Ranking All the 2020s Pixar Movies From Worst to Best (Including Elio)

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The past decade, particularly the 2020s, has presented challenges for Disney’s Pixar. Films like “Lightyear” and “Elio,” which underperformed at the box office, have affected Pixar’s once unshakeable financial reputation. Simultaneously, critically acclaimed titles such as “Soul” and “Turning Red” were released on Disney+ instead of theaters, altering the public’s view about the necessity of watching new Pixar films in the cinema. However, it hasn’t all been negative for this cherished animation studio. The sequel to “Inside Out” was a massive box office hit, and each of its 2020 releases received positive critical feedback to varying extents.

Organizing the eight Pixar films released in 2020 shows how challenging this period was for the studio. Yet, the highest quality productions from this era demonstrate that the talented team at Pixar Animation Studios continues to produce exceptional movies that rival their most prestigious works.

8) Lightyear

The concept of creating a movie based on the film that sparked the idea for the original Buzz Lightyear toy in “Toy Story” initially seemed like a questionable decision. In reality, “Lightyear” wasn’t an outright failure, but it fell short of expectations and didn’t manage to make its creation seem necessary. The most peculiar aspect of the production was its melancholic mood. Despite appearing influenced by mid-90s blockbusters, “Lightyear” lacked the excitement or vitality that one would expect from such films. Even the occasional references back to the original “Toy Story” movies, like the “I am your father” joke from “Toy Story 2”, only served to highlight the project’s weaknesses.

7) Elemental

In the animated movie Elemental, Ember, one of the main characters, says to another fire being, “Move from your ashes.” This line sets the tone for the writing quality in this Pixar production. Regrettably, the humor and emotional depth in Elemental don’t seem to resonate strongly. However, visually, it’s stunning, especially considering the attention to detail in textures, and Thomas Newman’s score is truly exceptional.

6) Onward

In a second directorial attempt after “Monsters University,” filmmaker Dan Scanlon’s work, titled “Onward,” is generally well-executed but falls short of the unique creativity needed to make it truly stand out in memory. This lack of inventiveness is partly due to the unremarkable animation and production design that presents ordinary, dull suburban settings with minimal fantastical elements. Visually, the world of “Onward” fails to captivate. However, the emotional depth is mostly effective, and Chris Pratt delivers a commendable performance in one of the film’s leading roles.

5) Luca

It’s impressive how Pixar’s 2021 film, Luca, opts for a less action-packed, more intimate aesthetic centered around Vespa racing and friendship struggles. The production appears to be mimicking the laid-back atmosphere of classic Studio Ghibli productions, even naming its main town after Porco Rosso. Regrettably, despite its intention to be observational and peaceful, Luca remains too fast-paced and noisy to fully embody its intended calmness. The demands of mainstream American family animation tend to overshadow its stronger, more personal traits.

4) Inside Out 2

Although Monsters University dared to create a prequel, which is typically challenging for creative projects, Inside Out 2 sticks closely to the original, opting for a more familiar approach. However, the unique visual style and jokes based on human emotions offer plenty of room for creativity. Inside Out 2 may not stand out as groundbreaking or memorable, but it’s a warm welcome back to a charming universe. The addition of new voice actors like Maya Hawke and Ayo Edebiri brings fresh humor to their roles.

3) Elio

The narrative of Elio is densely packed, especially during its Earth-bound scenes, which also feature rather ordinary human character designs. Other aspects like Rob Simonsen’s score fall short of expectations. Despite these flaws, there’s still a lot of enjoyable moments in Elio, especially when it delves into cosmic strangeness or takes surprising turns towards body horror comedy. Its heartfelt climax is surprisingly impactful, even without subverting typical tropes. The best aspect? The charismatic space worm Glordon, who undeniably steals the show among all Pixar characters from 2020.

2) Soul

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Pete Docter’s latest directorial masterpiece, “Soul,” is nothing short of breathtaking. This film seamlessly blends profound emotion with visual splendor, making it one of the most striking additions to the Pixar library. The vivid portrayal of the lived-in corners of New York City juxtaposed against the ethereal landscapes of The Great Before creates a kaleidoscope of stunning imagery that will leave you spellbound.

The story, which delves into the soul-searching journey of a man discovering what truly gives life meaning, is poignantly conveyed through a series of beautifully crafted, often wordless scenes that resonate deeply within the heart. To sweeten the deal, “Soul” features an adorable cat and a fantastic score by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, making it an absolute must-watch!

1) Turning Red

Turning Red stands out uniquely within Pixar’s filmography, making it a remarkable and essential contribution from the studio during the 2020s. Rather than being a repetition of past work, it expands the possibilities of what a Pixar movie can be. Director Domee Shi brings a boldly distinctive visual style (differing from Pixar’s traditional approach of blending exaggerated characters with realistic surroundings) and an energetic, unpredictable tempo that mirrors the tumultuous nature of puberty. Humorously whimsical, Turning Red is a brilliant piece and undoubtedly represents the creative zenith of Pixar in the 2020s.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that “Turning Red” is currently streaming on Disney+, while the heartwarming tale of “Elio” can be experienced in cinemas near you!

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2025-07-04 20:40