Pixar is one of the most well-respected animation studios in the world. It has an incredibly interesting story that has been told many times in many ways and the studio is probably at its absolute peak, producing top quality films every year.
In celebration of the studio’s recent successes and the upcoming launch of Onward, it is time to look at which of Pixar’s films could qualify as the best. There are plenty of films that could become known as the best Pixar movie ever. Here are 10 movies that could lay claim to that prestigious title.
FINDING NEMO
A story about a fish that loses his way and a father that goes looking for him seems like a very simple plot. However, Finding Nemo’s tale of fatherhood and friendship in the face of a great adversary is a truly heartwarming one.
The relationship that develops between Dory and Marlin is beautiful and there are some brilliant characters to meet along the way, including Bruce the shark. What’s more, Pixar took its animation to a whole new level, crafting stunning underwater scenes that are simply unforgettable.
THE INCREDIBLES
Very few animation studios have tried to create their own superhero team; however, not only did Pixar produce a really great group, but they also made a family. With Mr. Incredible, Dash, Violet, Jack-Jack, Elastigirl, and Frozone, an iconic team was born.
Not to mention, Syndrome might be one of the best villains to ever be put in a superhero film. His motivations are clear and he is fantastically evil. From the family relationships to the action set pieces, The Incredibles is an absolute masterclass in film making.
Monsters, Inc.
Each film on this list managed to innovate in terms of its animation. For the Monsters, Inc. franchise, the fur was a specific issue, but it was a problem that was conquered so well that nearly every furry creature since then has looked phenomenal.
Along with innovation and a brilliant story featuring Boo and a whole new world of monsters, Monsters, Inc. also produced one of the best duos in all of film. The bromance between Mike and Sully is absolutely untouchable.
TOY STORY
Toy Story was, of course, the film that started it all. Therefore, it would be criminal not to include it on this list. Woody and the gang have become synonymous with Pixar for a reason and it’s because they are such well-developed characters.
Toy Story was groundbreaking and holds up well today. Not only did it launch this whole style of film making, but it also created a legendary franchise and allowed Pixar to continue to make movies. It’s an easy pitch for Toy Story being Pixar’s greatest movie.
COCO
One of the most recent additions to the Pixar archives, Coco’s animation alone is stunning, with some of the best use of color and culture seen in one of these movies. The land of the dead is a fully realized world of imagination and creativity.
The music in Coco is the central focus and it’s absolutely brilliant. Featuring songs that will always be remembered, the music isn’t simply an additional part of the production but also moves the story along, giving the film its soul and essence.
TOY STORY 3
Speaking of the legendary franchise, there’s only one sequel on this list and it is the third installment of the Andy saga. Although any of the four Toy Story films could have made this list, the third film has an extra something special to it.
It explores incredibly mature themes, especially for a series about a toy cowboy and an astronaut. Growing up, leaving childhood behind, and finding a place to belong are powerful sentiments in Toy Story 3.
UP
An elderly man, a young boy, and a house that flies away under the power of balloons. What could possibly go wrong? If the first ten minutes of Up doesn’t leave you weeping, then you clearly need to watch it again.
This is perhaps the most heartbreaking tale on this list, one that’s both inspirational and incredibly painful to watch. There’s a lot more going on in Up than just the themes of loss and friendship. The scenery is gorgeous and the storytelling is fantastic.
INSIDE OUT
What’s it like inside a child’s mind? Well, this is exactly the question Inside Out tries to answer. In fact, the movie presents the mind of a kid in such a great way that it is now being used in child psychology to help kids understand their emotions better.
Inside Out is a creative masterpiece that covers all aspects of a person’s personality in some way. It also has an important message about allowing emotions to take hold and understanding mental health better.
WALL-E
A science fiction film through and through, this is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, where humanity has moved up into the stars. However, not only is WALL-E a romance tale, but it also manages to explore climate change and the effects of big business on humanity.
Featuring some of Pixar’s only live-action work, this film was so groundbreaking as it barely included any dialogue. It’s an absolute visual feast and is one of Pixar’s most unique contributions to the landscape of cinema.
RATATOUILLE
While a rat wanting to cook seems like a laughable concept, Ratatouille is infused with such a passion for food that it is difficult to not believe that anyone or anything can be a chef, assuming their heart is in the right place.
It’s fair to say that many people left the cinema wanting to try that iconic French dish. Ratatouille might have even inspired some people to take up cooking after watching a film that’s simply dripping in culinary knowledge. It’s a work of art in both its animation and the story of family and friendship that it portrays. Ratatouille may actually be the best food-centric film made.
