Last weekend, I found myself crying in my living room at 2 AM, not because of some personal tragedy, but because I’d just finished watching Coco for the third time this year. There I was, a grown adult, sobbing over an animated skeleton singing “Remember Me” to his great-great-granddaughter. My partner walked in, took one look at my tear-streaked face, and simply nodded knowingly—”Pixar movie?” she asked.
We’ve all been there. These aren’t just children’s movies; they’re emotional masterpieces disguised as family entertainment. The genius of Pixar lies in creating films that speak to the child within us while addressing the complex realities of adult life. They make us laugh, cry, and reflect on what truly matters.
While some critics argue that Pixar’s recent output doesn’t match their golden age classics, that perspective overlooks some truly exceptional films from the last decade. These eight Pixar movies ranked here prove that the studio’s magic is far from fading.
Why These Pixar Movies Deserve Recognition
The animation landscape has changed dramatically over the past ten years. Streaming platforms have revolutionized how we consume content, and audiences have become more sophisticated in their expectations. Yet Pixar has consistently delivered films that transcend mere entertainment.
Animation critic Sarah Mitchell notes, “People often dismiss Pixar’s newer films because they’re comparing them to childhood memories of Toy Story or Finding Nemo. But if you watch these recent films with fresh eyes, you’ll see storytelling that’s more nuanced and emotionally mature than ever before.”
These films tackle themes like mental health, cultural identity, growing up, and finding purpose—topics that resonate deeply with modern audiences. They’ve also pushed the boundaries of animation technology while never losing sight of the human stories at their core.
The Perfect Eight: Pixar Movies Ranked From Great to Extraordinary
| Rank | Movie | Release Year | Key Theme | Box Office (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Onward | 2020 | Brotherhood & Loss | $142.0M |
| 7 | The Good Dinosaur | 2015 | Overcoming Fear | $332.2M |
| 6 | Turning Red | 2022 | Puberty & Identity | Streaming Only |
| 5 | Luca | 2021 | Friendship & Acceptance | Streaming Only |
| 4 | Toy Story 4 | 2019 | Purpose & Moving On | $1.073B |
| 3 | Soul | 2020 | Life’s Purpose | Streaming Only |
| 2 | Inside Out | 2015 | Mental Health | $858.8M |
| 1 | Coco | 2017 | Family & Tradition | $814.2M |
What Makes These Films Special
8. Onward (2020)
This fantasy adventure about two elf brothers trying to resurrect their father perfectly captures the complexity of grief and family relationships. While it may have been overshadowed by its unfortunate March 2020 release, Onward delivers genuine emotional weight alongside its magical quest narrative.
7. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Often overlooked in Pixar’s catalog, this film explores themes of courage and self-discovery through stunning visuals and a simple yet effective story. The relationship between Arlo and Spot transcends language barriers and speaks to our fundamental need for connection.
6. Turning Red (2022)
Director Domee Shi created something revolutionary here—a coming-of-age story that doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness and intensity of adolescence. The film’s frank discussion of puberty, family expectations, and cultural identity felt refreshingly honest.
Film analyst Dr. Marcus Chen explains, “Turning Red broke new ground by centering a young girl’s experience and treating her emotions with complete seriousness. It’s the kind of film that will help an entire generation feel seen and understood.”
5. Luca (2021)
Set on the Italian Riviera, Luca captures the magic of childhood summer friendships with remarkable authenticity. The film’s themes of hiding one’s true self and finding acceptance resonate on multiple levels, making it both a charming adventure and a meaningful allegory.
4. Toy Story 4 (2019)
Many questioned whether this sequel was necessary, but the film justified its existence by exploring Woody’s journey toward finding new purpose. The introduction of Forky and the evolution of Woody’s character arc provided both humor and genuine emotional depth.
The Top Three: Near-Perfect Pixar Achievements
3. Soul (2020)
This metaphysical journey through life, death, and purpose stands as one of Pixar’s most philosophically ambitious projects. The film tackles existential questions while maintaining accessibility, creating a viewing experience that’s both entertaining and profoundly moving.
Jazz musician and cultural critic Terrance Williams notes, “Soul doesn’t just use jazz as a backdrop—it understands jazz as a metaphor for life itself. The film captures the spontaneity, collaboration, and pure joy that makes music, and life, meaningful.”
2. Inside Out (2015)
By literally exploring the inner workings of an 11-year-old’s mind, Inside Out achieved something remarkable—it made complex psychological concepts accessible to children while providing adults with genuine insights into emotional health. The film’s portrayal of depression and the importance of sadness was groundbreaking for family entertainment.
1. Coco (2017)
This celebration of Mexican culture and family traditions represents Pixar at its absolute best. The film seamlessly blends stunning visuals, memorable music, and universal themes about memory, family, and the ways we honor those who came before us. Every element—from the voice acting to the cultural authenticity—works in perfect harmony.
The Lasting Impact of These Stories
These Pixar movies ranked here have influenced how we talk about emotions, family, and growing up. Teachers use Inside Out to help children understand their feelings. Coco has introduced countless families to Día de los Muertos traditions. Soul has sparked conversations about life purpose and passion.
The films have also pushed representation forward in meaningful ways:
- Coco featured an all-Latino voice cast and extensive cultural consultation
- Turning Red centered an Asian-Canadian protagonist and her family’s experiences
- Soul prominently featured Black characters and jazz culture
- Luca celebrated Italian culture and LGBTQ+ themes through allegory
Animation director Lisa Rodriguez observes, “These films prove that Pixar has evolved beyond just technical excellence. They’re creating stories that reflect our diverse world while maintaining the emotional universality that made them famous.”
What’s most impressive is how these films work on multiple levels. Children see colorful adventures and funny characters, while adults recognize deeper themes about mortality, identity, and purpose. This dual appeal has always been Pixar’s secret weapon, but these recent films have refined that approach to near perfection.
As we look toward Pixar’s future projects, these eight films serve as proof that the studio’s best days aren’t behind them. They’re creating different kinds of masterpieces now—ones that speak to our current moment while maintaining the timeless storytelling that makes great animation endure.
FAQs
Which Pixar movie from the last 10 years is considered the best?
Coco is widely regarded as the standout film, earning critical acclaim and cultural impact that rivals Pixar’s classic era.
Why aren’t some popular Pixar sequels included in this ranking?
This list focuses on films that achieved near-perfect storytelling and emotional impact, prioritizing original narratives and innovative themes.
Did the pandemic affect how these movies were received?
Yes, several films like Soul, Luca, and Turning Red went straight to streaming, which limited their theatrical impact but allowed for more intimate viewing experiences.
Are these movies appropriate for all ages?
All these films are family-friendly, though some tackle mature themes like mental health and cultural identity that might require parental guidance for younger viewers.
How do these recent Pixar movies compare to the studio’s earlier classics?
While different in style and themes, these films match the emotional depth and storytelling quality of Pixar’s golden age, often addressing more complex contemporary issues.
Which of these movies has had the biggest cultural impact?
Inside Out revolutionized how we discuss mental health with children, while Coco significantly increased awareness and appreciation of Mexican culture worldwide.
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