Disney Pixar has been making magic on the big screen for decades, giving us unforgettable characters, emotional storytelling, and cutting-edge animation. Picking the top films from their catalog is no easy task, but we’ve rounded up ten of Pixar’s most iconic masterpieces and ranked them based on storytelling, animation brilliance, cultural relevance, and how much they tugged at our heartstrings.

Here’s the ultimate countdown of the top 10 Disney Pixar films:

1. Ratatouille (2007)

Anyone can cook.

This love letter to food and creativity follows Remy, a rat with a refined palate, who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. Teaming up with a bumbling kitchen worker, Linguini, Remy secretly whips up culinary masterpieces that leave diners raving.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Its unique premise of a rat in haute cuisine is both hilarious and heartwarming.
  • The animation of food is unbelievably appetizing—try watching it without craving something fancy.
  • Themes of following your dreams and believing in yourself make this film a feel-good gem.

Standout Moment: When feared food critic Anton Ego tastes Remy’s ratatouille, his flashback to childhood is pure Pixar magic.

2. Coco (2017)

Remember me, though I have to travel far.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Coco follows Miguel, a boy with music in his heart, as he ventures into the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • The stunning animation captures the colorful and festive spirit of Mexican culture beautifully.
  • Its breathtaking music and tear-jerking family story leave an emotional impact long after the credits roll.
  • It celebrates traditions, the importance of family, and never forgetting where you come from.

Standout Moment: The heart-wrenching scene where Miguel sings “Remember Me” to his great-grandmother Coco will have you in tears.

3. Toy Story 2 (1999)

To infinity and beyond—again!

Pixar raised the bar with this sequel, which builds on the charm of the original Toy Story. Toy Story 2 sees Woody confronting his identity when he’s stolen by a collector, while Buzz and the rest of the gang mount a daring rescue operation.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Its exploration of loyalty, identity, and the fear of being forgotten deepens the storytelling.
  • Introduced the sassy and lovable Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, and her emotional backstory.
  • It handles the rare feat of being one of the best animated sequels of all time.

Standout Moment: Jessie’s song “When She Loved Me” captures the feeling of being left behind so perfectly it’s devastating.

4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

We scare because we care.

Scream energy is what powers the monster world, and best buds Mike Wazowski and Sulley are star employees at Monsters, Inc. But when a curious human child named Boo sneaks into their world, chaos ensues.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Boo’s adorable chemistry with Sulley is enough to melt anyone’s heart.
  • Mike and Sulley’s bromance keeps the humor rolling throughout.
  • It reimagined the concept of monsters in closets with boundless creativity and charm.

Standout Moment: Sulley saying goodbye to Boo is both heartwarming and heartbreaking—get ready with the tissues.

5. Up (2009)

Adventure is out there.

Few films capture the magic of adventure and love like Up. The story centers on Carl, a widower who ties balloons to his house to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting South America. Along the way, he’s joined by unwitting stowaway Russell and a duo of eccentric creatures.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • The opening sequence showing Carl and Ellie’s life together remains one of the most emotional openings in film history.
  • The film blends action and quirky humor with tender, meaningful lessons about life and loss.
  • Carl and Russell’s unlikely friendship is heart-melting.

Standout Moment: The house-lifting balloon sequence is visually stunning and one of Pixar’s most iconic images.

6. Finding Nemo (2003)

Just keep swimming.

This oceanic adventure pairs Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, and Dory, a forgetful blue tang, on a mission to find Marlin’s lost son, Nemo. Along the way, they meet some of the ocean’s quirkiest underwater characters.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • The underwater visuals were groundbreaking and made the ocean look mesmerizing.
  • Dory’s loveable goofiness, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, became a pop culture icon.
  • It’s a story about family, courage, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Standout Moment: “Just keep swimming” isn’t just a mantra—it’s a life lesson.

7. Inside Out (2015)

Do you ever look at someone and wonder what’s going on inside their head?

Inside Out takes viewers into the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, where emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust work to help her face life’s ups and downs.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • It tackles complex emotional themes with creativity and accessibility for all ages.
  • Beautifully illustrates how sadness and joy often need each other to heal.
  • Its imaginative world-building within Riley’s mind is pure genius.

Standout Moment: Bing Bong’s sacrifice in the Memory Dump will break your heart—and remind you to treasure childhood imagination.

8. Toy Story (1995)

The one that started it all.

Pixar’s first feature-length film introduced the world to Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys. Not only was it a technical marvel, being the first fully computer-animated film, but its storytelling was pitch-perfect.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Laid the foundation for Pixar’s legacy of making heartfelt, smart, and timeless stories.
  • Woody and Buzz’s rivalry-turned-friendship is iconic.
  • It’s packed with humor, heart, and endless nostalgia for anyone who’s loved a toy.

Standout Moment: Buzz realizing he’s “just a toy” is equally humorous and existential—classic Pixar.

9. WALL·E (2008)

A trash-compacting robot with a heart of gold.

With minimal dialogue and stunning visuals, WALL·E tells a story of a lonely robot left to clean up an abandoned Earth. When he meets EVE, a sleek, futuristic probe, their romance sparks a chain of events that could save humanity.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Its audacious storytelling takes big risks, relying heavily on visuals and music.
  • Tackles environmental issues and themes of consumerism with grace and humor.
  • WALL·E himself is one of Pixar’s most endearing and expressive characters.

Standout Moment: WALL·E and EVE’s “dance” in space is breathtaking and romantic in the most unexpected way.

10. The Incredibles (2004)

Every superhero family’s dream film.

At its core, The Incredibles is about family—but with a thrilling superhero twist. Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) struggles to balance his secret superhero identity with raising his family, but when danger arises, it’s up to everyone—including his superpowered wife and kids—to save the day.

Why It’s Amazing:

  • Flawlessly combines breathtaking action sequences with humor and heart.
  • Each character’s powers reflect their personalities, like Elastigirl stretching herself thin for her family.
  • The villain Syndrome is one of Pixar’s most memorable baddies.

Standout Moment: “Honey, where’s my super suit?” remains one of the funniest movie quotes of all time.

Every film on this list brings something special, and ranking them is no small feat. From superhero families to lovable fish, Pixar’s magic lies in making stories that entertain and connect with audiences on a deep level. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or watching them for the first time, you’re in for a treat.