Pixar has been the gold standard in animated films for nearly three decades now. From their groundbreaking debut with Toy Story in 1995 to their latest offering Inside Out 2 in 2024, Pixar has consistently delivered heartfelt stories, compelling characters, gorgeous animation, and films that appeal to kids and adults alike.
But with 28 feature films under their belt now, the question is – how do they all stack up against each other? Which films are the studio’s best, and which ones didn’t quite live up to Pixar’s lofty standards? Let’s dive in and rank every Pixar movie from worst to best.
28. Cars 2 (2011)
Look, every ranking has to have a bottom, and unfortunately Cars 2 is it. The first Cars was a charming if somewhat forgettable entry in the Pixar canon. But the sequel took things in a truly baffling direction, making Mater the tow truck a globe-trotting spy and sidelining Lightning McQueen. The result was a loud, crass, joyless film that felt more like a cynical cash grab than a labor of love. Even the animation, while technically proficient, lacked the warmth and wonder we expect from Pixar. Cars 2 is the rare outright misfire from the studio.
27. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
The Good Dinosaur had a notoriously troubled production, with the original director being removed and the story getting massively overhauled late in the game. The end result feels like a film at war with itself. The animation of the landscapes is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and nearly photorealistic. But the cartoonish character designs clash badly with the hyper-detailed environments.
The story, following a young apatosaurus named Arlo, is a simple boy-and-his-dog tale that never quite connects emotionally the way Pixar’s best films do. Arlo himself is kind of a whiny, annoying protagonist. And the pacing is sluggish, with long stretches of characters just wandering the wilderness. The Good Dinosaur has its moments of visual splendor and a touching ending, but overall it’s one of Pixar’s most forgettable efforts.
26. Cars 3 (2017)
Give Pixar some credit – they clearly knew they needed to shake things up after the disaster of Cars 2. And Cars 3 is a marked improvement, returning the focus to racing and putting Lightning McQueen back in the lead role as he faces the end of his career. The new characters, like the spunky trainer Cruz Ramirez, are welcome additions. And the story has some thoughtful things to say about aging gracefully and passing the torch to a new generation.
But despite the fresher coat of paint, Cars 3 still feels somewhat uninspired, hitting predictable story beats. The pacing also drags at times, and the plot takes a while to get going. It’s a perfectly decent film, especially compared to its predecessor. But it’s still second-tier Pixar at best.
25. Monsters University (2013)
Did we really need to see Mike and Sulley’s college days? Monsters University is a pleasant enough prequel, showing how everyone’s favorite monster duo met and became friends. And there are some funny gags about college life and academia along the way.
But the story feels low-stakes and inessential overall. We know Mike and Sulley will end up friends and working at Monsters, Inc., so there’s not a lot of tension. The new characters are hit-or-miss. And while it’s nice to spend more time with these beloved monsters, the film never justifies its existence as anything more than an enjoyable but disposable cash grab. Pixar is usually better than that.
24. Brave (2012)
Brave was a groundbreaking film in some ways – Pixar’s first with a female lead, and one that tackled mother-daughter relationships in a way animated films rarely do. And on a technical level, the animation was stunning, especially Merida’s wild mane of red curls.
But the story is a bit of a mess, awkwardly combining fairy tale whimsy with action-adventure and slapstick comedy. The magical elements, like Merida’s mother being turned into a bear, feel out of place. And Merida herself, while feisty and independent, isn’t the most compelling protagonist. She spends most of the movie being petulant and making bad decisions.
Brave has its charms, but it feels like a minor, uneven entry in the Pixar filmography. It’s not bad by any means, but considering the talent involved, it should have been better.
23. A Bug’s Life (1998)
As Pixar’s sophomore effort, A Bug’s Life had the unenviable task of following up the groundbreaking Toy Story. And while it’s a solid film, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.
The story, clearly inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, follows an ant colony as they enlist a ragtag group of circus bugs to defend them from grasshoppers. It’s a fun premise, and the voice cast is stacked with comedy legends like Dave Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Denis Leary.
A Bug’s Life showed that Pixar wasn’t a one-hit wonder, but it also proved they were still finding their storytelling voice.
22. Onward (2020)
Onward has a killer premise – two elf brothers living in a fantasy world that’s become modernized embark on a quest to spend one last day with their deceased father. And the voice work from Tom Holland and Chris Pratt as the brothers is excellent, bringing real emotion to their strained but loving relationship.
But while Onward starts strong, it loses steam in the second half, falling back on a generic adventure plot with a somewhat underwhelming climax. The modern fantasy world is fun but not as fleshed out or memorable as it could be. And the supporting characters, like the lion-centaur police officer, are more one-note jokes than fully-realized personalities.
Onward has a lot of heart, and its exploration of grief and brotherly bonds is touching. But compared to Pixar’s best, it feels a bit thin and underdeveloped, with a story that doesn’t quite live up to its ambitious themes. It’s a good film, but not a great one.
21. Luca (2021)
Luca is a sweet, gentle film that evokes the laid-back charms of a summer in the Italian Riviera. The animation is gorgeous, capturing the sun-dappled streets and sparkling waters in loving detail. And the central friendship between the sea monster boys Luca and Alberto is adorable and heartfelt.
But while Luca is never less than pleasant, it’s also a bit slight and low-stakes compared to Pixar’s more ambitious films. The story of outsiders hiding their true selves and longing for acceptance is a familiar one, and Luca doesn’t add much new to the formula.
Still, Luca is a charming, easygoing film that’s perfect for a lazy summer day. It may not reach the heights of Pixar’s classics, but it’s a lovingly crafted, warmhearted tale of friendship and self-discovery. Sometimes that’s enough.
20. Turning Red (2022)
Turning Red is a bold, unabashedly weird film that tackles adolescence and intergenerational trauma through the story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl who turns into a giant red panda when she gets emotional. Director Domee Shi brings a unique visual style and manic energy to the film, capturing the rollercoaster of puberty with humor and empathy.
The voice cast is excellent, especially Rosalie Chiang as the excitable Mei and Sandra Oh as her overbearing mother Ming. And the film deserves credit for its cultural specificity, delving into the Chinese-immigrant experience and the pressure put on kids to be perfect. The depiction of teen girl obsession, from boy bands to fanfiction, is also spot-on and refreshingly non-judgmental.
Turning Red is a unique, personal film that won’t be for everyone. But its go-for-broke energy and unfiltered look at adolescence make it a memorable, if messy, addition to the Pixar canon.
19. The Incredibles 2 (2018)
Pixar waited 14 years to make a sequel to The Incredibles, and the result was… pretty good! Incredibles 2 wisely picks up right where the first film left off, with the superpowered Parr family facing off against the Underminer. And the action scenes throughout are inventive and thrilling, taking full advantage of the characters’ powers in creative ways.
The decision to put Elastigirl in the spotlight as the face of a superhero legalization campaign is a smart one, giving Helen some much-needed development. And baby Jack-Jack steals every scene he’s in, as his multitude of powers cause delightful chaos. The new villain Screenslaver is also an improvement over Syndrome, with a more relevant and thought-provoking motivation.
The film doesn’t give them much in the way of new challenges or growth. It’s a highly entertaining sequel, but it doesn’t feel as fresh or essential as the first Incredibles.
18. Lightyear (2022)
Lightyear had a strange premise – it was meant to be the movie that Andy from Toy Story saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy. So it’s a sci-fi adventure starring the “real” Buzz, not the toy version. And on that level, it’s a perfectly serviceable space romp, with Chris Evans bringing his square-jawed charm to the role.
The animation is stunning, especially in the IMAX-friendly space scenes. And the film has some fun playing with sci-fi tropes, from time dilation to killer robots. The side characters, like the naive robot cat Sox and the ragtag group of rookies Buzz teams up with, are also entertaining additions.
Lightyear is a perfectly enjoyable film, with moments of excitement and humor. But it feels more like a Disney+ original than a must-see theatrical event. In the end, it’s a bit too slight and inessential to rank among Pixar’s best.
17. Finding Dory (2016)
Did we need a sequel to Finding Nemo? Probably not, but Finding Dory is a charming, if inessential, follow-up that puts the forgetful blue tang fish in the spotlight. Ellen DeGeneres returns as the voice of Dory, bringing her usual wit and warmth to the role. And the new characters, like the grumpy octopus Hank and the nearsighted whale shark Destiny, are welcome additions.
The animation is as gorgeous as ever, especially in the colorful underwater scenes. And the story, which follows Dory as she searches for her long-lost parents, has some touching moments about the power of family and the challenges of living with a disability. The film also deserves credit for its depiction of Dory’s short-term memory loss, which is treated with empathy and respect.
But Finding Dory doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. The story feels a bit repetitive at times, hitting similar beats to the first film.
16. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters, Inc. is a delightful, inventive film that takes a clever premise – what if monsters were real, and their job was to scare children for energy? – and runs with it. The world-building is top-notch, from the colorful monster designs to the intricate details of the scare factory. And the buddy comedy dynamic between the furry, laid-back Sulley and the high-strung, one-eyed Mike is a joy to watch.
The voice work from John Goodman and Billy Crystal is pitch-perfect, bringing warmth and humor to their characters. And the story, which follows Sulley and Mike as they try to return a human girl named Boo to her world, has genuine stakes and emotional resonance. The film also deserves credit for its subtle commentary on corporate greed and the importance of laughter over fear.
But while Monsters, Inc. is consistently entertaining, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of Pixar’s best films. Boo is adorable but a bit thinly characterized, and the villain Randall is more of a slapstick threat than a truly menacing one. And while the film’s climax is exciting, it relies a bit too heavily on action movie tropes.
15. Ratatouille (2007)
Who would have thought that a film about a rat who dreams of being a chef could be so delightful? Ratatouille is a charming, visually stunning film that celebrates the joy of creativity and the power of following your dreams. The animation is some of Pixar’s best, capturing the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen and the mouth-watering beauty of the food.
The voice work is excellent across the board, especially Patton Oswalt as the idealistic Remy and Peter O’Toole as the fearsome critic Anton Ego. And the story, which follows Remy as he teams up with a hapless garbage boy to become a chef, is both hilarious and heartwarming. The film also deserves credit for its nuanced portrayal of the creative process, showing the hard work and dedication that goes into making great art.
But while Ratatouille is a delight from start to finish, it doesn’t quite have the emotional gut-punch of Pixar’s best films. Remy is a likable protagonist, but his journey feels a bit predictable at times. And while the film’s message about following your dreams is inspiring, it’s not as profound or complex as the themes of some of Pixar’s other work.
14. Coco (2017)
Coco is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film that explores the power of music, family, and remembrance. The animation is some of Pixar’s most gorgeous, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the Land of the Dead. And the music, which ranges from traditional Mexican folk songs to original compositions, is absolutely beautiful.
The voice work is excellent across the board, especially Anthony Gonzalez as the aspiring musician Miguel and Gael García Bernal as the charming trickster Héctor. And the story, which follows Miguel as he accidentally enters the Land of the Dead and tries to uncover a family mystery.
13. Monsters University (2013)
Monsters University is a fun but somewhat unnecessary prequel, showing how Mike and Sulley first met in college. While it’s entertaining to see the origins of their friendship and rivalry, the story feels a bit predictable and low-stakes compared to the original Monsters, Inc. The new characters and college setting provide some laughs, but overall it’s a second-tier Pixar effort that doesn’t quite justify its existence. Still, the animation is top-notch as always and it’s an enjoyable watch for fans of the original.
12. Brave (2012)
As Pixar’s first film with a female lead, Brave deserves credit for its ambition and stunning visuals, especially Merida’s wild mane of red curls. The mother-daughter story and fairy tale setting are also a refreshing change of pace. However, the plot is a bit of a mess tonally, awkwardly combining whimsy, slapstick, and action. Merida herself, while feisty, spends much of the movie being immature and making questionable choices. Brave has its moments, but it’s ultimately one of Pixar’s more uneven and minor entries.
11. Finding Dory (2016)
This sequel to Finding Nemo shifts the focus to the forgetful blue tang fish Dory as she searches for her long-lost parents. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, Finding Dory is still a charming, beautifully animated adventure with some touching messages about living with disability and the true meaning of family. The new characters, like grumpy octopus Hank, are welcome additions. But the story retreads a lot of familiar beats and lacks the same emotional resonance as Marlin’s quest in the first film. A good Pixar movie, but not a great one.
10. Toy Story 4 (2019)
The Toy Story sequels have always exceeded expectations, but many wondered if a fourth installment was pushing it too far. Luckily, Toy Story 4 justifies its existence by taking Woody in new directions and introducing the hilariously existential Forky. The story grapples with thought-provoking themes of change, purpose and moving on, while still delivering big laughs and thrilling action. Some may find it less emotionally satisfying than Toy Story 3‘s apparent finale, but it’s a worthy epilogue that explores what it means to be a toy in a human’s world. The voice cast and animation are stellar as always.
9. Inside Out (2015)
One of Pixar’s most ambitious and conceptually daring films, Inside Out takes us inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley as her personified emotions try to guide her through a difficult move and growing up. The depiction of the mind as an abstract world is endlessly clever and visually stunning. More importantly, the story has profound things to say about the nature of emotions and the importance of sadness in our lives. It’s a complex, psychologically rich tale that still manages to be accessible and entertaining for kids. Voice work from Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith and others is top-notch. Inside Out is peak Pixar in terms of creativity, depth and execution.
8. Up (2009)
Up is most famous for its heartbreaking opening montage, which depicts the loving marriage of Carl and Ellie, ending with her death. It’s a bold, emotional gutpunch that immediately invests you in Carl as a character. What follows is a whimsical, visually dazzling adventure as the grieving, grumpy Carl flies his house to Paradise Falls with an accidental young stowaway named Russell. Their relationship evolves in poignant, humorous ways. The talking dogs are also a delight. Some may find the villain and third act action a bit broad and generic compared to the nuanced first half. But overall, Up is a soaring, masterful blend of grief and wonder, darkness and light.
7. Ratatouille (2007)
Who knew a movie about a rat becoming a chef could be so delightful? Ratatouille is a love letter to food, creativity and following your passion against all odds. Remy is an instantly lovable protagonist whose journey from sewer to kitchen is funny, exciting and inspirational. The depiction of the culinary world is detailed and mouth-watering, while the relationship between Remy and the hapless Linguini provides steady laughs. But it’s the film’s soulful embrace of the artistic process that really elevates it, especially in Anton Ego’s monologue and the transcendent final shot. Ratatouille is a joyous, flavorful ode to dreaming big and savoring every moment.
6. Coco (2017)
A sumptuous, emotionally rich celebration of family, music and Mexican culture, Coco is one of Pixar’s most visually resplendent films. The Land of the Dead is a vibrant, gorgeously realized world full of creative touches. But it’s the story’s cultural specificity and thematic depth that really make it sing. As young Miguel uncovers the truth about his family’s history, the film explores the importance of remembrance, the pain of being forgotten, and the power of art to bridge generations. The voice cast brings warmth and humor, while the songs are catchy and poignant. Coco‘s climactic “Remember Me” scene is an all-timer tearjerker that cements the film’s place in the upper echelon of Pixar.
5. Toy Story 3 (2010)
The Toy Story sequels keep setting the bar higher, and the third installment is an emotional powerhouse that wraps up the trilogy in immensely satisfying fashion. By having Andy head off to college, the film forces Woody, Buzz and the gang to confront their own obsolescence and mortality in ways that are heartbreaking and profound. The incinerator scene and final goodbye are as devastating as anything in cinema. But Toy Story 3 is also wildly entertaining, inventive and funny throughout, from the prison-break plot at Sunnyside Daycare to the hilarious new characters. It’s a masterful conclusion that reaffirms the series’ central theme: the bittersweet impermanence of childhood and importance of cherishing the time we have together.
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
A dazzling underwater adventure with surprising emotional depth, Finding Nemo is one of Pixar’s most beloved and rewatchable films. The animation is breathtaking, immersing us in the colorful, dangerous world of the ocean. But it’s the story of Marlin’s search for his lost son that gives the film its heart. As he faces his fears with the help of the forgetful Dory, Marlin learns to trust, let go and allow Nemo to take risks. It’s a poignant tale of parental love and overcoming trauma, leavened by a perfect balance of humor, thrills and memorable side characters. Finding Nemo is a timeless classic that works equally well as a ripping yarn and a powerful parable.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
Still Pixar’s best pure action film, The Incredibles is a thrilling, hilarious and thought-provoking deconstruction of the superhero genre. The retro-futurist world is stylish and immersive, while the characters are instantly iconic, from the super-strong Mr. Incredible to the ultra-stretchy Elastigirl to the snarky, speedy Dash. But it’s the film’s focus on family dynamics and midlife malaise that sets it apart. Beneath the spectacle, it’s a relatable story about the struggle to balance domestic responsibilities with individual dreams and gifts. Director Brad Bird brings a snappy wit and sophisticated sensibility to the proceedings, crafting set-pieces that are as exhilarating as they are character-driven. The Incredibles is an endlessly rewatchable gem that proves Pixar can do superheroes as well as talking toys.
2. Toy Story 2 (1999)
The rare sequel that equals or surpasses the original, Toy Story 2 takes the characters and themes of the first film to new heights. By having Woody stolen by a toy collector, the film explores issues of mortality, legacy and the fear of being forgotten or abandoned. Jessie’s flashback is a heartbreaking gut-punch, while Woody’s crisis of identity is painfully relatable. But the film is also an exhilarating adventure, with thrilling set-pieces and hilarious new characters like the delusional Buzz Lightyear toy. The animation is a huge leap forward, and Randy Newman’s score is even more poignant and playful. Toy Story 2 deepens our emotional investment in these characters while reminding us of the fleeting magic of childhood. It’s a near-perfect sequel that stands as one of Pixar’s crowning achievements.
1. WALL-E (2008)
Pixar’s boldest, most ambitious film is also its greatest masterpiece. WALL-E is a stunning work of art that transcends the medium of animation. The first half is essentially a silent film, relying on the expressive design and soulful “performance” of the titular robot to tell a poignant love story. The second half is a biting satire of consumerism, corporatism and environmental destruction, imagining a future where humans have devolved into helpless blobs. But rather than feeling preachy, the film earns its critiques by grounding them in WALL-E and EVE’s heartfelt romance. The animation is jaw-dropping, the score is haunting, and the story is both epic and intimate. WALL-E is a profound, visually breathtaking experience that represents the pinnacle of Pixar’s artistry and storytelling. It’s not just the studio’s best film, but one of the greatest sci-fi movies and love stories ever made, period. A timeless, awe-inspiring classic that will endure for generations.
