In 1995, animation was forever changed with the arrival of Toy Story, the first feature film released by Pixar Animation Studios. No other film had quite the significant impact on animation since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released 58 years before. The studio made CG animation the forefront of animated films moving forward, and has forever changed the Disney company’s approach to its animated films.
Pixar also changed the idea of what family storytelling could be, moving away from classic fairytale tropes and instead incorporating more mature themes and original story concepts. This formula would prove to be successful, earning the studio 23 Academy Awards, 10 Golden Globe Awards, and 11 Grammy Awards as of 2026.
Sure, the studio has seen some stumbles along the way, as they attempt to grow and evolve, but with 31 gems under its belt, it’s hard to say which Pixar movie stands above the rest. However, we at Frozen Mouse Fever are taking risks and are sharing our definitive ranking of every Pixar Feature.
As always, this list is super subjective and very biased, so let’s strap in and ride like the wind, Bullseye!
Editor’s note: This article was last updated on October 2, 2026.
31. Cars 2 (2011)
Why was this made? Cars 2 tampers with the legacy of a fantastic film by making a hilarious sidekick (Mater) into the main protagonist. It failed miserably, and I’m still a little resentful over its existence.
30. Lightyear (2022)
What seemed like a very promising film with a stacked voice cast and interesting concept turned out to be just a below average space opera. Lightyear has a couple of fun moments, particularly with the robotic cat sidekick Sox, and the animation of space is out-of-this-world. Yet, the lack of an emotionally compelling story, which drags on for way too long, makes Andy’s favourite movie pretty mediocre sci-fi fare.
29. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
This movie is cute but forgettable. One of the first major flops for Pixar, and there is a good reason for that: it lacks the heart and emotional connection every other Pixar movie possesses. At face value, it’s a decent kids movie, but that’s pretty much all it is.
28. Elio (2025)
There is nothing inherently wrong with this film; it’s just not memorable or very exciting. Elio is a charming character and relatable character who may have a unique passion or is simply drawn to something that others don’t understand. He has the building blocks to carry a fun story, but it lacks that Pixar punch we’ve come to expect. It’s fine but not great.
27. Monsters University (2013)
I love Mike and Sully, but let’s be real: a Monsters, Inc. sequel without Boo isn’t something we needed. This prequel provides just the right amount of humour to be considered entertaining as we navigate the early days of the duo’s friendship. However, it lacks originality and the inspired storytelling we’ve come to expect from the studio.
26. A Bug’s Life (1998)
The second Pixar movie to ever be made, A Bug’s Life had a lot to live up to after the success of Toy Story. While it doesn’t even come close to reaching that masterpiece, it does tell a fun story that is very much aimed at kids. It has never been one of my favourites, but I do get a kick out of the fun characters and harmless entertainment.
25. Cars 3 (2017)
While it still doesn’t reach the greatness of the first, Cars 3 is such a vast improvement from the abysmal sequel. Lightning McQueen is back at the forefront, and the heart that was missing from Radiator Springs is found again. Cruz Ramirez is a fun addition, and this film can be considered a fine conclusion to the franchise.
24. Onward (2020)
Onward is one of those movies that has a ton of potential, but never manages to really get to where it wants to go. Its protagonist brothers are likeable, albeit slightly annoying, and their journey to resurrect their dad does pack some emotional weight, but overall it’s just average.
23. Incredibles 2 (2018)
Like most Pixar sequels, Incredibles 2 didn’t reach the same level of thrills as its predecessor, but it did deliver some amazing animated action sequences. Plus, Elastigirl finally gets the spotlight she deserves, and Jack-Jack continues to be all kinds of adorable. Sure, it’s a little long, but in the end it’s quality family entertainment.
22. Finding Dory (2016)
It is basically impossible for Finding Dory to live up to the brilliance of Nemo, but this sequel has a surprising amount of emotional depth. While sidekicks becoming the star rarely works, Dory somehow manages to gracefully swim on her own in a journey of self-discovery. Besides Toy Story, it’s the first Pixar film to deliver a great follow-up.
21. Soul (2020)
An example that shows that Pixar isn’t afraid to go there, Soul explores very heavy topics like death and the meaning of life, but somehow manages to still be effortlessly charming and endearing. It’s definitely the most grown-up movie Pixar has ever made.
20. Brave (2012)
The first Pixar film to star a human heroine, Brave leans more on the conventional fairytale tropes than any of their other films. However, Merida is such a unique and lovable character who embodies individuality and female empowerment that it’s easy to look past such a simplistic story.
19. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Many assumed after Toy Story 3, the franchise was over. However, Woody and the gang had another adventure in them that introduced a new fan favourite in Forky and wrapped up Woody’s time with his friends. It’s definitely the most hilarious of all the films, and its only downfall is the little time we spent with the rest of the toys outside of Woody and Bo Peep.
18. Ratatouille (2007)
Pixar meets independent film – Ratatouille is an art story. Not only because of the visually stunning animation, but also because of its concept and pacing. Ratatouille takes its time to tell the story of Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a chef. It’s a three-part course of elegance.
17. Elemental (2023)
There are two things Pixar knows how to deliver well: gorgeous animation and a sweet love story. Elemental delivers on those fronts with two completely different protagonists that, throughout the course of the plot, build a foundation of friendship and love. There are some unnecessary plot points, but in the end, it’s a film rooted in acceptance and coming together – touching in all the right ways.
16. Cars (2006)
It may not be critically beloved, but it’s a movie this writer grew up watching on repeat. That’s why Radiator Springs will always have a special place in my heart. A hotshot racer is brought down to earth in a small town with a wacky group of characters; it’s just so quaint and nostalgic, and is often critically overlooked due to its marketing appeal.
15. Hoppers (2026)
Equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, Hoppers felt like the beginning of a return to the Pixar films we grew up watching with a modern twist. Every character makes you feel something, and the overall message of caring about our greater world and those who inhabit our natural lands is more important than ever. A true return to form for the studio.
14. The Incredibles (2004)
A pioneer in many ways for all of the superhero movies in the last decade, “The Incredibles” is one of the best action flicks known to man. Set in an entirely new universe where superheroes must hide their powers, this film is more than just awesome action sequences; it’s a family comedy that delivers with every swift punch.
13. Luca (2021)
Luca may seem like a generic kids movie at first glance, with its animation not meeting the same quality we’ve come to expect from Pixar. Yet, the film has a lot going for it beneath the surface with themes of friendship, love, discrimination, and finding yourself. It’s a sweet and satisfying tale with a stunning Italian backdrop. Bellissimo indeed.
12. Turning Red (2022)
This is the perfect coming of age story, especially for 2000s kids who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area. It beautifully blends a metaphor for puberty with Chinese Canadian culture and taps into nostalgia with hilarious elements like boy bands and Tamagotchis. Mei is a diverse and rich character that might be Pixar’s most relatable yet.
11. Wall-E (2008)
Sci-fi meets avant-garde meets a romance for the ages. Wall-E represents everything people love about Pixar. It bravely tells the story of anti-corporatism and the repercussions of climate change with almost no dialogue in the first half. It’s not for everyone, as the pacing is slow, but you can’t deny the love between Wall-E and Eve is as sweet as it gets.
10. Toy Story 5 (2026)
Even after 30 years, it seems to be impossible for there to be a bad Toy Story film. In this fifth addition, Jessie is our protagonist, but other characters get to shine as they come to terms with what the rising growth of tech means for toys. Most importantly, it’s a story about finding the people who fully embrace you for you. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and the ever-evolving growth of our favourite toys.
9. Inside Out 2 (2024)
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Sequels rarely pack the same emotional punch as the original film, but Inside Out 2 manages to build upon the Inside Out legacy by perfectly blending old and new characters with themes surrounding the difficulties of growing up. For some of us, it’s almost too relatable, but hats off to Pixar for ensuring we feel all the feels with our favourite multidimensional emotions.
8. Up (2009)
No matter how many times you watch it, no one is ever emotionally prepared for Up. The first 10 minutes, which chronicle the love story of Ellie and Carl, are heart-wrenching. The remainder of the plot takes you on an emotional journey as an elderly man and a naive boy form an unshakeable bond on a wild adventure. It’s beautiful!
7. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Monsters, Inc. introduces a new world so effortlessly, with commitment unmatched like anything else before it. Mike and Sulley are a duo for the ages, and their quest to fix a huge mistake is filled with plenty of laughs and some underrated action sequences. In the end, the adorable Boo is the real star and makes this movie a bona fide classic.
6. Toy Story (1995)
We’ve already discussed the cultural significance Toy Story has had on the world of animation ad-nauseum. Given that and the unequivocal fact that it tells such a fantastic story of friendship and acceptance, it’s no surprise that it’s still widely considered one of the best Pixar films of all time. Toy Story will always be a timeless classic.
5. Inside Out (2015)
This film is so pure, but also so intelligent and imaginative. Set inside the mind of a preteen girl, Inside Out delivers some of Pixar’s best visual landscapes. However, what really makes it one of the best Pixar films is its ability to tell a complex and emotionally compelling story about mental health, a topic every adult and child can now discuss together because of this movie.
4. Coco (2017)
A family drama at its core, Coco immerses viewers in Mexican culture in a much-needed change of pace from previous films. Coco takes us on a journey to the Land of the Dead with Miguel, and the animation is stunning. The telenovela plot twists are also next level, and the final scene will leave you sobbing. It’s simply a musical masterpiece.
3. Toy Story 2 (1999)
If you think about it, Toy Story 2 had no right to be as incredible as it is. It was rushed to completion, but somehow manages to be just as wonderful (arguably slightly more so) than the original. The character development is next level and introduces my personal favourite, Bullseye, and cowgirl Jessie. It also has the edge of being the first Pixar film to deliver a tear-jerking moment – the Jessie, When She Loved Me sequence.
2. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Asking any Pixar fan to pick their favourite Toy Story is like asking them to pick their favourite child. It’s nearly impossible as each movie delivers in new ways. This third movie is my personal favourite because it’s the one in which all of your favourite characters get the chance to shine. Together, they face the reality that growing up is never easy, and seeing it from the perspective of Andy’s toys is equally powerful and cruel. I’m crying just thinking about it again.
1. Finding Nemo (2003)
This is one of my favourite movies of all time, and every time I rewatch, it’s better than the last. The animated ocean shots are exceptionally gorgeous, and the themes of love, loss, and fear of the unknown are so poignant. It’s the perfect balance of humour and heart with the introduction of iconic characters like Dory, Crush, and Bruce. I have a lot of nostalgic feelings for this movie, and I am so grateful for its existence.
What’s your favourite Pixar movie? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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