The Top 10 Pixar Movies
#10 - Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Boo! Pixar’s fourth film offering introduced the world to Mike and Scully, employees of Monsters Inc, tasked to generate the screams of children to power their world. Winner of the Oscar for Best Original Song and nominated for three more, Monsters Inc. was a box office hit, ending up as the third highest-grossing film of 2001 (trailing only offerings in the Harry Potter and Lord of the Ring franchises). With a star studded cast featuring the voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman, this film inspired a comic book mini-series, three different theme park attractions, and a television series that launches on Disney + in 2021 with many members of the original cast reprising their roles.
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#9 - The Incredibles (2004)
Before Marvel made superhero films the top draw at the box office, Pixar gave us their take on the superhero genre with The Incredibles. The family friendly animated superhero feature film introduced the world to a special family, with each member having their own set of unique powers. It won two of the four Oscars that it was nominated for, including a very competitive Best Animated Feature Film category (it was up against Shrek 2 and Shark Tale). Worried about the financial success of their first “PG” rated film, Pixar was ecstatic to learn that the film broke the studio’s record for the highest-opening weekend gross. The sequel, Incredibles 2, would become the top Pixar film at the box office. Combining the heart of a family film and the excitement of a superhero one, the Incredibles are the Avengers or Justice League to many millennials.
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#8 - Ratatouille (2007)
Does it get more adorable than a little rat in a chef’s hat? Pixar’s Parisian themed film was an immediate international hit. In France, it set the record for the biggest debut for an animated movie and went on to surpass Titanic for the record of most consecutive weeks atop the French box office. Nominated for five Academy Awards and winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, you’d be hard pressed to find a bad review of this film. There is an incredibly fun theme park ride at Disneyland Paris that is based on the movie where you get to see the world from Remy’s eyes. The ride is also coming soon to Disneyworld’s Epcot Center in the near future.
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#7 - Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar’s family friendly underwater adventure film inspired a generation of children to just keep swimming. Nominated for four Oscars and taking home the prize for Best Animated Feature Film, Nemo and his aquatic friends were an instant hit with audiences. When it was released, it became the highest grossing animated film of all time (it has since been passed by numerous movies, including its sequel). With an eye-opening 99% fresh rate on Rotten Tomatoes, you can find this fish film on many critics’ top movies lists.
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#6 - Inside Out (2015)
This film gives us all the feels. Pixar’s Inside Out is a hilarious and inspiring tale that teaches us how to deal with all of our emotions. Winner of the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, Inside Out features the voice talents of SNL alums Amy Poehler and Bill Hader. This film is critically acclaimed, earning a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. An uplifting tale, Inside Out is a fun film for all ages.
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#5 - Up (2009)
This Pixar classic has the distinct honor of being the first animated film to open the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature Film, this movie combines comedy, adventure, and drama. The film also won a second Academy Award for the beautiful score composed by up and comer Michael Giacchhino. Known to be the most emotional Pixar film, the voice talents of Hollywood legends Edward Asner and Christopher Plummer lead us on a story of love, life, and everything in between.
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#4 - Toy Story 3 (2010)
Everyone’s favorite playroom toys are back for another adventure. Released in 2010, 15 years after the original Toy Story, this film is often considered the best of the series by critics and fans. Winner of two Academy Awards, Toy Story 3 was a huge box office hit, earning more revenue than the first two films of the series combined. It surpassed one billion dollars globally, making it the highest grossing animated film of all time until it was undone by Disney’s Frozen in 2014. This film has a darker and more emotional tone than the previous two, adjusting with the audience that grew up with the franchise.
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#3 - Toy Story (1995)
The first Pixar film certainly has a friend in me. The 1995 animated buddy comedy was the first entirely computer animated feature film, leading to it earning a special achievement Oscar for accomplishing that feat. This children’s tale introduces classic characters such as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, respectively. Ever since its premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Toy Story has brought joy to moviegoers around the globe.
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#2 - Coco (2017)
Inspired by the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, this animated fantasy film was an instant hit for Pixar Studios. It won many accolades, including two Oscars (Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song). Released in Mexico before opening anywhere else, the film with the highest budget ever for a film featuring an all latino cast made over 800 million dollars worldwide. This film has everything: laughs, music, a great message, and beautiful visuals. Coco will be looked back on for many years as one of Pixar’s best.
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#1 - WALL-E (2008)
Nominated for six Academy Awards, WALL-E won the award for Best Animated Feature Film. The six nominations are the most for any Pixar movie. The computer animated science fiction film delighted audiences with its heartfelt story, great message, romance, and impressive visuals. It’s best known for its minimal dialogue, pushing the story with non-verbal cues and a well orchestrated music score. WALL-E’s commitment to never giving up inspired an entire generation to do the same and to do better by our planet.
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