Why Pixar’s Underrated Movie ‘Soul’ Is One Of The Best

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Pixar is renowned for creating some of the greatest animated films ever made. Many consider their best movie of the last decade to have been released six years ago, and the studio continues to be a major force and fan favorite in the animation world.

Pixar is known for making movies that both critics and audiences love, but the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their success. Since the film Onward, Pixar’s movies haven’t performed as well, meaning some truly great films haven’t received the attention they deserve. A prime example is Soul, which many consider to be one of Pixar’s best, yet it remains surprisingly underrated.

Why Soul Is One Of Pixar’s Best Movies Ever

Pixar’s 2020 film, Soul, directed by Pete Docter, follows Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle school teacher and pianist with a lifelong dream of playing professional jazz. Just when Joe gets his big break – an audition that lands him a spot with a renowned jazz musician’s band – he tragically falls into an open manhole and dies.

After Joe dies, his soul isn’t quite ready for the afterlife. Instead of moving on, he finds himself in the “Great Before,” a place where souls get ready for life on Earth. There, he encounters 22, a spirited young soul who’s determined to avoid going to Earth altogether.

In Pixar’s thoughtful film, Soul, both Joe and 22 embark on a journey to discover what truly gives life meaning – and they each find it in different ways. The movie is one of Pixar’s most profound yet, tackling big questions about life, death, purpose, and who we are. Soul beautifully shows us how easy it is to overlook the simple joys of everyday life when we’re caught up in our fears and goals.

While Soul isn’t as fast-paced as other Pixar films, its slower speed works well with the story it tells. The movie successfully tackles complex ideas in a way that’s easy to understand, and its characters are both likable and feel real, making it a standout Pixar achievement.

Why Soul Didn’t Get The Recognition It Deserves

Pixar released Soul during the challenging early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted how movies were released. Like many studios, Pixar had to adjust its plans, choosing between limited theatrical runs and streaming releases. Soul primarily became available through streaming on Disney+, although it did get a theatrical release in some countries where Disney+ wasn’t available.

This naturally restricted how many people saw it, and it lacked a powerful marketing push. Soul is also a more thoughtful and intricate film than most Pixar movies, meaning it wasn’t geared towards younger children, which kept some potential viewers away. As a result, some critics found Soul confusing or overly complicated, further damaging its public image.

Although Soul isn’t a typical family film like most Pixar movies, it’s still fantastic. Its depth and thoughtful exploration of its themes are what make it special, and now, even though it didn’t initially receive much attention in theaters, it’s finding an audience on streaming services.

Soul Got A Secret Prequel In 2021

Although Soul wasn’t a big enough hit to warrant a full sequel, Pixar didn’t abandon the film’s imaginative world. In 2021, they released 22 vs. Earth, a short film directed by Kevin Nolting, continuing the story of 22, once again voiced by Tina Fey.

Before the story of Soul, 22 vs. Earth shows 22, a spirited and unconventional soul, trying to rally others against being sent to Earth. However, her rebellion doesn’t last, and ultimately fails.

Similar to Soul, 22 vs. Earth explores the meaning of life and what gives a soul purpose. 22 vs. Earth proved to be popular, and currently remains the only story that expands on the universe introduced in Soul.

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2026-02-18 17:25