All 29 Pixar Movies, Ranked

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This piece was initially posted on June 13, 2018. Approximately once or twice a year, Pixar launches a new film, and when they do, we adjust our rankings accordingly. Our most recent addition is “Elio,” which is now showing in theaters.

Ranking each Pixar feature film in terms of quality is similar to ranking your kids based on love – they’re all unique and special in their own ways. With 29 films under their belt, one will naturally end up as the 29th best and another as the 1st. We took into account context – how groundbreaking Toy Story was back in 1995 compared to today – and ambition, as Pixar has always strived to avoid complacency or mediocrity in children’s entertainment. While some films work better than others, all are aimed at creating something extraordinary. However, it seems that in recent years, the studio’s magic might be fading slightly. Despite this, Pixar still outshines its competition significantly. The only criticism is that, at this stage, Pixar faces a tough challenge trying to meet the high standards set by its own glorious past.

29.
Cars 3

Year: 2017
Director: Brian Fee
Runtime: 1h 49m

The recent critiques on the movie “Cars 3” have commended its departure from the misstep of “Cars 2,” which was the only Pixar film to receive a negative rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s questionable whether this film manages to surpass that low benchmark. In this third installment, Tow Mater is thankfully relegated to the sidelines, allowing Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) to face two fresh adversaries: Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer), a sophisticated racing car, and the looming acceptance that he’s no longer the undisputed champion. While “Cars 2” ventured into new territory, “Cars 3” seems more like a safe pause rather than an exciting departure, delivering familiar race scenes and heartfelt moral lessons, albeit without the same spark of creativity. The film fails to introduce any compelling new characters, despite the performances by Hammer, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, and Chris Cooper as Lightning’s gruff coach. Furthermore, Randy Newman’s predictable score and Mater’s worn-out jokes make “Cars 3” feel like a weak imitation of Pixar’s signature charm. It’s not so much that the movie is poor, but rather it feels profoundly underwhelming.

28.
Lightyear

Year: 2022
Director: Angus MacLane
Runtime: 1h 45m

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve been pondering an intriguing thought: What if Pixar had produced the movie that sparked ’90s kids’ fascination with Buzz Lightyear toys? How would it have shaped Buzz’s character and the overall plot? Unfortunately, ‘Lightyear’ doesn’t deliver on these aspects as effectively as I had hoped. Instead of being an engaging ’90s action flick or a clever satire, it lands somewhere in between, neither fully satisfying as a standalone film nor living up to its potential as a homage to the era.

The movie follows Buzz (voiced by Chris Evans), who teams up with a motley crew of recruits to combat alien invaders on a distant planet. It’s no surprise that ‘Lightyear’ boasts stunning visuals, and there are indeed some genuinely funny moments, primarily courtesy of Sox, Buzz’s loyal robot cat (voiced by Peter Sohn, a long-time Pixar artist). However, ‘Lightyear’ seems to fall short creatively, leaving us yearning for the innovative storytelling that we’ve come to expect from Pixar.

After a series of bold ventures, ‘Lightyear’ feels like a safe, predictable choice from a studio once known for its unconventional approach. We’re not upset with ‘Lightyear’, but we can’t help feeling let down.

27.
Cars 2

Year: 2011
Director: John Lasseter
Runtime: 1h 46m

Larry the Cable Guy served as a hidden strength in the movie Cars, bringing his down-to-earth, working-class charm to a character that had a genuine depth of emotion and sweetness. However, this didn’t make us eager to witness Tow Mater in a James Bond parody. The sequel, Cars 2, deserves credit for its boldness: It switches gears from the original’s warm, small-town atmosphere to a fast-paced, globe-trotting action-thriller centered around Lightning McQueen’s rustic sidekick. But it also loses points because Cars 2 demonstrates that even the powerful Pixar studio can’t overcome the fundamental issue with sequels: No matter how much you expand upon the original, it’s hard to recreate what was unique and endearing about the first film.

26.
Elemental

Year: 2023
Director: Peter Sohn
Runtime: 1h 49m

In a nod to Pixar’s recent films, Elemental maintains the pattern of leaving viewers in awe, remarking, “At least it was visually captivating.” Undeniably, the imaginative landscape of Element City is beautifully conceptualized, blending futuristic and romantic elements. However, the narrative seems to be the stumbling block. Ember, voiced by Leah Lewis, is a fire element who forms an alliance with Wade, a water element, to prevent their city from being demolished due to a mysterious canal leak. Unfortunately, the four elements in Elemental become warring factions, and as you might expect, this Romeo-and-Juliet-like narrative aims to emphasize the significance of understanding and tolerance. Although this message is commendable, the love story feels underdeveloped, leaving a sense of disappointment. Previously, Pixar’s scriptwriting process was renowned for its meticulousness, with years spent perfecting their stories. Elemental, however, seems hurriedly written, with most of the creative energy focused on ensuring the visuals were breathtaking. While the visuals are indeed captivating, Pixar should aim higher than this.

25.
Brave

Year: 2012
Director: Patrick Doyle
Runtime: 1h 33m

In the late 2000s, Pixar attempted to address their shortage of female main characters, but unfortunately, they did so with a story that seemed more like a reaction to criticism rather than a carefully crafted Pixar tale. This film is a classic example of an Idiot Plot, where the entire disappointing second half could have been omitted if Merida, who was well-respected in her kingdom and had no reason to be doubted, simply told everyone, “My mother has been turned into a bear; please remain calm.” (In fact, her mother could have even scratched her name into the ground with her claws to prove it, if anyone questioned this.) Moreover, the humor in this film was inconsistent and seemed reminiscent of less-than-impressive early Dreamworks productions. It’s surprising that Pixar, known for creating captivating characters, would produce irritating and unappealing child characters. They would later create a fantastic female lead three years afterwards, but with Brave, one couldn’t help but wonder, “Have they truly lost their touch?

24.
Monsters University

Year: 2013
Director: Dan Scanlon
Runtime: 1h 44m

Have any of us been eagerly awaiting to find out how Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) became friends while attending college together? If so, then Monsters University might be the film for you. However, one criticism of this prequel is that it seems unnecessary – a short film attached to one of the studio’s features would have sufficed. Yet, despite being essentially a money-making venture, there is enough warmth and humor in Monsters University to make it worth watching.

Nevertheless, Monsters University serves as a reflection of Pixar’s post-Toy Story 3 period: It provides enjoyable entertainment, but only if you can overlook the captivating storytelling and boundless creativity that used to define the studio.

23.
The Good Dinosaur

Year: 2015
Director: Peter Sohn
Runtime: 1h 33m

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Pixar’s least commercially successful movie, “The Good Dinosaur,” faced challenges such as story issues, production hold-ups, and director changes. Despite not being the studio’s first film to face troubles (the fourth on this list is a well-known example of turning defeat into triumph), it was the one that seemed most burdened in public perception. It couldn’t shake off the negative buzz and lack of enthusiasm it received during Thanksgiving 2015.

However, visually, the film is stunning, offering an untouched portrayal of a North American wilderness ruled by dinosaurs. “The Good Dinosaur” is somewhat traditional from a storytelling perspective – following a young apatosaurus (voiced by Raymond Ochoa) who gets lost and must find his way home. Yet, as a contemplative journey along the lines of a hero’s odyssey, it adds a thoughtful touch to Pixar’s collection. This film could benefit from reevaluation in ten years.

22.
A Bug’s Life

Year: 1998
Directors: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Runtime: 1h 35m

Despite many preferring other animated insect films that year, we found “Antz” endearing and generally safe. Over time, Pixar excelled at creating movies that appealed to both children and adults, but here the balance leans more towards a child-friendly experience. This movie isn’t something adults would rewatch like “The Incredibles” or “Toy Story,” but it earns high marks for featuring Phyllis Diller as the queen of an ant colony.

21.
Onward

Year: 2019
Director: Dan Scanlon
Runtime: 1h 42m

In the early stages of “Onward”, a sense of discomfort arises as the film’s questionable premise (what if magical creatures turned mundane and suburban?) struggles to support conventional characters and a predictable Quest narrative. Additionally, some unimaginative humor, such as a stop sign reading “HALT,” adds to this feeling. However, when all hope seems lost, “Onward” surprises with an intriguing twist, subtly suggesting that the journey is more significant than the destination, and the film begins to evoke the charm of Pixar once again, managing to tug at your heartstrings just a bit (even if only a little). Although the movie remains somewhat undercooked, it effectively leverages a humorous image of phantom khakis and delivers Chris Pratt’s most endearing performance since “Parks and Recreation.” Despite its flaws, “Onward” manages to cross the finish line, even at a lower standard than usual for Pixar.

20.
Elio

Year: 2025
Directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian
Runtime: 1h 39m

People feel like Pixar hasn’t been creating anything new or exciting lately, and “Elio” seems designed to address that concern. It tells the story of a boy who, after losing his parents, wishes to be taken away by aliens…and then that wish comes true. Despite its moments of charm, such as Glordon, an adorable alien sidekick, you can tell that Elio was made in a meeting room – it follows familiar patterns and overused plot devices. The movie also has too many subplots and characters for its short length. However, it manages to pull at your heartstrings in the end, showing that Pixar still knows how to make you emotional. Unfortunately, Elio is just average, typical Pixar work.

19.
Cars

Year: 2006
Director: John Lasseter
Runtime: 1h 57m

By 2006, Pixar had been creating features for over a decade, so a backlash was bound to happen; it might have even been long overdue. Amidst this impending storm, the movie “Cars” entered the scene – a delightful, humble family comedy. In essence, it’s similar to “Doc Hollywood,” featuring a cocky stock car as its star. The story presents a world where automobiles come alive, providing humor through a fish-out-of-water situation involving ultra-competitive racer Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), who finds himself stranded in a small town filled with ordinary characters like Mater, a tow truck played by Larry the Cable Guy.

“Cars” is Pixar’s most nostalgic production, reflecting on the declining charm of sleepy towns and traditional values, which may be why it seems so familiar, blending various genres without the studio’s typical originality. Despite this, it remains consistently entertaining – for a whole generation of boys who adore cars, “Cars” is as significant as “Star Wars” or Batman.

18.
Soul

Year: 2020
Director: Pete Docter
Runtime: 1h 40m

In simpler terms, after the disappointing and incomplete film “Onward”, Pixar made some adjustments with “Soul”, a quirky, humorous movie about a jazz musician (portrayed by Jamie Foxx) who dies and finds himself in the Great Beyond, trying to return to his life and rectify past regrets. While it bears some resemblance to a reverse version of “Up”, the film isn’t somber; instead, it’s predominantly silly with amusing jokes intertwined within another predictable journey-style plot (featuring Tina Fey, who doesn’t shine as brightly as expected). The movie concludes strongly and has good intentions, but it feels disorganized and includes a rather dim-witted subplot about a cat. It manages to work and is acceptable, but the fact that this might be the best we can expect from a non-“Toy Story” sequel from Pixar at the moment suggests a cause for concern.

17.
Coco

Year: 2017
Directors: Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich
Runtime: 1h 45m

In many Pixar movies, family is a significant theme, but none delve into it as deeply as in the film Coco, which follows 12-year-old Miguel (voiced by Anthony Gonzalez), who resides in Saint Cecilia and yearns to become a singer and guitarist. Unfortunately for him, his family has shunned music since Miguel’s great-great-grandfather deserted his spouse and child to persue his artistic career long ago. With a touch of magical realism and an impressive collection of traditional folk songs, Coco takes Miguel on a trip to the Land of the Dead, allowing Pixar’s talented animators to create one of their most imaginative and vivid visual landscapes. The team put in extensive effort studying Mexican culture and history, which adds an authentic feel to this adventure-like tale about redemption, comprehension, and forgiveness that resonates with Pixar fans. It’s comforting to see that even while creating sequels for films like Cars and Incredibles, the Pixar team continues to challenge themselves with fresh ideas.

16.
Incredibles 2

Year: 2018
Director: Brad Bird
Runtime: 2h 6m

The second installment could be set directly following the events from “The Incredibles”, however, the cinematic landscape has significantly evolved since the first movie was released 14 years ago in theaters. For instance, superhero films are no longer unusual – they’ve become a regular feature in Hollywood productions. In addition, Brad Bird’s original concept of an exhilarating, action-packed animated family film has been emulated by various other studios, with franchises like “Despicable Me” drawing substantial inspiration from “The Inccredibles”. Consequently, while “Incredibles 2” may not recreate the groundbreaking aspects of the 2004 film, it still offers a satisfying dose of top-notch entertainment.

In this sequel, Mr. Incredible (portrayed by Craig T. Nelson) steps into the role of stay-at-home dad while his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) embarks on a mission to apprehend a villain named Screenslaver, resulting in an enjoyable blend of domestic mishaps and superhero antics. Much like many recent Pixar productions, “Incredibles 2” serves as a reminder of the studio’s past brilliance, providing a delightful, nostalgic journey.

15.
Luca

Year: 2021
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Runtime: 1h 35m

Managing expectations is one of the significant hurdles faced by Pixar Studios. With a reputation for innovative animation and sharp storytelling, being acclaimed consistently as pioneers in their field, how does one transition to a project with a more modest scope? This conundrum makes “Luca” an intriguing exception in their collection. The film revolves around two teenage sea monsters who befriend each other in the human world, where they can blend in provided they avoid getting wet, which is risky because people perceive these underwater creatures as terrifying and destructive. Unlike other Pixar productions that aim to astound you, “Luca” meanders with a soothing rhythm, exploring themes of male friendship and the pain of being an outsider with empathy and gentle humor. It’s not the film you’d initially show to someone new to Pixar, but as the studio matures, it’s reassuring to see that its creators are still willing to experiment with different tones and atmospheres.

14.
Monsters, Inc.

Year: 2001
Director: Pete Docter
Runtime: 1h 32m

The positioning of “Monsters, Inc.” on a Pixar list hinges on one factor: How much of Billy Crystal’s comedic style you can tolerate. If “Aladdin” showcases Robin Williams at his unbridled best, this buddy comedy provides Billy Crystal an opportunity to display his full Catskills humor as he voices Mike Wazowski, the insecure, long-suffering, witty sidekick to the lovable James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman). Traveling to the human world to scare children and create nightmares, this film, directed by Pete Docter (who later made “Up” and “Inside Out”), proposes that pairing exasperated adult characters with an unbelievably adorable child (Boo, voiced by Mary Gibbs, who was just 5 when the movie released) is always a winning formula. Mike’s constant complaints can become tiresome, but the film moves at breakneck speed. The high-octane chase sequence in the “Monsters, Inc.” conveyor belt of doors is particularly thrilling. And let’s face it, Sulley’s final reaction shot is simply beautiful.

13.
Turning Red

Year: 2022
Director: Domee Shi
Runtime: 1h 40m

Over the past few years, Pixar’s movies have been helmed by a fresh group of directors, young talents who were children when Toy Story initially debuted, with Domee Shi being one of the most promising among them. Her Oscar-winning 2018 short Bao was her introduction, and her feature debut, slated for release, explores themes such as boy bands and Toronto, friendship, motherhood, adolescence, and bullying. It’s also quite humorous, with an intriguing question about why there are five members in 4*Town. Rosalie Chiang provides a charming voiceover for Mei, the 13-year-old protagonist of Turning Red, who finds herself turning into a large red panda when her emotions overtake her. This transformation serves as a symbol for girls experiencing their first period, but more significantly, it’s a critique on how women are often penalized in society for being too emotional. Additionally, Turning Red offers insights into the difficulty of comprehending one’s parents, who themselves carry the weight of their complex relationships with their own parents. While Shi’s movie doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of Pixar’s greatest achievements, it hints that the concern about the end of Pixar’s golden age might be unfounded. With filmmakers like her onboard, Pixar may simply be in a phase of rebuilding and gearing up for an exciting new chapter.

12.
Inside Out 2

Year: 2024
Director: Kelsey Mann
Runtime: 1h 36m

In the second installment, some of the initial voice actors have been swapped out, with Tony Hale being a beloved figure, but not quite filling Bill Hader’s shoes in portraying Fear. The unique premise of Inside Out has lost some of its novelty in this sequel, yet it serves as a charming reminder of what made the original so exceptional while also expanding upon its foundation. Now, our cherished Riley is 13 years old, which means Anxiety (portrayed by Maya Hawke) has taken control at Headquarters, undermining Joy’s (Amy Poehler) authority and transforming this once precocious girl into a self-conscious teenager filled with stress and insecurity about being liked. Anyone who has ever been a teenager will find themselves nodding along, as Inside Out 2 explores the humor in how our fears dictate our actions. While it may not evoke the same level of emotional response as the first film did, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll leave the theater without shedding a few tears.

11.
Finding Dory

Year: 2016
Director: Andrew Stanton
Runtime: 1h 45m

13 years following the release of the captivating “Finding Nemo” movie, there’s been some debate about whether viewers were eagerly waiting for a sequel. However, “Finding Dory,” directed by Andrew Stanton once more, is an impressive continuation that revisits the original themes of family, grief, and reconciliation to deliver another thrilling, tear-jerking comedy. The title’s dual meaning – Dory (again voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) is the one searching, seeking her lost parents and personal independence – reflects the depth of the film, a testament to how Pixar should approach sequels: by creating intelligent, emotionally resonant stories that broaden the first film’s scope without dramatically changing the characters to conform to worn-out narrative tropes. Among the new characters, a grumpy octopus voiced by Ed O’Neill stands out in “Finding Dory,” but it’s Stanton who shines brightest, bouncing back impressively from the disappointment of “John Carter” with this second enchanting dive into the ocean. It’s also worth mentioning that Sigourney Weaver’s voice may now evoke laughter in your mind.

10.
Up

Year: 2009
Director: Pete Docter
Runtime: 1h 35m

Reflecting on it, I must confess that my initial impression of the film might have been colored by the profound impact of its opening scenes. Indeed, the poignant tale of Carl and Ellie’s life together, skillfully woven into the heartbreaking preamble, is undeniably powerful. It’s a tear-jerker, no doubt about it – just thinking about it now brings a lump to my throat.

However, stepping back and considering the film as a whole, I can’t help but feel that the emotional depth of those early moments casts a long shadow over the rest of the narrative. The story that follows, though charming with its cute kid, lovable dog, and central-casting villain, feels somewhat less substantial compared to the powerful opening. If we were to strip away those initial scenes, I fear the movie might feel thinner than one remembers. Again, I apologize for any disappointment this might cause.

9.
Ratatouille

Year: 2007
Director: Brad Bird
Runtime: 1h 51m

In a manner that feels remarkably close to an artistic film from Pixar, the tale of a rat who hides his exceptional culinary skills in the heart of Paris is charming, primarily due to its warm-hearted nature, a humorous and Richard Dreyfuss-like voice performance by Patton Oswalt, and thought-provoking ideas about art and creation that are surprisingly democratic. It may not elicit the same level of visceral excitement as other Pixar movies – the central event revolves around impressing a food critic – but it is comedic and nearly impossible to resist. Following its release – remember, this is a comedy featuring art, food, and Parisian rats – it became a massive success and even won an Oscar. After this film, it seemed as though Pixar could do no wrong.

8.
Toy Story 4

Year: 2019Director: Josh Cooley
Runtime: 1h 40m

As a movie connoisseur, I must admit that I shared the concerns of many when it came to Toy Story 4. With Pixar sequels often falling short in recent times, and Toy Story 3 wrapping up so flawlessly, one couldn’t help but wonder if they were pushing their luck with the most cherished animated franchise of the past two decades. However, my fears were quickly alleviated. Far from being a misstep, Toy Story 4 manages to deliver a heartfelt and humorous tale that is bound to leave you in awe.

This time around, Woody takes center stage, but the underlying message of love and being loved remains as poignant as ever. This franchise continues to be a testament to generosity and good-hearted storytelling, standing out amongst all Pixar productions. The humor in this installment is particularly noteworthy, from Key and Peele’s Plush Rush, to Keanu Reeves’s Duke Caboom, and of course, Tony Hale’s Forky, a quirky, existential character who never fails to make you burst into laughter.

Was another Toy Story movie necessary? Perhaps not. But I can assure you that you will be thrilled they made it, and if Pixar ever decides to return for a fifth installment, my trust in them will only grow stronger.

7.
Inside Out

Year: 2015
Director: Pete Docter
Runtime: 1h 35m

Fans of ‘Parks & Rec’ who miss Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, will be delighted: The character Joy from ‘Inside Out’ shares some similarities with Knope, being just as optimistic and pushy. In ‘Inside Out’, Joy manages the emotional headquarters inside a young girl’s mind, much like she would her own little sunny domain. While the plot of ‘Inside Out’ can get a bit complex – Joy and Sadness (played brilliantly by Phyllis Smith from ‘The Office’) must find their way back to HQ after getting lost in the girl’s thoughts – it is one of Pixar’s most intelligent and emotionally pure films in recent years. It provides valuable lessons about accepting all life’s emotions, and Bing Bong will surely tug at your heartstrings.

6.
Toy Story 3

Year: 2010
Director: Lee Unkrich
Runtime: 1h 43m

Discerning an order among the three ‘Toy Story’ movies is quite challenging, even for us, as we both hold them in high regard. One of us even named his favorite film from 2010 as one of these masterpieces! Each movie offers a unique charm that makes choosing the best almost impossible. However, we find ourselves ranking the third movie slightly lower due to its plot reminiscent of ‘The Great Escape’, which feels more familiar compared to other Toy Story films. Additionally, the bittersweet ending seems designed to test our composure as parents watching with our children, making it difficult not to tear up. Lastly, the announcement of ‘Toy Story 4’ adds a tinge of sadness to this film’s conclusion, taking away from the finality that made it so moving in the first place.

5.
The Incredibles

Year: 2004
Director: Brad Bird
Runtime: 2h 3m

It became clear later on that director Brad Bird was destined to create live-action blockbusters, given the incredible action and captivating storytelling in The Incredibles. If every blockbuster were as well-crafted as this one, we wouldn’t complain about a fifth Transformers movie. The secret behind The Incredibles’ success lies in its efficient use of action: It introduces us to a fresh universe, makes us care for a relatable and close-knit family, reveals their quiet dissatisfaction with their lives, and then shows them joining forces against an evil force threatening the planet – all within just under two hours without ever feeling rushed or overly packed. Marvel Studios, take note: It is possible to create a rich world, manage a large cast of characters, and leave audiences in awe without requiring them to consult Wikipedia afterwards.

4.
Toy Story 2

Year: 1999
Director: 1h 33m
Runtime: John Lasseter

Toy Story 2, initially intended for a direct-to-video release, was unexpectedly given a theatrical debut by Disney’s Pixar executives, who were more pleased with the film compared to the Pixar team. As a result, the sequel had to be reworked quickly and without much planning. Remarkably, Toy Story 2 exhibits no traces of the haste involved in its production. It skillfully broadens the world of Woody and Buzz without compromising on character development, humor, or emotion. This sequel not only builds upon the themes of the original but also offers a poignant reflection on the end of childhood. Joan Cusack delivers a standout performance as the spirited cowgirl Jessie, and her “When She Loved Me” flashback remains one of Pixar’s most memorable tearjerking scenes in their collection of heart-wrenching moments.

3.
Finding Nemo

Year: 2003
Director: Andrew Stanton
Runtime: 1h 40m

In making his movie, Director Andrew Stanton aimed to portray an underwater world while also confronting his personal feelings of overprotectiveness towards his young son. This resulted in the creation of the emotionally compelling, thrilling, and visually stunning tale of Marlin, a timid clownfish voiced by Albert Brooks, who embarks on a frantic quest to find his lost son Nemo (Alexander Gould), accompanied by Dory, a friendly but scatterbrained blue tang (Ellen DeGeneres). The moral lessons in Finding Nemo, emphasizing the significance of allowing our children to live independently, are reinforced by its intense and frightening scenes. Despite filling the film with numerous terrors, such as the nerve-wracking opening sequence, Stanton and his team communicate that it’s crucial to let go of those we cherish rather than suffocating them, so they can navigate the challenging world on their own.

2.
Toy Story

Year: 1995
Director: John Lasseter
Runtime: 1h 21m

30 years after the initial release of “Toy Story,” some of Randy Newman’s songs may sound a bit dated, and the animation might seem primitive by today’s standards. However, despite these minor quibbles, this timeless classic from the 1990s remains an unparalleled masterpiece in comedy. Pixar’s pioneering first feature film continues to serve as the blueprint for every great movie they’ve produced since: it elicits genuine emotions, offers thrilling action scenes, delves into human nature with uncanny precision, and is filled with countless laugh-out-loud moments. What makes “Toy Story” so hilarious is that beneath its surface lies a profound melancholy. The struggle between Woody and Buzz for Andy’s affection resonates deeply with everyone’s fear of being replaced, while also reflecting our shared understanding that the innocence of childhood cannot endure. As for the voice cast, they are nothing short of perfect: Tim Allen delivers a career-best performance, and even though Tom Hanks has won two Oscars, it is quite possible (and entirely fitting) that Woody will be the role that defines him forever.

1.
WALL-E

Year: 2008
Director: Andrew Stanton
Runtime: 1h 38m

After debating between the top two options extensively, we ended up choosing this one as it stood out as the most innovative and daring among all Pixar productions. The initial 30 minutes, which narrate the demise of a planet without a single word, are flawless – it’s almost like a Kubrick production in terms of precision and perspective, yet it never feels distant or unfeeling. As the story unfolds, we come to understand WALL-E’s character and recognize his vision for humanity that extends far beyond its current state, offering a glimpse of what it could be again. In our opinion, WALL-E represents an extraordinary accomplishment, the epitome of Pixar’s capabilities. It is also noteworthy that WALL-E showcases Pixar’s most remarkable love story – they have never been more skillful in their storytelling. This is our top recommendation.

Grierson & Leitch frequently discuss movies and run a podcast about films. Keep up with their insights by following them on Twitter or visiting their website.

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2025-06-20 07:57