Pixar movies have the distinct capability of tugging at our heartstrings. Well, Pixar movies have an enchanting quality that sets them apart from other animated movies, just like Ghibli movies in the anime world. From emotional rollercoasters like Inside Out and Ratatouille to the likes of Toy Story and Wall-E that captivated us all in our childhood, Pixar has a boatload of cinematic gems. So today, we’ve decided to rank all the Pixar movies released over the past two decades. Let’s jump in and see where our favorite movies rank.
27. Cars 2 (2011)
- IMDB: 6.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 40%/49%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes
We have to accept that Cars 2 was not what we expected, and it was a bad film when you compare it with its prequel. Let me rephrase that: It’s a bad movie because it is not up to Pixar’s standard. Cars 2 features Lightning McQueen and his friend Mater heading overseas for the World Grand Prix race. This major plot is accompanied by Mater’s journey with the spies.
While the story may look great on paper, it didn’t land for the viewers. The visuals are fantastic, but the lackluster story tests one’s patience. If you forget the fact that this movie was made by Pixar, it’s a tiring one-time watch. As a result, Cars 2 is the weakest Pixar movie made to date.
26. Lightyear (2022)
- IMDB: 6.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%/84%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Action
- Cast: Chris Evans, Taika Waititi, Josh Brolin, Keke Palmer, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Lightyear is one of the best-looking Pixar movies ever, but sadly, the movie as a whole is not a 10/10 experience. As a Toy Story franchise fan, I’ve been so hyped to see this one, only to get disappointed that it’s up to the levels of Pixar yet again. =I was surprised to see that this was the reaction of most of my fellow fans as well.
It follows the origin story of marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, who fights against Zurg and his army of robots. The plot is something that only adults can keep track of, while children can easily get perplexed by it. Chris Evans was good in the role of Lightyear, but couldn’t bring the same vibes as Tim Allen. Hence, Lightyear is barely an above-average release from Pixar Studios
25. Cars 3 (2017)
- IMDB: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%/69%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes
Cars 3 movie is the last installment in the franchise. It brings us the oldie vs newbie concept, with Lightning McQueen going against new-gen cars to prove that he is still the best race car. While Cars 2 was considered a disaster, Cars 3 somewhat revived this franchise, albeit nowhere near perfection.
It’s an enjoyable flick with a great visual design that is worth watching if you love this franchise like me. The one last ride for Lighting McQueen deserves a watch for every Cars movie fan out there!
24. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
- IMDB: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%/64%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
The standards set by Pixar Studios are so high that not every film released by them can outshine their previous releases. That’s the case here, as The Good Dinosaur is undeniably a good film, but not up to the level of the filmmaker’s true quality. It has a nice story where humans and dinosaurs co-exist together and a little boy befriends a dinosaur.
This heartwarming family drama will put a smile on your face with its adorable moments backed by pleasing visuals. However, it is ranked low on our list as the storytelling isn’t near the god-tier Pixar levels.
23. Elemental (2023)
- IMDB: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%/93%
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Comedy
- Cast: Catherine O’Hara, Leah Lewis, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Elemental is the latest Pixar film to grace our screens at the time of writing this article. And if I’m being honest, it looks like a blend of other Pixar movies, especially Inside Out and Zootopia. Well, unfortunately, it didn’t make it onto the list of the greatest Pixar movies, but it’s still an enjoyable movie based on elements in our world – earth, water, fire, and so on.
The animation quality of this movie feels surreal, as we are talking about Pixar’s quality in 2023. Therefore, you can check out this most recent Pixar release if you’re looking for a refreshing rom-com animated movie.
22. Brave (2012)
- IMDB: 7.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%/75%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Action
- Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Brave is a solid fairy tale from Pixar Studio that offers a beautiful, adventurous story with satisfying and uplifting sentimental moments. It was considered to be the best-looking movie of that time and still looks gorgeous to this date. The story is about a princess named Merida who is keen to forge her own destiny as she rebels against an unruly tradition in her country.
She has to confront a horrible curse with her honed skills of archery and bravery, hence, the title. Brave is a joyous ride right from start to finish, although it loses steam during a few moments.
21. Monsters University (2013)
- IMDB: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%/81%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 44 minutes
I’m a big fan of the Monster Inc. movie, as I grew up watching that movie often, and it instantly became a comfort flick for me. So, when a sequel was announced, I was madly waiting for it, and in the end, it was a super-fun ride. Technically, it’s a prequel, as it takes us back to the university days of Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, telling us the story of how they ended up as best buddies.
However, this film is nowhere close to its predecessor when it comes to storytelling and perfection. It’s just another fun Pixar movie, but I highly recommend you check it out if you loved the original Monsters Inc movie.
20. Onward (2020)
- IMDB: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%/95%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Action
- Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ali Wong, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 43minutes
Onward was a box-office disaster for both Disney and Pixar. It flopped so hard that people began to think it was such a bad movie. But that was not the case, as it was a good movie that was released during the worst time of Corona and the lockdown period. Hence the underwhelming result, but once it was out on the OTT platforms, this film started to receive the love it deserved.
It follows the story of the Elven brothers, named Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on a mission to bring their late father back to life for a day in this magical realm. This journey of two brothers is so wholesome to watch and definitely, a lovely ride not to be missed!
19. Turning Red (2022)
- IMDB: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/68%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Sandra Oh, Rosaley Chiang, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Turning Red is the Pixar film that came out last year and turned out to be a divisive and controversial one in the end. It was controversial because it discussed some serious and mature topics, such as adolescence and many more.
While some didn’t like it, overall, it landed successfully positive for many. Beautiful animations are incorporated to deliver a positive message in the end to parents and teens, which makes it a must-watch family drama.
18. Luca (2021)
- IMDB: 7.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/85%
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Comedy
- Cast: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Out of all the recent movies made by Pixar, Luca is the one that stood out for me. Luca is an excellent feel-good movie to watch during the summer break. It follows the lives of two sea monsters who come into the land disguised as humans to explore this different realm. This unimaginable exploration will forever remain the most special summer they have ever had.
As I said earlier, this is one of the best Pixar movies to come out very recently. It’s an elegant feel-good movie that teaches us the value of friendship, life, and so on with the simplest storytelling. That said, add it to your watchlist without any doubt immediately!
17. A Bug’s Life (1998)
- IMDB: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/72%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Kevin Spacey, Bonney Hunt
- Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
After the blockbuster Toy Story movie, Pixar Studios returned to deliver a movie about the life of bugs in 1998. Even though it came in the 90’s, it still feels surprisingly fresh and invigorating to watch now. It’s about the simple story of an eccentric ant seeking warriors to protect his colony from rapacious grasshoppers. How they rebel against them and what future awaits them is the rest of the story.
It’s an amusing tale to watch, and the 90’s animation really brings back the nostalgic vibe for those who have already watched it when they were kids. Nonetheless, you can surely check out this movie if you want to witness the classic Pixar in action.
16. Cars (2006)
- IMDB: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%/80%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutes
This movie is where it all started! Cars is the first entry in one of the most popular franchises from Pixar Studios. This movie came out in 2006 and is inarguably one of the best-looking animated movies of that time. While en route to the grandest racing tournament, Lightning McQueen finds out that life is not all about winning when he, unfortunately, gets stuck in a dilapidated town.
It has great visuals, a meticulously crafted story surrounding American car culture, characters, and everything else to win over a gearhead’s heart. Cars is one of the OG Pixar movies you shouldn’t forget to watch!
15. Finding Dory (2016)
- IMDB: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/84%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Ellen DeGeneres, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Finding Dory is a worthy sequel to one of the greatest Pixar movies, Finding Nemo (2003). It is a fresh new spinoff where Dory takes center stage, and a character study of Dory is done here. The problem with sequels is that people expect them to be as great as the predecessor, but a very good sequel, even if it is less than the original, is fine as well.
That’s the case here, as Finding Dory is extremely amusing and delightful to watch, and we are truly happy to see our favorite characters from this universe as well. Just don’t mind the bad reviews for this one; trust us and go for the upgraded visual feast under the seas.
14. Incredibles 2 (2018)
- IMDB: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/84%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Action, Comedy
- Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 58 minutes
The Incredibles (2004) is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary superhero movies ever made in the animated medium. Fans have been waiting for a long time to witness its sequel, and that came to an end with the arrival of Incredibles 2 in 2018. This is a deserving sequel that the fans have wanted, and it instantly joined the Best Pixar Movies Club when it came out.
This movie extends the plot to this Supes family, undertaking a thrilling new mission, and more importantly, we have a new baby Supe to watch out for! You can already tell how incredible it is going to be! So watch this sequel ASAP! If you love this series, get ready for an action-comedy-packed ride.
13. Soul (2020)
- IMDB: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/88%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Daveed Diggs, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
We are all aware of how the year 2020 is turning out to be a depressing period with the awful Corona situation and lockdowns all over the world. During this time, Pixar came up with a stunning and ‘soul’ful film to cure us of our boredom. The creators poured their souls into creating this stellar movie filled with beautiful emotions, soothing songs, and eye-pleasing visuals.
There are times when we question ourselves about our lives, and that is the right time to watch this movie. Why, you ask? Because this movie makes us appreciate our exquisite lives and cherish them even more!
The story of the movie: It’s about a New York jazz pianist who unexpectedly discovers himself imprisoned in a strange place halfway between his world and the afterlife after landing his best-ever gig.
12. Toy Story 4 (2019)
- IMDB: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/94%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Keanu Reeves, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Never in my dreams have I thought we would be getting another sequel after Toy Story 3. The third installment had an epic conclusion to this unforgettable franchise. But somehow, Pixar creators brought the magic again to screens with Toy Story 4. At first, I have to be honest and say that I thought they were going to milk it as a part of fan service.
But, oh boy! I was so wrong as Pixar delivered yet again with a brand new story of a new toy called ‘Forky’ joining the OG gang, and together they explore the vast world filled with plenty of surprises for them. You must see this movie if you’re a Toy Story franchise’s ardent fan like me and see it beforehand as there is a big buzz around Toy Story 5 coming up soon.
11. Toy Story 2 (1999)
- IMDB: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/87%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
When the first Toy Story movie came out in 1995, people were so mesmerized that it deserved a sequel as a treat for the fans. That dream turned true with the sequel Toy Story 2 arriving in 1999 and making the fans fall in love with them again. This time, the gang is back to embark on a rescue expedition to save their best friend, Woody, after he is taken by a toy collector.
Toy Story 2 is as much fun as its prequel, and it only got happier from here as it gave birth to a beautiful franchise.
10. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/90%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Monsters in the closet have been a recurring thought we must have heard during our childhoods. But Pixar literally took that scary idea and transformed it into an adorable story that is capable of attracting anyone, irrespective of age. It has a solid story where the monster has to frighten kids to the point of screaming to generate power for their city, however, there is an untold truth behind it.
The film is incredibly funny, thanks to its lovely characters, and it’s full of heartfelt moments. Also, be warned that the ending of this film is a real tearjerker, and have your handkerchiefs and tissues ready.
9. Ratatouille (2007)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/87%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Patton Oswalt, Will Arnett, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Ratatouille won the best-animated feature film of the year at the Oscars in 2008, and it deserved it, don’t you think? The central plot of this movie is about how a young chef at a renowned restaurant in Paris forms a strange partnership with a rat who has mastered the art of cooking.
I mean, how does Pixar even come up with these kinds of ideas? It is yet another stellar work from the great Pixar Studios, which deserves to be seen for its incredible storytelling that is, well, beyond entertaining throughout its runtime.
8. Coco (2017)
- IMDB: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/94%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Coco is an Oscar-winning movie from Pixar Studios that cemented its place as one of the greatest Pixar movies to be ever made. It’s about a budding musician who travels to the land of the dead in search of his great-great-grandfather after his family keeps restricting him from going down the path of music because it’s considered a family taboo.
The visuals here are eye-catching, and the songs—I’m lost for words to describe how beautiful and soothing they are! The story is well-written, and it will make you weep like a newborn baby. Coco will always be one of the first and finest movies I’ll recommend to my friends any day.
7. Inside Out (2015)
- IMDB: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/89%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Everyone knows about the little voices inside our minds, and Pixar takes us on an in-depth look at how emotions outstandingly work inside every mind with the Inside Out movie. To portray such a complex topic simplistically is nothing but a work of art.
We follow a young girl named Riley, and her emotions clash as she learns how to adjust to the new life she has started. This is the epitome of Pixar’s creators’ genius levels, and it needs to be seen now if you haven’t! A sequel to this movie is releasing in 2024, so stay tuned to see where it ranks on our list.
6. Toy Story 3 (2010)
- IMDB: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/90%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes
Toy Story 3 is where the franchise peaked, personally speaking. I have always loved prison break-esque stories in any medium, and seeing that in my favorite animated franchise was like a chef’s kiss.
The story follows our gang ending up in a daycare and trying to escape from it. Indeed, the movie is also the same, as it offers a thrilling and emotional ride along with insane comedy sequences. The ending of this movie is by far one of the best-ever endings to not just a Pixar movie but to movies in general. I very highly recommend this Pixar gem, and it has won two Oscars as well. So watch it as soon as possible and a sequel is coming soon!
5. Up (2009)
- IMDB: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/90%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
We have yet another Oscar-winning Pixar movie in Up here, and it is a personal favorite for me. The movie is about a young stowaway who is unintentionally taken by an old man when he travels in his house decorated with balloons. This is an astonishing movie with a simple story backed by stunning visuals.
There is one particular sequence that was done exceptionally well to showcase how ‘life’ is. If you are seeking an adventurous Pixar movie, make sure to check out Up first!
4. Finding Nemo (2003)
- IMDB: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%/86%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Willem Dafoe, Ellen Degeneres, Albert Brooks,etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 56 minutes
The 2004 Oscar winner, Finding Nemo, must have been the first Pixar movie for many, and it was the same for me as well. This is a movie about a jumpy clownfish who embarks on an expedition to save his son and return home after he is taken captive and brought to Sydney.
Finding Nemo is indeed intrepid, as its plot sounds, with lots of extraordinary characters and a story filled with unpredictable twists and turns. The story from the perspective of a fish is something we have never seen before, and it presents us with an astounding ride not to be missed at any cost.
3. The Incredibles (2004)
- IMDB: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/85%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 55 minutes
We didn’t have many superhero movies in the animated medium back then, apart from the Marvel and DC ones. Well, that’s when Pixar did a superhero-esque landing and delivered the Incredibles movie that won two Oscars. As the title implies, the movie is beyond incredible with its unique and interesting set of characters.
It’s about a family of covert superheroes who are trying to maintain a peaceful non-supes life, but they are compelled to suit up to save the world. I have watched this movie countless times, and guess what, it never fails to entertain me! This is a timeless superhero masterpiece from Pixar, and it’ll remain the same for ages to come.
2. Toy Story (1995)
- IMDB: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/92%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes
The first Toy Story movie was a marvelous technical achievement that shaped and influenced future animated works profoundly. It is by far one of the finest Pixar movies to ever be made, without any doubt.
A story of how an old cowboy toy gets envious by a popular spaceman action figure takes his place is explored in the most witty and entertaining way possible. This movie became a huge sensation back when it was released. and still is, as it sowed the seeds for a spectacular franchise.
1. Wall-E (2008)
- IMDB: 8.4
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/90%
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, etc
- Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Phew! After a long list of movies, we have come up to the pole position, and it is, of course, reserved for Pixar’s artistic sci-fi masterpiece, Wall-E. On paper, it might look like a simple movie, but once you are done watching this movie, I’m sure you’ll be at a loss for words.
That’s how the creators meticulously crafted this timeless classic tale of a tiny garbage-collecting robot who will eventually determine the destiny of humanity. Wall-E is a marvelous feat achieved by Pixar that is thought-provoking, supremely emotional, etc, and remains flawless in every aspect to this day.
That’s all, folks. Pixar movies have always been so close to my heart, so it was super hard for me to rank them. As a kid, I loved them all the same, no matter how good or bad they were. I hope that’s the case for you as well. Nevertheless, these were our rankings for Pixer movies. What about your pick, though? What’s your top 3 Pixar movies?
Furthermore, we will update this list frequently as the studios keep dropping new gems yearly, so bookmark this page and stay up-to-date with new Pixar movies.
