Pixar is set for another huge hit this summer, as Lightyear comes out in June, expanding the franchise that put them on the map with a Buzz prequel story. Lightyear is far from the first film to add to a huge Pixar franchise, though – the studio loves to create sequels and universes, with everything from talking toys to talking cars getting sequels, games, TV series and more. However, plenty of the studio’s best still stand alone (so far).
Pixar solo movies include emotional storylines about grief, journeys of self-discovery, and more. The best of them are a varied bunch according to the users of Ranker’s platform.
Brave
Brave gets a lot of comparisons to Disney’s princess movies since it is a Disney-Pixar collaboration and the main character is, of course, a princess. Merida, however, breaks the mold of previous Disney princesses as she makes the mistake that actually causes the events of the movie and has to help return her mother to human form from that of a bear.
Merida is also unique in that she is very vocal about not wanting a prince in her life and being willing to compete for her own independence. She makes for a fantastic main character.
Onward
Tom Holland and Chris Pratt lend their voices to the pair of brothers at the heart of this fantasy movie. They easily convey the same emotions through their voice work as they would acting in live-action, making the performances of the movie something fans really love.
The story is also a heartwarming exploration of grief with a lot of nods for Dungeons & Dragons fans to pick up on, probably not a game many animation fans ever thought they would see in a Pixar movie.
Luca
Luca didn’t get as big of a theatrical release it deserved, but instead, debuted on Disney Plus while many places were quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because it debuted on a streaming platform, there were fears that it wouldn’t get as much attention as it would during a theatrical run, but that certainly wasn’t the case as it stole the hearts of audiences young and old.
The story follows two young boys who are actually “sea monsters” that make friends with a girl in Italy. It’s a tale that spotlights those that might be considered outsiders with one of the best friendships (and one of the best montages to move the story along) in a Pixar film.
A Bug’s Life
One of the earliest forays of Pixar into animated children’s movies, A Bug’s Life is sometimes forgotten by modern audiences because it isn’t part of one of Pixar’s tent pole franchises like Toy Story or Cars. The movie, however, still holds up.
Flik accidentally destroys the food supply his ant colony uses to pay off the local grasshoppers. To fix his problem, he needs an army – or so he thinks. What he gets is a group of different insects who are circus performers, and a story about the more powerful taking advantage of their workers.
Soul
With a soundtrack full of jazz and a unique premise, Soul had a lot of Pixar fans intrigued for its 2020 release. With Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey in the lead roles, the voice cast is also a standout.
The movie itself follows Foxx’s character, Joe, a teacher who dreams of being a jazz musician. An accident sees him between life and death with his soul facing a journey to the “great beyond.” He gets the chance, however, to help a soul who has yet to be born. It’s an interesting exploration of just what gives a person purpose in life and just what someone can get out of the life they experience.
Inside Out
Inside Out has been praised as one of Pixar’s most unique movies. Rather than following one person (or animal), the movie centers on the emotions that make up the main character, giving each emotion its own personality, and giving the audience an inside look at how they work.
The movie provides a unique perspective on depression and puberty, something not often found in projects aimed at children. Inside Out certainly helped to open a dialogue between parents and children who saw the film as well as critics and audience members while still maintaining a both fun and emotional journey.
Ratatouille
Remy might just be the most beloved rodent in movies, edging out Mickey Mouse for the position. His dream of cooking might not be viable in the real world, but in animation, it makes for a fantastic story.
Though Remy is a rat and unwelcome in a restaurant, he makes a deal with a restaurant employee so that he can get his recipes out into the world. The two forge an unlikely friendship and some pretty tasty dishes along the way.
Coco
Set in Mexico, and in the Land of the Dead, Coco’s animation is very much inspired by Mexican Day Of The Dead celebrations as the holiday plays a large role in the story. The story, however, as is true of most Pixar films, isn’t just gorgeous to watch, but is also an emotional journey for the audience.
Main character Miguel learns about his family history through a mistake that sees him end up cursed and racing to meet his great-great-grandfather in the Land of the Dead. He also follows his dreams of being a musician despite familial objections. There are secrets unearthed, tears cried, and songs to celebrate.
WALL-E
WALL-E is many things considering it’s the story of one robot’s journey across the galaxy. It’s part love story as a robot named WALL-E falls in love with another robot, Eve, after receiving a visit. It’s also part cautionary tale as it shows an Earth used up by humans just a few hundred years into the future. WALL-E is more human than most robots on film and he gives the audience a better emotional journey than a lot of protagonists.
The fact that it seamlessly blends its messages with its love story is part of what makes WALL-E such a beloved movie.
UP
Kids will remember the house lifted into the air by balloons in UP, or a dog that can offer up his excitement at seeing a squirrel. Adults, however, will remember a broken-hearted man who rediscovers the love of his life thanks to an unexpected journey.
Though other movies before it had emotional scenes, UP is the first Pixar movie to really get the recognition for how emotionally mature it really was. A montage featuring Carl’s life with Ellie had most of the audience in tears – and praising how well done the film is. It’s no surprise that it’s the Pixar audience favorite.
