#20 - #11 (The Silver Films)

#20: A Bug's Life (1998)

Now here's an oldie, but a goodie. A Bug's Life is one of Pixar's earliest films, and while it hasn't aged the best, it is still one of their most underrated classics. Flik is an amazing protagonist, even though he screws up a lot of the time, he's always willing to set things right in the end. The circus bugs are also great, especially Francis the ladybug, voiced by Denis Leary, and the chubby caterpillar Heimlich, voiced by Pixar legend Joe Ranft. And this is the film that introduces my favorite Pixar villain by far, Hopper. I don't know why I love Hopper so much; maybe it's how intimidating he is, or maybe it's due to the amazing voice talent of Kevin Spacey. So while this film isn't my favorite from Pixar, A Bug's Life is such an amazing time capsule from the late 90s that I would 100% recommend to anyone.

#19: Soul (2020)

Ok, before you get mad at me, hear me out. Just because Soul is at #19, doesn't mean it's a bad movie. It's actually a great movie, I just find all the other movies more interesting. Soul is definitely one of Pixar's most mature movies, with its themes about finding your "spark" and purpose. The movie's themes about death and living are also wonderfully conveyed. And of course, I can't not talk about the animation; it's absolutely gorgeous. Not as much as Elemental, but unlike Elemental, Soul has a more compelling and interesting story, and it really hits you with its emotions; the 'Epiphany' scene is especially beautiful and powerful. Overall, a great movie, now put the pitchforks down.

#18: Turning Red (2022)

Now here's a film I was not expecting to put this high. Prior to making this list, Turning Red was actually my least favorite Pixar movie (even below Lightyear). But after rewatching it (with my brother, I might add), I found myself actually really enjoying this movie. At first, I thought Turning Red didn't really feel like a Pixar movie, mainly due to all the weird humor. But when I rewatched the movie, those weird humorous moments actually got a chuckle out of me; especially the scene where Mei twerks in front of her mom during the climax. It's moments like these where I really appreciate Pixar the most; when they're willing to take risks like that. Humor aside, the movie also has a genuinely touching message about growing up; that last scene can actually be pretty emotional. Overall, this movie has really started to grow on me; it went from being my least favorite Pixar movie to one I feel should get more appreciation.

#17: Finding Dory (2016)

When I first saw this movie, it quickly became my favorite movie of all time. Now, as an adult, I feel like there are a lot more movies that outshine this one, as we'll see moving forward. Nevertheless, Finding Dory is a very well-made sequel to Finding Nemo. Dory was my favorite character in the first movie, so the fact that the sequel focuses on her past & childhood is awesome. And unlike Cars 2, the comic relief character as the lead actually works really well; Dory's struggles are very believable and heartbreaking at times. The new characters are also great; Hank the septopus is probably the highlight of this group, he has some amazing character development. Destiny & Bailey are great too, but they just can't compete. And of course, the animation is amazing as always. So yes, I was obsessed with this movie back in my young age, and while I don't love it as much as I used to, Finding Dory is still a very good continuation of its predecessor.

#16: Luca (2021)

Out of all the Disney+ Pixar films, Luca is probably my favorite of the bunch. It's definitely got the most heart, and the animation is just stunning. Again, not as good as Elemental's. The characters in this one are probably the movie's biggest strength. Luca & Alberto have an amazing friendship, and are one of Pixar's best pairings, right up there with Woody & Buzz. I didn't really like Ercole, though. Not only was he not threatening, but he was also incredibly unlikable, not even in the sense that you 'love to hate him'. It really is a shame that this movie, alongside Turning Red & Soul were initially only released on Disney+. Even with the circumstances at the time, it was still a huge missed opprotunity. If Luca was released in theaters, I probably would have had a much better experience with watching it; and that also goes for the other two steaming exclusives. A movie should be first experienced in a theater, not through streaming. Still a great movie though!

#15: Toy Story (1995)

Here it is, the one that kicked off Pixar's success. Toy Story isn't just one of the most important animated movies, it's one of the most important movies of all time. This was the very first computer animated feature-length film! And for being made in 1995, this movie has actually aged really well! The jokes still land, the animation was monumental for its time, and Randy Newman's amazing songs still tug at your heartstrings. And who could forget the most iconic animated duo of all time: Woody & Buzz Lightyear! Thanks to Tom Hanks & Tim Allen's amazing voice talents, these two toys have been ingrained in our childhoods for years to come! So why is this film only at #15? Well, I just like the other films more.

#14: Inside Out 2 (2024)

From the first Pixar film to the newest, Inside Out 2 was an absolutely wonderful sequel to the first Inside Out, which we'll get to eventually. After the flops that were Lightyear & Elemental, I was a little worried that Pixar was losing its mojo, but then Inside Out 2 came out, and Pixar got its reputation back, and I couldn't be more grateful. Not only are all the old emotions back, we also get 4 brand new emotions (5 if you count Nostalgia). Anxiety is obviously the highlight, but the other 3 are all memorable in their own way. And like the first movie, Inside Out 2 isn't afraid to get emotional at times; the anxiety attack scene especially tugged at my heartstrings; I too struggle with anxiety, so I resonated with Riley during that scene. We're also introduced to Pixar's very first 2d characters: Bloofy & Pouchy! Overall, I would go as far to say that Inside Out 2 saved Pixar from a rut.

#13: Ratatouille (2007)

Ok, now we're getting to the REALLY good movies. Every movie from this point onwards is a masterpiece in my eyes, and Ratatoullie is no exception. The plot of the movie may seem silly on paper; a rat who wants to learn to cook. But in reality, the movie executes this plot wonderfully. It's absolutely hilarious, and it's full of heart, like a Pixar movie should be. Remy is a fantastic lead with a believable passion for cooking, and he and Chef Linguini bounce off of each others' personalities perfectly, even though Remy can't talk in front of the chef. Chef Skinner isn't my favorite villain in Pixar's lineup, but he's still pretty funny at times. All in all, Ratatoullie is truly the 'piece du resistance'!

#12: Coco (2017)

Another Pixar film a lot of people consider their favorite, and for good reason. Coco is a masterpiece both in storytelling & animation. This movie is about so much more than Mexican culture and music, this is a story about family and tradition. Coco is one of Pixar's most emotional films; when the emotions hit, they hit hard. Miguel is a great lead, and you really feel for him when he struggles to balance his family with his love for music. Ernesto De La Cruz is one of Pixar's best villains in recent memory; the first time I saw that twist, my jaw dropped. And of course, I can't talk about Coco without mentioning "Remember Me". By far one of Pixar's best and most emotional songs. It starts off seeming like a jolly, fun ballad; but when we find out the true meaning of the song, it turns into a real tear-jerker. Overall, muy bien, Pixar, muy bien!

#11: Monsters University (2013)

Placing right below the top 10 is Pixar's only prequel, Monsters University; and its a damn good one. This film takes place before the events of Monsters Inc., and it shows us how Mike Wazowski and Sulley first became the iconic duo we know today. I know some people don't like this movie simply for the fact they wanted an actual sequel to the first movie. In my opinion, I think making a prequel was a great idea, especially since it takes place in college; and as a college student, this movie is a lot more fun for me. The college humor really hits me in the funnybone, and Mike & Sulley's initial rivalry is actually pretty funny at times; especially during the Toxicity Challenge scene. There's another thing I love about this movie so much; the development of Mike & Sulley's relationship: they start off hating each other, but near the end of the movie, they come to terms with each other and learn to work together. The new characters introduced in the sequel are also great, I especially love the other members of Oozma Kappa. I could go on & on about how much I love this movie; the animation, the score, the emotion, and especially the message. Monsters University has one of the most deep messages in a Pixar movie; that failure is okay sometimes. It's messages like these that make me really love watching movies, not just in the animated department.