Ranking Pixar's Best Movies: Everything From 'Elio' to 'Toy Story'

CNET

5 hours ago

Pixar is known for making heartwarming, imaginative movies that are enjoyable for both kids and adults. Since the first Toy Story movie came out in 1995, the studio has leveraged animated storytelling to tap into the human experience in beautiful, unexpected and humbling ways.
Its filmmakers have explored our struggles with tragedy, loss and grief (including questions about the meaning of life), as well as our experiences with love, family and friendship. At its D23 fan event last summer, Disney announced upcoming projects including Toy Story 5 and Incredibles 3. Other upcoming films include Hoppers, which is slated for a March 2026 release, and Coco 2, which is set to debut in 2029. Pixar's latest film Elio, now in theaters, is a refreshingly original story about the power of imagination and the heaviness of grief.
All 29 Pixar Animation Studios films delve into emotional themes in different ways, which makes ranking them no easy task. It's inevitable this list will ruffle some feathers, but it's a testament to how much these movies mean to audiences.
In determining rankings, we examined five key attributes of each film: plot, characters, depth, cultural impact and rewatchability. This helped with the tough task of figuring out which of these truly great Pixar movies should top the list.
Here's our ranking of the best Pixar movies in order of least crowd-pleasing to the most beloved.
Screenshot by Abrar Al-Heeti/CNET 29. Cars 2 (2011)
One Cars movie really would have been enough, but this was when Pixar was (unfortunately) deep in its sequels phase. It's no secret that this film wasn't a hit with audiences or critics, as it's the only Pixar movie so far to get a "rotten" score on Rotten Tomatoes. Cars 2 is one of those sequels that lacks a strong standalone script and instead relies heavily on the success of its predecessor. It also tends to focus more on action scenes than heartfelt moments, leaving viewers without the wonder and depth that have defined Pixar's other films. See at Disney Plus
Disney/Pixar 28. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Best known for its stellar animation, The Good Dinosaur is an incredibly heartfelt film that will leave anyone who's ever felt like an outcast empathizing with lead character Arlo, the black sheep of the family. It's a solid movie, but because Pixar's other films have set the bar really high in terms of creativity and storytelling, we're placing this one at number 28, as some of the scenes are a bit slower and redundant. (What's this? Yet another animal attack?) See at Disney Plus
Pixar 27. Cars 3 (2017)
Somehow Pixar wasn't deterred by the lukewarm reception Cars 2 received. Thankfully, the third installment in the Cars franchise features a more enjoyable story (and more solid jokes), as we watch Lighting McQueen struggle to stay relevant in the quickly changing world of racing. It still doesn't quite stack up against Pixar's other offerings (it's hard to with sequels anyway), but it's a pretty good film, all things considered. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 26. Finding Dory (2016)
Watching this Finding Nemo sequel felt like experiencing deja vu. (A lost fish looking for its parents? That sounds awfully familiar…) The film borrowed a little too heavily from the winning storyline of its predecessor, and without the same emotional depth. Still, it's a fun journey into what made Dory, a blue tang fish with memory loss, who she is. See at Disney Plus
Disney/Pixar 25. Lightyear (2022)
Lightyear is one of the most visually stunning Pixar films to date. Epic animations of the vastness and beauty of space make for an alluring sci-fi movie, taking Pixar in a fresh direction. Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of spin-offs, and it's hard to feel like this wasn't just an opportunity for Disney/Pixar to milk the hype around the Toy Story franchise. But it was nonetheless enjoyable to see the studio venture into new territory and push the limits of animation. Also, embarking in a new thematic direction means we get fewer of the tender moments that characterize other Pixar films like Inside Out, Up or even Toy Story. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, if you prefer a more action-focused storyline. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 24. Luca (2021)
While a fun coming-of-age story about a sea monster who yearns to live on land, Luca doesn't offer up the same level of storyline creativity or emotional depth as many of Pixar's other films (that is, I didn't tear up while watching this one, which is always a shame). But it's still a lively film packed with adventure and suspense and beautiful animations of the Italian seaside town in which it takes place. See at Disney Plus
Disney
23. Inside Out 2 (2024)
This movie, though enjoyable, falls into the same trap as just about any sequel. It continues a beloved story, but can at times seem redundant. On the one hand, Inside Out 2 does a great job expanding upon the suite of emotions experienced by a teenage girl; anxiety is a little too relatable. I appreciated the imaginative depictions of metaphorical phrases like "stream of consciousness" and "brain storm," which are illustrated by a literal stream and storm, respectively. But at times, the film does too much, offering up too many of these concepts used to represent human emotion and memory. Perhaps that's the point, given how confusing that can all feel in real life.
It also leans too heavily on the structure and success of its predecessor. We're even introduced to yet another character from Riley's childhood, Bloofy, seemingly to duplicate our collective love for Bing Bong in the original. Despite all that, the film left me feeling introspective -- and made me laugh throughout -- and to me, that's a win.
Disney/Pixar 22. Elemental (2023)
This film felt so quintessentially Pixar -- from the vibrant animation to the surprisingly relatable characters (who knew I could resonate so much with a fictional lead character made of fire??) to a heart wrenching storyline that had me in tears. Elemental beautifully illustrates the complexity of balancing family values and history with charting your own path, making for a film that brings so much more than just stunning imagery and vivid imagination. See at Disney Plus
Screenshot by Abrar Al-Heeti/CNET 21. Monsters University (2013)
This prequel features a fun, well-structured storyline that allows it to operate as a decent standalone. It does a good job of not feeling forced, and we get an intriguing look into the backstory of beloved monsters Sulley and Mike Wazowski, while also being introduced to memorable new characters like Terri & Terry Perry and Scott "Squishy" Squibbles. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 20. Incredibles 2 (2018)
The long-awaited sequel is packed with the same action and lovable characters that made the first installment such a hit, though it's not quite on par with the original. The plot can at times feel predictable as the superhero family battles against a villain, though there are enough lighthearted and wholesome moments to make this follow-up stand out. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 19. Toy Story 4 (2019)
This felt like the sequel that didn't need to happen, especially after Toy Story 3 ended on such a strong (and heartbreaking) note. There are still some fun sequences sprinkled throughout, but this fourth installment lacks the solid comedy and gripping plot that made the first three Toy Story films resonate. Nevertheless, we're introduced to loveable new characters like Forky, who provides a good dose of laughs. See at Disney Plus
Pixar Animation Studios 18. Cars (2006)
Anthropomorphism is Pixar's magic power, which it executes well in Cars. There's a smattering of laughs amid lessons about the dangers of superficiality, as well as an underlying commentary on our obsession with celebrity culture. It's one of those movies that seems to appeal more to younger audiences, with its flashy scenes and thinner storyline, but it's still the best pick from the Cars franchise. See at Disney Plus
Pixar Animation Studios 17. A Bug's Life (1998)
A creative peek into what goes on in the world of insects, A Bug's Life finds strength in its wit and originality. It's a true adventure and an early testament to Pixar's remarkable storytelling. See at Disney Plus
Disney/Pixar 16. Wall-E (2008)
A haunting rendering of what our world could look like if we continue to disregard the environment and become further consumed by technology, Wall-E is a pertinent and compelling story about Earth's last robot, who embarks on a journey into space with shiny probe Eve. Despite the minimal dialogue, the film tells a captivating story about the consequences of our actions and our innate desire for connection. See at Disney Plus
Walt Disney Pictures 15. Brave (2012)
There are plenty of stories centered on a headstrong child longing to carve their own path, but Brave levels up that oft-repeated narrative with a powerful female lead, hilarious characters and sprinklings of magic. It's a touching tribute to mother-daughter relationships and a gripping adventure all the way through. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 14. Onward (2020)
A touching tribute to sibling bonds, this is one of those films that'll catch you off guard and have you reaching for a box of tissues. Onward serves as a timely commentary on how modern conveniences and technology seem to have stripped the world of enchantment and wonder, yet there are ways to reconnect with the past while cherishing the present and those around us. See at Disney Plus
Walt Disney Pictures 13. Ratatouille (2007)
Here's a movie I would have loved to hear getting pitched. This story, about a rat who dreams of becoming a chef and enlists the help of a garbage boy to try to make that a reality, brings the beauty of Paris and its food scene to life. It plays well into the irony of a rat yearning to be in the kitchen -- a place he's least wanted -- and delivers a touching message: "Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere." See at Disney Plus
Disney
12. Elio (2025)
Most Pixar movies make me cry, but this was one of the few to make me tear up within the first 10 minutes (second only to Up, of course). This film's biggest strength is the empathy and relatability it builds for its main character, Elio, who struggles with loneliness and loss. His sense of imagination and wonder for outer space offer an escape, illustrating the power of dreaming beyond the realm of our world and reality -- and the importance of also keeping your feet on the ground. It's easy to see yourself in that young boy struggling to navigate complex emotions and find a place for himself -- challenges that often don't disappear, even well into adulthood.
This is Pixar's most visually stunning film to date, and one of the most beautiful animated films I've ever seen. Renderings of Earth and colorful, whimsical celestial locations and characters can easily kick anyone's sense of imagination into overdrive.
Pixar 11. Coco (2017)
One of Pixar's most vibrant movies, Coco touches on themes that resonate with a range of audiences: family, culture and chasing a dream against all odds. The animation is breathtaking, with vivid depictions of the celebrations that accompany Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico. It also features an epic plot twist that makes the story all the more intriguing. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 10. Soul (2020)
Pixar has really defined its ability to tap into life's deepest questions and struggles, and Soul is a prime example. The film instills a sense of wonder through its dreamy concept of the afterlife, delicately hedging the heaviness of death and illustrating the beauty of life and our lasting impact. It's one of a handful of movies on this list that will make you reflect on your life's purpose, which is a much deeper takeaway than you'll get from most animated films. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 9. The Incredibles (2004)
A movie about a lovable family of superheroes? It doesn't get more fun than that. The Incredibles offers up a perfect balance of laughs and adventure, as well as some of Pixar's most memorable characters (Edna Mode is nothing short of legend). There's just enough action not to overpower the strong plot that makes this film a cinematic masterpiece. See at Disney Plus
Pixar Animation Studios 8. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Turning a common childhood fear of monsters into a surprisingly touching film is nothing short of storytelling genius. Monsters, Inc., about a scare factory powered by the screams of human kids, follows the unlikely bond formed between two monsters and a little girl dubbed Boo, setting the stage for yet another intriguing and heartwarming story. See at Disney Plus
Disney/Pixar 7. Turning Red (2022)
I can't remember laughing as much during a Pixar movie as I did watching Turning Red. The film follows the story of Meilin Lee, a 13-year-old girl who suddenly starts turning into a giant red panda when she's stressed or excited (a metaphor for strange bodily changes during puberty). Because this movie is set in 2002, it taps into nostalgia via details like Meilin's Tamagotchi and 4*Town, the hottest boy band. It's also incredibly wholesome, highlighting the importance of culture, family and strong female role models. The story was gripping, the jokes were funny and the takeaways were moving. What more could you ask for? See at Disney Plus
Pixar Animation Studios 6. Toy Story 2 (1999)
This second installment in the Toy Story franchise maintains the wonder and comedy that made the original stand out. It also effectively builds on the plot, avoiding the pitfalls of many sequels that simply regurgitate the events and themes of their predecessors. See at Disney Plus
Disney Plus 5. Finding Nemo (2003)
This film balances meaningful lessons on the complexities of child-to-parent relationships with fun, lively characters and memorable catchphrases ("Just keep swimming…"). The many plot twists will keep viewers invested in Nemo and dad Marlin's journey through a spellbindingly animated underwater world. See at Disney Plus
Disney 4. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar's imagination kicks into high gear in Inside Out, one of the deepest, most thought-provoking films out there. The movie poignantly characterizes a range of human emotions and illustrates the impact and importance of each one, both the good and the "bad." This is one of those rare films that's as amusing and stimulating for younger audiences as it is for older viewers, and will leave you pondering its meaning long after the credits roll. See at Disney Plus
Pixar 3. Toy Story 3 (2010)
While sequels often pale in comparison to the original film, Toy Story 3 is a very strong exception. The film explores the bittersweet realities of change and growing up, while tapping into the unbreakable bonds we have with the people, places and moments that shaped us growing up. Keep a box of tissues close for this one. See at Disney Plus
Disney 2. Up (2009)
Nothing compares to that heart-wrenching montage near the movie's opening (if you know, you know). Throughout the film, Up taps into feelings of love, loss and closure, creating a touching story about the power of opening up, letting go and setting your emotions free. In addition to some tear-jerking scenes, Up also offers its fair share of laughs by pairing Russell, a jubilant, curious boy, with Carl Fredricksen, a cranky old man -- which also leads to some surprisingly tender moments. See at Disney Plus