Pixar’s latest animated feature Elemental has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, heartfelt story, and imaginative world where the classical elements – fire, water, earth, and air – come to life. If you adored Ember and Wade’s unlikely romance that bridged the divide between their opposing elements, you’ll definitely want to check out these 15 fantastic films that share similar themes, gorgeous animation, and moving stories.
1. Zootopia (2016)
Zootopia transports us to a mammal metropolis where newly minted bunny cop Judy Hopps forms an unlikely partnership with sly fox Nick Wilde to uncover a conspiracy. Like Elemental, it builds a richly detailed world and explores prejudice and stereotyping through its anthropomorphic animal citizens.
The bustling city of Zootopia feels just as vibrant and diverse as Elemental City, with districts tailor-made for animals from different habitats. And like how Ember and Wade must overcome societal expectations around fire and water’s incompatibility, Judy and Nick confront ingrained biases against predator and prey species to solve the case and forge a touching friendship. With its clever world-building, endearing odd couple leads, and thoughtful social commentary, Zootopia is a must-watch for any Elemental fan.
2. Inside Out (2015)
Another Pixar classic, Inside Out takes us inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, where her personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – navigate the challenges of a cross-country move. It’s a poignant and humorous look at how our feelings shape our identity and interpersonal relationships.
Inside Out shares Elemental‘s fascination with visualizing abstract concepts. While Elemental brings the four elements to life, Inside Out transforms emotions into colorful characters who work together in Riley’s “headquarters.” Both offer moving depictions of internal struggles, like Sadness and Joy’s journey to define their roles or Ember grappling with familial pressure and her fiery nature. For another inventive Pixar world and a touching story about understanding our emotions, queue up Inside Out.
3. Coco (2017)
Coco follows 12-year-old Miguel on a magical journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history and prove his musical talent. It’s a visually dazzling celebration of Mexican culture, family bonds, and following your passion.
Like Elemental, Coco builds its story and themes around a specific cultural tradition – in this case, the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The Land of the Dead is a spectacular feat of animation, a glowing cityscape that feels just as lovingly crafted as Elemental City’s elemental neighborhoods. And both Miguel and Ember must reconcile family expectations with their true calling, ultimately proving that our differences can be a source of strength. For a moving meditation on honoring those who came before while still blazing your own trail, give Coco a watch.
4. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
This Disney animated adventure follows warrior princess Raya on a quest to find the last dragon and save her fractured kingdom of Kumandra from the monstrous Druun. It’s an epic story of trust, unity, and healing division.
Raya parallels Elemental in how its fantasy setting reflects real-world tensions. Kumandra was once united but split into five warring regions, not unlike how Elemental City’s elements self-segregate into separate districts. And like Ember and Wade’s forbidden romance, Raya must learn to trust those she was taught to fear, including rival princess Namaari. With its stunning Southeast Asian-inspired visuals, exciting action, and resonant message about bridging divides, Raya and the Last Dragon is perfect for Elemental fans.
5. Onward (2020)
Pixar’s Onward introduces elf brothers Ian and Barley on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. It’s a funny, sentimental story of fraternal bonds and the magic of the everyday.
While Onward‘s modern fantasy suburbia looks quite different from Elemental‘s elemental metropolis, the two share thematic DNA. Both center on characters embracing their true nature – Ian must believe in his own magic, while Ember learns that her flames make her special. And the central relationships – Ian and Barley’s brotherly love, Ember and Wade’s opposites-attract romance – ground the spectacular settings in heartfelt emotion. For a touching, often hilarious take on finding magic in the mundane, Onward is a perfect pick.
6. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s jazzy twist on the classic fairy tale, follows hardworking waitress Tiana and arrogant Prince Naveen, transformed into frogs, as they navigate the bayous of 1920s New Orleans. It’s a charming story of love, dreams, and discovering what truly matters.
Like Elemental, The Princess and the Frog reimagines an old story with vibrant new characters and settings. Tiana is a driven, practical heroine in the vein of Ember, while Naveen shares Wade’s easygoing charm. And the film’s hand-drawn animation brings the magic of New Orleans and the bayou to life, just as Elemental‘s cutting-edge visuals immerse us in a world built on the four elements. For an enchanting romance with a soulful twist, hop on over to The Princess and the Frog.
7. Luca (2021)
Pixar’s sun-drenched coming-of-age story Luca follows the title character and his fellow sea monster best friend Alberto as they explore the Italian Riviera town of Portorosso in human form. It’s a sweet, nostalgic tale of friendship, acceptance, and the joys of youth.
While Luca trades a sprawling city for an intimate seaside village, it shares Elemental‘s focus on characters concealing their true nature to fit in. Luca and Alberto’s sea monster identities parallel Ember and the other elements keeping to their own kind. And both stories celebrate the freedom and joy of embracing your authentic self and finding those who accept you as you are. For a heartwarming summer adventure, dive into Luca.
8. Moana (2016)
This Polynesian-inspired Disney musical follows the title character, an adventurous teen, on an ocean voyage to save her island home with the help of fallen demigod Maui. It’s a rousing journey of self-discovery, mythology, and the power of nature.
Moana may not have a literal city of elements, but its tropical setting feels just as alive, from the lush island of Motunui to the shimmering seas. And Moana’s quest to find her true calling as a wayfinder echoes Ember’s struggle between duty to her family and her burning passions. Both are independent, driven heroines who must navigate their identities and destinies. With its gorgeous animation, memorable songs, and uplifting message, Moana is a perfect companion piece to Elemental.
9. Turning Red (2022)
Pixar’s Turning Red introduces Meilin “Mei” Lee, a 13-year-old torn between being her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence – which for her, includes turning into a giant red panda when she gets too excited. It’s a funny, frenetic exploration of growing up and letting go.
Like Elemental, Turning Red uses a fantastical conceit to explore relatable coming-of-age struggles. Mei’s red panda alter ego externalizes the messiness of puberty, much like Ember’s flames make her stand out. And both grapple with familial expectations and generational divides before learning to embrace all parts of themselves. For a hilarious, heartfelt, and unabashedly weird take on accepting your inner beast, check out Turning Red.
10. Zootopia+ (2022)
This anthology series of animated shorts revisits the world of Zootopia, following the lives of some of the original film’s most intriguing supporting characters. It’s a delightful return to the mammal metropolis that feels like a collection of breezy bonus features.
While Zootopia+ may not have a single overarching story like Elemental, its vignettes further flesh out the rich tapestry of life in the city where anyone can be anything. From arctic shrew crime boss Mr. Big’s daughter’s wedding day to Flash the sloth’s DMV misadventures, these side stories capture the diversity that makes Zootopia – and Elemental City – such captivating places. To dive deeper into an animated world you love, queue up Zootopia+.
11. Encanto (2021)
Encanto, Disney’s vibrant musical fantasy, centers on the Madrigals, a Colombian family where every child is blessed with a magical gift – except for Mirabel. But when the family’s enchanted casita is threatened, ordinary Mirabel may be their last hope. It’s a colorful celebration of family, empathy, and finding your place.
Like Elemental, Encanto builds its emotional stakes on a foundation of family dynamics. The Madrigals’ magical gifts are a heightened version of the roles we play in our families, much like the elements’ traits define their identities. And both Mirabel and Ember must learn to see their ordinariness as a strength. With its dazzling animation, earworm songs, and powerful message of acceptance, Encanto will cast a spell on any Elemental fan.
12. Brave (2012)
Pixar’s Scottish fantasy Brave follows the fiery, free-spirited Princess Merida as she defies an age-old custom, inadvertently unleashing chaos in the kingdom. To set things right, Merida must rely on her bravery and archery skills while mending her bond with her mother. It’s a lively, heartfelt story of family, fate, and forging your own path.
Merida shares Ember’s independent streak, bucking traditions that don’t align with her desires. And like Elemental‘s focus on Ember and her father Bernie’s tense relationship, Brave centers on Merida and her mother Queen Elinor learning to communicate and accept each other. With its atmospheric Highland setting, exciting adventure, and touching mother-daughter story, Brave is an ideal pick after Elemental.
13. Frozen (2013)
Disney’s snowy sensation Frozen tells the story of fearless optimist Anna, who teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. It’s a heartwarming tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and the power of true love.
While Frozen‘s focus on the bond between sisters differs from Elemental‘s central romance, Elsa’s struggle to control her magic parallels Ember coming to terms with her fiery nature. Both learn that their powers can be a blessing rather than a curse. And Frozen‘s stunning snowy landscapes feel just as immersive as Elemental‘s elemental world. For another touching story of embracing what makes you special, let Frozen melt your heart.
14. Big Hero 6 (2014)
This Disney animated superhero comedy follows robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada and his cuddly, inflatable healthcare companion Baymax as they form a high-tech hero team to combat a masked villain. It’s a funny, action-packed story of loss, friendship, and using your gifts to help others.
Big Hero 6‘s near-future city of San Fransokyo blends American and Japanese influences to create a unique urban landscape, not unlike how Elemental City mixes modern metropolis with classical elemental imagery. And like Ember and Wade’s partnership, Hiro and Baymax prove that our differences can make us stronger. For a thrilling, poignant adventure that celebrates the power of friendship and technology, suit up for Big Hero 6.
15. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur imagines an alternate history where the dinosaurs never went extinct, following young Apatosaurus Arlo as he befriends a feral human boy named Spot and embarks on a journey to find his way home. It’s a simple but soulful story of courage, companionship, and confronting your fears.
While The Good Dinosaur‘s naturalistic setting differs greatly from Elemental‘s urban fantasy, Arlo and Spot’s unlikely interspecies friendship echoes Ember and Wade bridging the divide between fire and water. Both pairs learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and overcome hardships together. With its breathtaking photorealistic landscapes, heartfelt emotion, and themes of resilience, The Good Dinosaur is worth digging up post-Elemental.
These 15 films showcase the breadth and depth of modern animated storytelling, tackling universal themes with humor, heart, and visual splendor. Whether you’re drawn to Elemental‘s richly realized world, charming romance, or message of acceptance, you’re sure to find something to love in these other enchanting adventures. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these movies ignite your imagination.
