There’s no denying that Pixar Animation Studios puts out some of the best animated movies of all time. They’re entertaining, visually stunning, and have the ability to make audiences fall in love with toys, robots, and even cars. Some of them even feature heartfelt romances that serve as minor to major plots.
Of course, falling in love means characters must first meet each other and experience a “meet-cute.” While not all “meet-cutes” are love at first sight, they do play a major part in building a character’s relationship. From adorable meet-cutes to downright disastrous ones, here’s how the famous Pixar couples live up to “meet cute” expectations.
Buzz & Jessie – Toy Story 2
Buzz Lightyear and Jessie might not have an in-your-face type of relationship, but these two undeniably have feelings for each other. However, they did not have one of those cute, “love at first sight” meet cutes. Instead, Buzz ignores Jessie when he and the rest of the toys show up to rescue Woody.
Some might even say that these two experienced hate at first sight. However, it doesn’t take long for these two to bond, as they both compliment each other at the end of Toy Story 2 making them a cute enemies to lovers couple in the Pixar universe. It is also one of the most iconic scenes in any Toy Story movie.
Alfredo & Colette – Ratatouille
Alfredo and Colette definitely embody the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope since Colette does not take kindly to Alfredo being in the kitchen – especially since he threatens to dismantle all the hard work she’s put in. It also doesn’t help that the first time these two really meet involves Colette threatening him.
And yet, despite their less than perfect meet-cute, Colette ends up warming up to Alfredo. So much so, that she’s even okay with rats being in the kitchen if it means they serve the food critic a delicious dish that even made the audience hungry.
Lightning McQueen & Sally – Cars
On the surface, Cars might seem like a movie about a narcissistic race car that wants to win a major race, but there’s actually a pretty cute love story going on too. When Lightning McQueen first meets Sally, he’s instantly infatuated with her but she does not share the same emotions. Instead, she convinces Doc into making McQueen fix the road he wrecked.
Making sure your love interest gets the punishment they deserve doesn’t sound too romantic but it ended up working out for these two. With McQueen stuck in town, it allowed for him to bond with Sally and shed some of his ego. It also sparked a great romance that fans hope to see more of if there are more Cars films.
Ken & Barbie – Toy Story 3
A Ken doll is nothing without Barbie which is why Toy Story 3 finally reunited this timeless and iconic couple. After being donated to Sunnyside, Barbie and the rest of the gang find themselves on a tour that ends with Barbie being introduced to Ken. It’s definitely love at first sight for these two.
While they’re mute cute is adorable, it’s nothing to write home about. Barbie also loses points because she abandons her friends to stay with Ken in the more grown-up room.
John & Mary – WALL-E
After being “woken up” from the Axiam’s “mind control” by Wall-E, John and Mary start to explore the spaceship they call home. Eventually, the two run into each other and hit it off since they’re the only two would are able to actually enjoy the ship.
It’s a meet-cute that stems from similarities and it’s quite entertaining to watch unfold. John and Mary also earn bonus points for risking their lives to save a group of babies when the ship nearly goes down while Wall-E tries to save it – turning one of the saddest moments in Wall-E into a happy one.
Luca & Alberto – Luca
While the creators of Luca have been adamant that Luca and Alberto are nothing more than friends, fans can’t help but point out the romantic subtext found in the movie. The romantic subtext is so strong that Luca and Alberto have become one of Pixar’s best couples, even if it’s not official.
These two also have an adorable meet-cute when Luca journies to the shore for the first time. Instead of making fun of Luca, Alberto springs into action, helping Luca learn to walk on his feet. It shows just how much Alberto cares about Luca even though they hardly know each other and is one of the best scenes in Luca.
Woody & Bo Peep – Toy Story 4
Woody and Bo Peep have an interesting history since their original meet-cute was never shared with audiences. However, they get a second chance at love when they experience a second meet-cute on a playground at a local rest stop.
While this might not be the first time Woody and Bo Peep meet, it is an adorable meet-cute reunion that reignites their epic love story. If nothing else, it gives hope to fans that the one that got away might find a way back. It also serves as one of the best things Toy Story 4 gave its fans.
Wall-E & Eve – WALL-E
While collecting trash on Earth like he does every day, Wall-E nearly gets stuck in what he thinks is a storm but is really a ship dropping off Eve. When it’s safe to go out, he begins to explore and immediately takes notice of Eve and begins to show her all the things he’s collected.
Though Wall-E and Eve might not say a lot of words to each other, it’s clear that they both care deeply and love each other. Wall-E is a true romantic, having studied the best classic romantic comedies before, and knows how to turn his meet-cute into an epic romance.
Carl & Ellie – Up
Up is one of Pixar’s most beloved films, largely because of the opening few minutes between Carl and Ellie. Although they seem like complete opposites, these two immediately bond and experience an epic, once-in-a-lifetime kind of love.
Upon walking home, Carl stumbles upon an abandoned house. It’s inside that he meets Ellie for the first time who scares him and gives him a hard time for entering her treehouse. Realizing she caused him to let go of his balloon, she attempts to help him retrieve it. Though it lands him in the hospital, Carl can’t help but be infatuated with Ellie. In the end, the two get married and spend a long life together.
