To date, only one individual, Brad Bird, has been recognized as both the writer and director for Pixar’s Incredibles films. When Pixar initially announced they were producing Incredibles 3, they also disclosed that Bird, who is also famous for directing The Iron Giant, Ratatouille, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, would rejoin the team to work on the upcoming sequel.
However, Bird won’t be in charge of the project. Instead, Peter Sohn, who previously directed Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” and “Elemental”, will step up as director for the third “Incredibles” movie. Bird continues his role as both writer and producer on the project.
Peter Sohn’s connection with Bird Studios stretches back to the production of “The Iron Giant,” and since 2003, he has been associated with Pixar. Working as a story artist on various Pixar productions, he then moved on to direct “The Good Dinosaur” in 2015, followed by “Elemental” in 2023 while working under the Pixar banner.
In comparison to other Pixar productions, The Good Dinosaur is frequently listed as one of their less successful films and has also struggled financially, earning fewer box office sales than most. However, only Lightyear and Onward, which debuted just before the Covid pandemic, have had a more difficult time at the ticket counter. Conversely, John Lasseter’s Elemental performed exceptionally well in cinemas, raking in nearly half a billion dollars, and was even nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
The series known as The Incredibles, which revolves around a family of superpowered heroes, is one of Pixar’s most profitable franchises. The first sequel, released in 2018 as Incredibles 2, held the title of Pixar’s highest-grossing film (with box office earnings of $1.24 billion) until last year when Inside Out 2 surpassed it with global sales of $1.69 billion. To put it simply, anticipation for the third installment, Incredibles 3, is incredibly high, both within the company and among viewers.
As of now, Pixar hasn’t specified a definite launch date for Incredibles 3. However, their upcoming production, titled Elio, is set to hit the cinemas on June 20.
Every Pixar Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
28. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Multiple Pixar movies have experienced significant changes during production, but “The Good Dinosaur” stands out as if several films were sewn together. Notably, Pixar spent considerable time on one version of the film, discarded most of it, and started anew with a nearly new team. The final product showcases some of the most beautiful and realistic nature animation ever created alongside extremely caricatured dinosaurs – a blend that is as peculiar as it is inconsistent. The almost photographic backdrops suit a story about the perils and splendors of the wilderness, but they feel awkward for a Western centered around a dinosaur with knobby knees and his canine-like human companion. Additionally, it’s an unusual match for this surprisingly somber movie dealing with themes of death, sorrow, and rage. “The Good Dinosaur” is not only the weakest Pixar film, but it’s also the most peculiar. Given that “Cars 2” exists, this statement carries significant weight.
27. Cars 2 (2011)
In a nutshell, “Cars 2” is an ordinary children’s film that presents a world populated by intelligent vehicles similar to ours, with one key difference: it’s devoid of human presence. These cars are involved in espionage, interacting with things like car toilets, car bidets, and food items, as well as a peculiar gas called sleeping gas. The question arises, do these cars have some form of respiratory system? And if so, where are their lungs?
The storyline involving the slow-witted truck Mater (voiced by Larry Thecableguy) is quite bizarre, but it does provide ample room for contemplation about the genuinely puzzling aspects of this “Cars” universe. For instance, not only do these cars consume food, which raises questions about their digestive processes, but also about where they source their food from.
26. Elemental
Pixar is renowned for crafting breathtaking worlds in modern cinema, such as imaginary realms inhabited by sentient toys, emotions, or monsters whose city runs on children’s screams. However, Element City in the movie “Elemental” didn’t quite gel together like other Pixar creations. Consequently, a significant portion of the film – a kid-friendly romantic comedy about a fire elemental and a water elemental yearning to create steam – focuses on navigating this peculiar and underdeveloped environment. This is an uncommon letdown from Pixar, as it seemed off-base from the very beginning.
25. Brave (2012)
In a departure from their usual high standards, Pixar’s first princess film doesn’t shine quite as bright; even their exceptional character design and animation appear somewhat dull in this instance. Kelly Macdonald portrays the feisty Princess Merida, who defies her parents’ efforts to arrange a marriage by transforming her mother (Emma Thompson) into a bear. The resolution of the tension between mother and daughter is as enchanting as that bear transformation; essentially, a single fishing montage appears to heal decades of bitterness and anger — and overall, the third act feels overly simplistic and straightforward, a stark contrast to Pixar’s typically complex and intricate climaxes. In summary, Brave is pleasant yet shallow, lacking in true bravery.
24. Finding Dory (2016)
As a film enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of sequels, and while Pixar has taken some risks, Finding Dory isn’t one of them. Instead, it feels more like a heartwarming retelling of the original Finding Nemo, with Ellen DeGeneres’ lovable but forgetful Dory taking center stage this time, rather than neurotic Marlin (Albert Brooks) chasing after his lost son. There are some truly magical moments – a hallmark of every Pixar film – and Ed O’Neill’s grumpy “septopus” Hank (he’s one limb shy, which is an intriguing motif throughout the movie about super-capable characters with physical disabilities) steals the show with his clever disguises and agility. However, it’s challenging not to notice that this isn’t quite up to Pixar’s usual standard. I can only hope they don’t consider making a Finding Marlin movie in the future!
23. Monsters University (2013)
In a departure from the usual heartwarming Pixar tales, the prequel to Monsters Inc., titled Monsters University, blends college comedy with the standard Pixar friendship narrative. Prior to their careers in scaring children, Mike (voiced by Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) cross paths as fraternity brothers from an outcast group reminiscent of Revenge of the Nerds. Although the animation and voice acting maintain Pixar’s high quality, Monsters University is a relatively forgettable film compared to the studio’s other works, falling far short of the original Monsters movie. Despite the intricate monster-themed design, the film could have benefited from a bit more bite in its storyline.
22. Luca (2021)
In this review, we find that Enrico Casarosa, a senior creative member at Pixar, showcases his first feature directorial effort in the delightful, uncomplicated tale titled “Luca.” Set against the backdrop of an idyllic Italian coastal town and its vibrant waters teeming with affectionate sea monsters, our protagonist (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) longs to be part of the surface world. Remarkably, he doesn’t require a witch-octopus to grant him legs; simply leaving the ocean transforms his colorful scales into human skin and hair. As Luca crosses paths with Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), an exuberant sea monster with a flair for machismo, he learns to embrace his desires and venture into the world above.
The film is straightforward, a term that mirrors its essence. While “Luca” delivers a heartwarming message, captivating stylized animation, it doesn’t offer much more in complexity.
21. Cars (2006)
Before its lesser-known sequel tarnished its reputation, the movie “Cars” was a subtle ode to Route 66 and small-town America, disguised within a child-friendly story about an arrogant race car learning the importance of appreciating the simple things in life (although there are no actual roses in Cars Land because it’s mainly asphalt and cars; instead, you might stop and smell the White Rose Motor Oil or similar). The original “Cars” boasts one of Pixar’s most talented voice casts, featuring Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, George Carlin, Cheech Marin, Michael Keaton, and the late Paul Newman as Doc Hudson. Here comes a surprising perspective: Larry the Cable Guy’s character, Mater, is actually quite amusing.
20. Cars 3 (2017)
In my opinion, “Cars 3” stands out as the finest among the “Cars” series. Initially, the franchise was less appealing to adults due to its brightly colored car characters and simple narratives that primarily appealed to children. However, “Cars 3” introduced a sense of melancholy and depth, with its protagonist, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), confronting the reality of his approaching retirement from racing. Director Brian Fee’s themes of self-acceptance and tolerance may seem confusing in a world where cars have gained sentience and eliminated humans. Nevertheless, like many great Pixar films, “Cars 3” is a heartwarming tale about the strength of friendship on a journey.
19. Toy Story 4 (2019)
In the realm of my movie-loving heart, I must say that the ominous shadows encroaching on the beloved world of Toy Story seem to be drawing near its core in this fourth installment. Unlike the previous films, this one commences with a toy contemplating suicide and spirals down into an even gloomier landscape. Although Toy Story 3 served as a fitting conclusion for these characters, it’s heartwarming to reconnect with Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the valiant Bo Peep (Annie Potts) once more. However, the narrative, while herky-jerky at times, doesn’t quite resonate as organically or satisfyingly as the others in this series. It isn’t until the climactic moments that the customary waterworks are triggered.
18. Onward (2020)
17. Lightyear
A somewhat contentious film, primarily due to Pixar’s bold decision to cast someone other than Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, garnered more controversy than it deserved. Chris Evans assumes the role of the “real” Buzz (the protagonist of this movie, serving as the inspiration for the Buzz Lightyear toy in Toy Story within the Pixar universe) as a self-assured pilot who believes he can handle every situation on his own. However, he ends up causing a problem that he cannot resolve, leading to an adventure where Buzz must confront his ego and insecurities, as well as the complexities of time itself. While the conclusion becomes somewhat predictable, the middle sections, featuring Buzz racing against time to develop a new type of rocket engine, are among Pixar’s most charming sequences in recent memory.
16. Inside Out 2
Although not as brilliant as the original “Inside Out”, this sequel maintains its creative and thoughtful nature by shifting the focus from Joy versus Sadness to Joy versus Anxiety. This new emotion seeks dominance over now-adolescent Riley, aiming to secure her future happiness, potentially compromising her current emotional health. Essentially, it’s a realistic depiction of being an anxious teenager, presented in another delightful Pixar journey packed with vibrant colors, insightful life lessons, and plenty of witty, amusing humor.
15. Incredibles 2 (2018)
14 years after the initial “Incredibles” film, Brad Bird crafted “Incredibles 2” in an era where superheroes are commonplace rather than extraordinary. Instead of focusing on the Parrs’ superhero adventures, the movie delves into their everyday struggle to maintain family harmony. Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) takes up a new job, leaving Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) as a stay-at-home dad. He learns that superpowers are useless when dealing with a real-life supervillain – an energetic baby. Both parents will find relatable messages in the idea that parenthood is an unending battle, one worth fighting for.
14. A Bug’s Life (1998)
Pixar never experienced a sophomore slump; instead, their sequel to the original “Toy Story” was an incredibly entertaining take on Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” but this time featuring circus bugs as the samurai. Dave Foley, with his excellent voice for animation, plays a bumbling ant inventor who recruits these bug warriors. Although the visuals may seem simplistic compared to today’s standards (especially in the “Ant Island” scenes that lack detail), Pixar was already perfecting its unique blend of comedic adventure and heartfelt emotions. Additionally, Randy Newman’s score is fantastic!
13. Coco (2017)
In a nutshell, “Coco” is an ordinary children’s movie that delves into heavy themes such as death, murder, sorrow, mourning, dementia, living skeletons, and absent fathers. Even by Pixar’s standards, which often create films for adults disguised within kid-friendly entertainment, “Coco” is a thoughtful production that directly addresses topics like mortality and loss. It also stands out as one of Pixar’s most creatively designed movies, especially in its vibrantly colorful Land of the Dead. One minor criticism: The central song, “Remember Me,” could have been less repetitive. Anyone who tearfully witnessed this film’s emotional conclusion won’t need encouragement to remember it.
“Coco” is a kids’ movie that tackles complex topics like death and loss, even for Pixar, which usually makes movies with adult themes wrapped in kid-friendly stories. It’s one of their most imaginative productions, especially in its beautiful Land of the Dead. However, the main song could have been less redundant. Anyone who cried at the end of this movie doesn’t need help remembering it.
12. Toy Story 3 (2010)
As a passionate moviegoer, I can’t help but shed tears at the heartrending finale that leaves no one untouched. Pixar has always been unwavering in their portrayal of the truth they set up in the first Toy Story: for a toy, life is an endless cycle of sadness with rare bursts of pure happiness – a reality strikingly similar to ours as humans. However, Toy Story 3 falls slightly short of reaching the greatness of its predecessors, and it seems to reuse some emotional cues from the second film. Yet, like a well-loved toy with new batteries, it still functions effectively, though it’s not quite as exhilarating as it once was.
11. Ratatouille (2007)
When I previously watched the movie “Ratatouille,” I used to ponder over how Remy the Rat (voiced by Patton Oswalt) controlled Linguini (Lou Romano). Was Linguini a mutant? Could you control anyone if you pulled on their hair in specific ways? This question troubled me for years. However, when I rewatched it with my daughter, I understood that the details didn’t matter; if you can accept a rat not only cooking food but also understanding human language, then it’s not too far-fetched to believe that one could control an unsuspecting busboy by tugging on his hair. And once I let go of that question, “Ratatouille” became one of Pixar’s most heartwarming odes to unconventional artists and the extraordinary creations they produce when given the freedom to pursue their passions.
10. Soul (2020)
2020 was a challenging year for Pixar, but they offered a remedy for the blues with Pete Docter’s imaginative story about a hopeful jazz pianist (portrayed by Jamie Foxx) who tumbles into a manhole cover and embarks on a journey to “The Great Beyond.” The film conveys a straightforward message: In hard times, remember to cherish the good things around you and never take them for granted. Although Soul shares many narrative traits typical of Pixar – it’s another comedy featuring unlikely partners embarking on self-discovery journeys – it also features some unexpected twists, as well as exceptional vocal performances, particularly from the cast who inhabit the afterlife’s characters, such as Rachel House, Fortune Feimster, Richard Ayoade, Wes Studi, and Alice Braga.
9. Toy Story (1995)
Back in 1995, “Toy Story” was a visual masterpiece that marked Pixar’s grand debut. But when compared to the visual brilliance of “Toy Story 4”, it’s mind-blowing to witness how far digital animation has advanced over the years. Yet, nothing beats going back to those early days with Woody and Buzz, or the iconic music by Randy Newman, or the genuinely chilling scenes involving Sid’s Frankenstein-like toy creations – they still hold a special place in my heart.
8. Monsters Inc. (2001)
7. The Incredibles (2004)
16 years on, Brad Bird’s initial Pixar venture, “The Incredibles”, remains captivating. The film’s narrative revolves around a family of superheroes concealing their powers, which stirred debate due to its cautionary tale about a world where everyone is extraordinary, implying no one is. However, it appears some viewers have overlooked the fact that the character advocating for this worldview is the antagonist. Moreover, when the protagonist laments his children’s limitations and inability to use their talents, he is actually reflecting his own uncertainties and frustrations onto them, offering a surprisingly candid portrayal of a superhero grappling with midlife crises.
6. WALL-E (2008)
When reminiscing about Pixar’s golden era or discussing their daring approach to storytelling, they often refer to WALL-E, a film that starts with a silent 30-minute segment combining bleak sci-fi with slapstick humor in the style of Charlie Chaplin, all without any human characters. Director Andrew Stanton chooses instead to focus on an unusual robot named WALL-E who resides alone in Earth’s desolate future, compacting waste according to his centuries-old programming. The narrative gains more common ground when WALL-E finds himself aboard a spaceship inhabited by the remnants of humanity, but it’s worth noting that even at its most predictable, the movie serves as a merciless critique of our culture’s excessive and detrimental attachment to screens like the one you’re viewing this text on.
5. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Currently, Pixar is known for producing numerous average sequels, making it simple to overlook the fact that at one point, they created one of the most impactful sequels in cinematic history. While everyone cherishes the emotional opening scene of “Up”, the part in “Toy Story 2” where Jessie’s tragic past is unveiled might be even more heart-wrenching. Regardless, this was a significant moment in Pixar’s early years when they transformed a direct-to-video sequel into a compelling big-screen follow-up that also represented Pixar’s initial foray into such profound emotional depth.
4. Up (2009)
Everyone adores the heart-wrenching opening montage in the movie “Up,” which swiftly captures decades of joyful moments and heartbreaking trials in a loving couple’s marriage. However, people often underestimate the rest of the film that unfolds, where grumpy widower Carl Fredricksen (played by Ed Asner) fulfills a vow to his deceased wife Ellie by floating his house across South America. Along the way, he befriends an eccentric bird, a chatty canine named Dug, and a spirited scout named Russell (Jordan Nagai) who secretly joined the trip. The movie is brimming with delightful humor, tender feelings, and imaginative charm. A fun game to play: See if you can resist shedding tears as Michael Giacchino’s music swells during the opening credits.
3. Turning Red (2022)
Although Pixar’s popularity might have decreased recently due to their recent releases being premiered on Disney+ instead of cinemas, it can be argued that their work has never been more impressive. A prime example is the film “Turning Red,” which stands as one of their most significant accomplishments. This heartwarming and humorous tale about growing up and embracing self-love resonates deeply with viewers, teaching us to accept ourselves for who we are rather than conforming to what others expect. The voice acting is exceptional, the artwork, inspired by anime, is captivating, and the ending will undoubtedly leave you in tears. In essence, “Turning Red” continues Pixar’s tradition of creating timeless classics.
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
Despite not being Pixar’s top-ranked film, “Finding Nemo” embodies the most quintessential Pixar qualities. It follows an unusual pair embarking on an underwater journey, offers unforgettable sidekicks whose charm could sustain a standalone movie, delivers a nerve-wracking climax, and tugs at heartstrings with the emotional intensity of a devoted father’s mission to rescue his son.
1. Inside Out (2015)
Prior to his appointment as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was renowned as the company’s intellectual powerhouse. He was a writer for films such as Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and served as director for three of the studio’s most acclaimed productions: Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out. The latter, an imaginative exploration into the inner life of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, stands out particularly. When Riley and her family move from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world is turned upside down, triggering a struggle between her brain’s personified emotions. The visual design of Riley’s mindscape is consistently innovative, offering intrigue in every frame of every scene. Crucially, Inside Out is one of the most insightful films ever created on the significance of sadness and loss in our lives, serving as a pinnacle achievement in Docter’s distinguished career.
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2025-06-10 21:28