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These Emotional True Stories Inspired Pixar Films

These Emotional True Stories Inspired Pixar Films
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VOICE OVER: Jennifer Silverman WRITTEN BY: Cristina Otero
Pixar films are known for their emotional depth, but did you know many were inspired by real-life stories? Join us as we explore the heartbreaking true experiences behind some of your favorite animated movies that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the power of personal storytelling. From directors' childhood memories to immigration experiences and personal struggles, these stories reveal the deeply personal journeys that brought these incredible films to life.

#8: Enrico Casarosas Childhood

Luca (2021)


This animated film about boyhood friendship was in fact based on very real experiences. Director Enrico Casarosa was inspired by the works of Federico Fellini, of course, as well as other Italian filmmakers. The sea creatures were also based on Italian myths and folklore. But it is his experiences growing up in Genoa, Italy that informed a lot of the film. The friendship between Luca and Alberto was based on Casarosas lifelong relationship with his friend, also named Alberto. The real Alberto even got a minor voiceover role in the film. Casarosa met him in the summer when he was eleven, and their experiences made this sweet film even sweeter.


#7: Andrew Stantons Observations Finding Nemo (2003)

It turns out, director Andrew Stanton was also inspired by his own personal life in the creation of this classic Pixar film. As a child, he felt the fish at his dentists office longed to go home. When he and his family visited Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in 1992, Stanton thought the aquamarine exhibits would look splendid in animation. He later came up with the idea of Marlin from a photograph of a clownfish peeking out of its anemone, which suggested Marlins overly protective personality. Marlin and Nemos fraught relationship was also based on Stantons own relationship with his son, with Stanton utilizing his own overprotective qualities. Its a beautiful tale made all the more grounded by this real-life experience.


#6: Pete Docters Daughter Inside Out (2015)

Puberty can be a font of endless inspiration. When director Pete Docter noticed his daughter becoming quieter in her adolescence, he wondered at the cause of this personality change. Inside Out was the result of such inquiries, following eleven-year-old Rileys anthropomorphized emotions as she struggles with her familys move to San Francisco. Docter consulted with psychologists, specialists, and even neuroscientists, coming up with over 27 emotions before finally whittling it down to five. The end result beautifully acknowledges the importance of sadness in our lives. It just goes to show what a parents love can accomplish.


#5: Edith Macefields House

Up (2009)


This fantastical film about a widower literally making his house airborne seems to be based in part on a true story. Surprise. While Pete Docter came up with the idea of a flying house, Carls refusal to leave his home to make way for real estate developers seems to have its roots in real life. Seattle native Edith Macefield made waves when she refused to sell her house to developers. She even turned down a $1 million offer in 2006. In the end, she died of pancreatic cancer in the same house she lived in since 1952. Her house, Whitewood Cottage, became the inspiration for Carls house in Up. What a story.


#4: Steven Clay Hunters Coming Out

Out (2020)


This short made history as the first Pixar film to center on a gay character. It follows protagonist Greg as he struggles to come out to his family. While hiding his relationship with his boyfriend from his parents, he magically swaps bodies with his pet. This animated feature was based on the many coming-out experiences of queer people, but also of its director. Like Greg, Steven Clay Hunter did not come out to his parents until he was an adult, at 27. Fortunately, Hunters parents were supportive, a happy ending reflected in the short. Other inspirations included LGBTQ+ activist Harvey Milk and The Twilight Zone. And, of course, other gay people Hunter had consulted. One small short, but a giant leap for representation.


#3: Peter Sohns Immigration Story Elemental (2023)

Director Peter Sohn first pitched this film as a meeting between fire and water, whether they can ever connect or not. But the story ended up based on something much more personal. Sohn has been open about Elemental being based on his experiences growing up in New York City in the 70s, as the son of Korean immigrants. It no doubt informed protagonist Embers fish-out-of-wateror rather, fire-out-of-hearthlife in Element City. Sohns desire to pursue the arts amid his parents disapproval also inspired Embers own conflict with her father. Sadly, Sohns parents died before the film was completed. But at least this labor of love paid off.


#2: Domee Shis Childhood

Turning Red (2022)


Autobiography doesnt get more true-to-life (or as poignant) as this acclaimed film. Thirteen-year-old Mei gets the shock of her life when she transforms into a large red panda bear. This turns out to be a generational ability. Director Domee Shi based the film about magical puberty on her own experiences with regular puberty. The relationship between Mei and her mother Ming was also based on Shis relationship with her mother, which also began to get strained during Shis adolescence. Of course, Shi didnt burst into a red panda bear in moments of great stress. But the awkwardness of your mother trying to be cool about periods is very much real.


#1: Dan Scanlons Life

Onward (2020)


This film follows teen elf Ian Lightfoot and his brother as they journey to resurrect their father. Though a fantastical premise, the true story behind the film is anything but. Director Dan Scanlons father died when he was a year old and his brother was three. Years later, Scanlon discovered an old cassette tape with his fathers voice in it. It led him to write this moviewhat if he and his brother were given the chance to see his father? This tale of brothers is deeply personal, but also deeply universal. Were not crying, we just got something in our eye.


Which other animated film do you know came from a deeply personal place? Let us know in the comments down below!

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