All 23 Pixar Movies RANKED

Ranking All the Pixar Movies

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re Ranking All the Pixar Movies.

For this list, we’ll be looking at all 23 feature films released by Disney’s Pixar.

What is your favorite Pixar film? Let us know in the comments.

#23: “Cars 2” (2011)

Pixar has not produced any truly terrible films, but "Cars 2" cuts it pretty close. An unnecessary sequel to a lesser film in the studio's catalog, "Cars 2" replaces the original's somewhat low-key setting for a globe-trotting adventure that pushes Mater the tow truck to the forefront. Naturally, "Cars 2" has solid animation, but this movie's pretty shell masks a hollow interior filled with tired spy-themed jokes and obnoxious characters. Considering that every other Pixar film in existence blows this tepid sequel out of the water, "Cars 2" is not even worth putting on as a two-hour distraction for kids.

#22: “Cars 3” (2017)

"Cars 3's" greatest trump card is that it's preceded by "Cars 2," so even a film this mediocre can claim to be an improvement. While it's a bit better than Mater's spy extravaganza, "Cars 3" is nevertheless lacking in originality or creativity. The film is happy to merely reuse well-worn tropes synonymous with the sports genre. When an aging Lightning McQueen finds himself outperformed by a younger car, the veteran racer must find a way to remain relevant or retire. "Cars 3" tells a time-tested story that has been done to death by plenty of films, and Pixar's release is not among the best.

#21: “The Good Dinosaur” (2015)

Beautiful animation can only take you so far. "The Good Dinosaur" had a rocky development cycle, and it shows in the final product. Even compared to later films by Pixar, "The Good Dinosaur" is a visual delight, particularly when it comes to the film's realistic environments. Pretty as the animation is though, "The Good Dinosaur" is let down by a cliche storyline that feels like it was cobbled together from several better films, including some of Pixar's own. "The Good Dinosaur" is easily among Pixar's most forgettable releases, even if it's still watchable and benefits tremendously from a gorgeous score by Mychael and Jeff Danna.

#20: “Monsters University” (2013)

While Pixar has proven to be more than capable of producing worthy follow-ups, "Monsters University" is no "Toy Story 2." A prequel that focuses on Mike and Sulley's time in college, "Monsters University" shows how these two beloved but very different characters started their friendship. As a college comedy with a few decent laughs, "Monsters University" is a somewhat unnecessary but still pleasant movie with just about enough charm to get through its predictable story. Massive fans of "Monsters, Inc." who are yearning to spend more time with these characters should enjoy this origin story, even if the same cannot be said for everyone else.

#19: “Finding Dory” (2016)

"Finding Nemo's" sequel serves as a far better example of how to effectively promote a supporting comedic character into a lead role than "Cars 2." Like its predecessor, "Finding Dory" revolves around a fish trying to reunite with its family, although this adventure is slightly more action-packed. A person's mileage with this sequel will depend on their tolerance for Dory, a sympathetic character suffering from short-term memory loss who can be a touch annoying. While "Finding Dory" is a bit derivative of its superior predecessor and does not compare too favorably with most of Pixar's portfolio, it's still a decent watch.

#18: “Brave” (2012)

Known as that one time Pixar tried to do a Disney princess movie, "Brave" is simultaneously quirky and conventional. Set in Scotland, Princess Merida cannot seem to get along with her mother, Queen Elinor. Long story short, Merida accidentally turns Elinor into a bear and then sets out to reverse the spell before the change is made permanent. Naturally, the central mother-daughter relationship is mended along the way. Besides having a positive message about the importance of communication, "Brave" delivers a weirdly fun and personal storyline that is driven by an endearingly spirited protagonist.

#17: “Incredibles 2” (2018)

Out of all of Pixar's properties, "The Incredibles" is the most natural fit for a sequel. However, the Parr family's second adventure took quite a while to become a reality, and the sequel does struggle to meet expectations. Set directly after the original movie and retreading some themes the franchise already touched upon, "Incredibles 2" brings just enough new ideas to justify its existence but not enough to make it a transcendent experience like its predecessor. Although the story is nothing more than fine and the villain falls a bit flat, "Incredibles 2" still delivers in the action and comedy department.

#16: “Onward” (2020)

Blending the magical with the mundane, "Onward's" setting, premise, and characters are inescapably familiar. Set in a fantastical world where magic has given way to technology, "Onward" follows two dissimilar brothers as they head out on a quest to reconnect with their deceased father. Although "Onward" opts to take the path well-traveled, it's the little details that help set this journey apart from other Pixar or fantasy projects. The leads are likable enough, but it’s side characters like The Manticore and a biker gang of Pixies that really leave a long-lasting impression.

#15: “Cars” (2006)

Out of all of Pixar's movies, it’s unlikely that many people would have picked "Cars" to be the one that launched a long-running franchise of sequels and spin-offs. The 2006 film tells the tale of an overconfident rookie racer named Lightning McQueen, who ends up stuck in a desert town that is home to a former champion and offers plenty of opportunities for character growth. Envisioning a world populated by anthropomorphic vehicles, "Cars" is a competent coming-of-age story elevated by great animation and a game cast of voice actors, particularly Paul Newman as Doc Hudson.

#14: “Toy Story 4” (2019)

Although the third entry ended on a conclusive and satisfying note, a new “Toy Story” movie is always a reason to celebrate. Ultimately, “Toy Story 4” just provides another opportunity to spend more time with these iconic characters, particularly Woody who finds himself feeling lost after leaving Andy. As has come to be expected from Pixar’s franchise, “Toy Story 4” has heart, humor, gorgeous animation, and a memorable antagonist, albeit one that is not irredeemable. For better or worse, this is very much Woody’s story, and while “Toy Story 4” does justice to the cowboy, some of the other characters are not given much to do.

#13: “A Bug's Life” (1998)

Sandwiched between two "Toy Story" movies and only Pixar's second feature production, "A Bug's Life" tends to be overshadowed by some of the studio's other projects, which is slightly unfair. Based on "The Ant and the Grasshopper" fable, "A Bug's Life" follows Flik, an inventor and outcast, as he heads out to find some warriors to help protect his ant colony from the grasshoppers. This journey is filled with misunderstandings, comedy, and character development. For the most part, the animation has aged pretty well; more importantly, "A Bug's Life" features strong characters across the board, be it the earnest Flik, the intimidating Hopper, or Pixar's original princess, Atta.

#12: “Toy Story 2” (1999)

"Toy Story" did not need any sequels, but thankfully it still got a few. In 1999's follow-up, Woody ends up in the hands of a collector who has been putting together a set based on an old TV show that featured the cowboy. By diving into Woody's history, "Toy Story 2" challenges its iconic character's worldview and motivations, asking whether the toy is happy to simply live for Andy. Bringing new ideas, characters, and themes to the table, "Toy Story 2" serves as a proper and worthy continuation of its predecessor and comes packed with some of the best and most heartbreaking moments in the franchise.

#11: “Soul” (2020)

A stunning tour de force soaked in creativity, nuance, and beauty, “Soul” is an animated film that can entertain children, teens, and adults. The movie introduces us to Joe, a music teacher who believes his sole purpose in life is to play jazz. Unfortunately, his big break ends up coinciding with a fatal trip down a manhole and into the Great Beyond. Tagging along with a soul that has yet to be born on Earth, Joe's desperate attempt to return to his body sparks an adventure defined by self-reflection and maturity. With a rich exploration of its thoughtful themes and philosophical questions, "Soul" is one of a kind.

#10: “Coco” (2017)

While very few studios have crafted near-perfect films, Pixar can convincingly claim to have about a dozen of them. "Coco" is a masterclass of awe-inspiring animation, commanding storytelling, and unforgettable music. An aspiring musician, Miguel is forbidden from following his dreams by his family due to the mistakes of his great-great-grandfather, a premise that leads the protagonist to the Land of the Dead. "Coco" oozes a joy for life out of every single pixel, as it tells a surprisingly unpredictable narrative that tickles funny bones and pulls at heartstrings.

#9: “Inside Out” (2015)

Pixar has been giving feelings to inanimate objects since 1995, so it was only a matter of time before emotions gained sentience. The studio’s most introspective movie, "Inside Out" creates a world where the embodiments of different emotions control a person's actions, with Joy and Sadness taking center stage for this particular story. Presented somewhat like an odd couple road adventure, "Inside Out'' uses accessible humor and colorful visuals to tell a mature narrative that emphasizes the importance of embracing sadness rather than suppressing it. Featuring brilliant performances by Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, this is a movie that can be charming, hilarious, sweet, and devastating.

#8: “Ratatouille” (2007)

On paper, "Ratatouille's" premise and unlikely hero might not sound too enticing, but Brad Bird's movie blends together all of the right ingredients. A rat with a talent for cooking, Remy winds up at the restaurant that used to belong to his hero, Auguste Gusteau, and eventually on the head of the bumbling but well-meaning garbage boy, Linguini. "Ratatouille" is very much a celebration of artistic expression, be it culinary or otherwise. Gusteau's belief that "anyone can cook" reflects the film's themes of inclusivity and mutual respect, culminating in a third act that reaches a dizzying emotional high.

#7: “Monsters Inc.” (2001)

Layered world-building, timeless characters, and enough tears to fill a pool; "Monsters Inc." is very much a Pixar movie. At the core of this film is the strange but irresistible trio of two monsters, Mike and Sulley, and an adorable girl named Boo. When the human finds herself in a factory filled with monsters that scare children for a living, Sulley and Mike have to parent Boo while trying to dodge the villainous Randall. Be it Mike's improvised musical number, George Sanderson's impromptu shaving, or every scene between Sulley and Boo, "Monsters Inc." consists of nothing but great moments.

#6: “Toy Story 3” (2010)

Following a thrilling western-themed intro, “Toy Story 3” wastes absolutely no time in hitting us right in the feels, and the blows keep coming throughout the entire film. Andy is heading to college and, through a series of misunderstandings and unfortunate events, the toys end up at a daycare run by a tyrannical teddy bear. Packed with some of the series’ most dramatic moments and featuring a contender for Pixar’s best villain, “Toy Story 3” very much feels like the end of an era. The film serves as an epic and touching goodbye to childhood, one likely to hit audiences just as hard as the characters.

#5: “The Incredibles” (2004)

Released just as superhero movies were starting to become commonplace, "The Incredibles" presents an inherently familiar story through the unique voices of Brad Bird and Pixar. In a world where superheroes are outlawed, Bob Parr finds it difficult to accept his ordinary life as a suburban dad and decides to take on a few missions to relive his glory days as Mr. Incredible. Alongside plenty of thrilling action sequences, "The Incredibles" is also a family comedy, and the film handles both genres masterfully. Topping everything off is an unapologetically sinister villain who gets things done.

#4: “Finding Nemo” (2003)

For this underwater adventure, Pixar crafted an oceanic world brimming with subtle details that inject life and substance into every image. "Finding Nemo's" mesmerizing ocean waves contain a poignant narrative about parenthood, perseverance, and bravery. When his son, Nemo, goes missing, the clownfish Marlin heads out on a dangerous journey to find his child, and he meets plenty of fish along the way. "Finding Nemo" boasts a huge roster of memorable characters, as both Marlin and Nemo are aided in their respective travels by well-defined strangers with their own stories to tell.

#3: “Up” (2009)

Launching with one of the best opening sequences of any film ever, "Up" can be considered a masterpiece for just its initial few minutes. Luckily, the rest of the movie is also pretty great. Wishing to keep a promise to his now-deceased wife, Carl tries to relocate to South America, but an unwanted stowaway ends up latching onto the grumpy protagonist on his balloon-fueled trip. Carl and Russell are an unusual central pair, but their relationship is quite charming. Then of course there are all the unique characters they meet throughout adventure, including a talking dog and a giant bird.

#2: “WALL-E” (2008)

Sometimes words are unnecessary. "WALL-E" envisions a future where environmental disregard has turned the Earth into an uninhabitable trash heap, leaving the titular robot to endlessly compress garbage in isolation. WALL-E's life takes a turn when Eve, a futuristic probe bot, arrives on Earth, and the two have instant chemistry. Before heading out into space, "WALL-E" is an atmospheric and visually stimulating epic that turns a mostly silent mechanical robot into an expressive and sympathetic protagonist. Once the hero arrives on Axiom, humanity's new home, "WALL-E" becomes a more conventionally dramatic story, one underpinned by a touching romance.

#1: “Toy Story” (1995)

Pixar hit the ground running. From a technical point-of-view, "Toy Story" was the first feature film created using only computer animation, making it genuinely groundbreaking. Naturally, Pixar's subsequent projects would improve significantly upon "Toy Story's" animation, but that does not take anything away from the film's achievements. From a storytelling perspective, "Toy Story" is a tightly written delight that can entertain people of all ages with its lively banter and sophisticated emotional beats. Woody and Buzz’s rivalry-turned-friendship set the standard for all of Pixar's subsequent odd pairings, and the two toys have arguably yet to be topped.