“Toy Story 5,” now in theaters, reopens an old debate: which Pixar sequels deepen the magic—and which ones quietly tarnish the brand. A full worst-to-best ranking places the newest installment alongside other long-running franchises, while spotlighting where t
When “Toy Story 5” flicks onto screens in theaters now. it doesn’t just bring Woody and Buzz back—it also forces Pixar’s legacy into the spotlight all over again. The new film finds the familiar gang facing a tech takeover from a smarmy talking tablet. and it lands in a franchise that has never stopped expanding. for better and worse.
In a full ranking of all 31 Pixar movies so far, “Toy Story 5” appears at No. 14, framed as a smart, tech-savvy take on kids and in-person play. The list stretches from early triumphs like “Toy Story” and “Up” to the lowest points of the Cars sequels. while also weighing newer entries such as “Inside Out 2” and “Elemental.”.
The rankings put “Cars 2” at No. 31 (2011), calling it a moment where Pixar briefly lost confidence. It’s followed by “Cars 3” at No. 30 (2017), described as a sequel that mostly fares better than “Cars 2,” helped by voice talent including Kerry Washington and Chris Cooper. No. 29 is “Cars” (2006), where the Cars sequels are said to have tarnished the memory of the original.
The bottom half continues with “The Good Dinosaur” at No. 28 (2015), “Onward” at No. 27 (2020)—the film the list refers to as “the movie about the pants”—and “Monsters University” at No. 26 (2013), which is criticized for missing some of the wonder and childhood themes that made “Monsters, Inc.” such a standout. “Elio” lands at No. 25 (2025), described as a familiar sci-fi setup about a young boy disaffected by Earth who gets abducted and befriends an alien.
“Elemental” is placed at No. 24 (2023), with the list saying it overreaches as both a peppy rom-com and an emotional immigrant story. “Brave” sits at No. 23 (2012). praised for being a landmark with Pixar’s first female protagonist. but judged as failing to click due to story structure. humor. and attempts at feminism. “Lightyear” follows at No. 22 (2022). called Pixar’s meta version of “Star Wars. ” with Chris Evans voicing a young Buzz Lightyear who trains rookies to take on the evil Zurg.
The list then moves into the high-stakes middle of the Pixar catalog—where sequels and reinventions start to tug at expectations. “Incredibles 2” is ranked No. 21 (2018), arriving 14 years after the original and described as less novel in its superhero presentation, though still entertaining. “A Bug’s Life” takes No. 20 (1998). framed as an underrated kids’ movie with a simple premise. slapstick humor. and an endearing cast of tenacious ants and quirky bugs.
At No. 19 is “Finding Dory” (2016). a sequel that recaptures family and loneliness while spotlighting Ellen DeGeneres’ forgetful title fish in a way that adds depth and context to her disability. “Toy Story 4” lands at No. 18 (2019). described as more adventure-driven and praised for delivering a poignant sendoff to the cowboy and space ranger. while introducing Forky (Tony Hale).
Lower in the standings but still singled out for identity and big-feeling storytelling: “Luca” is No. 17 (2021), with its queer allegory tied to identity, prejudice, acceptance, and chosen family. “Soul” is No. 16 (2020). credited with bringing cartoon New York City to vibrant life. featuring Pixar’s first Black lead character—a band teacher played by Jamie Foxx—who meets a jaded soul played by Tina Fey. “Toy Story 3” is No. 15 (2010), described as a heady but successful kids’ movie about Andy getting ready for college and the inevitability of death.
That brings the newest title into sharper relief. “Toy Story 5” is ranked No. 14 (2026), and the list points to Conan O’Brien’s potty-training toy Smarty Pants stealing the show. It describes the film’s relatable. smart take on kids. tech. and in-person play. while also placing Jessie in the franchise reins and setting up conflict with villainous tablet Lilypad (Greta Lee) as part of a journey of self-discovery.
Ahead of it, the rankings name “Up” as No. 13 (2009), with the list urging readers to look past its opening emotional devastation—then “Hoppers” at No. 12 (2026). described as a quirky sci-fi comedy where Mabel (voiced by Piper Curda) has her mind “hopped” into a robotic beaver to stop a highway overpass. and must help her nemesis. the city’s greedy mayor (Jon Hamm). “Turning Red” is No. 11 (2022). likened to “Inside Out” in depicting a young girl learning to harness her emotions. but with a Chinese-Canadian teen dealing with puberty and learning she doesn’t have to hide the messier parts of herself.
The list climbs higher with “Toy Story” at No. 10 (1995). celebrated as revolutionary in computer animation and as the blueprint for Pixar staples like emotional storytelling. action sequences. insights on the human condition. and an all-star voice cast. “Ratatouille” is No. 9 (2007). called one of Pixar’s most earnest films. spotlighting the adorable rat hero and food critic Anton Ego voiced by Peter O’Toole.
At No. 8 is “Inside Out 2” (2024), featuring Anxiety voiced by Maya Hawke as Riley’s emotions turn chaotic. “Finding Nemo” ranks No. 7 (2003). praised for balancing an overprotective father searching for his lost son—voiced by Albert Brooks—with comedy that doesn’t let sentiment take over. “Toy Story 2” lands at No. 6 (1999), singled out for Jessie (Joan Cusack) and for deepening the franchise’s theme of growing up and growing apart.
The list’s next tier is where Pixar’s reputation feels most unshakable. “WALL-E” is No. 5 (2008), described as a searing consumerism critique with the title trash-compacting robot alone on a destroyed planet Earth. “Inside Out” is No. 4 (2015). praised for bringing a child’s mind to life through Joy voiced by Amy Poehler and Sadness voiced by Phyllis Smith. and for reminding parents that time moves fast.
No. 3 is “Coco” (2017). credited with finding a new way to examine loss and grief through the Land of the Dead. and for featuring the Oscar-winning “Remember Me.” At No. 2 is “Monsters. Inc.” (2001). described as a buddy comedy between John Goodman and Billy Crystal that also tackles childhood. loss of innocence. the nature of good and evil. and what people are truly afraid of.
And at No. 1 is “The Incredibles” (2004), with the list declaring it the best Fantastic Four movie ever—while centering it as a masterpiece about identity, with a middle-aged couple finding each other again and kids figuring out their place in the world.
Even in a ranking that doesn’t pretend Pixar’s entire run is equal. the newer titles still show up as pressure points: sequels like “Incredibles 2” and “Finding Dory” have to match long-ago highs. while films like “Elemental” and “Brave” are judged by how well they blend emotion with tone and structure. “Toy Story 5,” placed at No. 14. lands in the middle of that tension—familiar enough to be comforting. different enough to be judged on its own terms.
With “Toy Story 5” in theaters now, the debate is no longer theoretical. The movie’s tech takeover plot—Woody. Buzz. and the gang facing a smarmy talking tablet—now sits directly against a full catalog of Pixar’s highs. lows. and the lasting middle ground where audiences decide whether a sequel extends the magic or merely borrows it.
Pixar Toy Story 5 ranking worst to best Disney animation Toy Story franchise Incredibles Inside Out Coco WALL-E Monsters Inc. Elemental