Up, Up, and Away
By Peyton Schultze
Pixar’s Toy Story remains one of the most recognizable franchises in pop culture history (via Vanity Fair).
Pixar remains one of the greatest entertainment companies in the world right now with its unique ability to consistently churn out amazing products. From The Incredibles to Toy Story, and from Monsters Inc to Coco, the studio has created some of the most iconic films, moments, and characters in the history of animation. Who could forget the first time Woody and Buzz soared through the sky? Or when Dory attempted to speak whale? Or when the hundreds of colorful balloons carried the house from Up high and into the clouds? And now, with the upcoming release of Onward in March, the studio figures to add even more superlatives to their illustrious history that seems to keep growing by the day.
With that being said, as Pixar continues to secure the role as the premier animation studio in the world, it is easy to reflect on what they have been able to accomplish that has taken them to this point. It’s a list full of magic, hope, fears, craziness, and imagination, but here is our list of the best films in Pixar’s magnificent history.
21. Cars 2
Cars 2 is certainly Pixar’s strangest and most bizarre feature film they have put out onto screens (via ScreenCrush).
Pixar never really has a full swing and a miss, but the second film in the Cars franchise is about as close to a miss as they have. Strangely combining elements from the first one with an international spy film, Cars 2 takes some very odd twists and turns over the course of its runtime. Although the film focuses much more on the comical actions of Mater and turns him almost into the main character of the movie, Cars 2 simply takes a step backward from the first film and ranks right at the bottom of Pixar’s greatest films.
20. The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur may be regarded as Pixar’s least likely known film to audiences around the world (via Hollywood Reporter).
The Good Dinosaur seems to be Pixar’s completely forgotten film, and it does not have a ton of fans sitting behind it that have backed it up in general. The film revolves around the story of a young boy who befriends a dinosaur named Arlo, which helps to form a unique relationship and create some clear BFG vibes throughout. However, with a relatively uninteresting storyline that feels basic and not overly creative, the film whiffs on hitting high notes for much of its runtime and does not rank among Pixar’s elite films.
19. Cars 3
Cars 3 improves upon the wackiness of the second film, but doesn’t rank near the top of great Pixar movies (via Microsoft).
Similar to Cars 2, Cars 3 is somewhat of a wacky sequel that ranks near the bottom of Pixar’s best films. With somewhat of a shaky feel to the storyline, the film often falls short of expectations and is very predictable over the course of the movie. However, one major strength of the movie revolves around its theme of redemption, especially as Lightning McQueen is forced to evolve in his own life. The film is certainly one clear step above the second film, but the pace and the lack of an effective story limits the third Cars film from really ever taking off and reaching great heights.
18. Monsters University
The origin story of Mike and Sulley takes center stage in the funny and whimsical film, Monsters University (via The Verge).
There’s nothing really wrong with Monsters University, especially since it is great to see Mike and Sulley back in action in their younger years together as friends. But the real problem with the movie is that it almost seems unnecessary to have even made it, even though it is still relatively solid. With that being said, the movie is one of the more hilarious entries in Pixar’s collection and does a great job of attracting many different age groups in its audience. Monsters University is nowhere near as great as the original, but it still has some nice moments throughout.
17. WALL-E
WALL-E has become a fan favorite for many Pixar fans, but misses out on the fast pace that others films in the studio’s history may have (via Empire).
Likely our hottest take among the board, WALL-E ranks somewhat low on our list of films compared to many other’s opinions and views. One main reason for this is that the film is often rather boring and slow moving compared to the rest of the studio’s collection, especially considering it takes a bit for any sort of action from the main character to ramp up. Although there are some great visuals in the deep aspects of space that help to boost the experience as a whole, the film’s storyline is not as appealing as most other films on the list. While the film does offer up some special messages that gives us hope in the future despite some potentially tragic events, WALL-E simply does not rank higher on a list full of other animated greats.
16. Brave
Brave stands out as one of Pixar’s most unique films with its unique origins and interesting plot that pays tribute to Scottish history in medieval times (via Hollywood Reporter).
Brave is a solid film that is often forgotten in Pixar’s history, which is somewhat of a shame given that their main character is Pixar’s only marketed “princess”. The courageous and adventurous character of Merida is the single best part of the movie, especially since her ability to overcome troubles in her life help to inspire audience members in general. In addition, the representation of Scottish history is an interesting aspect of the movie, and its origins give further insight into a culture that many are unfamiliar with. The film’s placement on this list is not a slight at all; Brave is a very nice film, but it just can’t match quite up with some of Pixar’s best.
15. Finding Dory
Finding Dory is able to take some of the key ideas from Finding Nemo and transform them into an all-new adventure revolving around the lovable Pacific blue tang (via Vox).
Finding Dory is not an amazing film and it is certainly not as great as its predecessor, but it is still a very fun watch that helps connect viewers back to some classic characters for another run at it. Anytime that Dory is on the screen is a pure treasure in the sequel to Finding Nemo, and the film really ramps into some high gears when she is at the forefront. The movie may touch upon some personal background information that touch upon some unnecessary events in Dory’s past, but the film is still a funny watch and a worthy follow up to Finding Nemo.
14. Cars
The first of the three Cars films is certainly the best and stands out among the rest (via Den of Geek).
Certainly more known for its very unique characters and expansive merchandise than being a great film in itself, the original Cars film is one of Pixar’s most recognizable icons. Featuring the early roots of Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater in the town of Radiator Springs, Cars takes a deep dive into lesser known parts of America and how the people from those towns often treat those around them. Cars takes plenty of inspiration from real-life people and places, helping to form some familiarity with the storyline among the audience. Cars is certainly not Pixar at its best, but the original of the three films is certainly a popular franchise worthy of some significance.
13. A Bug’s Life
The second film in Pixar’s history remains a classic, even as other films have become more universally recognized (via Heavy.com).
With so many great films coming into the limelight at Pixar, A Bug’s Life seems to be one of the forgotten films in the studio’s history. However, even though it may not be as popular as some other films such as Toy Story and The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life is a very solid animated film that allows viewers to see into the eyes of Flik, the heroic ant of the movie. The film is all about perspective, especially since Flik is one tiny ant in a massive world that is never-ending with barriers and trouble. A small-scale epic that focuses of Flik’s personal journey to overcome the odds in his own life, A Bug’s Life is a very good film that stands up as an animated classic.
12. The Incredibles 2
Although it doesn’t quite match the energy of the first film, The Incredibles 2 still hits on plenty of high notes throughout (via NPR).
The sequel to the original Incredibles film is another thrill ride in its own, focusing more upon the character of Elastigirl and her unique journey as a personal, and family, hero. Even more funny than the first film with perhaps just as much action, the film thrives when focused on showing the super-family as having daily problems, just like anyone else without powers. Also taking upon messages of family togetherness from the first, as well as the return of fan favorite characters such as Frozone, The Incredibles 2 is able to stand out on its own as independent story, as well as sitting as an extension of the plot from the first. Like the first film, the movie never stops moving from the very beginning of the film, which makes for another outstanding moviegoing experience via Pixar Animation Studios.
11. Monsters Inc.
Mike and Sulley’s original outing is a hilarious entry within Pixar’s expansive collection of animated films (via Polygon).
Many could make the case for Monsters Inc. being even higher on the list with the funny and nonstop antics from Mike and Sulley. The previous assumption of all monsters being presumably scary and terrifying gives this original movie true life, especially when considering how they, just like any human in our own lives, have true feelings that impact their lives. In addition, the film fits in perfectly with everything that Pixar does great: it’s truly hilarious, very touching at times, and surprisingly down-to-earth. But the central message of Monsters Inc. doesn’t even revolve around any of those; instead, it’s about sticking close to your friends and family, as well as being yourself in the face of life-changing challenges.
10. Up
Up’s surprising twists and turns help to prove that adventure is always out there, no matter how old you are (via Pixar Animation Studios).
Up became the second film in animated history to be nominated for Best Picture, which alone makes this one of the best in Pixar’s archives. However, what Up will always be remembered by is its incredible opening sequence that has wowed audiences since it premiered. Perfect music, perfect setting, and simply perfect execution sets the tone for one of the most touching scenes in any movie ever, and it’s truly one of Pixar’s finest moments. This may mean that the rest of the movie can’t quite live up to the extreme highs of the beginning, but there is no denying that this film has made a significant impact on the world of animated films.
9. Toy Story 2
Although it does not rank as high as the original, Toy Story 2 was still a major leap forward for the growing animation business (via YouTube).
It truly speaks to the power and legitimacy of a studio when a great film like Toy Story 2 ranks as low as #9 on a list like this. Although the second film of the Toy Story franchise may not be quite as great as the first, this film brings some core ideas from the original and takes it to the next level. Also, Toy Story 2 , even more so than the original, has even more of an increased societal awareness and throws in tons of little Easter Egg nods to the past that help to create an interesting dynamic over the course of its runtime. The ideas of helping others and never giving up on those around you is as prevalent as any central message in this film (nowhere more obvious than in the relationship between Woody and Jessie), and helps to create a film that truly carried the tradition of the original into a new age.
8. Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo’s constant laughs and nonstop pace make it one of the most interesting films in Pixar’s collection (via The Independent).
There’s plenty of things to love about Finding Nemo, including some awesome secondary characters, consistently accurate information on marine animals in the Pacific Ocean, and a extremely fast-moving pace. Ellen DeGeneres’s Dory may also be one of Pixar’s greatest characters, and her constant antics alongside Marlin help to create plenty of laughs, chaos, and utter angst over the course of the search for Nemo. Dory’s hilarious moments and actions may be the headliner of the film, but the picture’s ideas on loneliness and protecting those who you love have made this a film that has lasted in the minds of many for years.
7. Toy Story 4
Toy Story 4 is probably the most heartwarming, and even the funniest, in the iconic animated franchise (via NBC News).
One of the points that puts Toy Story 4 so high on this list is its game-changing animation with such precise attention-to-detail on every toy, building, or cloud in the sky. With exquisite graphics (see the opening scene of the film) and plenty of funny moments throughout (see Tony Hale’s Forky), Toy Story 4 seemed to once again prove that there is nothing that can really stop this franchise from being successful. It was likely a tough and sad goodbye to the toys for a final time, but it was quite the ride throughout that was capped off with Toy Story 4.
6. Ratatouille
Remy’s mad dash to become the greatest chef in all of Paris creates an interesting narrative behind a beautiful canvas (via Film).
One of the most creative things about Ratatouille in general isn’t its stunning setting or its very unique idea of putting an animal inside a fast-paced kitchen. Instead, it is Remy’s constant pursuit of being the best, despite his small size and role as a small animal in a large world of humans around him. Another great metaphor for people trying to find their place in life, Ratatouille accomplishes exactly what all the other amazing Pixar films are able to: they make audiences feel the highest of highs and lowest of lows on the journey of life.
5. Coco
Coco’s stunninf visuals and personal story helps create an outstanding animated film that could span across generations (via The New Yorker).
Coco was not one of Pixar’s most high-profiled movies when it originally was released to theaters, but it is truly one of Pixar’s finest. Coco is certainly the studios’s most specific movie; largely taking place in Mexico by following the adventures of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of being a legendary musician. Like Ratatouille, its fascinating to see the lengths that Miguel goes to prove that he wants to be a great musician in such a massive world, which results in a wild journey throughout the Land of the Dead. However, in the end (as aided by beautiful coloring throughout the film), the film comes back to the idea of always honoring your family, while sticking true to your core beliefs and ideals that guide us through life.
4. Toy Story 3
Toy Story 3 is certainly one of the best animated films of all-time, especially considering that the classic became the third animated film ever to received a nomination for Best Picture (via Time).
Most people can remember the first time they saw Toy Story 3, especially with its dramatic and emotional ending that seemed like a final goodbye to Woody and Buzz. However, handing over the original batch of Toy Story characters over to a new owner was a bold jump for Pixar, but the gamble paid off in a big way with one of the most satisfying endings in any film in recent memory. Considering how this film helped pass over the characters to a brand-new generation of fans, the animated film is a truly great feat for the company. Toy Story 3 is not quite the best film in the franchise, but it is still an instant classic that attempts to teach audiences how to adapt to life as we grow older.
3. Inside Out
A deep dive into the concept of how human emotions can control our daily lives, Inside Out is a masterpiece for audiences young and old (via Amazon).
Inside Out may be the perfect example of everything Pixar is all about: touching, understanding, and symbolical. Combining literal emotions and turning them into real characters that have influence over a young girl named Riley, the film attempts to explore our key feelings and how they can affect our daily lives. While audience member’s many not have walking characters or thousands of memories stored up in little balls inside their head, the film helps to create the interesting idea of what truly defines each and every one of us as life continues to move on.
2. The Incredibles
Action-packed and suspenseful throughout, The Incredibles is one of the better superhero films of the past two decades (via The Dissolve).
The Incredibles truly changed the game of what a superhero movie is meant to be, especially considering it is as action-packed as most live-action films in the modern-day. Essentially becoming the quintessential Pixar action film, director Brad Bird took a major risk on the movie and walked away with a 400-foot home run. Inspiring another sequel, a roller coaster at Disney’s California Adventure, and plenty of fandom to follow, the film’s message of keeping families close together through thick and thin is something as powerful as anything in Pixar’s films.
1. Toy Story
Woody and Buzz’s first adventure together marks as one of the most significant moments in animated history (via ScreenCrush).
The one that started it all. Although the animation may not stack up quite as well as nearly all of the films that followed it, Toy Story was the film that kicked off the start of a cinematic empire for Pixar by becoming the first ever full-length computer animated film. With superb voice talent, great music from Randy Newman, and perhaps the best story of any Pixar movie, the original film still holds up extremely well, even 25 years since its debut back in 1995. Inspiring a generation of fans to follow along with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys, the first film of the Toy Story franchise still remains the crown jewel in the Pixar library.