Woody from "Toy Story" (Photo by Mercury Green on Shutterstock)
When it comes to animated films, Pixar is considered the gold standard! With 28 films, including the newly released “Inside Out 2,” the animation studio creates memorable characters and stories for all ages. Since it can take years for new Pixar films to be released, we often spend hours rewatching the classics. But which Pixar films are the best? Ranking them isn’t easy, so we’ve created a top seven list with input from film critics across seven websites on what the best Pixar films are. Don’t agree with our selections? Share your top picks in the comments below!
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Table of contents
1. “Finding Nemo” (2005)
It’s hard to tire of watching Marlin’s sea quest to find his son Nemo in this classic adventure. While you may already be familiar with this flick, let’s break down the plot. In “Finding Nemo,” a clownfish named Marlin embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to rescue his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a scuba diver and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin teams up with a forgetful but optimistic fish named Dory, facing various perils and making new friends. Ultimately, Marlin’s adventure teaches him about trust, courage, and the importance of letting go.
IndieWire considers this movie Pixar’s most satisfying emotional journey, whether it’s your first or 500th viewing. Rotten Tomatoes highlights the exceptional voice cast, including Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, as a key element of the film’s memorability. Vulture believes the universal message of allowing children to live their own lives resonates with every generation.
2. “WALL-E” (2008)
I can hear it now; the cute, buzzing sound of WALLL-E’s voice as he says his own name. In this film, this small waste-collecting robot left to clean up a deserted, polluted Earth discovers a new purpose when he meets EVE, a sleek robot sent to find signs of sustainable life. WALL-E follows EVE into space, leading to an adventure that awakens the human race from centuries of complacency and helps them reclaim their planet. The film beautifully explores themes of love, environmental stewardship, and the power of determination.
But what do critics have to say? Vulture believes “WALL-E” is total perfection, noting its dialogue-free first half that tells the story of the planet’s destruction. It’s considered by many to be Pixar’s most ambitious film to date, with meticulous attention to detail. Empire Online describes it as a vital piece of cinema in the climate crisis age, while IndieWire highlights the connection between WALL-E and EVE as one of the “most beautiful moments in animation and film history.”
3. “Toy Story” (1995)
In “Toy Story,” Woody, a cowboy doll, feels threatened when Buzz Lightyear, a new space ranger action figure, becomes his owner Andy’s favorite toy. Their rivalry leads to a series of misadventures, ultimately teaching them the value of friendship and teamwork. Together, they navigate the challenges of being toys and find their way back to Andy, solidifying their bond as friends.
While Pixar’s first feature film may have rudimentary animation compared to today’s standards, it’s impossible to argue with the charm of this comedy that brought toys to life. Vulture says it’s “the template for every great movie the studio has made since.” Rotten Tomatoes believes without this film, family-friendly animation wouldn’t be what it is today. Mashable credits “Toy Story” for introducing us to Buzz and Woody, two characters every kid has in their toy box.
4. “The Incredibles” (2004)
“The Incredibles” follows the superhero family of Bob (Mr. Incredible), Helen (Elastigirl), and their three children. They are forced to live ordinary lives after superheroes are banned. When a new villain, Syndrome, emerges, the family must come out of hiding to save the world, embracing their powers and working together. Through their adventure, they learn the importance of family unity and the value of their unique abilities.
Move over, Marvel! “The Incredibles” is hailed by IndieWire as the greatest superhero movie ever made thanks to its perfect blend of fun, action, and emotion. USA Today agrees, calling this family of superheroes a “masterpiece about identity.” Vulture also praises the film, attributing its success to its ability to deliver a riveting, action-packed story in under two hours.
5. “Toy Story 3” (2010)
We may have already included one film from this franchise, but the more the merrier, right? In “Toy Story 3,” Andy’s toys, led by Woody and Buzz, face an uncertain future as Andy prepares to leave for college. Accidentally donated to a daycare center, the toys experience harsh treatment from children and a tyrannical teddy bear named Lotso. The toys ultimately plan a daring escape and find a new loving home with a young girl named Bonnie, ensuring their legacy of being cherished continues.
Mashable calls “Toy Story 3” the “most heartwarming and heartbreaking” film in the franchise. It was supposed to be the final film, but we know that wasn’t the case with “Toy Story 4” and the upcoming “Toy Story 5” in 2026. For those who grew up with the series, Toy Story 3 was a tearjerking farewell, as Empire Online points out. Critics at Rotten Tomatoes agree, calling it “a rare second sequel that really works.”
6. “Inside Out” (2015)
Although the second movie is all the rage, we can’t forget the original. In “Inside Out,” personified emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust navigate the inner life of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as her family moves to a new city. Joy’s attempts to keep Riley happy lead to a mix-up that sends Joy and Sadness on a journey through Riley’s mind, while Anger, Fear, and Disgust struggle to manage her emotions in the midst of change. Through their adventure, Joy learns the value of Sadness and the importance of embracing all emotions to help Riley adapt and thrive in her new life.
Talk about a tearjerker! “Inside Out” starts that way right from the beginning. Empire Online says, “It only gets stranger, funnier, and more beautiful from there,” calling it an all-out miracle of a movie.” Good Housekeeping mentions that this film can help parents understand what’s going on in the mind of their 11-year-old. That’s just reason enough to watch! Rotten Tomatoes calls it “another outstanding addition to the Pixar library of modern animated classics.”
7. “Toy Story 2” (1999)
I promise this is the last time we’ll mention Woody and his friends. So, what do they get into this time? Woody is stolen by a toy collector, leading Buzz Lightyear and the rest of Andy’s toys on a daring rescue mission. Woody discovers that he is a valuable collectible and meets other toys from his past, including Jessie and Bullseye, who have been waiting for a new owner.
It was almost a disaster, intended as a straight-to-DVD release before getting a rushed makeover for theaters. According to Vulture, this movie miraculously expands Woody and Buzz’s universe without missing a beat. Good Housekeeping calls it a perfect blend of heart and humor, while Empire Online says, “Don’t even get us started on Jessie’s song!” The moral of the “Toy Story” story from this list? You can’t go wrong with parts one, two, or three!
Sources consulted to find these top picks
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