A few years ago, I watched and ranked all of the Disney Princess movies. Since then I’ve been wanting to try some other binge-able content. Let me know if anyone wants to hear my thoughts on Disney Sequels or Dreamworks (personal favorite studio). Now there were 13 Princess movies at the time I typed up my other post. There are currently 23 (and counting) Pixar movies so this may turn out to be a two-parter.

I will have different categories to help me decide – Best Character, Best Villain, and Best Story. I will also throw out my favorite side characters, quotes, and songs.

Movie 1: Toy Story 1995 – Despite my 90s baby age, I was never attached to this movie. Movie opens with Andy playing with his toy’s while ‘You Got a Friend’ plays over the opening credits. “You uncultured swine” is probably my most quoted line. It may not seem like it to kids today, but this computer animation was revolutionary for the time. The inciting incident is when Buzz arrives as Andy’s birthday present. Funny part is he doesn’t know he’s a toy. When Woody was first open, did he think he was really a cowboy? Buzz still knows to play dead around Andy. What are the rules for sentient plastic? haha okay, I’m loving the script. “That was falling with style” is my second most quoted line. Sid is still terrifying. Buzz falling out the window was a great use of the Wilhelm scream. Woody and Buzz get left behind on the way to Pizza Planet and hitch a ride with the delivery guy. “The Claaww”. Buzz finally realizes he’s a toy when a commercial comes on at Sid’s house. Woody calls Hannah as a distraction so humans can hear the toys? Also how does Buzz get drunk at a tea party? Also also Hamm and Potato Head were playing strip battleship?? Woody recruits Sid’s misfit toys for the rescue mission. Omg if my toys came out to haunt me….Poor Sid’s gonna need some therapy. Buzz and Woody race to catch up to the movers and shenanigans ensue.
Favorite character: None of the character’s really stood out to me, but I think I like Woody and Rex best.
Honorable mentions: I truly loved the jokes and puns in the script that I’m sure went over my head last time I watched this.
Overall thoughts: It’s definitely better than I remember, but not something I’d regularly rewatch. Is the “villain” Sid or Woody’s jealousy?

Movie 2: Bug’s Life 1998 – I remember this one. No wait. I’m thinking of Dreamwork’s Antz. haha Movie opening with ant jokes. I’m okay with this. Wow there’s a princess story in this? “That’s our lot in life. It’s not a lot, but it’s our life” Shoutout to the voice actors. Do grasshoppers bully ants in real life? Flik wants to help and they basically banish him. Comic relief side characters show up at what I can only assume is a flea circus run by P.T. lol Flik goes to a bar to hire tough bugs and finds the circus bugs. They accept the job thinking it’s a performance and not a real fight. Classic miscommunication. “We drew one of you dying because our teacher thought it would be more dramatic.” They finally tell Flik it was a mistake. BYOB was a thing in 1998? I’m liking Princess Atta’s character. She’s all business and focused on being a good leader for the colony. She bonds with Flik because they’re both just trying to prove themselves. PT blows the circus bug’s cover and Flik gets banished again. Hopper returns for the food and takes over the colony. Dot finds out they plan on killing her mom and flies off for help. Circus bugs come back as the distraction while Flik and the kids get the bird. Plan works until freaking PT lights the bird on fire. Is PT the villain? Dang, the finale is redeeming it for me. It’s intense and high stakes. Flik tricks Hopper into getting eaten by a nest of baby birds so happy ending.
Favorite character: Dot, obviously
Honorable mentions: The jokes were okay. I feel like the plot was lacking. I just wasn’t fully invested in watching the movie.
Overall thoughts: It’s a good movie for kids on perseverance, creativity, and anti-bullying. Not sure about the message of seeking approval though.

Movie 3: Toy Story 2 1999 – I remember this one more than the first which isn’t saying a lot. I mostly just remember getting more female toys like Barbie and Jessie. We open with some Buzz origin story and I don’t know what’s happening. It’s revealed the opening was just Rex playing the Buzz Lightyear video game and we are back in Andy’s bedroom. Andy’s leaving for cowboy camp, but Woody’s arm got ripped in an accident and he gets left behind. Andy’s mom has a yard sale and in the confusion Woody gets taken by “Newman” who is the owner of Al’s Toy Barn. He plans on selling Woody as a collector’s item. Woody finds Jessie and the gang in Newman’s apartment. Buzz and the gang leave Andy’s bedroom to rescue Woody. “There’s a snake in my boot.” Woody gets fixed up and Andy’s toys arrive at Al’s Toy Barn. Buzz gets in trouble with the other Buzz’s. The gang finds the Barbie aisle and picks up the wrong Buzz. We get Jessie’s backstory which is *depressing*. Andy’s toys make their way to Al’s apartment and Buzz manages to free Zorg from his box. Woody’s gang and Andy’s gang all reunite. Woody has to choose which gang to stick with. We got Jurassic Park and Star Wars references in the same movie and I love it. Shenanigans ensue. Did they serious end with an erection joke? hahaha AND THEY ANIMATED BLOOPERS. A BUG’S LIFE JOKE.
Favorite character: Again, no real character stood out in the ensemble. I like the Woody and Buzz duo. Jessie is a bit much for me. I always love Ham, Potato, and Rex comedy bits.
Honorable mentions: Meh. I feel like this one was too much compared to the last movie. A lot was happening and there’s a lot of characters. As always, I think the script was decent. Animation was a lot better than before.
Overall thoughts: It’s a good movie. I’m trying to understand the moral of it. Is it loyalty and friendship? Like Jessie’s kid donated her, but Woody should stay with Andy and risk getting rejected in the future? Interesting concept for a kids movie.

Movie 4: Monster’s Inc. 2001 – Okay now I’m showing my age, but this early-2000s era of Pixar was amazing. We open with scare training. Morning montage with best friends makes me happy. Is it weird I always liked Randall’s villain character? There’s a bit of a workplace class system with the Scarers being at the top. “2319”. Mike leaves for his anniversary date and Sully has to deal with the paperwork. Boo is adorable and fearless. If you’ve never read about how they got Boo’s recording in the studio, you need to. Sully crashes the date to get help with the kid, but Boo ruins the date. lol knocking over the TV in the apartment. She’s chaotic and I love it. Sully starts bonding with her and realizes she’s scared of Randall coming out of the closet. They dress Boo as a monster and bring her back to the factory. We get the first banishment foreshadow. I’m not writing because I’m just enjoying the movie. Sully thinks Boo gets crushed, but she really joined the day care/field trip group. Mike makes a deal with Randall to get the door back. It’s a trap. Randall monologues his evil plan. Then boss man takes Boo and banishes the guys. Sully goes back to save Boo. Fun fact if you’re ever doing Disney trivia: Boo has a name that is never spoken, but you can see it in her file. The door warehouse animation always impresses me. Boo ex machina. Boss fight number 2. Wow multiple plot twists at the end. Ending with standup is a sin – just kidding I’m laughing at the bad jokes. Crap I love this ending.
Favorite character: Sully and Boo
Honorable mentions: This movie felt less funny (at least less punny) than the others, but it upped the feels. Most of the movie is the relationship between Sully and Boo. Trying to get her home and keep her safe is Sully’s priority.
Overall thoughts: I think this one really launched the Pixar studio, but I’m also not the biggest Toy Story fan. It has that emotional touch that we’ve come to know and love in Pixar movies.

Movie 5: Finding Nemo 2003 – I love this movie. Nothing like starting off with murder and trauma. Also the dead parent trope. And overprotect parent. “I’m H2O intolerant” and “I’m obnoxious” are my life mottos. THE ANIMATION. “He touched the butt”. lol Dory is a genius character. Wow this movie happens fast. Already at “fish are friends, not food”. This movie taught me about AA meetings. “Denial” haha I’m just gonna quote the whole thing. What are the odds of finding the exact mask in the entire ocean? There’s a Shining reference in this? Classic fart joke sandwiched between two tense scenes. Tank ensemble may be my favorite part. The dentist “saved” Nemo from his natural habitat only to give him to Darla?? Humanity… “Sea monkey has my money” “Are you my conscience”. This freaking mask. “THE RING OF FIRE” “SHARK BAIT OOH HAHA” This movie switched to Heist B plot real quick. “He lost his son, Fabio” “I shall call him Squishy and he shall be my Squishy”. FYI All drains do NOT lead to the ocean. This movie almost made Clownfish and several other species extinct (not so fun fact). Changed my mind – Crush and Squirt are my favorite. “Give me some fin” “Sweet. Totally” Oh gosh I was not mentally prepared for the “Mine” Seagulls. Movie switched to Jonah A plot in the belly of a whale. So much happens in this movie! Darla is just showing up and Marlin is just arriving in the harbor. “I’m a piranha from the Amazon”. Maybe this movie is why I hate dentists. Ends with Marlin trusting Nemo and letting him go. THERE’S AN END CREDIT BIT? In memory of Glenn McQueen. Hmm that name sounds familiar…
Favorite character: Dory, duh
Honorable mentions: Marlin annoys me, but I get that’s the point. I truly love the Dentist tank fish. Mostly Peach and Bubbles.
Overall thoughts: Interesting way to include disabled characters for kids between Nemo fins and Dory’s short term memory. Maybe a bit with Marlin’s fear of the ocean too and having to get outside his comfort zone. There’s some natural circle of life topics with the food chain. Obviously the parenting and coming of age plotline. There’s a good theme of trust throughout the whole movie

Movie 6: Incredibles 2004 – But I personally LOVE this movie. “Leave the saving the world to the men? I don’t think so”. Off the bat voice actor and soundtrack appreciation. THE SUPER CAR. I love the rooftop playful banter especially when you don’t realize they’re getting married that night. Is suicide jumper a little too dark for Pixar? He evens sues Mr. Incredible for rescuing him?? Also is this a typical night in the city? Do they live in Gotham? hehe “Coincidence? I think NOT”. I read each of the Incredibles powers related to the family stereotype. Did they name the kids before or after they got their powers, because that cannot be a coincidence. Bob struggling with work and family, and wanting to relive the glory days. Is this movie actually about avoiding depressing and finding your purpose in life? When he throws out his back lol. Now that he has a superhero job again, he’s happier, in shape, and involved with the family. “No capes”. Buddy’s villain arc is basically never meet your heroes. “Either his in trouble or he’s going to be”. I know I probably shouldn’t love the airplane scene, but I do. When the Mom pep talk is basically these bad guys will kill children. lol the Pixar mom curves that we appreciate. The kids using their powers for the first time in the jungle is ICONIC. “WHERE IS MY SUPERSUIT?” Aww they’re working together. Wow you really don’t see Jack-Jack’s powers until the very end. “THAT WAS TOTALLY WICKED” Underminer seems like a cool villain. I can’t wait for the sequel which should only take a few years to come out, right? Go watch Jack-Jack Attack if you’ve never seen it. It is 5 minutes of the best footage to ever come out of Pixar.
Favorite character: ALL OF THEM. Mostly Jack-Jack
Honorable mentions: As an older sister around 10 years old (at the time) I totally identified as Violet. Now I might relate more to Helen lol
Overall thoughts: Good commentary on powers and responsibility as heroes. Even the government involvement on regulating Supers. When everyone is special, no one is. Also accurately depicting family relationships at home and trying to be “normal”.

Movie 7: Cars 2006 – And I’m just now realizing I’m going to have to watch all three Cars movies. A quick google confirms that the two Planes movies are not Pixar, so at least I have that going for me. Not that I have a bad memory of Cars, I’d just rather watch something else. Opens with Lightning McQueen racing for the Piston Cup in his rookie year. Ka-chow! McQueen didn’t make a pit stop and it cost him the Cup. The fangirls flash Lightning and this is a kids movie? Annnd he zones out while someone more experienced gives him good advice. Tiebreaker race to decide the true winner. His sponsor is butt cream?? Did someone just say Free Bird? I’m dying! Life is a highway theme song. McQueen makes another stupid decision and has Mack drive through the night. McQueen ends up lost in the middle of nowhere. Snot Rod? Police car backfires and McQueen thinks it’s gunfire and starts “serpentine”. If a car in a Pixar movie can do it, so can Rickon Stark. Hippie van is high, obviously. McQueen is literally terrorizing this town. Jay Limo lol. It took 30 minutes to Mater. We appreciate boss lawyer Sally. McQueen continues to be self-centered and lazy instead of fixing the road. Doc beats him in a race. Is the moral respect your elders? Good old fashion tractor tipping. Mater teaches McQueen backwards driving and this friendship is very one-sided at this point. McQueen finds out Doc’s secret identity. Sally and Lightning go for a romantic cruise. We take a break to talk about how highways kill small towns. Lightning has a change of heart for the town, but then his gets rushed back to his racecar life. I take it all back. The Italian cars are my favorite lol. Stickers is the cutest nickname. Crap it could be the glass of wine I’ve had, but I’m tearing up at this ending. Stay for credits “You are a toy car!” “The Boomobile’s in trouble!” “Wait a minute here. They’re just using the same actor over and over.” Never mind you don’t have to watch the credits. I just did the transcript
Favorite character: I guess McQueen. I don’t like him in the beginning obviously, but I really enjoy the redemption arc.
Honorable mentions: Mater, Sally, Doc
Overall thoughts: Good movie on how not to be a jerk. Way better than I expected though. I truly enjoyed it. Most underrated Pixar movie?

Movie 8: Ratatouille 2007 – Wow we’re really just at the point of the binge where I don’t want to watch this era of movies. I love food, but French cuisine is my least favorite. Am I the food critic villain? Freeze frame narration “wonder how I got here” cliché. Is this Patton Oswalt? Lady uses a shotgun against the rats and I think that’s overkill. THE COLONY WAS IN HER CEILING?! Remy gets separated from his family and explores Paris. Ian Holm is the head chef and now I’m crying. They really named this kid Alfredo Linguini? Remy gets caught fixing the sauce. This French Brad Garrett ghost is weird. Remy and Linguini team up. lol tiny apartment joke. The screaming in the pantry and insane Linguini got me haha. “one can get too familiar with vegetables you know” what is that supposed to mean Pixar? Hair control cooking montage. Lady chef with knives is my favorite. Wait criminal sous chef is my favorite. Remy’s recipes are becoming popular and head chef is threatened. “Rat patootie” Conflict ensues. “I have this tiny, little…” AND SHE LOOKS DOWN. DYING. He tries to tell the truth, but they kiss instead. Omg did Ian get a reward for his voice acting in this scene alone?! “He calls it his tiny chef” How many penis jokes are they gonna make in a kids movie? More conflict. They made up to pull off the dinner with the help of the rats. Ego literally waited until closing just to meet the chef and they tell a food critic EVERYTHING? I always like the unexpected endings in Pixar movies. They didn’t redeem the restaurant’s reputation because of health violations, but they were able to open a new human/rat restaurant instead (which also would have health violations??).
Favorite character: Got to love Colette
Honorable mentions: Ego is a cool character and honestly the part I remember from the first time watching this.
Overall thoughts: It’s about accepting change and following your dream. Better than I remember

Movie 9: Wall-e 2008 – YES the fat people movie! I don’t think I’ve seen this since I became a musical fan and now I REALLY appreciate the Hello, Dolly song. We open with him doing the normal trash run and he already shows personality with the cockroach and collecting. OMG He’s singing. So precious. Is he watching it on an ipod?? RIP. He’s playing more than he’s working and this is me cleaning my room. How many resources do they still have to give Eve her own rocket ship? It took off without her. What were the logistics here? Yep, I ship this relationship. She violent and I like that about her. I love the sound design for this movie since there’s so little dialogue. Anyone else cringe when she pulled out the VHS tape lol? Wow I am a SUCKER for this relationship ❤ This suddenly became weekend at Bernie’s since he’s taking her unconscious body on dates. Oh ship is back. Almost like it shouldn’t have left in the first place *cough**cough*. Wall-e hangs on to the outside of the ship like Tom Cruise in order to follow Eve. LOL I just remembered how funny Mo is. oh gosh the brainwashing children scene. I remember also liking Mary as a character. Wall-e has probably been alone his whole life and he is just so friendly, it’s adorable. 700 anniversary of the 5 year cruise. OH MY GOSH. This pilot needs to be fired. He doesn’t know how books work. Plot twist the plant is gone. “Define Earth”. They find the plant getting sent to self destruct. SUS. How is that plant surviving in space? Is this the most romantic Pixar movie? I ship Mary and John too. “Define hoedown”. Eve is like stop flirting we have a mission lol. The pilot gets the plant and is determined to go back to Earth. A113 Easter egg! Autopilot wants to get the plant to prevent them from going home. “Rather than fixing the problem, it’ll be easier to remain in space” Classic Americans. Okay I love this pilot now. Conflict ensues. Wall-E and Eve get thrown away and Wall-E needs to charge. Eve has to choose between Wall-e and the directive AND SHE CHOOSES WALL-E. Pilot is the MVP. “John, get ready to have some kids” GUYS AM I CRYING?? This pilot is manually flying the spaceship? Is he qualified for that lol?? NOO I forgot the ending. Why does Pixar do this to us? lol holding hands – how scandalous. Aw end credits is Wall-E with the Pixar Lamp and I love it.
Favorite character: I tend to avoid liking main characters, but I truly loved everyone lol Wall-e, Eve, Pilot (does he have a name?), John and Mary
Honorable mentions: Mo and the defect droids and cockroach
Overall thoughts: Wow that made me warm and fuzzy, but I’m also in a romantic phase. This may be my favorite Pixar movie from this era. Obviously, the environmentalism plot that is still relevant and humanity to just not be stupid.

Movie 10: Up 2009 – I actually watched this movie earlier this year and I still hate it. I think it’s the most overrating Pixar movie lol. Fight me. The opening is fantastic – no complaints from me. Carl watching the black and white adventure promo is so well done. And then meeting Ellie is adorable. THE THEME SONG ❤ THE MAIL BOX! Ugh and now I’m crying because they can’t have kids. Justice for Ellie… Grumpy old man and corporate America jokes. Okay, I like Russell. Oh the subtle move of the CEO putting his hand on the fence. What would the legal proceedings be? The construction damaged his property so he fought back. Obviously both are in the wrong. Carl feels guilty that Ellie didn’t live out her childhood dream, but who has? I think Ellie’s dream became her life with Carl and he doesn’t quite understand that. Carl is a dick to retirement home employees lol was the dramatic escape necessary? Plot twist – he kidnapped Russell. They almost die in a storm, but magically end up at their destination. Rus finds Kevin the dodo and immediately bonds. They find Doug in the next scene. SQUIRREL. Carl and Rus bond over father issues. Evil dogs take Carl and Rus to their leader who turns out to be Carl’s hero. Plot twist – he’s the villain. Carl has to decide between helping Kevin and fulfilling his dream with Ellie. Villain is a dick to romance who would burn an old man house for a stupid bird. I don’t even like his motive. Carl continues to be a cranky old man focusing on an old dream instead of appreciating the present. He finally starts to figure it out when he flips through the album.
Favorite character: None are overly likeable, but probably Russell
Honorable mentions: Ellie lol
Overall thoughts: Villain and Carl were so fixated on the past. Villain wanting to prove he wasn’t a fraud, and Carl wanting to give Ellie her dream. The difference is Carl evolves through his relationship with Russell. The soundtrack is great, but the movie is overall just okay.

Movie 11: Cars 2 2011 – I have weird memories of this one. Mostly the pistachio ice cream joke that I frequently quote. James Bond opening. They killed off Doc? lol Mater trash talks McQueen’s competitor and gets McQueen into the world prix instead of enjoying his summer break. Wait Sally’s not even a main character in this movie? Why am I even watching it? Mater and McQueen head off for the world prix and have a bonding montage in Tokyo. hehe Wasabi scene. Through shenanigans, Mater is mistaken for the American agent. Dang they straight up murdered someone in this movie. Ohhh they’re using the fuel to to sabotage the race. Interesting. “Tow Mater, average intelligence”. Mater got sort of caught up on the mission and flew with the agents to Paris then Italy. Coincidentally that’s also where the next race is. Mater has told them twice that he is just a tow truck and at this point, it’s their fault for not listening. The bad guys are sabotaging the alternative fuel so they can control the oil? Sounds about right. First Cars movie was better. Final race is in London and bad guys are targeting McQueen. Mater has to save the day. So at what point to the agents realize he really is just a tow truck? Credits: “Special thanks to Steve Jobs”? What did Jobs do?? Also still love production babies.
Favorite character: uh no one. Maybe Michael Caine James Bond car
Honorable mentions: I didn’t need a full Mater movie, but he had his likeable moments
Overall thoughts: This movie was Mater focused and I think that’s why it wasn’t as good. Also the clandestine plot was a lot compared to the first movie. Protagonist learned to be themselves. Villain motive was power and money. I did like the dramatic reveal of the big boss though.

Movie 12: Brave 2012 – Is the plot great? No. Do I love this movie solely for the Scottish-ness? Yep. Wait is the same as Turning Red? DID PIXAR PLAGIARIZE THEIR OWN MOVIE? Seems like Merida was a mommy’s girl until she got her first bow. DID HE JUST GRAB HER BUTT?! I love that they included Will-o-the-Wisps. This movie is Pixar realizing they don’t need to kill a parent in the opening lol. Girl doesn’t want to be princess cliché. Touch the Sky is top 5 favorite Disney songs. The boys are amazing comic relief. Arranged Marriage cliché. Classic case of stubborn mother and daughter not listening to each other. 3 clans with suitors and they’re all awful. You couldn’t have a least one decent pick lol. Queen doesn’t give Merida enough credit. She found that loop hole quick. I hate it when people take things too far…Merida shouldn’t have cut the tapestry and Queen shouldn’t have burned the bow. Crazy witch in enchanted forest is my life goals. “I want a spell to change my mom” I take it back. Merida could be smarter lol. Bear Mom escaping castle is funny. Bear Mom survival skills are funny. Merida using her mom’s words against her. Did I say this plot was boring? Cause it’s not. There’s not a slow part in the movie and they tie the history really well. Bear shenanigans ensue. Someone please explain the “Dedicated to Steve Jobs”! End credit scene with Merida’s carvings from the witch arriving.
Favorite character: Merida duh
Honorable mentions: The Dad and brothers
Overall thoughts: The story may be a little cliché, but I truly love it. I love anything Scottish so I’m bias. Moral of the story is listen to each other in order to understand the other persons perspective. Honestly like Freaky Friday. Merida has to become the leader her mom wants her to be and Queen understands Merida’s independence. Also I love the soundtrack.

It’s hard to pick out stuff in the “Best” category because it’s mostly ensemble casts without a typical Disney villain. That’s the cool part with Pixar movies that separates it from the Disney Princess stories.
Best Lead(s): Incredibles
I may be personally biased on this one, but I mean come on. They are literally super heroes. A lot of the main characters in the other movies didn’t grab my attention. It was usually side characters or comic relief that I truly enjoyed.
Best Villain: Monster’s Inc
Randall is one of the best Pixar villains. He’s ambitious, crafty, and the true definition of a Slytherin. What I like about Pixar movies is that it’s not always the stereotypical “bad guy” villain. Sometimes it’s relationship problems or achieving personal growth.
Best Story: Finding Nemo, Cars, Wall-e
I knew I’d rate Finding Nemo high on the list going into this, but Cars and Wall-e were pleasant surprises. I truly enjoyed the originality and depth in these three stories. Finding Nemo is so complex with relationships, fear, and disability for a freaking kids movie in 2003. Cars may not be as original or complex, but still thoroughly enjoyable. It’s a good feel-good, sports movie with life lessons and plenty of jokes. Wall-e got a lot of hype at the time, but I think it’s one that’s been forgotten. Obviously the environmental plotline is a huge part of it, but I got so caught up in the romance of the movie.

MY OFFICIAL DISNEY PIXAR MOVIE RANKING:

1. Finding Nemo
2. Cars
3. Incredibles
4. Wall-e
5. Monster’s Inc.
6. Brave
7. Toy Story 1
8. Ratatouille
9. Toy Story 2
10. Bug’s Life
11. Up
12. Cars 2