Pixar movies have captivated audiences for decades with their exceptional storytelling, groundbreaking animation, and the ability to resonate with both children and adults alike. Since the release of Toy Story in 1995, Pixar has continually pushed the boundaries of animated cinema, producing films that not only entertain but also explore profound themes of love, loss, identity, and the human experience.
In this definitive ranking, we’ve ordered all 28 Pixar films from worst to best, considering their impact, emotional depth, and lasting legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the Pixar universe, this guide will take you on a journey through the highs and lows of Pixar’s cinematic achievements.
28 – Cars 3 (2017)
Director: Brian Fee
Cast: Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper
Release Year: 2017
In Cars 3, Lightning McQueen faces the challenge of staying relevant in a world where younger, faster cars are taking over. The film tries to bring back the charm of the original Cars movie but struggles with a predictable plot and lackluster character development.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Despite its attempts to deliver a heartfelt conclusion to the Cars trilogy, Cars 3 lacks the innovation and emotional depth that make other Pixar films stand out.
Where to watch Cars 3
27 – The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Director: Peter Sohn
Cast: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliott
Release Year: 2015
The Good Dinosaur is set in an alternate reality where dinosaurs never went extinct and follows the journey of a young Apatosaurus named Arlo. The film is visually stunning but falters with a storyline that feels overly familiar and lacking in the complexity expected from Pixar.
Why It’s Ranked Here: While visually beautiful, The Good Dinosaur fails to leave a lasting impression due to its conventional narrative and underdeveloped characters.
26 – Lightyear (2022)
Director: Angus MacLane
Cast: Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn
Release Year: 2022
Lightyear explores the origins of Buzz Lightyear, the character that inspired the toy from Toy Story. The movie promises a new spin on a beloved character but ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and emotionally engaging story.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Despite its intriguing premise, Lightyear struggles with pacing and fails to capture the magic of the original Toy Story films.
25 – Cars 2 (2011)
Director: John Lasseter
Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine
Release Year: 2011
Cars 2 shifts gears from the racing-centric plot of the first film to a globe-trotting spy adventure. While the visuals are vibrant, the film is often criticised for its convoluted plot and lack of the emotional depth typically found in Pixar movies.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Cars 2 is widely considered one of Pixar’s weakest films due to its scattered storyline and overemphasis on action over substance.
24 – Luca (2021)
Director: Enrico Casarosa
Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman
Release Year: 2021
Set in a picturesque Italian seaside town, Luca tells the story of two young sea monsters who explore life on land. The film is a charming coming-of-age story filled with vibrant visuals but doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth of Pixar’s top-tier films.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Luca is delightful and visually appealing, yet it feels more like a pleasant diversion rather than a groundbreaking entry in Pixar’s lineup.
23 – Turning Red (2022)
Director: Domee Shi
Cast: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse
Release Year: 2022
Turning Red follows Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited. The film is an exploration of adolescence, cultural identity, and generational conflict, presented with a fresh and humorous perspective.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Turning Red stands out for its unique cultural perspective and relatable portrayal of teenage angst, though it doesn’t quite match the emotional resonance of Pixar’s best.
22 – Elemental (2023)
Director: Peter Sohn
Cast: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen
Release Year: 2023
Elemental takes place in a world where fire, water, earth, and air residents live together. The film explores themes of tolerance and understanding but is often critiqued for its straightforward narrative and lack of the nuanced storytelling that Pixar is known for.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Elemental is visually stunning but feels less innovative and emotionally impactful compared to other Pixar offerings.
21 – Brave (2012)
Director: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman
Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly
Release Year: 2012
Brave tells the story of Merida, a Scottish princess who defies tradition to carve out her own path. The film is praised for its strong female protagonist but often criticised for its uneven tone and lack of the emotional depth found in Pixar’s best films.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Brave offers a fresh take on the classic princess tale but doesn’t fully capitalise on its potential, leading to a somewhat mixed reception.
20 – Monsters University (2013)
Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
Release Year: 2013
A prequel to the beloved Monsters, Inc., Monsters University explores how Mike and Sulley became the best of friends during their college years. The film is filled with humour and heart, but it doesn’t quite capture the same magic as its predecessor.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Monsters University is an enjoyable and fun film, but it lacks the emotional depth and originality of the first movie, making it one of Pixar’s more forgettable entries.
19 – Onward (2019)
Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Release Year: 2019
Set in a suburban fantasy world, Onward follows two elf brothers who embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. The film combines humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments, but it doesn’t fully explore its unique premise, leaving it feeling somewhat underdeveloped.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Onward is an enjoyable adventure with touching themes of family and loss, but it doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs or innovative storytelling of Pixar’s best films.
18 – Soul (2020)
Director: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton
Release Year: 2020
Soul follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a jazz musician, who finds himself journeying through the afterlife. The film explores deep themes about the meaning of life and passion, presented through stunning visuals and an emotional storyline.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Soul is ambitious and thought-provoking, with a unique blend of humor and philosophy, but its complex narrative may not appeal to all audiences.
17 – Incredibles 2 (2018)
Director: Brad Bird
Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell
Release Year: 2018
A direct sequel to The Incredibles, this film picks up immediately where the first left off, with the Parr family facing a new villain while adjusting to their life as superheroes. Incredibles 2 is action-packed and funny, with a focus on family dynamics and gender roles.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Incredibles 2 delivers thrilling action and humor, staying true to the spirit of the original, but doesn’t break as much new ground.
16 – A Bug’s Life (1998)
Director: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Cast: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Release Year: 1998
Pixar’s second feature film, A Bug’s Life takes inspiration from the classic story The Seven Samurai, reimagined in the world of insects. The film tells the story of Flik, an inventive ant who recruits a group of circus bugs to defend his colony from grasshoppers. Though charming and humorous, it lacks the emotional depth and complexity that would become Pixar’s hallmark.
Why It’s Ranked Here: A Bug’s Life is a solid early effort from Pixar, but it doesn’t quite stand out among the studio’s later, more sophisticated offerings.
15 – Toy Story 4 (2019)
Director: Josh Cooley
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts
Release Year: 2019
In Toy Story 4, Woody and the gang embark on a new adventure that challenges their understanding of loyalty and love. The film introduces new characters, including the beloved Forky, and explores deeper emotional themes.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Toy Story 4 provides a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the series, though some fans feel it wasn’t necessary after the perfect ending of Toy Story 3.
14 – Toy Story 2 (1999)
Director: John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, Lee Unkrich
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Release Year: 1999
In Toy Story 2, Woody is kidnapped by a toy collector, leading Buzz and the gang on a rescue mission that deepens the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the passage of time. The film expands the Toy Story universe while maintaining the heart and humour of the original.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Toy Story 2 is a perfect sequel that builds on the original’s success, offering a richer narrative and deeper emotional stakes, solidifying the franchise’s legacy.
13 – Finding Dory (2016)
Director: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane
Cast: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill
Release Year: 2016
A sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory focuses on Dory’s quest to find her long-lost family. The film is filled with humour and emotional moments, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Finding Dory is a well-crafted sequel that expands the world of Finding Nemo, but it doesn’t have the same emotional impact or originality as the first film.
12 – Cars (2006)
Director: John Lasseter
Cast: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt
Release Year: 2006
In Cars, Lightning McQueen, a hotshot race car, learns valuable life lessons after getting stranded in a small town. The film is visually appealing and offers a nostalgic look at Americana, but it doesn’t resonate as deeply as Pixar’s more emotionally complex films.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Cars is a crowd-pleaser, especially for younger audiences, but it lacks the narrative depth and innovation that characterise Pixar’s greatest works.
11 – Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Director: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
Release Year: 2001
Monsters, Inc. imagines a world where monsters generate energy by scaring children, only to discover that laughter is more powerful. The film is full of humour, heart, and innovative world-building, making it a beloved classic.
Why It’s Ranked Here: With its clever premise and endearing characters, Monsters, Inc. remains one of Pixar’s most charming and imaginative films.
10 – Inside Out 2 (2024)
Director: Kelsey Mann
Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader
Release Year: 2024
A sequel to the groundbreaking Inside Out, this film delves deeper into the mind of now-teenage Riley as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. With new emotions joining the mix, Inside Out 2 continues to explore the complexities of growing up with humour and insight.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Inside Out 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of teenage emotions, though it lacks the novelty of the original.
9 – Up (2009)
Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Cast: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer
Release Year: 2009
Up tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly man who embarks on a journey to fulfil his late wife’s dream of adventure, with the help of a young boy named Russell. The film is a touching exploration of love, loss, and the beauty of life’s adventures, featuring one of the most emotional opening sequences in film history.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Up is a poignant and uplifting film that resonates with audiences of all ages, making it one of Pixar’s most emotionally powerful stories.
8 – Ratatouille (2007)
Director: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano
Release Year: 2007
In Ratatouille, a rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef in Paris, defying the odds and overcoming prejudice to pursue his passion for cooking. The film is a delightful blend of comedy, heart, and culinary artistry, with a strong message about following your dreams.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Ratatouille is a charming and inventive film that celebrates creativity and perseverance, earning its place as one of Pixar’s most endearing stories.
7 – Toy Story 3 (2010)
Director: Lee Unkrich
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
Release Year: 2010
In Toy Story 3, Woody, Buzz, and the gang face an uncertain future as Andy prepares to leave for college. The film is a bittersweet exploration of growing up, loyalty, and the passage of time, culminating in one of the most emotional endings in cinematic history.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Toy Story 3 is the perfect blend of humour, adventure, and emotion, offering a poignant conclusion to the Toy Story trilogy that resonates with audiences of all ages.
6 – The Incredibles (2004)
Director: Brad Bird
Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson
Release Year: 2004
In The Incredibles, a family of superheroes comes out of retirement to save the world while navigating the challenges of family life. The film is a thrilling action-adventure with a strong focus on family dynamics and the struggles of balancing personal identity with societal expectations.
Why It’s Ranked Here: The Incredibles is a near-perfect blend of action, humour, and heart, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre that resonates with audiences of all ages.
5 – Finding Nemo (2003)
Director: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
Release Year: 2003
Finding Nemo follows the adventurous journey of Marlin, a clownfish, as he searches for his son, Nemo, across the vast ocean. The film combines humour, emotion, and stunning underwater visuals to create a captivating story of love and perseverance.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Finding Nemo is a visually breathtaking and emotionally touching film that appeals to both children and adults, making it one of Pixar’s most beloved films.
4 – Inside Out (2015)
Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
Cast: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
Release Year: 2015
Inside Out takes viewers inside the mind of a young girl named Riley, where her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—navigate the challenges of growing up. The film is a groundbreaking exploration of emotional complexity, presented with humour and heart.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Inside Out is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a deep and emotionally resonant exploration of human emotions that appeals to both children and adults.
3 – Coco (2017)
Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
Release Year: 2017
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, Coco follows a young boy named Miguel who embarks on a journey through the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history. The film is a celebration of family, culture, and music, with a poignant exploration of memory and legacy.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Coco is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that beautifully honours Mexican culture, making it one of Pixar’s most beloved movies.
2 – Toy Story (1995)
Director: John Lasseter
Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
Release Year: 1995
The film that started it all, Toy Story introduced the world to Woody, Buzz, and the concept of toys coming to life when humans aren’t around. The movie’s groundbreaking animation and heartfelt story set the stage for Pixar’s future successes.
Why It’s Ranked Here: As the first feature-length film created entirely with computer animation, Toy Story remains a timeless classic that revolutionised the industry and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
1 – WALL-E (2008)
Director: Andrew Stanton
Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
Release Year: 2008
WALL-E follows a small waste-collecting robot on a deserted Earth as he discovers love and embarks on a space adventure that could save humanity. The film is a stunning achievement in visual storytelling, with minimal dialogue and a powerful environmental message.
Why It’s Ranked Here: WALL-E is both a love story and a commentary on environmental issues, with groundbreaking animation and minimal dialogue that create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Pixar Movies in Chronological Order
- Toy Story (1995)
- A Bug’s Life (1998)
- Toy Story 2 (1999)
- Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Finding Nemo (2003)
- The Incredibles (2004)
- Cars (2006)
- Ratatouille (2007)
- WALL-E (2008)
- Up (2009)
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Cars 2 (2011)
- Brave (2012)
- Monsters University (2013)
- Inside Out (2015)
- The Good Dinosaur (2015)
- Finding Dory (2016)
- Cars 3 (2017)
- Coco (2017)
- Incredibles 2 (2018)
- Toy Story 4 (2019)
- Onward (2020)
- Soul (2020)
- Luca (2021)
- Turning Red (2022)
- Lightyear (2022)
- Elemental (2023)
- Inside Out 2 (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pixar Movies
1. What is the highest-ranked Pixar movie?
According to our ranking, WALL-E (2008) takes the top spot as the best Pixar movie of all time. It stands out for its innovative storytelling, minimal dialogue, and powerful environmental message.
2. Why is Cars 3 ranked as the worst Pixar movie?
Cars 3 (2017) is ranked as the worst Pixar movie because, despite its efforts to conclude the Cars trilogy, it lacks the emotional depth and innovative storytelling that Pixar is known for. The plot is predictable, and the character development doesn’t resonate as strongly as other Pixar films.
3. How many Pixar movies are there?
As of 2024, there are 28 Pixar movies, with Inside Out 2 being the most recent release.
4. What makes Toy Story (1995) so iconic?
Toy Story is iconic because it was the first feature-length film created entirely with computer animation. It introduced audiences to a new era of animated films and set a high standard for storytelling and character development in animation.
5. Why is WALL-E considered one of Pixar’s best films?
WALL-E is considered one of Pixar’s best films due to its groundbreaking animation, unique storytelling approach, and its ability to convey deep emotions and themes with minimal dialogue. The film’s commentary on environmental issues and consumerism also adds to its significance.
6. What themes are commonly explored in Pixar movies?
Pixar movies often explore themes such as friendship, family, self-discovery, perseverance, and the passage of time. They are known for their ability to address complex and emotional themes in a way that is accessible to audiences of all ages.
7. Is there a specific order to watch Pixar movies?
While Pixar movies are not connected in a linear storyline, many fans enjoy watching them in release order to see the evolution of animation techniques and storytelling over the years. Some prefer thematic viewing or even exploring the fan theory of the “Pixar Universe,” where all the films are connected in a single timeline.
8. How has Pixar influenced the animation industry?
Pixar has revolutionised the animation industry by pioneering the use of 3D computer animation in feature films. Their commitment to high-quality storytelling, character development, and emotional depth has set a new standard for animated films, influencing countless other studios and filmmakers.
