Sometimes it's tough to know where Disney ends and Pixar begins, but what these films lack in songs they make up with heart. Here is a tribute to all of the great Pixar films that shared our laughs, as well as our tears. Here is our top 10 list of Pixar Animated Films.
Movie: Brave
Release Date: June 22, 2012
Synopsis: Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Why We Love It: Although this film had mixed reactions from audiences, it was still led by a great protagonist. Princess Merida quickly became an iconic member of the Pixar lineup. Also, if you look closely there are some fun Easter eggs that call to a bigger connected Pixar universe.
Best Moment:
Movie: A Bug's Life
Release Date: November 25, 1998
Synopsis: A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe
Why We Love It: Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven, A Bug's Life. The classic underdog story of an innocent town calling on a group of misfits for protection. Even though this film clearly takes inspiration from these classic films, it mixes in some twists and turns along the way which leads to a fun and enjoyable ride for the audience.
Movie: Inside Out
Release Date: June 19, 2015
Synopsis: After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.
Why We Love It: Almost every film has a deeper meaning at its core, but this film takes it to another level. As you watch Inside Out you can't help but think about your own internal feelings, all of your biggest childhood memories, and what your old imaginary friend is up to these days.
Movie: WALL-E
Release Date: June 27, 2008
Synopsis: In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
Why We Love It: WALL-E gives us an adorable story about two lovable robots in typical Pixar fashion, but it also has an alarming, yet important lesson about consumerism and taking care of the planet (and ourselves). Plus, who doesn't love saying "WAAAAALL-EEEEE" in their best cute robot voice?
Best Moment:
Movie: Up
Release Date: May 29, 2009
Synopsis: 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.
Why We Love It: Where were you when you watched the opening credits of Up? Move over Rocky. No film montage has had a greater impact on audiences and it all happened within the first 10 minutes of the movie. Also, Dug. We can't forg-SQUIRREL!
Best Moment:
Movie: The Incredibles
Release Date: November 5, 2004
Synopsis: A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world.
Why We Love It: Meet the MCU if the MCU was having a mid-life crisis and had to get home early to pick up their kids from school. This movie had a ton of great laughs for all of the superhero fans out there, but the story was balanced enough for the general audience to buy in.
Movie: Toy Story 3
Release Date: June 18, 2010
Synopsis: The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.
Why We Love It: Lotso, Mr. Pricklepants, Chatter Phone, Spanish Buzz, Chuckles the Clown. Ken! The Incinerator! See, we don't even need full sentences and you already know how amazing this film is.
Best Moment:
Movie: Finding Nemo
Release Date: May 30, 2003
Synopsis: After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.
Why We Love It: This movie is amazing! It's all because of the...of the...it's because of the...wait a second....what was I.....Hmm.....OMG! This movie is so amazing! It's all because of the....
Best Moment:
Movie: Monsters, Inc.
Release Date: November 2, 2001
Synopsis: In order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, 2 monsters realize things may not be what they think.
Why We Love It: "Making monsters under the bed cool again." - Monster, Inc., 2001
Best Moment:
Movie: Toy Story
Release Date: November 22, 1995
Synopsis: A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy's room.
Why We Love It: The original Toy Story is the Lion King of Pixar movies. Not only is it a hilarious film, but this movie is insanely influential for anyone that was ever a child in their lifetime. This is coming from a 30 year old man that refuses to throw out his childhood action figures.
Image Credits: Disney
