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 their 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 eighteen Academy Awards, ten Golden Globe Awards and eleven Grammy awards as of 2023. Sure the studio has seen some stumbles along the way, as they attempt to grow and evolve, but with 27 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 9, 2023.
27. Cars 2
Why was this made? “Cars 2” tampers 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.
26. The Good Dinosaur
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 it.
25. Onward
“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 okay.
24. Monsters University
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.
23. Lightyear
What seemed like a very promising film with a stacked voice cast and interesting concept turned out to be just an average space opera. “Lightyear” has some fun moments, particularly with the robotic cat sidekick Sox, and the animation of space is out of this world gorgeous. Yet, the lack of an emotionally compelling story makes Andy’s favourite movie pretty standard sci-fi fare.
22. A Bug’s Life
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.
21. Cars 3
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 is a fitting conclusion to the franchise (assuming no more are coming).
20. Incredibles 2
Like most Pixar sequels, “Incredibles 2” didn’t reach the same level of thrills as its predecessor, but it did deliver some of the best animated action sequences of all-time. 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.
19. Brave
The first Pixar film to star a human heroine, “Brave” leans a little more on the conventional fairytale tropes than any of their other films. However, Merida is such a unique and loveable character, who embodies individuality and female empowerment that it’s easy to look past such a simplistic story that takes a little while to get going.
18. Finding Dory
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.
17. Toy Story 4
Many assumed after “Toy Story 3”, the franchise was over. However, Woody and the gang had one last 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.
16. Soul
Pixar’s latest example to show that they aren’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.
15. Elemental
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.
14. Luca
“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.
13. Wall-E
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-corporation 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.
12. Turning Red
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 Tamagotchi’s. Mei is a diverse and rich character that might be Pixar’s most relatable yet.
11. Ratatouille
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 excellence and one of Pixar’s most underrated films.
10. The Incredibles
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.
9. Up
No matter how many times you watch it, no one is ever emotionally prepared for “Up”. The first 10-minutes, which chronicles the love story of Ellie and Carl, is 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!
8. Cars
It may not be critically beloved like the rest of the films in the top 10, 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 too overlooked due to its marketing appeal.
7. Monsters, Inc.
“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 bonafide classic.
6. Coco
A family drama to 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.
5. Toy Story 3
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 gets docked a couple of points behind the first two for being way too sad. 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.
4. Inside Out
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 the best Pixar film of the last decade is its ability to tell a complex and emotionally compelling story about mental health, a topic every adult and child can relate to.
3. Toy Story
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.
2. Toy Story 2
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.
1. Finding Nemo
I’ve watched this movie a lot over the years and every time it’s better than the last. The animated ocean shots are out of this world 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. It has been and will always be one of my all-time favourite films, and I’m 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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