Pixar Animation Studios has gifted us with decades of enchanting storytelling, lovable characters, and groundbreaking animation. From the very first feature-length computer-animated film, Toy Story, to recent releases like Elemental, each Pixar movie holds a unique place in our hearts. But which movies truly stand the test of time? Which ones are worth revisiting again and again? In this comprehensive tier list, we’ll rank every Pixar movie, from the absolute must-sees to those that might be better left forgotten.
Pixar Movie Tier List: The Rankings
Before diving into the details, here’s our Pixar movie tier list overview:
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
| S | The Pixar Masterpieces: Timeless & Essential |
| A | Excellent Pixar Adventures: Heartfelt & Memorable |
| B | Solid Pixar Stories: Enjoyable & Well-Crafted |
| C | Average Pixar Films: Not Bad, But Not Great |
| D | Disappointing Pixar Outings: Forgettable & Flawed |
The S-Tier: Pixar’s Masterpieces
These films represent the pinnacle of Pixar’s storytelling and artistry. They are emotionally resonant, visually stunning, and endlessly rewatchable.
Toy Story (1995)
The film that started it all! Toy Story revolutionized animation and introduced us to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s beloved toys. It’s a timeless story of friendship, loyalty, and embracing change.
Finding Nemo (2003)
A visually stunning underwater adventure that takes us on an emotional journey with Marlin, a clownfish searching for his son Nemo. It’s a story about overcoming fear, letting go, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
Inside Out (2015)
This innovative film explores the complex emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. It’s a brilliant and insightful look at the power of our feelings and how they shape our experiences.
The A-Tier: Excellent Pixar Adventures
These Pixar movies might not reach the absolute heights of the S-Tier, but they are still remarkable films with captivating stories and memorable characters.
Up (2009)
The opening sequence alone is enough to earn Up a spot in the A-Tier. It’s a heartwarming and bittersweet story about love, loss, and finding adventure in unexpected places.
Wall-E (2008)
A visually stunning and surprisingly poignant story about a lonely robot on a post-apocalyptic Earth. It’s a film with minimal dialogue that manages to convey powerful messages about love, environmentalism, and the importance of human connection.
Coco (2017)
A vibrant and heartwarming celebration of Mexican culture and the importance of family. Coco is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about remembering loved ones and pursuing your passions.
Pixar Movie Tier List: The Rest of the Rankings
Now let’s dive into the remaining Pixar films, organized in table format for easy comparison:
| Movie Title | Year | Tier | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Story 2 | 1999 | A | A worthy sequel that expands on the themes of the original while introducing new characters and challenges for Woody and Buzz. |
| Monsters, Inc. | 2001 | A | A hilarious and heartwarming adventure that explores the world of monsters who scare children for a living. |
| The Incredibles | 2004 | A | A stylish superhero family film with action, humor, and a message about embracing your unique abilities. |
| Ratatouille | 2007 | A | A charming and visually stunning story about a rat who dreams of becoming a chef in a Parisian restaurant. |
| Toy Story 3 | 2010 | A | A bittersweet and emotional conclusion to the Toy Story trilogy that explores themes of growing up, letting go, and moving on. |
| Brave | 2012 | B | A visually stunning but narratively uneven story about a Scottish princess who defies tradition. |
| Monsters University | 2013 | B | A fun prequel that explores the college days of Mike and Sulley, but lacks the emotional depth of the original. |
| The Good Dinosaur | 2015 | C | A visually stunning but narratively underwhelming story about a young dinosaur who befriends a caveboy. |
| Finding Dory | 2016 | B | A fun sequel that revisits Dory’s past and explores her struggles with short-term memory loss. |
| Cars 3 | 2017 | B | A surprisingly mature entry in the Cars franchise that deals with themes of aging, legacy, and mentorship. |
| The Incredibles 2 | 2018 | B | A fun but less impactful sequel that focuses on Elastigirl’s superhero career while Mr. Incredible stays home with the kids. |
| Toy Story 4 | 2019 | B | A charming but unnecessary addition to the Toy Story franchise that focuses on Woody’s new life with Bonnie. |
| Onward | 2020 | B | A heartwarming fantasy adventure about two elf brothers who embark on a quest to spend one more day with their deceased father. |
| Soul | 2020 | A | A philosophical and visually stunning exploration of life, death, and purpose. |
| Luca | 2021 | B | A charming coming-of-age story about two sea monsters who transform into humans and experience life on land. |
| Turning Red | 2022 | B | A vibrant and relatable coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a giant red panda when she gets excited. |
| Lightyear | 2022 | C | A visually impressive but narratively flawed sci-fi adventure that explores the origins of Buzz Lightyear. |
| Elemental | 2023 | C | A visually stunning but predictable story about two elements from different worlds who fall in love. |
Conclusion
Pixar Animation Studios has consistently delivered heartwarming, imaginative, and thought-provoking films that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While not every movie hits the mark, the studio’s track record of creating memorable stories and lovable characters is undeniable. This tier list is just one way to explore the vast and wonderful world of Pixar films, but ultimately, the best way to experience them is to watch them yourself and discover which ones resonate most with you.
FAQs
What is the best Pixar movie of all time?
While opinions vary, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Inside Out are often considered the top contenders for the best Pixar movie. Each film excels in storytelling, animation, and emotional impact.
What is the worst Pixar movie?
Cars 2 and The Good Dinosaur are often cited as the weakest entries in the Pixar filmography, due to their flawed narratives and less memorable characters.
Which Pixar movies have won Academy Awards?
Numerous Pixar movies have won Academy Awards, including Toy Story 3, Brave, Inside Out, Coco, and Soul, to name a few.
Are there any Pixar movies that are not suitable for children?
Most Pixar movies are family-friendly, but some may deal with mature themes like loss, grief, and death. It’s always a good idea to check the movie’s rating and reviews before watching it with children.
What upcoming Pixar movies should I look forward to?
Pixar has several exciting projects in the works, including Inside Out 2 and Elio, which are sure to delight audiences of all ages.