Since the first Toy Story was released at the end of the 20th century, Pixar studios has went from strength to strength. Currently owned by the Walt Disney Company, Pixar was responsible for forcing its competition to step up their game and they were pioneers in advancing technology when it comes to animation. The vast majority of their work has been released to much critical acclaim, making it extremely difficult to rank their films in order of brilliance. However this is the task I have given myself so, without further ado, here is my list of the Top 5 Pixar films of all time.
*Note- only one film per franchise can be included.
5) Monsters Inc.
Starting off this list is this 2005 effort from the studio. Monsters Inc is arguably Pixar's funniest offering, with more laughs per minute than would be expected for an animated film aimed at a younger demographic, but when taken on a deeper level it actually has a lot of interesting things to say about fear of other cultures and learning how, despite our differences, we could all learn to get along. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it. Regardless, with its fast-moving plot, memorable characters and its unique setting, Monsters Inc more than deserves its place on this list, even if it perhaps doesn't pack the emotional punch of other Pixar films.
4) Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo was perhaps Pixar's most audacious effort. The company had to make major technological advances in order to truly service its underwater environment and make this film a success. It was a labour of love to make and the end result was simply spellbinding; the world of Nemo and his friends is by far the most ambitious and breathtaking of any animated film before it. The story is simple: Nemo gets lost, Nemo gets found. But the journey in between features so many amazing secondary characters (Crush the Turtle, Fishtabk folk, Bruce the Shark and Marvin the Pelican to name but a few) that it is impossible not to be entertained by this modern-classic and It's emotional centre of an overprotective father trying to find the one thing he has left in his life but ultimately discovering himself along the way is more than enough to tug at those heartstrings. Let's hope Finding Dory lives up to the quality (both visually and story-wise) of its predecessor. "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."
3) The Incredibles
The Incredibles is one of the best superhero movies of all-time. Directed by Brad Bird (who was also at the helm of another animated classic in "The Iron Giant") the film follows a family of superheroes who are forced to hide their abilities from a world who does not want them to use their powers. In one of the best examples of "world building" I've ever seen, Pixar effortlessly introduces us to the mythos of this world and the characters within it. The Oscar nominated score is fantastic and the plot is almost derivative of Alan Moore's graphic novel "Watchmen". There is a reason a sequel to this film has been so highly anticipated, with a cast of lovable characters, great action and a very entertaining villain making it one of the best efforts ever produced by the studio. It also has Edna Mode. Enough said.
2) Inside Out
Inside Out very nearly topped this list. I'm going to just get this out the way at the beginning: I shed a tear watching Inside Out. Directed by Pete Doctor, Inside Out was one of the best films of last year and should have received a Best Picture nomination at this years Academy Awards. The premise is one of the most inventive and original to hit the big-screen in recent years as it follows 12 year-old Riley's emotions (Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust) as they try to navigate the girl through the hardships of moving home. The voice cast is stellar, particularly Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith who shine as Joy and Sadness respectively, all the while featuring what is perhaps the studio's most devastatingly sad moment (the first five minutes of Up aside). If you haven't seen this movie, go and watch it right now, as I predict this will be remembered as a modern-classic in the vein of Toy Story or Disney's The Lion King. Pixar's most innovative film in years, Inside Out is a testament to the legacy of this goliath of animated film and an absolute joy to watch.
1) Toy Story 3
There was no doubt in my mind that the Toy Story franchise had to top this list. Without Toy Story we wouldn't have had any of the film's on this list, while without the second instalment Pixar may not have believed that franchises could be spawned from their properties and thrive at the box-office. However the top spot on this list goes to the final entry in the trilogy, Toy Story 3. The movie was an instant hit upon its release, becoming one of the top-grossing films of all-time and receiving universal critical acclaim. The characters of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr Potatoe-Head and the rest of the gang are timeless, and the third film is a perfect end to their arc and an emotional farewell to an ensemble that has entertained children the world over for generations. Revolving around the toys as they leave Andy's room and join a group of toys at a pre-school, it takes these characters to places emotionally we've never seen before as they struggle with their changing relationship with their owner Andy. The antagonist, Lotso, is relatable as he is menacing and is one of the most compelling villains to feature in an animated feature. With elements that can be enjoyed universally across all age-groups, Toy Story 3 is simply the perfect Pixar film because of its pathos, it's vibrancy, it's humour and timeless nostalgic appeal. When all is said and done, it is perhaps the best third film of a film franchise of all time.
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