For more than 30 years, Pixar has learned how to make us laugh, cry, and think about some big stuff—all in the same 90 minutes. If you’re emotionally invested in plastic playthings, rooting for a rat with a passion for cooking, or still reeling from the phrase “Take her to the moon for me,” Pixar has a way of hitting you in the feels.
So how do you narrow down the cream of the crop in a list that’s pretty much all winners? It’s like picking your favorite memory bubble in Inside Out—they’re all memorable in their unique ways. But based on a combination of fan affection, critical acclaim, and emotional impact, these are the 10 Pixar movies that still destroy us—in the best of ways.
10. Toy Story 3
The third Toy Story film isn’t merely a sequel—it’s an emotional punch to the gut. From the frightening incinerator scene to that good-bye with Andy, Toy Story 3 gave us the most mature, tear-jerking chapter of the franchise. To many fans, this was the true ending, and one can’t help but agree with the poignancy of the final moment when Andy drives off and our childhoods are officially over.
9. Ratatouille
A rat who wishes to be a chef is preposterous—until Pixar turns it into sheer magic. Ratatouille is more than culinary arts; it’s pursuing your passion despite everything. Remy is lovable, Anton Ego’s emotional culinary epiphany is unforgettable, and the moral? Greatness may originate from anywhere—even someone sporting whiskers and a tail.
8. The Incredibles
Before superheroes were everywhere, The Incredibles gave us a family of them—and made them feel real. Sure, it’s packed with action, but what sticks is the relatable struggle: balancing identity, family, and purpose. Add in some sharp social commentary and the iconic “No capes!” moment, and you’ve got a film that still punches above its weight.
7. Coco
Visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant, Coco is a love letter to family, memory, and music. The Land of the Dead has never been more alive, and when “Remember Me” strikes at the movie’s climax, forget it—you’re a puddle. It’s Pixar at its most sentimental, reminding us how much we need to remember where we came from.
6. Monsters, Inc.
A story about monsters scaring kids for energy somehow became one of the sweetest Pixar tales ever. Mike and Sulley’s journey from professional scarers to loving protectors is full of laughs, but it is Sulley and Boo who make this one unforgettable. That final door scene? Instant tears.
5. Up
Let’s get real—Up wins its emotional merit badge within the first ten minutes alone. Carl and Ellie’s muted life journey is one of the most moving sequences in animation history. The rest of the movie, packed with colorful adventure and charming characters, is the icing on the heartbreak cake. Each trip back into Ellie’s memory falls like a soft, melancholy punch to the chest.
4. Finding Nemo
A journey to the other side of the ocean turns into a moving story of love, fear, and learning to release. Finding Nemo balances perfectly between adventure and emotion, particularly from Marlin’s development as a parent. Dory’s memory lapse provides humor, yet it is the richer narrative of grasping and letting go that makes the lasting impression.
3. Toy Story
The original. Toy Story didn’t revolutionize animation—it revolutionized storytelling. Woody and Buzz’s beef-turned-best-friendship opened the door to a world where toys feel, and for some reason, we loved them immediately. A movie about plastic toys is strangely human, and its impact still casts a shadow.
2. WALL-E
A near-silent robot wandering a ruined Earth and falling in love? Sounds crazy. But WALL-E turned it into poetry. With barely any dialogue, Pixar crafted one of its most emotionally resonant films, filled with longing, loneliness, and love. And that moment when WALL-E loses his memory? Devastating. Add in its now painfully relevant environmental warning, and you’ve got a movie that says so much, even with so little.
1. Inside Out
At the top of the list is Inside Out—a movie about feelings that made us feel everything. By personifying emotions inside a young girl’s mind, Pixar gave us one of the most emotionally intelligent and empathetic animated films ever made. The film’s central message—that sadness is just as important as joy—is a powerful truth that resonates with kids and adults alike. And don’t even mention Bing Bong. We’re still not okay.
Pixar has the uncanny ability to blend humor with deep emotional resonance in these ten films. Whether it’s growing up, letting go, or learning how to cope with change, these stories hit universal chords through deeply personal moments. So when you’re due for a good cry (or ten), this list has got you covered with tissues close by.