Pixar is so well established as the top of the computer animation pedestal, that they’ve become their biggest competition, always having to ‌outdo their previously acclaimed work.

Their first film, Toy Story (1995), changed the landscape of animation and ‌movies‌. They have released 26 films, most recently, Lightyear, since 1995, continuing their legacy of pushing the boundaries of animation further.

Pixar has won 11 Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, with another five nominations. Two of those winners were nominated for Best Picture (Up and Toy Story 3). They have won seven Academy Awards in other categories, too.

But, like all things, not all Pixar films are equally great, and not all experience audiences viewing and appreciating them the same way. While nearly every single Pixar movie deals with some adult themes, Pixar translates them to the eyes and understanding of any age. In fact, one can safely say that a child would likely have a very different set of Pixar films they love compared to adults (that’s a list for another time). When a children’s movie works for adults, it does so because it works off themes that are universal, and gives us something we can relate to. Something to speak to us on another level. Pixar is one of the best at doing this.

So, here are the best Pixar movies adults will enjoy.

7 WALL-E (2008)

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The ninth feature film from Pixar, WALL-E, is as beautiful as it is satisfying to watch. It is unique, exciting, heartwarming, stunning, and funny. It gets immense credit for giving life, personality, and heart to a sentient little garbage compactor of a robot, all while making a statement on how we treat our planet that is more relevant today than it was in 2008. In a movie in which they keep dialogue to a minimum, it conveys so much emotion and story visually that it hits home thematically in many ways for adults.

6 Soul (2020)

     Poster for Pixar's Soul

The visual design of Pixar’s 23rd movie, Soul, looks playful from the posters, but this may be their most adult film to date. Soul hits at some of the most existential questions that adults deal with on a regular basis. What happens when I’m gone? Is this what I was meant to do? Am I defined by what I do? Then it uses a musical form in jazz that can be so complex it could easily be lost on children. Soul never shies away from these elements and is in fact a great introductory piece to the great American music of jazz. It’s never patronizing, and the music (the jazz and score) do so much to steer the movie.

5 Inside Out (2015)

     Walt Disney Motion Pictures

You could argue that until Soul came out, that Inside Out, was the most adult movie from Pixar. The challenges of adolescence, moving to a new home and city, being a parent, and the real consequences of choices we make and how they affect not only ourselves, but others too - are so delicately handled with grace and humor, that kids may gloss over them. But, not adults. We can relate to Riley and her internal struggle, the battle between emotions, and the struggle of feeling alone. But, we also relate to the parents that are juggling new jobs, a new city, and their child (especially when she runs away). All of this, and we relish the time with each emotion, so perfectly cast, along with hilarious and crushing moments like those of Bing Bong.

4 Toy Story (1995)

     Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Toy Story is as good today as it was in 1995. Sure, Pixar has developed their animation to make this movie look old, but all the elements that made Toy Story great then, still work. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, as the voices of Woody and Buzz, respectively, was an incredible casting choice. Twisting the timeless tale of purpose through the eyes of a toy is genius. The movie is whimsical, imaginative, and playful. It makes us laugh and see ourselves in Andy and the toys, and helps adults reminisce about the joys of childhood, friendship, and adventure. And it gave Pixar the success it needed to change history.

3 Ratatouille (2007)

French cuisine, unless you’re in France, is probably not a style that shows up a lot at the American dinner table. Ratatouille isn’t really about French food; it’s about the love of food, but it’s also about friendship, trust, imagination, creativity, and perception. Those are all things adults enjoy and deal with daily. Patton Oswalt brings joy and life to our little friend and rat, Remy. He’s our guide through cuisine, adventure, and antics. It’s a beautiful movie to watch, and it challenges how we perceive people (even rats), and what they’re capable of.

Pixar: How the Animation Studio Has Changed Over Time

2 Up (2009)

     Pixar Animation Studios

Up feels like two movies. One is the story of Carl dealing with grief. The other is the story of developing a friendship between two unlikely people (revisiting this Toy Story theme again). It’s how Up blends the two together in a fantastical world, where the movie shines. The opening sequence is as devastating a ten-minute stretch as Pixar has even put on screen. We grieve with Carl and Ellie. We see ourselves, our parents, and our loved ones through their eyes, and see how the world moves on around us. But, it hits on the adult themes of choosing to continue on with life’s journey, and to accept and embrace the surprises that come along (thank you, Russell). And as sad as the opening is, the movie completely twists that on its head as to how Carl interprets it once he finds Ellie’s note. It’s beautiful.

1 Toy Story 3 (2010)

Pixar was at its apex mountain when Toy Story 3 came out. Ratatouille, WALL-E, Up and then Toy Story 3 within three years! This batch of films all spoke to adults and children alike in their own unique ways, but it was Toy Story 3 that was the culmination of a franchise that set itself apart. Toy Story 3 hits home thematically with adults about growing up, letting go of childhood, passing on our joy to the next generation, abandonment, acceptance… the list could go on. Each of these themes is enough to fill a movie, but Toy Story 3 blends them all together, forcing the audience to journey with Woody and the gang as they accept their place in the world; their place with Andy, who has grown up, and understanding how and why they matter to us, their world, and to children. Whew. If you held off tears during the incinerator scene, then seeing Woody wave goodbye to Andy probably got you. Adolescence is so short in the life of a human, and its moments like this in Toy Story 3 that remind us to pause, be grateful, and enjoy each moment for what it is.