Before Pixar was an internationally recognized company producing its own full-length feature films, it was a small team of aspiring computer scientists who knew computer animation would become so much more than anyone ever dreamed. In the beginning, they primarily worked on special effects for movies and shows, and in 1986, Pixar broke away as its own independent studio. With Steve Jobs financially supporting it and more creative minds on the team, the company started making computer animated commercials. In the same year, the young company caught the eye of Disney, and in 1995, the two collaborated and produced the very first full length animated film, Toy Story. As we all know, the film was a huge hit.
Disney officials and Jobs had a lengthy negotiation about Disney acquiring Pixar, and after years of back-and-forth conversations, the latter became a successful subsidiary of the large company. Pixar still has a distinct feel than that of Disney's computer animated films, but the quality has significantly increased for both. As the saying goes, "If you can't beat them, join them," or in Disney's case, bring them in and figure out a way to rise to the top together. Pixar has been able to hold its own for a few decades, and they have racked up quite a bit at the box office.
Check out the 10 highest-grossing Pixar movies of all time.
10 The Incredibles (2004) — $631.6M
After Brad Bird's flop with The Iron Giant, he pitched the idea of a superhero family that lives undercover to Pixar, and, after some consideration, he was given the green light. Instead of the film focusing on the typical "heroes verses villains" storyline, The Incredibles sheds light on the family aspect of how hard it is to juggle work and raising children. Their unique superpowers are just an added bonus. Mr. Incredible may be the focus for much of the first film, but he is not able to reach his full potential and defeat Syndrome without the help of his family.
9 Up (2009) — $735.1M
Normally, movies wait until the end to leave audiences in tears, whether they are happy or sad tears, but not the creators of Up. They chose to write a script that would have people sniffling before the main storyline even began.
After losing his wife, Carl becomes a bitter old man who is set in his ways until he embarks on one last adventure to keep a promise to his late wife. Carl uproots his house with the help of a few thousand balloons, but he does not know that a young stowaway is going on the adventure with him. Things, of course, do not go smoothly, but the journey to get to the final destination is all worth it to the elderly gentleman.
8 Monster's University (2013) — $743.6M
After the huge success of Monsters, Inc., fans waited over a decade for the second film, Monsters University. Surprisingly, the creators decided to go with a prequel rather than a sequel to give a backstory to Mike and Sully. Obviously, it was the better choice because fans loved the film.
Mike is the overachiever when it comes to knowing the textbook ways of scaring people, but he lacks a scary appearance. Sully, on the other hand, thinks he will coast by and pass due to his family name. They are both quickly humbled, and they come together to prove their worth at the university.
7 Coco (2017) — $814.3M
In the last 15 or so years, Disney and Pixar have discovered that people want to see a variety of cultures and places represented on the big screen. Coco highlights Mexican culture, specifically one of the biggest holidays, the Day of the Dead. The story follows Miguel, an aspiring musician, whose family has banned all music due to his great-great-grandfather leaving long ago to pursue a musical career. Miguel ends up in the Land of the Dead desperately trying to get back to the living world, but to do that, he has to face some harsh truths and uncover a big secret that affects his family.
6 Inside Out (2015) — $858.8M
Inside Out easily reached the top of the charts due to its unique take on characters. Instead of animals or regular people, this film features personified emotions that live inside a young girl's head. They explain how memories work as well as how different emotions take over in certain situations.
The concept of this movie was such a hit that people have pointed out that it helps children understand and process their own emotions in real life. Fans are excited about a sequel that is set to come out in 2024 (via Screen Rant).
5 Finding Nemo (2003) — $940.3M
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By the time they were creating their fifth movie, Pixar was no stranger to creating stories about animals. However, a story that primarily took place under the water proved to be a visual challenge. The creators quickly got to work learning about how the ecosystem worked as well as creating personalities and different storylines for characters.
Finding Nemo proved to be a huge success with parents and children alike learning about how to take chances, be independent, and understand where the other is coming from when opinions differ.
4 Finding Dory (2016) — $1.03B
Finding Nemo was too unique of a story to be an independent film, and happily, the creators thought so as well. Instead of creating a sequel that primarily followed Marlin and Nemo, they opted for a storyline that provided the backstory of Dory's life. Why was she separated from her family? Could she really speak to whales?
The second film of the franchise, Finding Dory is filled with adventure and whacky creatures just like the first, but there are incredibly heartwarming moments that make parents simply want to hug their little ones and never let them go.
3 Toy Story 3 (2010) — $1.06B
If you want to compare modern-day animated films to the very first computer animated movie, you'll find yourself watching toys come to life in the very first Toy Story. The premise of a young boy growing up, completely unaware that his toys come to life and have their own thoughts and feelings, may have been crazy for adults, but children fully believed it.
There are nearly 10 years between the second and third film, so fans were anxious to see what new adventures Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang would go on. In Toy Story 3, Andy goes away to college, so the nostalgia of moving on from his toys hits heavy. The toys find themselves in the garbage, at a daycare center, and then they finally find a new home with a young girl, Bonnie, who has a big imagination.
2 Toy Story 4 (2019) — $1.07B
The Toy Story saga primarily focuses on how toys feel a sense of loyalty to their owners. Woody, being Andy's best friend for so many years, had trouble letting go and watching Andy officially grow up in Toy Story 3, but he knew it was for the best. His new owner, Bonnie, is not as attentive to him in the fourth film, Toy Story 4, like she is with the other toys despite how much Woody tries to be there for her.
The storyline shifts its focus to Woody growing up and finding his new purpose in the toy world. From reconnecting with a former love to encouraging a makeshift fork toy to accept his new friendship with Bonnie, everyone gets a happy ending they never saw coming.
1 Incredibles 2 (2018) — $1.2B
Incredibles 2 was one of the most highly anticipated films, so the fact that is reached the top of the charts for Pixar is no surprise. The original film was released in 2004, and fans absolutely fell in love with the superhero family. When the final scene left off on a cliffhanger, fans eagerly awaited a release date for a second film. Surprisingly, that would not come out for another 14 years.
Incredibles 2 focuses on the patriarch of the family stepping back from the superhero limelight so that Elastigirl could fix the "hero image." The family dynamic shifts to where Helen is the one constantly saving the city and getting praised while Bob is at home raising their three children. The children's powers are better explored in the second installment, and the family bond is strengthened.
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