All 27 Pixar Movies Ranked From Worst To Best (2024)

Pixar has released 27 movies in total, and the ranking of every Pixar movie may come as a surprise. From humble beginnings at Lucasfilm to being counted among the world's premier animation houses, Pixar's journey has beet as difficult and inspirational as the adventures of their CG protagonists. After graduating from short films and special effects, the 1995 release of Toy Story - the world's first fully CG-animated feature film - Pixar was on the path to greatness. From there, Pixar became a vital cog in the Disney wheel, spawning one successful franchise after another with box office success and critical acclaim.

It should be said that Pixar has never released a terrible movie. Some certainly sparkle more than others, but even Pixar's weakest efforts are beautifully rendered and offer plenty for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Indeed, most of the movies are undoubtedly stone-cold classics that are incredibly difficult to separate. But here's every Pixar movie ranked worst to best - including Elemental - to help fans decide their own favorites.

27 Cars 2 (2011)

The Sequel Is Pixar's Most Cynical Moment

When Cars 2 is the unconditional worst film a studio has ever made, it must be doing something right. The sequel to Pixar's talking automobile franchise is perfectly serviceable as a bright, bold cartoon that youngsters will happily lap up. But a jump-started Lightning McQueen stalls and splutters in the face of Pixar movies' usual standard.

Lacking the magic other franchises ooze effortlessly,Cars 2 is crying out for the wit and universal appeal Pixar is known for, content to focus squarely on the frantic racing while characters and storytelling bring up the rear. Cars 2 is often cited as Pixar's most cynical moment - a sequel that didn't need to happen and made plenty of cash regardless of quality. Additionally, the film’s attempt to mix racing with a spy thriller plot feels disjointed, ultimately diluting the charm and coherence that Pixar fans expect from the studio's offerings.

26 Cars 3 (2017)

The Threequel Is Overshadowed By Pixar's More Innovative Movies

At least it's not Cars 2. The dishonor of the weakest Pixar movie is a photo-finish between Cars sequels, with the third in the series narrowly overtaking its predecessor. Addressing the criticisms Cars 2 ran into, Cars 3 revs up the story elements as Owen Wilson's cheery red racer realizes his glory days might be over. This premise leads Cars 3 on a more interesting curve that lends itself well to Pixar's talent for emotive storytelling.

It's still a Cars movie, which means lighthearted, visually pleasing motor action that rarely ventures out of its lane. While considering how every Pixar movie ranked, the notion that Pixar's second-worst film is only mediocre speaks volumes about the rest of its output. Despite a more grounded and emotionally resonant plot, Cars 3 struggles to leave a lasting impact, overshadowed by the studio's more innovative and heartwarming films.

25 The Good Dinosaur (2015)

The 2015 Pixar Movie Doesn't Take Advantage Of Its Concept

If the Cars series marks Pixar's first critical misfire, The Good Dinosaur is the studio's first proper box office flop. Truthfully, The Good Dinosaur is nowhere near as bad as its financials suggest. Based on the intriguing concept of Earth if the dinosaurs never went extinct, The Good Dinosaur's solid but unspectacular execution is as much to blame for its commercial failure as poor marketing.

Where Pixar movie fans are accustomed to narrative layers and emotional resonance, this prehistoric tale offers only a taste of what the studio is capable of - delightful in the moment, but never leaving a footprint on the audience's hearts and minds. Though The Good Dinosaur brings some ambitious ideas to the table, chances of a sequel were quickly fossilized. Additionally, while the film boasts stunning visuals and heartfelt moments, it lacks the cohesive storytelling and depth that typically define Pixar's masterpieces, making it a pleasant yet ultimately forgettable entry into the studio's lineup.

24 Lightyear (2022)

A Non-Essential But Enjoyable Addition To The Toy Story Franchise

Lightyear is the (fake) movie that inspired Andy's desire to own the Buzz Lightyear action figure and kick off the Toy Story timeline. This would have been a clever concept had director Angus MacLane stuck to it, but the movie that became Lightyear is simply not one that would have existed in 1995 – it feels too slick.

There's plenty to love, including subtle (and less subtle) nods to Toy Story, a convincing and emotional friendship that suffers at the hands of warped time, a great Emperor Zurg twist, an on-form Chris Evans, and stunning visuals. However, its overarching message – "teamwork is good" – hardly measures up to Pixar's more heartstring-pulling themes, and they don't lean far enough into the idea of a frenetic '90s sci-fi movie like The Fifth Element to balance the fun/feelings factors. It's a non-essential but enjoyable addition to the franchise that bears almost no relevance to Toy Story canon.

23 Cars (2006)

The Best Of The Cars Trilogy, Though That Isn't Saying Much

It's no secret that Pixar movie sequels seldom live up to their respective originals, but it's rare indeed that an entire franchise fails to please. Step forward, Cars - the only Pixar series that hasn't produced a single universally loved outing. After bringing to life toys, bugs, fish and monsters, automobiles were the next logical target to anthropomorphize, but it's here that Cars' common problems of thin plot, narrow appeal and style over substance begin.

While these issues would define later sequels, the original Cars has enough talent in its great cast and intrigue in its awe-inspiring premise to chug over the line. Cars might resonate more deeply than its successors, but it still lacks the cinematic weight of almost everything else with a Pixar sticker. Additionally, despite its charming setting and heartfelt moments, the film's pacing and predictability prevent it from reaching the heights of Pixar's more acclaimed works, rendering it a modestly enjoyable but ultimately unremarkable entry in the studio's impressive catalog.

22 Monsters University (2013)

Captures The Vibrant Spirit Of The Monsters Inc. Franchise

The long-awaited follow-up to Monsters, Inc. is a prequel set during Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan's college years. Though this wasn't necessarily a story fans longed to see, Monsters University makes the most of its situation and coaxes plenty of comedic shenanigans from Mike and Sulley's early rivalry. Beyond explaining how the pair came to know each other, however, Monsters University adds little to the first film, playing safe and relying heavily upon the audience's existing love for the characters.

On the other hand, Monsters University's college setting successfully expands Pixar's world of hairy beasts, and the original charm of Mike and Sulley remains mercifully fruitful. A good film burdened by the unabashed greatness of its predecessor. Moreover, while the film captures the vibrant and imaginative spirit of its universe, its predictable storyline and lack of emotional depth compared to the original leave it feeling more like a pleasant diversion than a standout Pixar classic.

21 Elemental (2023)

Pixar's First-Ever Romcom Is A Success

Backed by a typically deep story borne out of director Peter Sohn's real-life experience and the wider immigrant story, Elemental may not be top-tier Pixar, but it is still better than most animated movies. As with a lot of Pixar movies, Elemental also deals with the idea of legacy within families and younger characters finding their own way.

The racism allegory is a smartly conceived one, but it's somewhat lacking in the execution because Sohn's story never quite goes as far as audiences like it to. Nevertheless, the animation is beautiful, the characters well-drawn, and the enjoyment factor for a broad audience is absolutely there. The usual deeper elements are there, and the same pillar Pixar principles, and even where the story sags a little, the central dynamic between Ember and Wade is great.

20 Finding Dory (2016)

Expertly Expands The Finding Nemo Universe

Much like Monsters University, Finding Dory wasn't the sequel fans were calling for, and though Pixar deserves credit for at least trying to avoid predictability, that initial lack of interest hampers an otherwise strong Finding Dory. Focusing on Ellen DeGeneres' amnesiac blue tang, Finding Dory succeeds where many Pixar movie sequels don't, coming perilously close to matching the emotional impact and sense of wonder audiences felt experiencing Finding Nemo for the first time.

It's a huge benefit that Finding Dory's story works in isolation, and the gut-punch revelations from Dory's notoriously unreliable memory work as well as anything from the first film. There's still an overriding sense that Finding Dory didn't need to happen, but it made more than $1 billion at the box office. Additionally, the film introduces a host of memorable new characters and stunning underwater visuals, which help offset redundancy and reinforce the enduring charm of its beloved protagonist, making it a worthwhile, if not entirely necessary, continuation of the Finding Nemo legacy.

19 Onward (2020)

An Underrated Pixar Movie That Suffered Due To Covid

When Pixar resolved to focus solely upon original stories in the wake of Toy Story 4, many applauded the artistic integrity. Onward was the first of these productions, and had the misfortune of being released in March 2020. COVID-19 had a profound effect on Onward's box office, but early reaction during the film's short theatrical run was already looking underwhelming. Set within a world of magic and fantasy, Onward stars Chris Pratt and Tom Holland as two brothers looking to revive their deceased father for a single day.

The chemistry between their characters underpins the entire movie, and Onward's lofty themes are dealt with in a typically uplifting yet sensitive fashion. Onward doesn't quite engage viewers at every stage of the journey, but it remains a worthy addition to Pixar's movie canon that might've been appreciated more without a pandemic. Moreover, the film's heartfelt exploration of grief, family, and self-discovery resonates deeply, showcasing Pixar's ability to blend fantasy with real-world emotions, even if the execution doesn't reach the heights of the studio's most beloved classics.

18 Luca (2021)

A Delightful Movie That Captures The Spirit Of Kids On Vacation

A more recent tapestry to emerge from Pixar's movie-making loom, Luca encompasses some of the finest visuals the studio has ever animated, rendering sun-soaked Italy and the sea monsters' underwater realm with equal beauty. Released in the summer of 2021, Luca successfully captures the spirit of young children exploring during warm-weather holidays, championing values of curiosity, friendship, and equality.

Not entirely dissimilar from Monsters University and The Good Dinosaur, Luca's biggest criticism is the lack of depth - a missing layer that might've elevated an attractive and engaging romp into a memorable classic that audiences can revisit time and time again, like a fond summer memory. While the film’s charming simplicity and nostalgic atmosphere make it a delightful watch, it falls short of delivering the profound emotional resonance and narrative complexity that characterize Pixar's most celebrated works, leaving Luca as a pleasant yet somewhat lightweight entry into the studio's impressive lineup.

17 A Bug's Life (1998)

An Underrated Entry In The Pixar World

One of Pixar's earliest efforts still holds up, despite not sharing the classic status of its contemporaries. Borrowing liberally from Seven Samurai, Pixar's second release confirmed the hottest new studio in town was no one-hit wonder and, even more so than Toy Story, established the core Pixar principles that still hold true today. Everything about this microscopic adventure appeals to both the inner child and the actual children sitting in the theater, with earnest characters fighting against a dangerous evil.

It's creepy-crawly fun and games that doesn't shy away from mature themes, and though releasing so soon after Antz probably wasn't ideal, A Bug's Life remains an underrated entry in the Pixar world. Furthermore, the film's imaginative world-building and clever humor continue to resonate, showcasing Pixar's early knack for creating stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. Despite being overshadowed by some of the studio's later masterpieces, A Bug's Life offers a delightful and enduring experience that deserves recognition in the Pixar canon.

16 Incredibles 2 (2018)

The most eagerly awaited of Pixar movie sequel, Incredibles 2 carried ridiculously high expectations, but despite initial buzz, the follow-up wasn't as super as Brad Bird's 2004 original. Unlike some Pixar franchises, Incredibles 2 doesn't rely on name value or retread old ground, presenting plenty of fresh ideas and new twists to the Parr family's superhero lifestyle. Jack-Jack is a delight, and the original's deft balance of comic book action and family drama remains true.

Nevertheless, it's telling that calls for Incredibles 3 are muted. The superhero sequel fails to develop its antagonist as effectively as the first film's classic Syndrome, and there's an inevitable air of diminishing returns exacerbated by the long gap between movies. While the film's dynamic action sequences and humor are commendable, it lacks the same emotional depth and narrative innovation that made the original a standout, resulting in a sequel that entertains but doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor.

15 Brave (2012)

The Female Protagonist Merida Is The Heart Of Brave

It took Pixar 13 films to realize a female protagonist might be a good idea, but not only does Brave move into uncharted diverse territory, it's a rare example of the studio employing a historical setting. Merida rightly serves as the heart of Brave, and her impact upon the Disney brand remains visible almost a decade on. Though the Scottish princess is Brave's undoubted highlight, the film's fairy tale environment makes for a refreshing change, while Merida's family dynamic is presented in a not-at-all-straightforward light that many viewers can relate to (apart from the bear bit).

Brave's pacing doesn't quite lead to the climax Merida deserved, but this is a compelling cautionary tale nonetheless. Additionally, the film's stunning animation and strong themes of independence and familial bonds contribute to its distinct charm, even if it doesn't quite achieve the same narrative cohesion and emotional depth found in Pixar's top-tier offerings.

14 Soul (2020)

Features One Of Pixar's Best Scores From Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

The second Pixar movie project to release during the COVID era and the first that premiered exclusively on Disney+, Soul brings together the unusual bedfellows of jazz music and the afterlife. This maverick combination is grounded by a wondrous score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - two names audiences wouldn't immediately associate with the jazz genre. Hailed by many as proof that Pixar hadn't lost its touch in 2020, Soul is ambitious, original and inspiring in equal measure, hitting all the poignant notes fans have come to expect.

Though the pacing falls away somewhat, Soul's actual stumbling block has been the criticism of its Black lead. Many have stated that Joe Gardner fails as a well-rounded depiction of a Black man and could've done much more to avoid racial stereotypes. While the film’s exploration of existential themes and the meaning of life is both profound and beautifully rendered, it sometimes struggles to balance its dual narratives of the physical and metaphysical, resulting in a slightly uneven but still deeply impactful and visually stunning experience.

13 Turning Red (2022)

The Kind Of Coming-Of-Age Narrative That Pixar Does Best

The general consensus surrounding Turning Red is that Pixar just delivered its strongest effort in years. A departure from the studio's tried-and-tested formula, Turning Red stars Rosalie Chiang as Mei Lee. In addition to all the other tribulations 13-year-old girls endure, Mei transforms into a huge red panda whenever she becomes emotional. Predictably, Turning Red is packed with sumptuous visuals (particularly during the final 4*Town concert scene), and delivers one comedy-tinged gut-punch after another as Mei learns to embrace her inner panda and break away from her mother's protective shell.

Emotive and good-looking coming-of-age stories are Pixar's bread and butter at this point, but truly elevating Turning Red above the likes of Luca and Onward are the things we're not accustomed to from Pixar movies. Its culturally rich narrative, authentic depiction of adolescence, and bold exploration of generational dynamics and identity make it a standout entry in Pixar's repertoire, resonating deeply with both young audiences and adults alike.

12 Toy Story 4 (2019)

The Worst Toy Story Movie Is Still One Of The Best Pixar Movies

The note-perfect ending of Toy Story 3 meant few were expecting (or wanting) a fourth visit to this iconic franchise. Disney and Pixar had other ideas, and Toy Story 4 landed in 2019. On one hand, Toy Story 4 still includes all of the essential Toy Story ingredients. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are great, the gags land consistently, and the carnival setting neatly broadens the toy universe through creepy dolls, lost toys, and plastic utensils. The return of Annie Potts as a toughened-up Bo Peep is inspired and marks a very welcome return for the staff-wielding shepherd.

Even so, Toy Story 4 feels more akin to a side-story than a true fourth chapter in the series - closer in style to animated shorts Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story That Time Forgot. Reconciling the end of Toy Story 3 with the fourth movie's plot is trickier than it should be, and the divisive Forky lacks the charm previous newbies such as Jessie and Ken showed from the start.

11 Coco (2017)

One Of Pixar's Most Beloved & Culturally Rich Movies

Soul wasn't the first Pixar movie to blend death and music - Coco got there a whole three years earlier. Swapping the jazz aesthetic for Mexican culture, Coco rivals any of Pixar's classics in terms of stunning CG, memorable songs, and heart-wrenching storytelling with timeless appeal. Starring a young aspiring musician chasing dreams his family refuse to support, Coco follows Miguel's nail-biting escape from the Land of the Dead and his quest for ancestral answers.

Coco isn't perfect by any means, but the sincerity of its world and characters papers over the cracks, encouraging the audience to be forgiving in light of the film's many charms. The film's rich cultural representation and its poignant exploration of themes such as family, tradition, and memory make it an emotionally resonant and visually enchanting experience that stands as one of Pixar's most beloved and impactful films.

10 Ratatouille (2007)

One Of The Most Inspiring Pixar Releases

Of all the mad ideas to emerge from Pixar's California HQ, a chef being controlled by a rat must've been the hardest to sell. A refreshingly small-scale concept, Remy is a talented chef with a palette way more sophisticated than your average sewer-dweller. Unfortunately, kitchen jobs are hard to come by in Paris, and even more so for rodents. By hiding underneath the hat of Linguini, however, Remy fulfills his culinary ambitions in an enchanting animation that carefully infuses slapstick restaurant hi-jinks with an all-too-relatable story of acceptance, passion, and individuality.

Despite being a quieter affair than Pixar movie regulars might be accustomed to, Ratatouille never drags or dips, and never panders to cartoon convention. The best testament to Ratatouille's success is how for every food expert who loves the film, there's ten more who were inspired to cook for the first time.

9 Monsters, Inc. (2001)

A Great Example Of Pixar Making Movies For Both Children & Adults

If Pixar is the King of Concepts, Monsters, Inc. was the studio's best premise since Toy Story. Playing on every child's fears, Mike and Sulley exist within a hilariously true-to-life setting where scaring kids is just a mundane 9-to-5. Perfectly-pitched characters are given room to roam, and the deeply upsetting farewell between Sulley and Boo easily ranks as one of Pixar's most heartbreaking moments.

Monsters, Inc. is a story of two diverse species shedding their respective preconceptions, but tackling meaty subject matter doesn't mean endless fun can't be had along the way. That is, after all, when Pixar is at its best. The animation might look basic by modern standards, but Monsters, Inc. still packs a visual punch with its eclectic array of monster designs and the dizzying door conveyor climax. Moreover, the film's blend of humor, heart, and inventive world-building has cemented its status as a beloved classic, demonstrating Pixar's unique ability to craft stories that resonate with both children and adults.

8 Finding Nemo (2003)

The 2003 Movie Was Pixar's Biggest Leap Forward Since Toy Story

Who knew looking for a fish could be so enjoyable? Pixar movies are famous for their all-ages appeal, and though Finding Nemo is clearly aimed more toward little'uns, the 2003 smash captures the ocean's wonder like no animated film since The Little Mermaid. In a void of endless blue, Finding Nemo accentuates its characters, boasting one of Pixar's best-ever line-ups, from Crush the stoned turtle, to Bruce the vegetarian shark.

Some of the jokes might come across as juvenile to the adult viewer, but Finding Nemo compensates by partially framing the narrative from the perspective of Nemo's overprotective dad. Finding Nemo represented the next stage of Pixar's evolution, arguably the biggest leap forward since Toy Story, and cemented the studio's position at the pinnacle of western animation. While the 2016 sequel and gritty Liam Neeson remake couldn't quite match up, Finding Nemo's appeal is as enduring as the tide itself.