More than 30 years into the business, Pixar continues to be one of the most prolific animation movie studios in Hollywood.
Whether it's original material or a sequel/spinoff, they always spark the imagination of audiences and have different creative ways to explore the different facets of the human experience that are relatable to everyone.
In celebration of the release of their new original film, Elio, here is our ranking of all Pixar movies released in the 2020s so far, from worst to best.
7. Lightyear
While Lightyear is not necessarily a bad output from Pixar, it was seen as a cash grab for Disney as they attempted to expand the Toy Story franchise and explore the origins of the titular fan-favorite character.
The film's story was told in classic science-fiction fashion with a familiar space adventure and a fun team of characters that are trying to save the universe. It may not be on par with the best films of Pixar, but it's still an entertaining watch.
6. Elemental
Elemental was initially seen as a major flop for Pixar when it had a disappointing opening, but positive word-of-mouth made it a surprise box office success, and it ended up being a sleeper hit.
The film does not necessarily match the quality of the top-tier Pixar movies. However, it is still an endearing exploration of romance, immigration, and embracing the differences of one another.
5. Onward
Onward has become a forgettable Pixar film as it was released right before the COVID-19 pandemic global shutdown in early 2020.
While the story can be formulaic, it is still a heartwarming tale of brotherhood and grief and has the emotional weight that you can expect in a Pixar movie. It may not be a top-tier Pixar film, but it is an enjoyable entry.
4. Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing film of 2024 as it earned around $1.6 billion. Despite being a sequel, it managed to tell a fresh story that expanded the world-building that they established in the first film.
The introduction of Anxiety also gave the film a leeway to explore more emotions deeply and justify the existence of a follow-up, not just making it look like a cash grab for Disney.
3. Luca
Luca may have been a straight-to-streaming release during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it still has the great qualities that you expect in a Pixar movie.
The film is a sweet and joyful story of friendship that is relatable to all audiences who watched it, and the storytelling is unique from the rest of the Pixar slate. It also has magical visuals with the creative design of the Italian Riviera.
2. Turning Red
Turning Red is Pixar storytelling at its finest, as it successfully tells the story of puberty and girlhood in creative ways that we don't usually see in an animated movie.
The film's metaphorical coming-of-age story is relatable to all audiences, regardless of your gender or upbringing. It is also hilarious and imaginative, which has become rare to see in a studio animated film nowadays.
1. Soul
It's rare to see an animated film targeting a young audience that gets existential and deals with mortality on the same level that Pixar did with Soul.
The film might be one of the most creative outputs that Pixar has ever done due to its heavy themes and unique visuals that even adults could easily appreciate. Despite being a COVID-19 pandemic release, it managed to earn a lot of accolades, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
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