Ranking Pixar Films (Worst to Best)
I once said that Pixar films are their own beast. This is the follow up to that thought. I don't see Pixar films as just cartoons. I honestly feel there's something special about these movies. They have the ability to make me feel emotions like non-animated films and make me forget that they are ostensibly for kids. It gets to the point where I get mad that there are so many kids in the theatre when I see these movies even though I'm the odd person out. Anyway, let's see how the 15 Pixar films out right now stack up against each other!
Film/Rank:
#14- Cars (2006)
What I liked:
The voice cast did a good job with what they were given.
What I didn't like:
This was the first Pixar film I saw that felt amiss. I felt like this movie could only be catered to children. That doesn't make it a bad film. It makes it a bad Pixar film.
Film/Rank:
#13- Monsters University (2013)
What I liked:
This movie has an incredibly strong supporting cast. I legitmately got swept up in the fraternity rivalries in a addition to enjoying the way they set the lead characters up for the original film.
What I didn't like:
I feel like this movie relies to heavily on the nostalgia of the first movie. It really plays off the fact that everyone like the first one and as such doesn't feel like a strong entry into the Pixar universe.
Film/Rank:
#12- Brave (2012)
What I liked:
I like this movie on the whole. I especially enjoyed the bear transformations and everything that came with them. No joke, the hair animation was on point too.
What I didn't like:
I straight up did not like how Merida treated her mom. I get that she was supposed to represent a woman who doesn't accept the way things are and that it's ultimately a good thing that she rebelled against the status quo. However, it really rubbed me the wrong way how she treated her mom like the enemy. Also I'm sure they said her age, but, I couldn't tell what it was. She seemed like whatever age was convenient for the plot at the time. The point being I found her selfish in a childish way while still demonstrating mature ideals and aspirations which ultimately made me feel like she should have known better most of the time.
Film/Rank:
#11- A Bug's Life (1998)
What I liked:
I liked the nods to Seven Samurai / The Magnificent Seven. I did enjoy the bloopers at the end for what it's worth.
What I didn't like:
True enough that this movie is stronger than I give it credit for, but much like Brave, I didn't find myself emotionally invested like other Pixar films. It just lacked a certain amount of heart that I usually look for in Pixar films. Plus when I first saw it as a kid, I didn't find it particularly funny. Call me crazy but I liked Antz more and I don't even rock with Woody Allen like that.
Film/Rank:
#10- Wall*E (2008)
What I liked:
I'm down with most things Jeff Garlin related and I enjoyed the physical comedy/silent film aesthetics of the first bit of this movie.
What I didn't like:
While undeniably nice to look at and not without its important message: This felt like a short film that plays in front of the real movie that went on too long for me.
Film/Rank:
#9- Monsters, Inc. (2001)
What I liked:
Honestly, John Goodman as the monster with heart was inspired casting. I even like Billy Crystal in this and enjoyed the bond Boo has with them. This movie made it clear that Pixar had the ability to make me care way more than I probably should about their characters.
What I didn't like:
This just comes down to me liking other movies more.
Film/Rank:
#8- Toy Story 3 (2010)
What I liked:
That scene at the beginning where Andy is esentially picking between Buzz and Woody gets me every time! This movie closed out the trilogy for me perfectly. Though I didn't have some meaningful goodbye with my action figures, I understood where Andy was coming from since the original movie!
What I didn't like:
Seriously, what's up with Andy's Dad???
Film/Rank:
#7- Toy Story 2 (1999)
What I liked:
I really loved the look into Woody's expanded universe. And felt all sorts of bad for Jessie; Sarah McLachlan ain't never sang no lie! I really did feel like pouring out a bit of my mountain dew for my fallen action figures throughout the years.
What I didn't like:
Still no word on Andy's dad?
Film/Rank:
#6- Finding Nemo (2003)
What I liked:
I thought this movie was going to stink for the first bit until Nemo's mom died. At least after that I was off balance and ready to feel something. Dory, however, came through and became the only thing worth quoting or remembering about this movie. I don't mean that in a bad way. There are way more characters than Dory to enjoy but she still ran away with this movie.
What I didn't like:
Nemo, and Marlin, for that matter, how are you going to let Dory be the real star of this movie?
Film/Rank:
#5- Toy Story (1995)
What I liked:
As a nine year old, there was no better way to capture my imagination than to show me a world where toys come to life. How do you one up that concept? Show me a world where each toy has a role to play whenever their owner gets a hold of them so I can say, "I DO THAT TOO!" The sequels did a good job of expanding on this idea, but this O.G. Toy Story is the illest.
What I didn't like:
As this honest trailer points out, Andy's dad must have been around at some point for him to have such a young sister. Or maybe not, maybe his sister has a different dad, but either way, there's at least one dad missing from this picture. Seems like an untapped source of pathos.
Film/Rank:
#4- Inside Out (2015)
What I liked:
Just saw this (without fellow Parks & Recreation super fan, Pauline... Yikes) so maybe I haven't had the proper time to process this film. However, after years of watching movies and forming opinions about them, I'd have to say that this movie can only get better the more time I sit with it. I would gladly watch Riley's adventures alone or Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust on their own but this movie doesn't make you choose!
What I didn't like:
Haven't had time to think about what I don't like about this movie yet except for the awkward music video/short animated film before this movie. I didn't hate it, but I can't say I lava'd it either.
Film/Rank:
#3- Ratatouille (2007)
What I liked:
Even though a rat who controls a human by tugging at his hair is a main plot point. I'd argue that this is still one of the more mature outings for Pixar. In so much as when the other cooks find out about Remy and Linguini's hustle, they walk. My sister didn't get why that made sense at the time. Most movies like this would have had them laugh and realize they should just get on board. But it was details like that and the marks on the arms and general care taken to create the world of French chefs that makes this movie special.
What I didn't like:
I know it's a cartoon but it still grosses me out that the rats touched the ingredients before people ate the food. I don't care how many drops of water they used.
Film/Rank:
#2- Up (2009)
What I liked:
I didn't know how Pixar was going to get me to like an old curmudgeon and an annoying kid but boy did they ever! First of all, it is well documented that the first minutes of that movie made me happy I was wearing dark 3D glasses. Second, the scope of the adventure that Carl and Russell (first anything but white Pixar lead who is human?) go on is great without the talking dogs... but the talking dogs are still added to the mix! Third, it's not just emotional in the beginning. Russell finding someone else he can relate to while also giving Carl another person to continue the adventurous life sparked by Ellie is beautiful... just beautiful!
What I didn't like:
If only they had a black side kick voiced by Samuel L. Jackson...
Film/Rank:
#1- The Incredibles (2004)
What I liked:
You knew my love for superheroes was going to beat out a movie that proves you're never to old to live your life to the fullest! I do, however, honestly enjoy this better. It is a good film that has something for everyone in terms of the idea of family life ruining the "fun" and "adventures" you thought you were going to have. It had coming of age dramedy, and a family friendly version of Benny Blanco / Stan in the form of Syndrome! Let that be a lesson to everyone. Never down play someone showing you love.
What I didn't like:
More Frozone please!
-YG