Attempting to rank the movies of Pixar is somewhat like putting your most cherished childhood memories into a ranked list: unfair, a bit sad, and certain to spark more debates at dinner tables during holidays. However, to be honest, that’s half the fun. Pixar has been making us laugh, cry, and stare for more than thirty years, and everyone has their absolute favorite. After looking through critic lists, fan favorites, and some very emotional re-watches, this is a shared ranking of the 10 greatest Pixar films from the critics and the people who used to quote them.
10. Toy Story (1995)
The film that revolutionized everything. Pixar’s initial foray wasn’t only their first film, it was also the first fully computer-animated feature film ever. And it remains a classic. Woody and Buzz’s rivalry-to-friendship journey gave us slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments, and a surprising amount of existential dread. (Admit it: “You are a toy!” still stings.) Toy Story set the blueprint for everything Pixar would become: sharp humor, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. Oh, and Randy Newman gave us an anthem that will never leave your brain.
9. Ratatouille (2007)
A rat who dreams of becoming a French chef? Sounds absurd, yet Pixar turned it into a celebration of food, art, and following your passions. Remy’s story is equal parts hilarious and moving, with Anton Ego’s famous flashback scene ranking among Pixar’s most quietly powerful moments. The message that greatness can come from anywhere isn’t just inspirational, it’s timeless. Also, does anyone else crave a bowl of ratatouille every time they watch?
8. Turning Red (2022)
Pixar has long excelled at coming-of-age tales, but Turning Red is somehow particularly intimate. Mei Lee’s instant-red- pandas-insist-on-everypartofher transformation when her feelings become too overwhelming is both grossly hilarious and heart-crushingly accurate. It takes place in early-2000s Toronto, is filled with color, vibrancy, and cringeworthy teenage memories. It’s about family, friendship, and, sure, boy bands here’s to 4 Town, who deserved their own tour.
7. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
On paper, a film about monsters frightening children to generate power shouldn’t be so lovely. Yet Mike and Sulley’s friendship and their unlikely rapport with little Boo make Monsters, Inc. one of Pixar’s most affectionate movies. From the laugh-out-loud one-liners to the breathtaking door-chase scene, it’s a joy to watch over and over. And Boo’s adorable “Kitty!”? Heart. Melted.
6. Coco (2017)
Few movies do family and tradition as well as Coco. Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead is also aesthetically pleasing, but it’s the heart that gets you. Grounded in Mexican heritage and remembering the dead, Coco packs an emotional punch. If “Remember Me” doesn’t make you cry, I don’t know what will.
5. Up (2009)
Let’s get real: Up could have been 10 minutes long and still have been a masterpiece. Carl and Ellie’s wordless love affair is heartbreaking in the best possible way. But what comes next, an airborne house, chatty dogs, and an unexpected friendship between a cranky widower and a go-getter scout, is what keeps the adventure going. Humorous, heartwarming, and full of heart, Up is a testament that Pixar knows how to break us emotionally and still leave us laughing.
4. WALL-E (2008)
A near-silent robot love story that’s also environmental sci-fi? Only Pixar could make it work. WALL-E’s solitary odyssey across a planet trash-covered transforms into a love affair with EVE that’s nothing short of enchantment. It’s daring, vulnerable, and unexpectedly humorous, all while serving up one of Pixar’s most powerful messages about humanity. Plus, who knew a cockroach could be this cute?
3. The Incredibles (2004)
Before superheroes dominated multiplexes everywhere, Pixar presented us with one of the greatest. The Incredibles is half family saga and half action movie, with retro-cool style and indelible characters. It’s a tale of parents, children, and how to keep regular life alive while having superpowers. And naturally, Edna Mode stole the spotlight with three little words: No capes!
2. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Sequels are rarely better than the first, but Toy Story 3 may be. It’s a goodbye to boyhood dressed up in comedy, excitement, and one of the darkest moments from Pixar. People still shudder thinking about the incinerator scene. The movie closes out Andy’s book with the toys in a manner that’s heartbreaking yet hopeful, causing full-grown adults to ugly-cry in theaters.
1. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar is the most creative. Inside Out explores the mind of 11-year-old Riley, allowing us to meet Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as characters in charge. It’s intelligent, witty, and wonderfully empathetic, making emotions accessible to kids (and adults, too). The film shows us that sadness is not weakness but part of growing up. And Bing Bong’s farewell? Yeah, still not over it.
There you have it: the 10 greatest Pixar movies, as voted on by fans, critics, and everyone who’s ever sobbed into a bucket of popcorn. You can argue with the ranking, and honestly, that’s half the fun. Pixar has blessed us with decades of movies that linger, and arguing over which one is the best is part of the fun. One thing’s for sure: these movies aren’t leaving, except further in our hearts (and perhaps our therapy couches).