequences could screw along with your eyes, however in any other case, no.
17. “Automobiles 3” (2017)
What it’s: In a good sufficient conclusion to the “Automobiles” franchise, an accident places Lightning McQueen’s profession in jeopardy, and forces him beneath the care of Cruz Ramirez: a private coach with racing ambitions of her personal.
The breakout character: Cruz is a enjoyable, spunky foil to Lightning, giving the franchise the shot of power it wanted to lap in direction of a dignified ending after “Automobiles 2.”
Will it make you cry? Should you’re closely invested within the character arc of Lightning McQueen, then certain.
16. “A Bug’s Life” (1998)
What it’s: Pixar was nonetheless discovering its identification when it launched “A Bug’s Life”: the corporate’s second characteristic about an ant trying to avoid wasting his colony from a terrorizing group of grasshoppers. It’s a bit fundamental in comparison with what was in Pixar’s future. Nonetheless, it’s a enjoyable youngsters film, even when it doesn’t have the inter-generational attraction of the studio’s greatest.
The breakout character: Filled with memorable characters, however the funniest might be Heimlich: the dopey inexperienced caterpillar determined to blossom right into a butterfly.
Will it make you cry? No, neither is it attempting to make you.
15. “Toy Story 4” (2019)
What it’s: The fourth “Toy Story” film by no means fairly justifies its existence, nevertheless it spins a decently fulfilling story for predominant character Woody, as his struggles to regulate to his new proprietor ship him on a quest to seek out his place on this planet — reuniting with previous flame Bo Peep within the course of.
The breakout character: Forky, whose existential dread is an amusing special approach for the franchise’s central conceit.
Will it make you cry? Should you’ve been watching the movies from the very starting, Woody and Buzz’s large goodbye will undoubtedly carry tears to your eyes; in any other case, most likely not.
14. “Coco” (2017)
What it’s: What could possibly be a generic coming-of-age story will get lifted up by its real feelings and cultural specificity. “Coco” focuses on Miguel, a 12 year-old boy whose musical aspirations battle together with his household’s longtime ban of music, as he’s transported to the afterlife throughout the Day of the Lifeless.
The breakout character: The titular Coco, Miguel’s aged and clever great-grandmother.
Will it make you cry? Even those that don’t look after the remainder of the movie will possible get teary-eyed throughout the large “Keep in mind Me” scene.
13. “Courageous” (2012)
What it’s: “Courageous” mainly was a very completely different film after authentic director Brenda Chapman bought changed by Mark Andrews and Steve Purcell, shifting it away from a extra intense motion movie to a homebound household comedy. The result’s an inconsistent film with tonal and pacing points, however the story of Merida’s struggles to interrupt free from the constraints she offers with as a princess in her Scottish kingdom — and her sophisticated relationship along with her mom — offers the movie sufficient weight to not utterly collapse.
The breakout character: Merida herself; Pixar’s first feminine predominant protagonist, she’s enjoyable, feisty, and flawed in a means that makes her a magnetic display screen presence, one which elevates the messy movie round her.
Will it make you cry? When you’ve got mommy points, then undoubtedly.
12. “Soul” (2020)
What it’s: That includes a spectacular soundtrack by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste, “Soul” follows Joe: a jazz pianist who falls right into a coma and wakes within the realm of souls. Teaming up with a pre-born soul 22, Joe makes an attempt to flee and journey again residence.
The breakout character: Terry, the management freak astral being pursuing Joe and 22 and the closest factor the understated film has to a villain.
Will it make you cry? Youngsters received’t cry, however adults who see themselves in Joe’s pursuit of greatness undoubtedly will.
11. “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
What it’s: Pixar’s funniest outright comedy, “Monsters, Inc.” is a full-on tribute to the ability of being humorous. Set in a world the place monsters makes use of the screams of human youngsters for power, the movie sees staff Sulley and Mike by accident harbor a human baby that escapes into the monsters world, the place they quickly be taught that laughter is way extra highly effective an power supply than screams.
The breakout character: Mike Wazowski, impeccably voiced by Billy Crystal in the perfect comedic efficiency in a Pixar film.
Will it make you cry? From laughter, perhaps!
10. “Toy Story” (1995)
What it’s: The place all of it started! The unique “Toy Story” launched audiences to the residing toys that will change into cultural icons. However the characters aren’t fairly what they have been within the following films; well-known good man Woody is a prima donna of the very best order, as he makes an attempt to hog proprietor Andy’s consideration following the acquisition of motion determine Buzz Lightyear. When the 2 find yourself within the residence of Andy’s neighbor Sid, although, they’re compelled to crew up and change into mates to outlive.
The breakout character: Sid, whose bratty habits and nightmarish experiments with toys make him an ideal antagonist.
Will it make you cry? You most likely received’t be bawling, though the scene the place Buzz is compelled to confront his existence as a toy is the primary signal of the deeper points Pixar would grapple with sooner or later.
9. “Up” (2009)
What it’s: The story of Carl, a retiree who turns his residence into an airship with balloons with a purpose to go to Paradise Falls: the vacation spot he and his deceased spouse Ellie all the time dreamed of seeing. When Russell, an 8-year-old wilderness explorer, by accident finally ends up on the journey as nicely, Carl is compelled to confide in the younger boy and let go of the bitterness that he’s protected himself with since shedding Ellie.
The breakout character: Dug, the speaking golden retriever, who manages to delicately toe the road between “lovely” and “annoying” as required of any good animated sidekick.
Will it make you cry? It famously will! The saddest a part of “Up” is its opening sequence, which particulars the life Carl shared with Ellie; it’s an ideal self-contained quick designed to destroy you.
8. “Toy Story 3” (2010)
What It Is: The extremely emotional (not precise) finale to the “Toy Story” saga sees Andy all grown up, and on the verge of heading to school. After his mother by accident throws away the toys he meant to retailer at residence, the crew winds up in Sunnyside Daycare: a seemingly peaceable place dominated with an iron fist by the psychotic Tons-O’-Huggin’ Bear.
The Breakout Character: Barbie and Ken, whose enjoyable screwball-esque romance leaves large footwear for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling to fill within the live-action “Barbie” film in 2023.
Will it make you cry? The final twenty-ish minutes are just about designed to make anybody who ever watched a “Toy Story” movie have a full-fledged breakdown.
7. “Toy Story 2” (1999)
What it’s: Principally the primary “Toy Story” however higher: funnier, smarter, sweeter, extra thrilling, and extra emotional. When Woody will get a tear in his arm, he develops anxieties about getting thrown away by Andy, and finally ends up stolen by toy collector Al, who intends to promote him to a toy museum in Japan. As the opposite toys race to avoid wasting him, Woody is compelled to think about whether or not he desires to stay in good situation ceaselessly, or benefit from the few quick years he’ll get with the proprietor he loves.
The breakout character: Jessie, the cowgirl toy Woody meets, whose backstory is among the many saddest of any Pixar hero, and who turned basically the third lead of the franchise going ahead.
Will it make you cry? That rattling Sarah McLachlan music will virtually actually get you sobbing, sure.
6. “Inside Out” (2015)
What it’s: Pixar leans into its popularity for emotional tales with “Inside Out,” a movie about feelings. Within the thoughts of Riley — an bizarre child going by way of a giant life change after her household strikes to a different state — 5 feelings (Pleasure, Disgust, Anger, Worry, and Unhappiness) management her reactions to the world round her. However when Pleasure and Unhappiness get knocked out of the management tower and are compelled to seek out their means residence, the 2 find yourself studying lots about how sophisticated feelings actually are, and the way that complication will assist Riley develop right into a full human being.
The breakout character: Bing Bong, the forgotten imaginary pal who was designed to make folks cry over the lack of their inside baby.
Will it make you cry? It is going to, and contemplating its message that disappointment is as necessary to life as happiness, it’s just about actively encouraging that.
5. “WALL-E” (2008)
What it’s: Pixar’s best romance focuses on WALL-E, a cleanup robotic on a ruined earth who meets EVE: a monitoring robotic looking for liveable life on the polluted world. The famously dialogue-less opening half of the movie is pitch good; the movie’s message of environmental safety by no means feels overly preachy or tacked on; and the connection between the 2 robots results in a few of the most lovely moments in animation — and even movie — historical past.
The breakout character: The cockroach WALL-E befriends, who by some means out-cutes the famously cute robotic.
Will it make you cry? From starting to finish, child.
Learn Why ‘WALL-E’ Is the Excellent First Film for Cinephiles to Watch with Their Youngsters by David Ehrlich.
4. “Turning Pink” (2022)
What it’s: Pixar’s first nice movie in seven years, “Turning Pink” is a beautiful coming-of-age for Mei Lee: a hyperactive lady in Toronto whose strained relationship along with her mom turns all of the extra sophisticated when she discovers her skill to show into a big purple panda. Director Domee Shi closely primarily based the movie on her personal childhood rising up, and its specificity and deeply felt emotion makes the film transcend potential cliché and resonate as one of many studio’s greatest.
The breakout character: 4*city, the best fictional band of all time.
Will it make you cry? The connection between Mei and her mom is one in every of Pixar’s most resonant, and their confrontation on the finish is assured to hit you exhausting.
3. “The Incredibles” (2004)
What it’s: Arguably the perfect superhero movie of all time (give or take “Into the Spiderverse”) the unique “The Incredibles” focuses on the Parr household: a superhero clan residing in a world the place these with powers are outlawed. The household takes on the devious Syndrome — Pixar’s funniest and darkest villain — in an journey that’s an ideal mixture of humorous, action-packed, and emotional.
The breakout character: Frozone’s spouse, who’s accountable for “The place is my supersuit?” It’s simply the funniest second in any Pixar film ever.
Will it make you cry? Not one of many studio’s greater tearjerkers, however its portrait of middle-aged malaise will certainly hit residence for adults watching with their youngsters.
2. “Ratatouille” (2007)
What it’s: One among Pixar’s smartest and deepest movies, “Ratatouille” follows Remy, a French rat who goals of changing into a terrific chef — and finds an ally in Linguini, the busboy on the restaurant of his culinary idol.
The breakout character: Anton Ego, the tough meals critic voiced by Peter O’Toole, who initially comes throughout as a one-dimensional stereotype earlier than changing into the middle of the movie’s emotional climax.
Will it make you cry? “Ratatouille” isn’t as well-known a tearjerker as another Pixar movies, however the film is an understated emotional experience, with its themes of group, artwork, and the pursuit of greatness hanging a deep chord.
1. “Discovering Nemo” (2003)
What it’s: A comedy flick, a street journey movie, a jail break film: “Discovering Nemo” is loads of issues. However the movie is Pixar’s greatest as a result of it grounds all of it within the vividly rendered relationship between fish father Marvin and his son Nemo, who he struggles to let develop and inadvertently pushes away. Marvin’s quest to seek out Nemo after he will get kidnapped is Pixar’s most satisfying emotional journey: a wonderfully paced and plotted journey that also cuts deep on the primary or third or 5,000th watch.
The breakout character: As a lot because it’s gauche to reward Ellen DeGeneres these days, the comic turned in an all-time voice appearing efficiency as Dory, giving the movie its coronary heart and soul by way of the cheerful, candy, and barely unhappy amnesiac.
Will it make you cry? From the traumatic opening to Dory’s climactic speech to Marvin and Nemo’s reconciliation, this movie may have you crying sufficient to refill the Nice Barrier Reef your self.