It's an age old debate among film buffs: which Pixar film is the best?
Thankfully, UNILAD has it settled after the team ranked every single feature film from the animation studio - with a few arguments along the way, of course.
So, sit back and scroll through to see if your favourite made the top spot.
Advert
#27: Cars 3 (2017)
UNILAD score: 33.5 percent
This third entry into the Cars franchise sees Lightning McQueen return to the race track, with the red car turning to young technician Cruz Ramirez to get him firing on all cylinders.
Advert
Despite many of the original cast returning, including Owen Wilson, it just wasn’t enough to get everyone revved up.
#26: Cars 2 (2011)
UNILAD score: 43 percent
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his tow truck bestie, Mater, (Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas as they enter the first-ever World Grand Prix.
Advert
However, it’s far from a smooth ride for the duo after they meet enigmatic spy Finn McMissile (Sir Michael Caine).
Even with the addition of the Oscar winner, it wasn’t enough to stop this unoriginal sequel from skidding out of the race.
#25: The Good Dinosaur (2015)
UNILAD score: 46.8 percent
This heart-warming prehistoric story centres on a young Apatosaurus named Arlo and a Neanderthal boy named Spot. After getting washed away during a terrifying rainstorm, they must embark on an epic quest home and find friendship along the way.
Advert
Whilst these two might have survived the storm, it seems people didn’t exactly dig the sickly sweet nature of The Good Dinosaur.
#24: Elemental (2023)
UNILAD score: 48.6 percent
As the name suggests, the film is set in a world where residents are made of fire, air, water and land.
Advert
Though they initially struggle to co-exist, hot-headed Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) and go-with-the-flow Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie) soon realise that they aren’t total opposites after all.
Released in June this year, the film had some pretty stiff competition as it went up against Barbie and Oppenheimer - which might be why it failed to get everyone fired up.
#23: Cars (2006)
UNILAD score: 61.8 percent
Whilst Cars might not have taken pole position on our list, it is the highest-ranked film in the franchise.
And it’s unsurprising as the movie introduces audiences to Lightning McQueen and the brightly coloured town of Radiator Springs.
As the film approaches the finish line though, the overconfident racing car soon learns that winning isn’t everything.
Though it’s a Pixar classic, it ultimately failed to make the grid.
#22: Lightyear (2022)
UNILAD score: 62.6 percent
Based on the iconic action figure in Toy Story, the film follows the real-life Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) as he’s lost in space.
The star commander has an out-of-this-world adventure as he tries to get home and faces off against Emperor Zurg (James Brolin).
But even the voice of Captain America couldn’t stop this one from crash-landing.
#21: Onward (2020)
UNILAD score: 66.5 percent
This fantasy adventure just missed out on our top twenty, which is pretty impressive given that it came out at the height of the pandemic.
If you’ve not seen it yet, it’s a magical tale about two teenage elves Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley (Chris Pratt) on a quest to find their missing dad.
Unsurprisingly though, it didn’t have everyone under its spell with its unoriginal story.
#20: Brave (2012)
UNILAD score: 68.2 percent
In this twisted fairy tale, fiery Princess Merida (Kelly McDonald) hopes to go on an epic adventure.
As she tries to avoid being married off though, the Scottish princess accidentally throws the kingdom into chaos after encountering an eccentric witch (Julie Walters).
Whilst we might admire Princess Merida's determination, this film just didn’t manage to take the throne.
#19: Finding Dory (2016)
UNILAD score: 70 percent
Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) embarks on her own epic adventure to find her parents and dredge up her long-lost memories. As she heads for treacherous waters though, everyone's favorite blue tang is joined by pals Nemo (Hayden Rolence) and Marlin (Albert Brooks) on her adventure to California.
Though it’s a heart-warming watch, this movie still feels like a drop in the ocean when compared to the original.
#18: Luca (2021)
UNILAD score: 71.1 percent
Our list continues with another fish out of water story.
Eager to enjoy a fun-filled summer on the Italian Rivera, the titular sea monster (Jacob Tremblay) shape shifts into a human to blend amongst the locals. And it’s all sun, scooters and pasta until Luca’s secret is discovered.
Though we fell hook, line and sinker for this movie, it doesn’t quite have the same magic as earlier Pixar films. (Maybe, we are just older though.)
#17: Soul (2020)
UNILAD score: 75.4 percent
Middle-school teacher Joe always dreamed of being a jazz musician but sadly, life had other plans.
Caught between heaven and earth, the middle-aged man finally learns how to live in this film.
Whilst Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey are kindred spirits in this film, this Oscar-winning film feels more philosophical than fun at some points.
#16: Monsters University (2013)
UNILAD score: 75.7 percent
It’s back to school for monsters Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) in this film.
Despite them being in MU's elite Scare Program, the duo become fierce rivals before eventually having to join forces after being kicked out.
Though the titular monsters are a beloved part of the Pixar universe, it just doesn’t seem to quite hit the mark like the original film.
#15: Turning Red (2022)
UNILAD score: 76 percent
Being a teenage girl isn’t easy, especially Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang).
As she desperately tries to balance her demanding mom (Sandra Oh) and her studies, the thirteen-year-old discovers that she has the ability to turn into a giant red panda.
Whilst we love this empowering female film, it just isn’t as colourful as other entries on this list – hence why it doesn’t make the top ten.
#14: Toy Story 4 (2019)
UNILAD score: 77.8%
Woody and new toy Forky hit the road in the fourth instalment of the Toy Story franchise.
While on their epic journey, the toy sheriff (Tom Hanks) is reunited with his long-lost friend Bo Beep (Annie Potts) and discovers her life is incredibly different to his own.
While the third film perfectly wrapped up the series, this instalment feels as though characters have stayed out past their bedtime.
And that's slightly worrying, considering that a fifth film is in the works.
#13: A Bug’s Life (1998)
UNILAD score: 79.3 percent
Worker ant Flik (David Foley) is an ambitious ant, but the curious insect’s inventions regularly mess things up for his colony.
With his home also under threat from a group of greedy grasshoppers, he flees in the hopes of finding a fearsome group of fighters but meets a circus troupe instead.
Though it’s a classic kids' film, it gets squashed by the other huge movies on this list.
#12: Incredibles 2 (2018)
UNILAD score: 81.2 percent
Our favourite superhero family returns in this sequel, with Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson) struggling as a stay-at-home dad with three kids.
Meanwhile, Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is trying to stop a terrifying new anti-hero: Screenslaver.
Whilst Catherine Keener makes an excellent villain in this movie, the first film just pips it because of its incredible (see what we did there?) introduction to superhero stylist Edna Mode.
#11: Coco (2017)
UNILAD score: 81.6 percent
Though his family have a decades-long ban on music, young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of being like his idol, legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt).
After being cursed for stealing a guitar from the dead, Miguel embarks on an epic journey to the Land of Dead where he learns a long-buried secret about his family.
Though this musical extravaganza is visually stunning, it wasn’t enough for the UNILAD team to push it into the top ten.
#10: Inside Out (2015)
UNILAD score: 85.7 percent
We enter the mind of 11-year-old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), a happy pre-teen who becomes devastated when her parents move the family from the Midwest to San Francisco.
Thankfully, her emotions, led by Joy (Amy Poehler), are on hand to keep everything calm.... until they end up delving further into the youngster’s mind.
This cerebral film is a joy to watch and The Office’s Phyllis Smith is incredibly memorable as Sadness. The gut punch of imaginary friend Bing Bong’s story is also absolutely heart-breaking… he deserved so much better.
#9: Wall-E (2008)
UNILAD score: 87.3 percent
An adorable robot is tasked with cleaning Earth, which has become a rubbish-filled wasteland over the centuries.
Along the way, he falls for robot, EVE, and this leads to a journey which could change the fate of mankind.
Though barely a word is said throughout the film, this movie speaks to the very heart of what it means to live and to love. Rather depressingly, its ecological themes also still feel as relevant as the day the film was released.
#8: Finding Nemo (2003)
UNILAD score: 89.8 percent
Clownfish Marlin (Albert Brooks) embarks on an epic quest to find his son, Nemo, after he is stolen by a diver and all kinds of aquatic adventure ensues.
His plans are also further scuppered when he enlists the help of an amnesiac blue tang named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres).
This film still holds water two decades after its release thanks to its memorable leads. Also bonus points for the appearance of stoner, jet stream-surfing turtle, Crush.
#7: Up (2009)
UNILAD score: 90.7 percent
Carl Fredrickson (Ed Asner) has given up on life after the death of his beloved wife, Ellie.
In order to save their former material home, he ties hundreds of balloons to the house and floats away to a remote South American jungle.
However, his retirement plans are burst by stowaway wildness explorer, Russell (Jordan Nagai).
A cinematic masterpiece, this classic Pixar film is visually stunning and deeply moving.
Ellie and Carl’s love story remains one of the best most heart-breaking sequences ever put to film and leaves you wishing for a happy ending.
#6: Toy Story 3 (2010)
UNILAD score: 91.1 percent
As their beloved owner Andy gets ready to go to college, Woody and the rest of the toys accidentally get donated to a local day care.
Eager to get away from the kids' rough play, the toys plan their escape.
Perfectly building on the beloved franchise, this film plays with our emotions and makes us all wish we didn't have to grow up so soon.
Still can't watch the furnace scene...
#5: Ratatouille (2007)
UNILAD score: 91.6 percent
Remy the rat (Patton Oswalt) dreams of becoming a chef - not an easy thing to do when the entire culinary industry hates you.
Following his nose all the way to Paris, the little rodent teams up with struggling cook Linguini (Lou Romano) and the pair are soon making culinary history.
Not only does the stacked cast cook up a storm on screen, but the film is also beautifully animated with audiences eager to get another helping of this instant classic.
#4: Toy Story 2 (1999)
UNILAD score: 92.3 percent
In this much-loved sequel, Woody is stolen by evil toy dealer Al McWhiggin (Wayne Knight) with the rest of the gang trying to save him.
However, the small sheriff is forced to confront the reality that Andy will grow up one day.
It’s hard to improve on the original, which is pretty much perfection, but this clever follow-up does it incredibly well.
Not only does it introduce beloved characters like Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Bullseye the horse, it has an arguably bigger emotional impact than the first film.
#3: The Incredibles (2004)
UNILAD score: 93.6 percent
In a world where superpowers have been banned by the government, married couple Mr Incredible (Craig T Nelson) and Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) are struggling to find their family’s secret identity.
It’s not long before the dad is captured by a wealthy villain, with his loved ones in a race against time to save him.
This first outing for the Parr family is still insanely enjoyable two decades on as it pokes fun at almost every comic book trope.
No wonder these caped crusaders flew so high up our list.
#2: Toy Story (1995)
UNILAD score: 94.2 percent
Playtime is rudely disrupted in this iconic kids’ film, with the arrival of Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in Andy’s bedroom.
Even more alarmingly, the toy star commander believes that he’s real space commander – much to the frustration of Woody, who is the sheriff in this toy town.
This undisputed classic was most people’s introduction to the Pixar universe, so it’s not surprising that it's come second overall.
That and it has one of the most dislikeable villains ever featured on the silver screen with Sid.
#1: Monsters, Inc. (2001)
UNILAD score: 94.5 percent
Things go bump in the night in this film, with energy firm Monsters Inc. using children’s screams to power the city.
Top scarer Sully (John Goodman) gets a sudden attack of conscience after he meets adorable toddler Boo (Mary Gibbs) – much to the annoyance of his best friend, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal).
It’s unsurprising that this Oscar-winning pic took the top spot, given Goodman and Crystal’s incredible performances that stay with you long after childhood ends.
We wish all monsters were like these too.
Do you agree with our list?
Topics: Film and TV, Pixar