When Pixar’s Inside Out hit theaters in 2015, it captured the hearts of audiences young and old with its creative, colorful and emotionally complex look at the inner workings of a young girl’s mind. Exploring themes of growing up, moving to a new place, family bonds and learning to process difficult emotions, Inside Out was a groundbreaking animated film that showed how movies made for kids could have incredible depth and insight.
If you loved the touching, funny and thought-provoking journey of Inside Out, here are 18 other amazing movies that share similar themes and are sure to give you all the feels:
1. Up (2009)
One of Pixar’s most beloved films, Up follows the story of 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen who ties thousands of balloons to his house and sets off on an adventure to Paradise Falls to fulfill a promise to his late wife Ellie. Along the way, he meets 8-year-old stowaway Russell and together they encounter talking dogs, a giant bird named Kevin and Carl’s childhood hero Charles Muntz.
With its poignant depiction of love, loss, aging and unlikely friendships, Up packs an emotional punch, especially in its heartbreaking opening montage. But it’s also full of humor, excitement and a spirit of adventure. Like Inside Out, it shows the complex inner life of its characters and how opening yourself up to others can lead you to unexpected places.
2. Coco (2017)
This vibrant, music-filled Pixar film follows 12-year-old Miguel who accidentally enters the Land of the Dead and must find his great-great-grandfather to return to the living and reverse his family’s ban on music. Coco is a colorful celebration of Mexican culture and traditions, especially the holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
But on a deeper level, it’s a moving exploration of family, remembrance, legacy and following your dreams. With stunning animation and a beautiful soundtrack, Coco will make you laugh, cry and appreciate the power of music and memory to keep loved ones close to your heart, even after they are gone.
3. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters, Inc. takes place in Monstropolis, a world powered by the screams of human children, which are collected by monster “scarers” who sneak into kids’ bedrooms at night. Top scarer Sulley and his assistant Mike’s world is turned upside down when a little girl named Boo enters the monster world.
Directed by Inside Out‘s Pete Docter, Monsters, Inc. is hilarious, clever and sneakily touching as it reveals the vulnerability behind the monsters’ scary exteriors and the unlikely bond formed between Sulley and Boo. It’s a charming example of facing your fears, challenging assumptions and how even the most unlikely of friendships can change your life.
4. Onward (2020)
Set in a fantasy world filled with elves, pixies and dragons, Onward centers on teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley who embark on a quest to magically spend one last day with their late father. With the voice talents of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, Onward is a funny, heartfelt road trip adventure.
But it also doesn’t shy away from heavy themes of loss, insecurity and yearning for connection. As the brothers learn more about their father and each other, Onward becomes a poignant tribute to sibling bonds, the challenges of growing up and finding magic in the everyday. It’s a perfect pick if you want a movie that will make you smile while also tugging at your heartstrings.
5. Toy Story 3 (2010)
While all the Toy Story movies masterfully blend humor and emotional depth, Toy Story 3 stands out for its mature themes as Andy heads off to college and the toys face an uncertain future. Accidentally donated to a daycare, Woody, Buzz and the gang must stick together in their most harrowing adventure yet.
Toy Story 3 is thrilling, funny and bittersweet as it reflects on change, growing up and moving on. From the toys’ brave stand against the daycare’s bitter teddy bear Lotso, to Andy’s final playtime before giving them away, the film is full of powerful moments that will resonate with viewers of all ages. Like Inside Out, it acknowledges that growing up can be scary but also full of new possibilities.
6. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs missed Earth? In this alternate world, a young Apatosaurus named Arlo gets separated from his family and must find his way home with the help of a feral caveboy named Spot.
While not as well-known as other Pixar films, The Good Dinosaur is a visually stunning, western-inspired coming-of-age tale. As Arlo faces his fears and learns to survive in the wild, the movie touches on themes of independence, unlikely friendships and dealing with grief. Its simple but tender story will appeal to dinosaur lovers and anyone who knows what it’s like to feel small in a big world.
7. Frozen (2013)
On the surface, Disney’s Frozen seems like a typical princess fairy tale as sisters Anna and Elsa are separated when Elsa’s magical ice powers spin out of control. But as the sisters try to reconnect and save their kingdom from eternal winter, Frozen becomes a much deeper story about fear, acceptance and the true meaning of love.
With catchy songs like “Let It Go,” lovable characters like Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer, and stunning snowy animation, Frozen is a delight for all ages. But its real magic is in showing the power of sisterhood and being true to yourself. For anyone who’s felt like they have to conceal parts of who they are, Frozen‘s message of embracing your authentic self will strike a chord.
8. Inside Out (2015)
Of course, we have to include Inside Out itself on this list! Diving inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, Inside Out personifies her emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust as they try to guide her through a difficult move from Minnesota to San Francisco.
Endlessly imaginative and insightful, Inside Out is a masterclass in visualizing abstract concepts like personality, memory and emotional processing. As Joy and Sadness get lost in Riley’s mind, the film becomes a touching and relatable journey through the challenges of growing up and learning that all emotions, even the difficult ones, have a purpose. With its balance of humor and poignancy, it’s easy to see why Inside Out resonated with so many viewers.
9. Brave (2012)
Pixar’s Brave follows the headstrong Scottish princess Merida who defies tradition and her mother’s expectations by pursuing archery and adventure. But when a magic spell goes wrong and turns her mother into a bear, Merida must find a way to break the curse and mend their strained relationship.
With its lush highland visuals, feisty heroine and moving mother-daughter story, Brave offers a refreshing take on the princess genre. As Merida and her mother Elinor learn to see things from each other’s perspectives, the film becomes a powerful exploration of communication, empathy and being brave enough to forge your own path.
10. The Incredibles (2004)
The Incredibles introduces us to a family of superheroes forced to hide their powers and live a quiet suburban life. But when Mr. Incredible is lured into a mysterious assignment by a villain named Syndrome, the whole family must band together to save the day.
Blending a nostalgic 1960s aesthetic with Pixar’s signature wit and heart, The Incredibles is an exhilarating superhero adventure. But it’s also a relatable family comedy as each member of the Parr family struggles with their own doubts, desires and identities. With themes of teamwork, being true to yourself and appreciating your family’s unique qualities, The Incredibles is an incredible pick for movie night.
11. Ratatouille (2007)
In Ratatouille, Remy is a food-loving rat who dreams of becoming a chef. He teams up with clumsy garbage boy Linguini to secretly cook at a fine French restaurant, leading to culinary fame and a battle with a villainous food critic.
Filled with mouth-watering food animation and a sweet story of an underdog pursuing his passion, Ratatouille is a delectable treat. But beyond the kitchen antics, it also explores deeper themes of art, criticism, integrity and not letting anyone define your limits. Its inspiring message that “a great artist can come from anywhere” will encourage kids and adults alike to follow their dreams, no matter how unconventional.
12. WALL-E (2008)
Pixar’s WALL-E takes place in a dystopian future where Earth is covered in trash and humans have evacuated on a luxury spaceship. WALL-E is the last robot left to clean up the planet until he meets a sleek probe named EVE and falls in love, setting off an intergalactic adventure.
While WALL-E features stunning sci-fi visuals and thrilling action, at its core it’s a poignant love story between two robots learning to connect. It’s also a thought-provoking cautionary tale about consumerism, environmental destruction and technology’s effect on humanity. But WALL-E‘s curiosity, kindness and wide-eyed wonder make the film as hopeful as it is bittersweet.
13. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro follows young sisters Satsuki and Mei who move to the countryside while their mother recovers from an illness. There they discover magical forest spirits, including the giant fuzzy creature Totoro who takes them on adventures and helps them cope with their mother’s absence.
Filled with lush hand-drawn animation and childlike wonder, My Neighbor Totoro is a soothing, meditative ode to nature, imagination and childhood resilience. While it touches on more serious themes of illness and loneliness, the film’s gentle spirit and lovable characters make it a comforting, timeless classic for all ages.
14. Zootopia (2016)
Disney’s Zootopia takes us to a mammal metropolis where newly minted bunny cop Judy Hopps teams up with sly fox Nick Wilde to solve a missing mammals case. But their investigation leads them to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the city’s peace between predator and prey.
Combining a clever buddy cop comedy with gorgeous animal animation, Zootopia is a wildly entertaining adventure. But it also boldly tackles mature themes of stereotyping, prejudice and institutional bias with nuance and sensitivity. As Judy and Nick challenge their own assumptions and society’s expectations, Zootopia becomes a powerful allegory for inclusion, empathy and being more than what others see you as.
15. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Set in the Viking village of Berk, How to Train Your Dragon centers on Hiccup, a scrawny misfit who befriends an injured dragon he names Toothless. As Hiccup learns more about dragons, he must convince his dragon-fighting village, including his stubborn father Stoick, that everything they know about the creatures is wrong.
Breathtaking flying sequences and epic adventures aside, How to Train Your Dragon soars because of the tender friendship between Hiccup and Toothless. A moving tale of loyalty, acceptance and redefining tradition, the film shows how empathy can break down barriers and change the world. Its lesson that “everything we know about you guys is wrong” is one that will resonate long after the credits roll.
16. The Iron Giant (1999)
The Iron Giant takes place in 1950s Maine where a young boy named Hogarth discovers and befriends a giant alien robot. As Hogarth tries to protect the misunderstood giant from a paranoid government agent, the two form a touching friendship that will make you believe “you are who you choose to be.”
With its gorgeous retro aesthetic, Cold War themes and powerful anti-violence message, The Iron Giant was ahead of its time. But it’s also a timeless story of acceptance, choice and staying true to your values even in the face of fear. Anchored by Hogarth and the Giant’s unlikely bond, the film is a testament to the transformative power of friendship and heroism in all forms.
17. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
From Laika Studios, Kubo and the Two Strings follows a one-eyed boy in ancient Japan who must locate a magical suit of armor to defeat his evil grandfather, the Moon King. Joined by a stern monkey and brave beetle, Kubo embarks on a thrilling quest filled with origami, magic and adventure.
Blending stunning stop-motion animation with Japanese folklore, Kubo and the Two Strings is a visual marvel. But it’s also a poignant meditation on storytelling, family legacy and coping with loss. As Kubo learns to let go of his pain and write his own story, the film becomes a powerful allegory for growing up and the memories that shape us. Its mature themes and emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable journey.
18. Turning Red (2022)
Pixar’s Turning Red introduces us to 13-year-old Mei Lee, a Chinese-Canadian girl who turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. As Mei navigates adolescence, boy bands and her overprotective mother, she must learn to embrace the messy, vulnerable parts of herself.
Boldly exploring the cringey, awkward realities of puberty and girlhood, Turning Red is Pixar’s funniest and most unapologetically female-centered film yet. But it’s also a moving story about mother-daughter relationships, intergenerational trauma and learning to be true to yourself. With its early 2000s nostalgia, diverse representation and catchy boy band songs, Turning Red is a relatable, joyful coming-of-age gem.
Whether you’re looking for laughter, tears or a little bit of both, these 18 movies are sure to fill the Inside Out-shaped hole in your heart. Filled with lovable characters, stunning animation and poignant themes of growing up, chasing dreams and embracing emotions, these films prove that animation is not just for kids. So grab some popcorn (and tissues) and get ready to feel all the feels with these incredible movies like Inside Out!
