Ranking The Pixar Films

For over 20 years Pixar animation has been making films that are fun for the whole family. The most recent addition to the Pixar library, ' Toy Story 4', was just recently released and I thought it would be fun to take a look back at all these films for an overall ranking. I have done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe films (to check out that list click here). I update those rankings after each new film comes out and I plan on doing the same with this one. As with my Marvel rankings, this is just how I see the films when I compare characters, story, and overall rewatchability. I'm only going to be ranking the major theatrical releases, no animated shorts or direct to DVD movies.

#21 The Good Dinosaur (2015) 

One of these had to be the worst and I found this film thoroughly unenjoyable.

#20 Cars 2 (2011)

Barely escaping the bottom spot on this list is the dumb, misguided 'Cars 2'. If you haven't seen it, don't bother.

#19 Finding Dory (2016) 

It all worked in 'Finding Nemo' but this entry felt stale and about 10yrs too late.

#18 Ratatouille (2007)

This is odd one in that, though it's not a bad film, it's just forgettable. I often don't even remember that it's a Pixar movie.

#17 Cars 3 (2017)

I wrote a whole review on this one that you can check out here. In short, it's fine. Some good animation and a laugh or two, but nothing special.

#16 Inside Out (2015)

A lot of people fell in love with this one, so maybe its just me, but I thought this one was really underwhelming. The voice acting is solid and I like the concept, it just didn't work for me.

 

#15 A Bugs Life (1998)

It's a cute, entertaining movie. It's not amazing but I enjoyed it when it came out and it still holds up ok.

#14 Up (2009)

This was a hard one to rank because it starts out really strong. Unfortunately, for the most part the film is just average with a decent moment or two scattered throughout.

 

#13 Brave (2012) 

I'm not going to rave that this is an excellent film, but I do think it's a bit underrated by most.

#12 Monsters University (2013) 

This one is a mixed-bag. It's not nearly as good as 'Monsters Inc.' but there's still some funny moments and I like all of the characters.
 

#11 Cars (2006) 

Unlike it's two sequels, I actually do like the first 'Cars' film. I've rewatched it a few times and always enjoy it.

#10 Toy Story 2 (1999) 

This one, in my opinion, is the weakest of the 'Toy Story' films. However, it's still a real good movie. 
 

#9 The Incredibles (2004)

Pixar's attempt at a superhero movie ended up being one of their better ones.

#8 The Incredibles 2 (2018)

I like this one better than the first. It's not an all-time great film, but it is fun.


#7 Toy Story 4 (2019)

Toy Story 4 is a completely unnecessary sequel, but a ton of fun nonetheless.


#6 Coco (2017)

Though it may move up or down a spot on this list with more viewings, I think it's safe to say this one is a return to form after a few films in a row that I found underwhelming.

 

#5 Wall-E (2008)

Usually I have a good idea of what I'm going to get going into these movies, 'Wall E' was a rare exception. While it's not perfect, it was far better than I expected it to be.

#4 Finding Nemo (2003)

This one effectively combines a simple but interesting plot with unique characters and some really impressive animation.

#3 Toy Story 3 (2010)

 This one hit every beat I was hoping it would when I first went to the theater to check it out.
It's a really solid movie, with a lot of heart.

#2 Monsters Inc. (2001)

I love this one. It's a ton of fun, and still enjoy it with every repeat viewing. Mike and Sully are right up there with Buzz and Woody as my favorite set of Pixar buddies playing off one another.

#1 Toy Story (1995)

This is the gold standard by which I always compare Pixar films too. It's fun, the characters are great, it's enjoyable start to finish, and it represents a milestone in animation.


Do you agree with my rankings?
How would you rank all these film?
Let me know in the comments below.

10 Tom Hanks Movies Everyone Should See

Here it is, my latest ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ List. This one is a look at the quintessential everyman of modern American cinema, Tom Hanks. Like all previous entries this isn’t necessarily a ‘Top 10’ list but rather a list of films that best represent the person’s career.

1)      Forrest Gump -1994

It’s the story of a kind of dumb guy with a heart of gold that accomplishes more than any regular guy ever would. Tom Hanks would go on to win his 2^nd Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in this film and it’s a nice blend of comedy, drama.

2)      Cast Away -2000

It's still kind of surprising how good this movie is. 2hrs of Tom Hanks alone on an island, talking to volleyball doesn't sound all that great, but 'Cast Away' is enjoyable start to finish. It says a lot about Hanks’ ability to single-handedly carry a film.

3)      Apollo 13 -1995

After an oxygen tank explosion, the Apollo 13 astronauts soon find that their spacecraft is low oxygen, experiencing power failure, and the mission is no longer to land on the moon but to make it back to Earth alive. This movie is tense, exciting, and one of Tom Hanks’ best performances.

4)      Big -1988

A kid wants to be an adult and by way of a magical fortune teller machine his wish comes true and hilarity ensues. This could've been a really dumb movie, but instead it turned out to be one of Tom Hanks' best.

5)      Bridge of Spies -2015

The 4^th pairing of Director Steven Spielberg and Actor Tom Hanks (the previous three films being ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and ‘The Terminal’) may actually be there best. It’s a pretty outstanding Cold War, espionage movie.

6)      Road to Perdition – 2002

Tom Hanks stars alongside screen legend Paul Newman in this exciting crime film set in the 1930’s. In addition to Tom Hanks’ solid performance, the cinematography in this film is great, and this would also end up being one of Paul Newman’s final big-screen roles.

7)      Toy Story -1995

Every so often a movie comes along that is a complete game-changer for the industry. This is one of those films. Tom Hanks voices a toy cowboy named Woody who is jealous of new toy, Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) in this computer animated, comedy. Pretty much every animated movie since has strived to be the next ’Toy Story’.

8)      Splash -1984

Over the years Tom Hanks has been in some great and memorable movies. So it's easy to forget the one where he falls in love with a mermaid... It's not great or his best, but it is fun, light-hearted entertainment.

9)      Philadelphia -1993

Up until this film Tom Hanks had best been known for his comedic roles in film like ‘Big’, ‘Bachelor Party’, ‘The Money Pit’, etc. However, this movie about HIV, homosexuality, and homophobia proved that Hanks could tackle some heavy dramatic roles too.

10)   Saving Mr. Banks -2013

The film is about Walt Disney’s desire to obtain the film rights ‘Mary Poppins’ from author P.L. Travers. The dynamic between Tom Hanks (Disney) and Emma Thompson (Travers) is really entertaining. Also, Paul Giamatti is in the film, so that’s a plus.

Honorable Mentions: Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Green Mile (1999), Catch Me If You Can (2002)

For more like this one, I’ve also previously posted ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ lists focusing on the films of Sean Connery, John Travolta, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alfred Hitchcock and Chuck Norris.

Have a suggestion for a review or a ’10 Movies Everyone Should See’ list?

Leave it in the comments below.