For over three decades, Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios has captivated audiences worldwide, delivering a remarkable slate of films that have consistently tugged at our heartstrings and tickled our funny bones. From the enduring friendship of Woody and Buzz in “Toy Story” to the profoundly moving moments in “Coco” and “Up,” Pixar has mastered the art of storytelling for all ages, even snagging a few coveted Academy Awards along the way. Their latest offering, the original sci-fi comedy “Hoppers,” is now in cinemas, presenting a unique premise: a 19-year-old college student has her consciousness transferred into the metallic shell of a robot beaver, leading to a cascade of animalistic hijinks.
But how does this fresh adventure stack up against the studio’s extensive back catalogue? We’ve undertaken the ambitious task of ranking all 30 Pixar movies released to date, from the least to the most beloved. For those looking to refresh their memory or catch up on any missed instalments, the entire Pixar library is available for streaming on Disney+.
The Definitive Pixar Ranking: From Least to Most Cherished
Here’s our comprehensive breakdown, offering a critical look at each film:
‘Cars 2’ (2011)
This entry is perhaps the most divisive in the Pixar canon. While its existence is understood, it’s fair to say it temporarily shook our faith in the studio’s consistent quality. Many would prefer to simply forget this particular race.‘Cars 3’ (2017)
What largely saves “Cars 3” is that it’s not “Cars 2.” Despite a star-studded voice cast that included talents like Kerry Washington and Chris Cooper, this sequel offers a slightly less disappointing experience than its predecessor, but still falls short of Pixar’s usual brilliance.‘Cars’ (2006)
It appears the “Cars” franchise has a pattern of diminishing returns with its sequels. While the original “KACHOW!”-fest was a solid effort, Lightning McQueen and his crew don’t quite possess the same enduring charm as many other Pixar characters.‘The Good Dinosaur’ (2015)
“The Good Dinosaur” often receives an unfair reception. While it might not reach the pinnacle of Pixar’s achievements, the story of a dinosaur and a young Neanderthal boy is undeniably heartfelt. And any film featuring Sam Elliott as a T-Rex can’t be entirely without merit.‘Onward’ (2020)
This film will forever be remembered as “the one with the pants.” This quirky fantasy road trip follows two elf brothers, voiced by Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, who embark on a journey with the sentient legs of their deceased father, learning to say their final goodbyes in the process.‘Monsters University’ (2013)
Given the perfect conclusion to “Monsters, Inc.,” a sequel might have felt unnecessary. This prequel, however, offers a fun, “Animal House”-esque experience for younger audiences. Yet, it struggles to recapture the wonder and profound childhood themes that made the original so special.‘Elio’ (2025)
Pixar ventures back into familiar sci-fi territory with “Elio,” reminiscent of films like “Explorers” and “The Last Starfighter.” The story centres on a disaffected young boy from Earth who is abducted and forms an unlikely friendship with an alien. This film is likely best suited for a younger audience who hasn’t yet experienced the magic of “E.T.”‘Elemental’ (2023)
Drawing comparisons to “Zootopia” but with a more overt exploration of casual racism, “Elemental” ambitiously attempts to weave together a peppy rom-com with a poignant immigrant narrative. Despite its thematic reach, the chemistry between the fiery Ember (Leah Lewis) and the gentle water-dweller Wade (Mamoudou Athie) is undeniably charming.‘Brave’ (2012)
“Brave” held immense potential, marking Pixar’s first female protagonist. However, the film ultimately struggled to fully connect. Whether it was the narrative structure, the humour, or the execution of its feminist themes, it’s a reminder that classic fairy tales might be best left to the traditional Disney mould.‘Lightyear’ (2022)
This meta take on the “Star Wars” universe serves as a straightforward sci-fi spin-off from “Toy Story.” Chris Evans lends his voice to a young Buzz Lightyear, tasked with training a squad of rookies to confront the villainous Zurg. Notably, the film incorporates a meaningful LGBTQ+ moment that resonates well.‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)
The long-awaited sequel arrived 14 years after the original captivated audiences. In an era dominated by superhero cinema, Brad Bird’s distinctive visual style and humour feel less groundbreaking. Nevertheless, it remains an entertaining ride, successfully revisiting the familial dynamics that made the first film a hit.‘A Bug’s Life’ (1998)
Not every Pixar project needs to be emotionally complex or manipulative. “A Bug’s Life” is a refreshing reminder that a children’s movie can simply be about charming little critters. This underrated gem shines with its straightforward premise, slapstick humour, and a memorable cast of tenacious ants and quirky bugs.‘Finding Dory’ (2016)
Another sequel arriving over a decade after its predecessor, “Finding Dory” largely recaptures the themes of family and loneliness. More importantly, it places Ellen DeGeneres’s forgetful titular fish front and centre, offering valuable depth and context to her disability.‘Toy Story 4’ (2019)
Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) returned for a “Toy Story” adventure that leans more into action but still delivers a poignant farewell to our beloved cowboy and space ranger. The addition of Forky, a spork with a death wish, provides pure chaos and undeniable charm.‘Luca’ (2021)
The enchanting tale of young sea creature Luca exploring the human world with his friend Alberto is a subtle yet powerful exploration of identity, prejudice, and acceptance. The undeniable queer allegory, coupled with the celebration of chosen family, makes this a memorable Italian summer adventure.‘Soul’ (2020)
This jazzy exploration of humanity and the afterlife brings a vibrant and diverse New York City to life. Featuring Pixar’s first Black lead character, a band teacher (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who encounters a jaded soul (Tina Fey), the film poses profound questions about the meaning of life.‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)
Arguably Pixar’s most millennial film, this instalment sees Andy preparing for college, tackling themes of life transitions and the inevitability of mortality with surprising effectiveness for a children’s movie. It also offers a rare, albeit deranged, depiction of daycare as a prison.‘Up’ (2009)
Beyond its famously heartbreaking opening sequence, “Up” is a testament to unconventional storytelling. The premise – an elderly man, an outcast child, a talking dog, and a villainous old man – shouldn’t work, yet it delivers an unexpectedly powerful emotional punch.‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)
The “Toy Story” films consistently explore themes of growing up and growing apart, but the second instalment does so with particular poignancy. The introduction of Jessie, a toy whose owner has outgrown her, adds a layer of melancholy while cleverly expanding the franchise’s universe.‘Hoppers’ (2026)
This quirky and subversive sci-fi comedy is a laugh-out-loud affair. Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda) finds her mind transplanted into a robotic beaver to thwart the construction of a highway overpass. Her undercover mission in nature leads her to confront her nemesis, the city’s avaricious mayor (Jon Hamm), and learn valuable lessons.
‘Turning Red’ (2022)
Much like “Inside Out,” “Turning Red” delves into a young girl’s journey of learning to manage her emotions. This coming-of-age story, blending elements of a kaiju flick, features a bright, boy-crazy Chinese-Canadian teenager grappling with puberty, ultimately teaching her that embracing one’s messy self is key.‘Ratatouille’ (2007)
“Ratatouille” stands out as one of Pixar’s most earnest films, transforming a rat into an utterly endearing hero. Complemented by the masterful performance of Peter O’Toole as the formidable food critic Anton Ego, this film offers an intimate dining experience, Parisian style.‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)
The sequel introduces Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) into the emotional landscape, creating delightful chaos within and outside of a now-teenage Riley. This clever and ambitious exploration of puberty resonates deeply, offering an honest portrayal of mental health struggles that will connect with both young viewers and adults.‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)
This underwater adventure, chronicling an overprotective father’s (Albert Brooks) search for his lost son, is one of Pixar’s most direct appeals to both parents and children. It expertly balances sentimentality with sharp comedy, making it a timeless classic.‘Toy Story’ (1995)
The groundbreaking film that pioneered computer animation also set the stage for Pixar’s signature storytelling. It masterfully blended emotional depth, thrilling action, profound insights into the human condition, a stellar voice cast, and unforgettable protagonists.‘WALL-E’ (2008)
With a narrative that offers a stark critique of humanity’s impact on the planet, the innocence of the titular trash-compacting robot, left alone on a desolate Earth, is crucial. This searing commentary on consumerism remains a thoroughly enjoyable film for audiences of all ages.‘Inside Out’ (2015)
The original “Inside Out” brilliantly brought the complexities of a child’s mind to life in the most imaginative ways. This madcap adventure sees the cheerful Joy (Amy Poehler) and the melancholic Sadness (Phyllis Smith) finding common ground, while also serving as a poignant reminder to parents of the fleeting nature of childhood.‘Coco’ (2017)
A musical, magical, and visually stunning journey into the Land of the Dead, “Coco” offered Pixar a fresh perspective on loss and grief. The final 10 minutes, underscored by the stirring and Oscar-winning song “Remember Me,” are guaranteed to bring even the most stoic viewer to tears.‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001)
It’s easy to overlook that this buddy comedy, starring John Goodman and Billy Crystal, is fundamentally about two scare-monsters working at a power plant. Its ability to simultaneously explore themes of childhood, innocence, fear, and the nature of good and evil solidifies its place as one of Pixar’s most imaginative achievements.‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
While Marvel may have its own superhero families, “The Incredibles” remains the undisputed champion. This entertaining masterpiece about a family of superheroes with secret identities delves into the complexities of identity, with a middle-aged couple rediscovering their connection and their children navigating their place in the world.
