Every movie from the Pixar franchise, ranked.
Cars has always felt like Pixar’s weakest franchise, with stories that never reached the same emotional depth as the studio’s best work. Aimed squarely at kids, it leaned heavily on merchandising and often came across more like a product than a lasting narrative. Still, the first film had charm, and Paul Newman’s turn as Doc Hudson gave it some heart. Even with slick animation, the sequels and spin-offs left the series parked far behind Pixar’s true classics. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Finding Nemo amazed audiences with its colorful undersea world and Marlin’s heartfelt journey to reunite with his son. The supporting cast, especially Dory, gave the film both humor and warmth, making it an instant classic. When Dory took the lead in the sequel, it became clear she worked best as a side character, and Finding Dory never hit quite the same emotional highs. While both films are visually stunning, the franchise doesn’t quite measure up to Pixar’s very best. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Monsters, Inc. had one of Pixar’s most clever setups, imagining a world where monsters power their city through children’s screams. Mike and Sully carried the story with warmth and humor, making the first film a standout in the studio’s history. The prequel Monsters University and spin-offs like Monsters at Work never matched that magic, often feeling more like side notes than meaningful additions. Looking back, the franchise might have worked best as a single classic rather than an ongoing series. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Brad Bird brought something fresh to Pixar with The Incredibles, blending superhero spectacle with the messy, funny, and real dynamics of family life. Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their kids felt fully realized, giving the film emotional weight alongside its action. Fans waited 14 years for The Incredibles 2, and while it delivered plenty of thrills, it couldn’t quite capture the lightning of the original. With a third film planned, the franchise still has the chance to cement itself as Pixar’s definitive superhero saga. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Pixar turned inward with Inside Out, giving emotions like Joy, Anger, Fear, and Sadness their own voices in Riley’s head. The first film tackled core memories and the surprising value of sadness in a way that resonated with kids and adults alike. Inside Out 2 expanded Riley’s world by adding new feelings like embarrassment and ennui, capturing the chaos of puberty with honesty. Together, the two films form one of Pixar’s most creative and meaningful explorations of growing up. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Pixar set the standard right away with Toy Story, a film that completely changed what animation could be. The idea of toys coming alive when humans weren’t looking gave the studio endless creative room, backed by a perfect voice duo in Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. Each sequel added something deeper: Toy Story 2 about letting go, Toy Story 3 about growing up, and Toy Story 4 about finding new purpose. With Toy Story 5 on the horizon, this franchise still feels like Pixar’s crown jewel. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Pixar has built some of the most beloved movie series in animation, but not all of them shine equally bright. From groundbreaking adventures to franchises that never quite hit the same heights, each one has its place in the studio’s history. Here’s how all six Pixar franchises stack up, ranked from worst to best.
