Pixar is behind some of the most successful and highest rated films ever (Image: Disney)
For several decades, Pixar has been one of the most successful movie studios in the world pumping out some of the highest grossing animated films of all time, while also racking up Oscar nominations.
Pixar revolutionised animation with its debut film, Toy Story, replacing traditional hand drawn animation with computer animated graphics that were lightyears ahead of everyone else, thanks in part to the backing of the late Apple genius Steve Jobs, who was an early Hollywood financial backer before it would go on to be bought out by Disney.
But though Toy Story is probably Pixar’s most well-known film, the debut tale of Woody, Buzz and their human owner Andy is not actually the studio’s best rated movie.
Here we rank the best rated Pixar films according to audience score from Rotten Tomatoes. The fact that some true greats like Monsters Inc, Wall-E and Soul miss out just exemplifies the quality of Pixar’s output through the decades.
1. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Toy Story may have been Pixar’s smash hit debut but, unusually, it’s the sequel Toy Story 2 that hits top spot for audiences, with a rare 100% fresh rating from audiences.
Once again starring Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, the film sees Woody stolen from his home by toy dealer Al, as Andy’s toys head off on a mission to rescue him – kind of like Taken, with toys. The film also sees the introduction of cowgirl Jessie and a cameo from Frasier star Kelsey Grammer. The movie was originally conceived as straight-to-video sequel before the studio decided to go for a full cinema release.
Critics’ consensus: The rare sequel that arguably improves on its predecessor, Toy Story 2 uses inventive storytelling, gorgeous animation and a talented cast to deliver another rich moviegoing experience for all ages.
2. Toy Story (1995)
The one that started everything. Cowboy Woody is threatened by new spaceman toy Buzz Lightyear, stealing his owner Andy’s affections and sparking a rollercoaster ride as the two toys learn to work together rather than lose everything when a house move goes awry. The film was considered groundbreaking for its CGI animation on release, and peppered in a star voice cast too. It was also worked on by Joss Whedon, who would go on to direct The Avengers movies for Marvel.
Critics’ consensus: As entertaining as it is innovative, Toy Story reinvigorated animation while heralding the arrival of Pixar as a family-friendly force to be reckoned with.
3. Finding Nemo (2003)
Pixar cemented its reputation as one of the most reliable creators of lovable characters and emotional stories with Finding Nemo, a story of a dad’s desperate search for his estranged son in a huge and sometimes horrifying ocean.
Critics’ consensus: Breathtakingly lovely and grounded by the stellar efforts of a well-chosen cast, Finding Nemo adds another beautifully crafted gem to Pixar’s crown.
The Incredibles is one of Pixar’s highest rated movies (Image: Disney/Pixar)
4. Inside Out (2015)
A more recent entry which has become one of the most popular Pixar films, Inside Out tells the story of Joy, the emotion inside a little girl’s head who helps her navigate growing up, alongside her friends Envy, Fear and Sadness.
Critics’ consensus: Inventive, gorgeously animated and powerfully moving, Inside Out is another outstanding addition to the Pixar library of modern animated classics.
5. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Toy Story is a rare beast – a movie series which maintained its quality across two sequels. Set years after the second instalment, the film sees a grown-up Andy heading off to college – and preparing to leave his old toys Woody and Buzz behind him. But it’s not quite that straightforward, with a new villain threatening to derail their goodbyes.
Critics’ consensus: Deftly blending comedy, adventure and honest emotion, Toy Story 3 is a rare second sequel that really works.
6. Up (2009)
My personal favourite, Up kicks things off with what is often said to be the saddest 20 minutes in cinema history, certainly the most emotional sequence in any Pixar film. What starts off as an old man’s coping with loss becomes a world-hopping adventure comedy as geriatric Karl flies his house around the world with a bunch of balloons – and ends up making memories he never saw coming.
Critics’ consensus: An exciting, funny, and poignant adventure, Up offers an impeccably crafted story told with wit and arranged with depth, as well as yet another visual Pixar treat.
7. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Against all odds, Toy Story 4 still manages to recapture the magic of the first three while introducing some new friends. Serving more as an epilogue, the film focuses on what happened next for Woody and Buzz, and is the perfect send-off for some of the most recognisable kids characters around.
Critics’ consensus: Heartwarming, funny and beautifully animated, Toy Story 4 manages the unlikely feat of extending – and perhaps concluding – a practically perfect animated saga.
Finding Nemo is one of the top rated Pixar films ever (Image: Getty)
8. Coco (2017)
A children’s film all about death, Coco’s Mexican day-of-the-dead meets actual dead story shows Pixar has never been one to shy away from weighty topics, even for family friendly fare, while also blending in more musical focus than any other project.
Critics’ consensus: Coco’s rich visual pleasures are matched by a thoughtful narrative that takes a family-friendly – and deeply affecting – approach to questions of culture, family, life and death.
9. The Incredibles (2004)
Pixar’s take on the superhero genre, The Incredibles led the pack long before Iron Man and Thor burst onto the cinematic scene. The film blends family drama, comedy and action perfectly. It’s not surprising, given it’s directed by The Simpsons’ ‘golden era’ writer Brad Bird, who would later go on to direct Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and had already worked on cult animated hit The Iron Giant.
Critics’ consensus: Bringing loads of wit and tons of fun to the animated superhero genre, The Incredibles easily lives up to its name.
10. Ratatouille (2007)
Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist can come from anywhere. That’s the message behind this foodie flick starring Remy, the rat who dreams of Paris and becoming a Michelin chef. A deep dive into art, perception, social class and even the culture of critique itself, Ratatouille is fast paced and stunningly animated, adding to Pixar’s stream of hits one after the other through the 2000s.
Critics’ consensus: Fast-paced and stunningly animated, Ratatouille adds another delightfully entertaining entry – and a rather unlikely hero – to the Pixar catalogue.
