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Top 10 Pixar Films: Pixar Perfect

By Cassiah Joski-Jethi · April 11, 2013

Iremember watching Monsters, Inc. in the cinema when I was eight years old, and it terrified the life out of me. I thought Randal was the scariest monster in the world, and that Bigfoot would eat me. Yet, I had a profound love for Sulley and Wazowski never ceased to make me giggle. Looking back now, I think, wow Pixar, success!

The wonderful thing about Pixar is that it makes you feel so many emotions, and it never disappoints. Now, at nineteen years old, I still shake like a leaf when Stinky Pete almost slices Woody in half, when Hopper steps on Flik, about to squish him in the rain, when the diver steals Nemo away from the reef – ooh, there are just too many moments to note!

Pixar has an underlying darkness to it, however, and that is what adds a sense of reality to their films, despite the fact you would never find yourself as a rat in a sewer in France.  They create a fantasy world that you could imagine yourself in, and plays on your fears, your hopes and dreams, which are manifest in the characters.

So, what are my top ten Pixar films? It was a tough list to arrange, I will not lie. But ultimately, the Pixar films listed do not simply fall into the box of a ‘children’s animation’. They have so many more elements that make them Pixar perfect.

10. Finding Nemo (2003)

Why, may you ask, has Finding Nemo just scraped into the top ten? It must be remembered that it is number ten out of only thirteen films to date, which are all of an extremely high standard (with the possible exception of Cars 2). Finding Nemo is a beautiful film, filled with moments of sheer hilarity: Dory speaking whale, Bruce the non-eating-fish shark, riding the wave with cute little Squirt, “duuuuuude,” what could be better? But it is also filled with heart wrenching moments, the clearest example being Marlin’s sheer determination to find his son, to ultimately finding Nemo apparently dead, playing on the worst fear of so many parents.

9. Toy Story 2 (1999)

Part of one of the greatest trilogy’s in history, Toy Story 2 was successful in keeping a high standard of storytelling and character motivation that set the original Toy Story apart from other children animations. Driving the narrative was Woody’s quest to regain his spot alongside Andy as his favourite toy, and Stinky Pete’s desire for everlasting, unconditional love. With a lot to live up to, Toy Story 2 introduced new, colourful characters that were lovable as well as extremely human. Who could forget Bullseye’s bulging eyes, begging for Woody to stay?  Jessie’s heart breaking confession of being a toy loved and lost?

8. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc. is one of the best examples of how Pixar takes a stereotype and shakes it up. Sulley proved with his protective, loving attitude for Boo that the scary monsters in your bedroom are not so scary after all, but are lovable characters with real human desires. Also, Monsters, Inc. is one of the greatest examples of voice acting in animation, with Billy Crystal providing the perfect vocals for Mike Wazowski. Only Billy Crystal could sing with such vigour and an underlying satirical tone “put that thing back where it came, or so help me!” Again, this is a film that tugs on the heartstrings of parents, but also provides endless laughs and entertainment for children.

7. Toy Story (1995)

The film that started Pixar’s empire,Toy Story was a unique, original and intelligent movie, which showed that mainstream children’s animation could be more than just an entertaining farce, but it could also reach adults on an intelligent and emotional level. The characters are universal, with Woody’s ‘fall from grace’, Rex’s paranoia, Buzz Lightyear’s pride, Bo Peep’s allure. All the characters represented real human qualities, which also defined the relationships between them. Despite the fights between Woody and Buzz Lightyear, they ultimately need to unite forces to survive the wrath of Sid (the scariest villain of all Pixar films in my books), reflecting the irony of life: the one person you can’t live with, you can’t live without. Not to mention it was the first feature length computer animated film, a catalyst for future animators and animated movies – a significant moment in cinematic history.

6. Wall-E (2008)

If we could split Wall-E into two halves, the first half would be much higher in this list. For a film to successfully engage an audience for the entirety of the first half with almost no speech, it is something special. Despite being a robot, Wall-E’s love and care for his pet cockroach immediately established Wall-E as a kind, endearing and clumsy protagonist, which an audience could emotionally connect with. Unfortunately, the second half of the film did not have the magic of the first, with slapstick robot chase sequences and the Captain’s struggle to control the computer overpowering the beauty and simplicity of the relationship between Wall-E and Eva. Yet, the fast-paced audio and visual aspects of the second half was arguably necessary to keep the younger audience engaged. And the second half is saved with the scene between Eva and Wall-E where they dance through space using a fire extinguisher. Beautiful.                                                                                          

5. Brave (2012)

This choice shall probably raise a lot of debate, but when Brave was released in the movie theatre, the visual elements were absolutely mind-blowing. Pixar outdid itself – again! It almost did not seem animated; the detail was undeniable. And finally, the lead character was a kick-butt female heroine! Merida had such relatable and admirable characteristics, being resilient enough to shoot for her own hand in marriage, a slap in the face to typical Disney princesses, and being brave enough (excuse the phrase) to fight against the evil and terrifying bear, Mor’Du. Yet, Merida shows her vulnerable side, confused and upset about the uncertainty of her, and her mother’s, future. I may be biased as I myself am a girl, but it was time girls got some decent representation in a Disney/Pixar movie!

4. Up (2009)

The four-minute sequence/montage of Carl and Ellie’s “Married Life” is enough to keep the tears rolling for hours. It’s enough to be a short film in itself! It captures the very essence of a life together, and a life lost. More so than other Pixar films, this movie truly digs deep at human nature, exploring what it means to be self-assured, content and redeemed. Carl goes on an incredible journey just when he expects his life is over, learning that the legacy of love from his wife is constant in himself and others around him. Visually, it is obviously impressive, but this is not what sets it apart. Up should be respected outside of the genre of ‘animation’ or a ‘children’s movie’, as it is a beautiful and artistic exploration of human life and loss because it does not fear from showing the realities of death and broken families; it shows us that life goes on.

3. Ratatouille (2007)

Brad Bird directed this picture, who is my favourite Pixar director, as well as being one of my favourite directors of all time! Whoever can make a movie about a rat dreaming of becoming a top chef in France is pure genius.  Remy achieves the impossible, but falls short by seeking revenge when he allows his rat clan to steal food, illustrating the human flaws in his character. But this is what makes Remy believable and inspiring, as he learns the truth of the phrase “Anyone can cook”, inspiring the audience as Remy proves you can follow your dream, no matter who you are or where you have come from. On a list of top ten Pixar characters, Remy would definitely be near the top spot. Surrounding the character of Remy though, is a tale of adventure, aspiration and love, which warms the cockles of everyone’s heart who watches this film. And, of course, in true Pixar style, the visual effects are undeniably awesome, especially Remy’s trip down the water pipes! 

2. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Out of Toy Story 1, 2 and3, it is hard to distinguish which among them is the best because they are all stand out, high quality films. Yet, Toy Story 3 was able to capture every element of what makes a perfect film. From the physical slapstick comedy of Mr Potato Head using a tortilla to hold up his features, the romance of a Spanish Buzz Lightyear lusting after Jessie, the revenge-thirsting villain Lot-so to feel power and respect, having been lost and rejected, the heart-wrenching unity of all of the toys as they faced imminent death and Andy’s inevitable steps to adulthood as he leaves for college, Toy Story 3 is a cinematic thrill ride for adults and children alike.

1. The Incredibles (2004)

You probably saw this one coming, as this is another one of Brad Bird’s masterpieces! With all the superhero films rolling out in succession nowadays, e.g. Spiderman, Superman, Batman, The Avengers, etc., Pixar made a movie that infused all the action, dramatic and comedic elements of a classical superhero movie, but with a spectacular twist, giving the film originality, relatable characters and a visual feast to die for. The characters are shown as flawed, and flawed they are, from Bob Parr’s inner desire for former glory and Helen’s resilient determination for a normal life, it shows superheroes are not necessarily so super. There is no other place for The Incredibles apart from the number one spot, because it represents everything Pixar stands for – at the heart is a tale of friendship, trust and redemption that reaches and moves audiences of all ages.