15. Cars (2006)
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is the flashy name of the flashy car that joins a band of anthropomorphic cars, competing for the Piston Cup. There’s a lesson on friendship weaved in there somewhere.
Carswas originally intended to follow upA Bug’s Life, but was postponed in favor ofToy Story, so it didn’t release until 2006.
During this time, director John Lasseter revamped the original script for “The Yellow Car” into a racecar sports flick inspired by his own road experiences. We’re guessing those experiences didn’t include any encounters with talking vehicles, though.
14. Brave (2012)
Going all the way back to the Scottish Middle Ages, Princess Merida takes center stage (or field) as a feisty, arrow-slinging teenage redhead who accidentally turns her mother into a bear.
Bravewas a first of many elements for Pixar—not just its Scottish setting, but the first female protagonist, first female director (Brenda Chapman), and first use of a new animation software called Presto.
The result? A simultaneously punchy and tender feminist movie that subtly educates kids on medieval history without them noticing.
Related:Every Disney Princess, Ranked: Who Is the Best Disney Princess?
13. Moana (2016)
Moanatakes place across ancient Polynesian islands, such as Hawaii. As Pixar’s animation was already so developed and crisp by 2016, the glistening of the sea is crystal clear and calling out to us.
For Moana, however, these lands are no relaxing beach holiday. When her gorgeous and abundant tropical world begins to die out, it’s up to her to save things—by returning a divine relic to the goddess Te Fiti.
Moanais one of those rare animations that feel almost sacred, and we love the protagonist’s lack of romantic partners or Prince Charmings.
12. Coco (2017)
InCoco, we see Pixar take a step away from the standard setting of suburban America. Instead,Cocotakes place in vibrant Mexico, where young Miguel dreams of becoming a musician.
The only problem is, his family forbids it. After uncovering a family secret, he decides to enter the Day of the Dead talent show anyway. What ensues is a dynamic, magical trip into the not-so-scary Land of the Dead, giving kids a taste of something more culturally diverse.
11. WALL-E (2008)
Prepare for this cute little robot to break your heart, being the only (lonely) one left on planet Earth.WALL-Ewas made with a very clear message in mind: stop consuming so much unnecessary stuff!
With the globe completely overrun with garbage and Operation Clean Up having completely failed, the human race now lives on a spaceship.
Obese, brainwashed, and mindlessly distracted by technology, mankind is practically at an end—just like the environment. That is, until WALL-E and his robot girlfriend EVE show up and save us all.
10. Turning Red (2022)
InTurning Red, we get another Pixar movie where a human is turned into an animal—this time, a giant red panda. It’s also the only Pixar movie that’s solely directed by a woman (Domee Shi), which is appropriate considering its focus on the adolescent female experience.
Turning Redwas the top animation of 2022, but it didn’t come without its controversies. Most loved its educational panda metaphor for puberty, whereas other deemed it inappropriate for kids.
Similarly, while many viewers appreciatedTurning Red’s inclusivity and diversity of characters, a vocal handful of Pixar fans felt left out by its focus on the Asian community.
Controversies aside,Turning Redis an important film in Pixar’s filmography as it represents the studio’s willingness to step out into wider cultures and offer more representation in its animation.
9. Up (2009)
Upis a solid rival toThe NotebookandThe Impossiblewhen it comes to films that will make you weep. Specifically, the montage scene that depicts the loss of Carl’s childhood sweetheart.
To honor his wife’s passing, grumpy old man Carl takes a trip to Paradise Falls (where she’d always dreamed of going). He ties 20,622 balloons to his house and flies away to the land of talking dogs and giant exotic birds.
There’s just one thing he didn’t plan for: young Wilderness Explorer Russell tagging along!
Related:The Saddest Pixar Movie Scenes and Moments of All Time
8. Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar has a beautiful way of visually capturing passion.
InRatatouille, flavors present themselves as dancing lights every time Remy (a rat who longs to be a chef) tries a new food combination, like fireworks exploding in the darkness. Having left the herd, Remy lives his dream of cooking in a fancy Parisian restaurant.
The only catch? He has to hide under the hat of kitchen porter Alfredo Linguini. But that’s OK, because Remy discovers that he can control Alfredo’s limbs from within his hat and begins to cook food by living—quite literally—through him.
7. A Bug’s Life (1998)
An early classic,A Bug’s Lifefollows the life of a small ant facing off against the big bad world of “bug city.”
When Flik accidentally destroys the colony’s food stores, he’s made to restore it—with interest—or face the axe. He decides to raise an army of insects to fight against the grasshoppers instead.
Here, children are taught the values of teamwork as well as individuality. Adults just get a good laugh.
6. Soul (2020)
This Oscar-winning animated movie, which happens to be the most recent Pixar production as of this writing, follows broke jazz musician Joe Gardner, whose near-death experience triggers a spiritual awakening in the Great Before.
Get ready for an existential crisis. Are we sure this is even a kids film?Soulis more like an introspective adult cartoon—the colorful flowing lights serve to distract kids while parents question the meaning of life.
Related:The Best Movies About Jazz Music
5. Inside Out (2015)
Inside Outprimarily takes place in the mind of 11-year-old Riley. Her five core emotions—Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust, and Sadness—are personified into colorful characters who work together to control her neuropsychology and keep her in balance.
But when Joy and Sadness are accidentally lost, the Headquarters of Riley’s Brain turns to chaos as they try to figure out how to restore order and prevent Riley from destroying her relationships.
Much likeSoul,Inside Outtreats all ages of the family as equals, engaging the minds of 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds alike as it essentially teaches us how to deal with our emotions.
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
After his son gets abducted by divers, agoraphobic clownfish Marlin leaves his safe coral home and dives into the abyss to find his son and bring him back home.
On the way, he befriends ditzy blue-tang fish Dory (who suffers from comical short-term memory loss), stoner turtles, and sharks who aren’t as scary as they look—a lesson Marvin continually learns.
Even thoughFinding Doryhad its moments, it’s nothing compared to the original.Finding Nemowas an instant classic at release, navigating viewers through ocean depths and dangers of the land.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
Beginning in the 1950s, the world has turned against superheroes because of all the damage and disruption they cause, which puts Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl out of their jobs.
Mr. Incredible finds himself particularly downtrodden by the monotony of suburban life, and embarks on secret missions to defeat his ex-sidekick, Syndrome. It doesn’t stay secret for long, though, and soon the whole family’s involved.
An animated match for the MCU,The Incrediblesis an animated superhero movie like no other. The sheer creativity and wit make it a hit with older viewers, earning third spot on our list.
Related:The Best Midlife Crisis Movies
2. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters Inc.opens with a truly terrifying scene for any sensitive child—glowing eyes rising under the bed—but once the light is switched on, the comedy kicks in.
The film takes place in Monstropolis, where funny creatures put on a scary face to extract fuel from kids' screams. It’s clever, it’s witty, and the final scene just might break your heart…
Monster’s Inc.finds inventive and entertaining ways to teach kids that there’s no need to fear the monsters lurking in the closet. The lovably fluffy Sully (or “Kitty” as the toddler Boo calls him) and his sarcastic one-eyed buddy Mike are the least scary things in the world.
1. Toy Story (1995)
Of all the brilliant Pixar movies out there,Toy Storyis the most famous. And it’s no wonder why! Touching and original, it was the first of the Pixar films and launched the modern era of animated CGI movies.
Toy Storygives us a glimpse into the world of toys, who only come to life when nobody is looking. Woody and his gang of toys welcome newbie space-ranger Buzz Lightyear, who fast becomes Andy’s new favorite toy. Overcome with jealousy, Woody plans to eliminate his competition—and quickly receives his karma.
Toy Storywas followed by a number of successful sequels, concluding with the fourth entry in 2019.Toy Story 2was particularly loved by fans, but the one that started it all must take the throne as king.
Read next:Has Pixar Run Out of Ideas? Why Pixar Movies Are Underwhelming Lately
