The 21 Pixar Movies, Ranked From Worst to Best
Pixar films are some of the most celebrated kids' movies ever made because they’re beloved not just by kids, but by their parents and everyone in between, too. Whether we’re following robots in love through the cosmos or a little orange fish who lost his way, it’s hard not to feel invested in what’s best for the characters in these always-entertaining flicks.
It’s clear that the creators know how to produce movies that make an impact — sparking laughter while equally tugging at our heartstrings — which each film on this list surely does. But some have been more raved about than others, earning praise from critics and audiences of all ages and becoming staples in our homes throughout recent decades.
Although each of these movies offers up meaningful lessons for families, here’s the ultimate ranking of Pixar’s 21 movies from worst to best, according to film review sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. And, yes, that includes the most recently released “Toy Story 4.”
21. Cars 2
Release Date: June 18, 2011
Box Office: $562.1 million
Tomatometer: 38 percent
Audience Score: 49 percent
IMDB: 6.2/10
How It Lines Up
When it comes to Pixar films, “Cars 2” comes in last place and is officially the only Pixar movie to receive a “rotten” score — yikes! After all, it scored just 38 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, which provides reviews from top movie critics, and a 49 percent for Rotten Tomatoes' Audience Score. In the sequel to the original film, the lovable race car Lightning McQueen and tow truck Mater visit Europe and Japan to compete in the Grand Prix, but they face unlikely challenges.
Most viewers felt the second “Cars” film needed a tune up, but of course, little ones who loved the original might still get a kick out of seeing their characters come back to race again. And there’s a few good lessons to take away, too, like the importance of friendship and that winning isn’t everything.
20. Cars 3
Release Date: June 15, 2017
Box Office: $383.9 million
Tomatometer: 70 percent
Audience Score: 69 percent
IMDB: 6.8/10
How It Lines Up
Back from another loop around the race track, “Cars 3” beat out the second film by a long shot. It has a 70 percent ranking on the Tomatometer, which falls just under the average Rotten Tomatoes score. Clearly, there’s much to enjoy about the third “Cars,” where Lightning McQueen finds himself past his prime and just trying to get back to racing.
The flick turns out to be girl-power heavy, as he looks to technician Cruz Ramirez for guidance, and she discovers her true potential along the way. The takeaway for all viewers is to never underestimate yourself.
19. Cars
Release Date: June 9, 2006
Box Office: $462.2 million
Tomatometer: 75 percent
Audience Score: 79 percent
IMDB: 7.1/10
How It Lines Up
The original “Cars” was by far the best one, according to critics who rated it 75 percent on the Tomatometer, just a few points above the third film and well out-scoring the second one. In it, we meet Lightning McQueen for the first time and get to know him as a self-centered, egotistical racer. But when he gets lost after falling out of his trailer on his way to an important race, he has to adjust quickly.
In an unknown and rundown town, he meets some unlikely friends, and soon, he discovers that racing might not be his most important priority. The biggest takeaway is that life is better lived alongside friends.
18. The Good Dinosaur
Release Date: Nov. 25, 2015
Box Office: $332.2 million
Tomatometer: 76 percent
Audience Score: 65 percent
IMDB: 6.7/10
How It Lines Up
What sets this dino film apart from others about prehistoric creatures is that the plot imagines what would happen if dinosaurs never became extinct to begin with and lived side-by-side the human species. Still, it is not without its own tragedies. In fact, it’s quite the tear-jerker!
The movie follows Arlo, the adorable Apatosaurus, on his adventures to find family. It’s an inspirational tale about friendship and grit because, on his path, he makes unlikely friends and finds his inner strength.
17. Brave
Release Date: June 22, 2012
Box Office: $540.4 million
Tomatometer: 79 percent
Audience Score: 76 percent
IMDB: 7.1/10
How It Lines Up
There’s a lot that sets “Brave” apart from typical princess movies. Set in Scotland, Princess Merida, who is an expert rider and archer, is anything but demure. She doesn’t want to go along with her parents’ plans for her arranged marriage. Instead, she fights back.
With the help of a witch, she turns her mother into a bear, but when she realizes what she’s done wrong, she needs to find out how to break the spell. Love conquers all in the film, as both Merida and her mother learn how to live alongside one another with respect for their differences — a true lesson for anyone who has ever struggled to get along with family.
16. Monsters University
Release Date: June 21, 2013
Box Office: $744.2 million
Tomatometer: 80 percent
Audience Score: 81 percent
IMDB: 7.3/10
How It Lines Up
“Monsters University,” the prequel to “Monsters Inc.,” was almost as good as the first, critics say, giving it an 80 percent score. The film takes place back when Mike and Sully are still in college. Not only are they still learning how to be scary, they are also learning how to get along.
We learn that they weren’t always the best of friends, but like most inseparable pairs, they had to figure out how to overcome arguing over their differences. It’s filled with plenty of valuable lessons about how some friendships, though unlikely, turn out to be lasting. Even between monsters.
15. A Bug's Life
Release Date: Nov. 14, 1998
Box Office: $363.3 million
Tomatometer: 92 percent
Audience Score: 72 percent
IMDB: 7.2/10
How It Lines Up
Getting viewers to engage in the goings-on of a bug’s life is no easy feat, but Pixar did just that with this film that earned a 92 percent ranking from critics. Really, it’s the story of a misfit — the ant, Flik, who is an inventor, trying desperately to save his colony from grasshoppers but is shunned by his friends for his methods.
He mistakes a troupe of Circus Bugs as warriors and brings them back to help fight alongside the ants, but when his mistake comes to light, it’s more trouble around the ant hill for Flik. In the end, the film strikes a chord because of the message that you shouldn’t be afraid to be free-thinking, and often, the best things come from going against the grain.
14. Finding Dory
Release Date: June 17, 2016
Box Office: $1.03 billion
Tomatometer: 94 percent
Audience Score: 84 percent
IMDB: 7.3/10
How It Lines Up
It makes sense that Pixar decided to make a follow-up to "Finding Nemo," given its success. In the film, the only thing Dory, who has a short-term memory problem, can remember is that she was separated from her parents as a baby fish, and she’s set on finding them.
Alongside Nemo and Marlin, she journeys to the Marine Life Institute, where she finds out her parents are living in captivity and tries to figure out how to rescue them. The biggest takeaway is that you can’t let your weaknesses stop you from listening to your inner voice, just like Dory.
13. Incredibles 2
Release Date: June 15, 2018
Box Office: $1.24 billion
Tomatometer: 94 percent
Audience Score: 85 percent
IMDB: 7.7/10
How It Lines Up
Audiences were big fans of the second “Incredibles” film, scoring 94 percent on the Tomatometer, just a few points under the original. In the follow-up to the first “Incredibles,” being a superhero is still outlawed, but certain groups are trying to bring it back. This time, it’s dad’s turn to stay home while mom, Elastigirl, takes the spotlight.
There’s a learning curve when Mr. Incredible struggles to conquer life as a stay-at-home dad and be supportive of his wife’s work at the same time. That's especially true because the baby is just discovering his super powers, making things on the home-front a bit messy. When Elastigirl gets in trouble, the family needs to learn when to step in and, again, figure out how to work as a team to save her. But the film gives us a powerful lesson about what it takes to be a true hero, which sometimes means going against the popular opinion to do what is right.
12. WALL-E
Release Date: June 27, 2008
Box Office: $533.3 million
Tomatometer: 95 percent
Audience Score: 90 percent
IMDB: 8.4/10
How It Lines Up
Who knew it was possible to fall in love with a robot? Audiences certainly did when WALL-E hit the big screen in 2008. In the film, the lovable yet lonely guy is the last robot left behind on the uninhabitable earth. Because he has no friends, he spends his days cleaning up garbage, but it’s an unsatisfying life to say the least.
Then, everything changes when he meets EVE, a probe sent back to earth on a mission, and falls in love. WALL-E pursues her through obstacles across the galaxy. What’s touching about the film is that is shows us the importance of relationships because, in the end, it’s love that gives both EVE and WALL-E their greatest purpose.
11. Ratatouille
Release Date: June 29, 2007
Box Office: $620.7 million
Tomatometer: 96 percent
Audience Score: 87 percent
IMDB: 8.0/10
How It Lines Up
You don’t have to like rats or be a chef to find joy in viewing “Ratatouille,” though both are stars of the film. Remy the rat dreams of becoming a chef, even though he’s the last thing anyone wants to see in a kitchen.
Despite knowing this, he moves to Paris to pursue his dream with the help of Linguini, the garbage boy. Through hard work and a lot of mischief (because, well, he’s a rat), Remy finally has the chance to prove himself. The story fills us with more than food, but lessons about how hard work can pay off, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
10. Monsters, Inc.
Release Date: Nov. 2, 2001
Box Office: $577.4 million
Tomatometer: 96 percent
Audience Score: 90 percent
IMDB: 8.1/10
How It Lines Up
Sully is one of Monsters Incorporated's scariest monsters. He’s not all that bad, though. In fact, he’s a pretty likable guy once you get past the intimidation factors. He and his assistant, Mike Wazowski, have always believed human children to be toxic. In the film, they have to overcome their fears, though, and learn not to be afraid of Boo, a little girl who visits the monster world and needs to find her way back home.
Even for little viewers, the lesson is not lost in the dark. And that's not to judge or fear those we don’t know because they likely aren't as scary as we believe.
9. The Incredibles
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2004
Box Office: $633 million
Tomatometer: 97 percent
Audience Score: 75 percent
IMDB: 8.0/10
How It Lines Up
It’s no question why this superhero flick was so popular, scoring 97 percent with critics. The husband and wife duo, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, are charming and hilarious, and make us care about their struggle from the very beginning. In the film, the pair is disheartened when the government bans their superhero lifestyle, forcing them to live a regular, mundane one instead.
Mr. Incredible can’t quite adjust, and when he gets called to duty, he doesn’t turn away from the action. Soon, he’s the one who needs rescuing, and when his family steps up to save him, he learns, along with the audience, about the importance of working together. Another big lesson? Never shy away from your power (even if it’s outlawed).
8. Coco
Release Date: Nov. 22, 2017
Box Office: $807.1 million
Tomatometer: 97 percent
Audience Score: 94 percent
IMDB: 8.4/10
How It Lines Up
Coco, a film that was beautifully composed, musically and otherwise, was a winner with critics and audiences alike. In it, Miguel just wants to be a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Crus. But even though he has the talent, there’s something stopping him: his family. For generations, they have banned music.
Miguel is desperate to find out what is behind the ban, and when he winds up in the Land of the Dead, looking for his great-grandfather, he discovers his own family’s history. There are so many lessons to be learned from Coco, but perhaps the most meaningful is to stay true to who you are because you may have more influence over the world, or your own family, than you ever thought possible.
7. Toy Story 4
Release Date: June 20, 2019
Box Office: Not Yet Available (at Time of Publication)
Tomatometer: 98 percent
Audience Score: Not Yet Available (at Time of Publication)
IMDB: 8.5/10
How It Lines Up
Coming in at the No. 7 spot is the newest Pixar film, the much-anticipated “Toy Story 4.” While it’s almost unheard of for the fourth film in a series to do so well, the rave reviews are already rolling in, and it’s racked up a 98 percent Tomatometer score. Of course, this may change as the Audience Scores come in, but it’s safe to say that, when it comes to animated tales of toys coming to life, we just can’t get enough.
In this newest movie for the franchise, Bonnie’s new craft project, Forky, comes to life and decides he is not a toy. So, Woody has to step up and teach Forky a thing or two about what being a toy really means. There’s an unplanned detour for Woody, in which he reunites with Bo Peep. And, as always, the lessons in the movie are invaluable. The most powerful one of all is that, while people may not stay in our lives forever, love can never really be lost.
6. Inside Out
Release Date: June 19, 2015
Box Office: $857.6 million
Tomatometer: 98 percent
Audience Score: 89 percent
IMDB: 8.2/10
How It Lines Up
With hilarious characters and a killer plot, it’s not hard to see why this kids' film with a grown-up theme received such rave reviews. Not only is the plot totally unique, making feelings into actual characters, it’s a genius way to help kids understand big and unpleasant emotions.
How does it do this? The movie follows the emotions of a tween girl, Riley, who is facing tough changes after her family moves to San Francisco. The always upbeat Joy rather fittingly tries to bring back the happiness, but sadness can’t be stopped. What we learn is that life can’t be lived without all of our emotions. In the end, the bad ones are every bit as necessary as the good ones.
5. Toy Story 3
Release Date: June 18, 2010
Box Office: $1.07 billion
Tomatometer: 98 percent
Audience Score: 89 percent
IMDB: 8.3/10
How It Lines Up
While the third “Toy Story” movie doesn’t hold a top spot like its predecessors, it still has a braggable 98 percent Tomatometer score and 89 percent Audience Score and ranked one point above “Inside Out” on IMDB. That’s not too shabby for the gang’s third on-screen appearance. What makes this franchise so likeable, though, is that each of the “Toy Story” flicks build on the one before it, making for a super strong and engaging storyline movie after movie.
In this film, Andy goes off to college, as anticipated in “Toy Story 2.” And it’s every bit as devastating to the toys, who are put out with the trash and wind up at a daycare where the kids are rough and tumble. The gang has to figure out a way to escape, and along the way, we learn about the importance of the magic of childhood and the power of letting go.
4. Up
Release Date: May 29, 2009
Box Office: $735.1 million
Tomatometer: 98 percent
Audience Score: 90 percent
IMDB: 8.2/10
How It Lines Up
Since this film stars an old man and a young boy, it’s truly a story that spans the ages, which is likely why it scores so well across the board with both critics and viewers. It begins with a mature theme when the old man, Carl, a balloon salesman, loses his wife and sets off to fulfill his dream of tying thousands of balloons to his house and fly away to South America.
And it only gets more uplifting from there, as he soon discovers that Russell, a young boy and avid explorer, is aboard his house. Carl has to find a way to get along with Russell and overcome the obstacles in their path in hopes of making it home again. The story is every bit as funny as it is touching, as it teaches us that it’s never too late to change what you want out of life or to discover new, meaningful friendships.
3. Finding Nemo
Release Date: May 30, 2003
Box Office: $940.3 million
Tomatometer: 99 percent
Audience Score: 86 percent
IMDB: 8.1/10
How It Lines Up
This cute movie about Nemo, a clownfish who gets captured and is taken to live in a tank in a dentist’s office away from his family captured viewer’s hearts from the get-go as Pixar’s fifth film ever made. It gets a near-perfect score on the Tomatometer at 99 percent, and it’s easy to see why because the journey across the ocean is pretty epic.
Bringing Nemo home is no easy feat, and it’s up to his friends and his father, Marlin, to do it. There are tons of lessons to catch here, but, “Just keep swimming!,” also the most quotable line in the movie, grabs us hook, line and sinker. Or when it comes to the human-kind, “Never give up” is a powerful message when faced with adversity.
2. Toy Story 2
Release Date: Nov. 13, 1999
Box Office: $497.4 million
Tomatometer: 100 percent
Audience Score: 86 percent
IMDB: 7.4/10
How It Lines Up
It’s unusual for a sequel to be as beloved as the original film, but that was practically the case for the second Toy Story, which has a coveted 100 percent Tomatometer rating and 86 percent Audience Score. Pixar clearly made lightning strike again in the follow-up, bringing back the same quirky characters with a brand-new storyline, this time about sacrifice.
When Woody is stolen from Andy’s home, where he lives with all of his toy friends, and discovers he’s actually a valuable collectible, he has to decide what’s most important to him. Of course, he needs some help making the right decisions. Luckily, his friends are there to talk sense into him when he’s confused because, hey, in the “Toy Story” flicks, you’ve always got a friend. Cue the music.
1. Toy Story
Release Date: Nov. 22, 1995
Box Office: $373.6 million
Tomatometer: 100 percent
Audience Score: 92 percent
IMDB: 8.3/10
How It Lines Up
The film that forever changed the way we looked at toys couldn’t have anything less than a near-perfect score of 100 percent on the Tomatometer and a 92 percent Audience Score. That’s especially amazing considering it was Pixar’s very-first movie, released in November 1995. Critics and audiences agree, the original “Toy Story,” where we first meet Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang, is a tale loved by just about everyone.
When the toy’s owner, Andy, gets a cool new high-tech astronaut toy for his birthday, Buzz Lightyear, Woody is worried about being replaced. And with good reason! Jealousy gets the best of him when he sees how much Andy loves his new toy, until the pair have to team up to find their way back to their owner. Friendship reigns in "Toy Story," but it’s also about learning to make space for everyone, new-comers included.