Top 10 Pixar Movies to Stream Right Now

Pixar animated films are a go-to choice for movie lovers of all ages. Renowned for their emotional storytelling and humour, these films convey significant messages about love, loss, family, and friendship. With an extensive library that includes iconic franchises, impactful shorts, and several Academy Award winners, Pixar has something for everyone.

From exploring themes of adolescence and emotional well-being in ‘Turning Red’ and ‘Inside Out’ to embarking on imaginative journeys in ‘Luca’ and ‘Soul’, Pixar films evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. Each movie features a cast of quirky, unforgettable characters that resonate with audiences, making them timeless classics in the world of animation.

Turning Red

This coming-of-age film follows the journey of 13-year-old Mei Lee, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she unexpectedly transforms into a giant red panda due to a family curse. As Mei navigates the complexities of early adolescence, she must confront this unusual challenge while also dealing with the typical trials of growing up.

Throughout her transformative experiences, Mei embarks on a path of self-discovery, ultimately learning to embrace her true identity. The film features a talented cast, including Sandra Oh, Jordan Fisher, and Ava Morse, who bring depth and emotion to this unique story about family, friendship, and acceptance.

Luca

During a summer on the picturesque Italian Riviera, they venture onto land to discover the joys of the human experience, including delicious food and the warmth of friendship with a local girl named Giulia (voiced by Emma Berman).

As they explore this vibrant new world, the duo forms a close bond and learns valuable lessons about acceptance, identity, and the importance of friendship. The film features notable performances from Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan, adding to the heartwarming and humorous tone of this delightful coming-of-age tale.

Soul

In the captivating film Soul, Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey deliver standout performances that explore profound themes of life, death, and the connections that endure beyond them. The story follows jazz musician Joe Gardner (voiced by Foxx), whose dreams are interrupted by an unexpected accident just before his big performance. This incident transports him to The Great Before, a whimsical realm where souls are prepared for their journey to Earth.

As Joe navigates this enchanting afterlife, he encounters 22 (voiced by Fey), a soul who has yet to find her passion for life. Together, they embark on a transformative journey that prompts Joe to reflect on his own life choices and what it truly means to live. The film beautifully intertwines music and emotion, offering viewers a heartfelt exploration of purpose, identity, and the essence of the human experience.

Inside Out 2

In Inside Out, Riley's emotional landscape has been relatively stable, but as she transitions into high school, everything is about to change. While she attends hockey camp over the summer, her core emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Tony Hale), and Disgust (Liza Lapira)—find themselves overshadowed by the arrival of new and more complex feelings.

As Riley navigates this challenging phase of adolescence, she encounters Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Nostalgia (June Squibb), each bringing their own influences to her emotional state. This shift forces Joy and her companions to adapt to Riley's evolving feelings, highlighting the intricacies of growing up and the importance of embracing a wider emotional spectrum.

The Incredibles 2

The long-awaited sequel to The Incredibles made its debut in 2018, reuniting audiences with beloved characters voiced by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter as Mr. and Mrs. Incredible. In this instalment, Helen (Hunter) steps into the spotlight, tasked with leading the Supers back into action while Bob (Nelson) takes on the role of stay-at-home dad, caring for their children: Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack.

As the family adjusts to their new roles, a formidable new villain emerges, threatening to disrupt their lives once again. This prompts the entire family, along with Frozone, to come together and confront the challenges ahead, blending action, humour, and heart in a story that explores the dynamics of family and teamwork.

Cars

Cars follows Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), a race car riding high on success, who unexpectedly finds himself in the quaint town of Radiator Springs while en route to the Piston Cup. In this charming locale, he encounters a vibrant array of characters, including the lovable tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), the sleek Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and the wise Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). Through his interactions with these unique cars, Lightning begins to understand that life's true value extends beyond speed and competition.

This 2006 film offers a heartwarming narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages, teaching lessons about friendship, community, and personal growth. As Lightning learns to appreciate the simple joys of life and the importance of connections, viewers are treated to a delightful journey filled with humour and heartfelt moments that make it a timeless classic.

Finding Nemo

In the beloved 2003 film Finding Nemo, young clownfish Nemo finds himself in a precarious situation when he is captured and confined in a dentist's fish tank. Determined to rescue his son, Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) sets out on a daring journey, enlisting the help of the forgetful yet lovable blue tang fish, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres). Together, they navigate the breathtaking expanse of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, facing various challenges and forming an unbreakable bond along the way.

As Marlin and Dory venture through vibrant underwater landscapes, they encounter a host of memorable characters, including the wisecracking Gill (voiced by Willem Dafoe) and the comical Bruce (Brad Garrett). This heartwarming adventure not only highlights the themes of family and friendship but also captures the beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants, making it a timeless tale for audiences of all ages.

Party Central

In the charming 2014 short film, grown-up Mike and Sulley revisit their alma mater, Monsters University, with a mission to throw the ultimate party for their fraternity brothers from Oozma Kappa. Their enthusiasm is palpable as they work together to ensure "Party Central" lives up to their wildest expectations, capturing the fun and camaraderie of their college days.

Reprising their iconic roles, Billy Crystal and John Goodman breathe life into Mike and Sulley, bringing their beloved characters back to the screen. The short film combines humour and heart, showcasing the duo’s friendship as they navigate the challenges of planning a memorable celebration, all while reminding fans of the enduring spirit of college life and the bonds forged in those formative years.

Lamp Life

In the heartfelt short film Lamp Life, Bo Peep’s journey unfolds between her appearances in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 4, shedding light on her experiences as a free toy. Voiced by Annie Potts, Bo shares her captivating adventures with Giggle McDimples (Ally Maki) and Woody (Jim Hanks), recounting how she navigated life outside the confines of being a toy owned by a child.

Through her engaging stories, Bo reveals the challenges and triumphs she faced, highlighting her growth and resilience. Lamp Life not only deepens the audience's understanding of Bo Peep's character but also showcases the importance of friendship and independence, making it a delightful addition to the beloved Toy Story franchise.

Monsters, Inc.

The beloved 2001 film Monsters, Inc. features an unlikely duo navigating the chaos that ensues after they accidentally introduce a human child into their monster world. Sulley, a fuzzy blue-haired monster voiced by John Goodman, and Mike Wazowski, a one-eyed green monster voiced by Billy Crystal, must confront their own fears and differences to protect their city, Monstropolis, and their newfound friend, Boo.

As they embark on their adventure, the duo faces numerous challenges, including their nemesis Randall, voiced by Steve Buscemi. Balancing humour with heartwarming moments, Monsters, Inc. captivates audiences of all ages, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of overcoming prejudices in a world where monsters aren't always what they seem.

-Sushmita Sarkar