The Disney Pixar Films, In Order

Disney and Pixar have created some of the most beloved animated films of all time, enchanting audiences with unforgettable characters, heartfelt stories, and groundbreaking animation. From Toy Story, the first fully computer-animated feature film, to the latest cinematic adventures, each movie has added something unique to the Pixar legacy. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the Disney Pixar films in order of release, so you can relive the magic or discover a few gems you may have missed. 1. Toy Story Release1995DirectorJohn Lasseter Toy Story (1995) was the first feature-length movie made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). The story follows Woody, a cowboy doll, who feels threatened when Buzz Lightyear, a flashy new space toy, arrives. As they compete for the attention of their owner, Andy, the two must learn to work together when they get separated from their home. Blending humor, heart, and innovation, Toy Story became a landmark in animation and storytelling. 2. A Bug's Life Release1998DirectorJohn Lasseter A Bug's Life (1998) follows Flik, an inventive ant who accidentally puts his colony in danger. To save them from a gang of bullying grasshoppers led by Hopper, Flik sets out to recruit “warrior bugs” but instead brings back a group of circus insects. Despite the mix-up, they all team up to outsmart the grasshoppers. The film is a colorful tale about courage, creativity, and standing up to oppression. 3. Toy Story 2 Release1999DirectorJohn Lasseter Toy Story 2 (1999) is the sequel to the original Toy Story, produced by Pixar and Disney. When Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of Andy's toys launch a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Woody discovers he's a valuable collector's item and meets other characters from his past, including Jessie and Bullseye. As Woody faces the choice between fame in a museum or returning home, the film explores themes of loyalty, identity, and belonging. 4. Monsters, Inc. Release2001DirectorPete Docter Monsters, Inc. (2001) is set in a world powered by the screams of children, collected by monsters who scare them at night. The story follows top scarer Sulley and his one-eyed best friend Mike Wazowski, who accidentally let a human girl named Boo into their world. As they try to return her safely, they uncover a conspiracy that challenges everything they know about fear and energy. The film blends humor, heart, and imaginative world-building, emphasizing friendship and compassion. 5. Finding Nemo Release2003DirectorAndrew Stanton Finding Nemo (2003) is an about a clownfish named Marlin who embarks on a journey across the ocean to find his son, Nemo, who has been captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin is joined by Dory, a forgetful but friendly fish. The film explores themes of courage, perseverance, and the bond between parent and child, all set against a vibrant underwater world. 6. The Incredibles Release2004DirectorBrad Bird The Incredibles (2004) is about a family of superheroes forced to live normal lives after superheroes are banned. Bob Parr, formerly Mr. Incredible, struggles with his mundane job and secretly longs for action. When he's drawn into a mysterious mission, his wife Helen (Elastigirl) and their superpowered kids get involved. Together, they must stop a new villain, Syndrome, and rediscover the value of family and teamwork. The film blends action, humor, and heart with a retro superhero flair. 7. Cars Release2006DirectorJohn Lasseter Cars (2006) is a film about Lightning McQueen, a cocky race car who gets stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs on his way to a big championship race. As he repairs the road he damaged, he meets the quirky residents and learns the importance of friendship, humility, and enjoying the journey rather than just chasing victory. The film combines humor, heart, and high-speed action in a world where vehicles are the characters. 8. Ratatouille Release2007DirectorBrad Bird Ratatouille (2007) is a film about Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. Despite the obvious challenges of being a rodent in a kitchen, he forms an unlikely partnership with a young garbage boy named Linguini. Together, they create culinary masterpieces while trying to keep Remy's secret. The film celebrates creativity, following your passion, and the idea that "anyone can cook." 9. WALL-E Release2008DirectorAndrew Stanton WALL-E (2008) is set in a distant future where Earth is abandoned and covered in trash. WALL-E, a small waste-collecting robot, is the last of his kind still working to clean up the planet. His lonely routine changes when he meets EVE, a sleek robot sent to find signs of life. Their journey takes them across the galaxy and sparks a mission to bring humanity back to Earth. The film blends romance, sci-fi, and environmental themes with minimal dialogue and powerful visuals. 10. Up Release2009DirectorPete Docter Up (2009) is a film about Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman who fulfills a lifelong dream by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying to South America. Unexpectedly, a cheerful young boy named Russell ends up along for the ride. Together, they face wild adventures, meet talking animals, and form an unlikely friendship. The film explores themes of loss, adventure, and the importance of moving forward in life. 11. Toy Story 3 Release2010DirectorLee Unkrich Toy Story 3 (2010) follows Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy's toys as they face an uncertain future when Andy prepares to leave for college. Mistakenly donated to a daycare center, the toys must navigate a new, often chaotic environment and plan their escape. The film explores themes of growing up, loyalty, and letting go, delivering an emotional and heartfelt conclusion to the beloved trilogy. 12. Cars 2 Release2011DirectorJohn Lasseter Cars 2 (2011) shifts focus from racing to international espionage. Lightning McQueen enters the World Grand Prix, traveling to Japan, Italy, and the U.K., while his best friend Mater is mistaken for a spy and gets caught up in a secret mission. Blending racing action with spy adventure, the film explores friendship, loyalty, and staying true to yourself amid fast-paced chaos. 13. Brave Release2012DirectorMark AndrewsBrenda Chapman Brave (2012) is set in medieval Scotland. It follows Merida, a skilled archer and rebellious princess who defies tradition by refusing to marry. After seeking a spell to change her fate, she accidentally turns her mother into a bear. Merida must undo the curse and mend their bond. The film focuses on themes of family, courage, and the importance of understanding and communication. 14. Monsters University Release2013DirectorDan Scanlon Monsters University (2013) is a prequel to Monsters, Inc. that follows Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan (Sulley) during their college years. The film shows how these two very different monsters start as rivals but eventually become best friends while training to become scarers. It’s a fun coming-of-age story about friendship, teamwork, and finding your true path. 15. Inside Out Release2015DirectorMark AndrewsBrenda Chapman Inside Out (2015) takes place inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley as she navigates a big move to a new city. Her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are personified characters who work together to guide her through the challenges of growing up. When Joy and Sadness get lost in Riley’s mind, the remaining emotions struggle to maintain balance. The film explores emotional growth, memory, and the importance of embracing all feelings, not just happiness. 16. The Good Dinosaur Release2015DirectorPeter Sohn The Good Dinosaur (2015) is set in an alternate world where dinosaurs never went extinct. It follows Arlo, a timid young Apatosaurus who gets separated from his family and must find his way home. Along the way, he befriends a human boy named Spot, and together they face nature’s challenges. The film explores themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, set against stunning prehistoric landscapes. 17. Cars 3 Release2017DirectorBrian Fee Cars 3 (2017) follows Lightning McQueen as he faces a new generation of high-tech racers led by Jackson Storm. After a major crash, Lightning struggles to stay relevant in the racing world. With help from a young trainer named Cruz Ramirez, he learns to adapt and redefine what it means to win. The film explores themes of mentorship, legacy, and passing the torch. 18. Coco Release2017DirectorLee Unkrich Coco (2017) follows Miguel, a young boy in Mexico who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's ban on music. On Día de los Muertos, he is magically transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks his great-great-grandfather to understand his family's history. Along the way, he learns the importance of remembering loved ones and honoring family traditions. The film celebrates music, culture, and the power of memory. 19. Incredibles 2 Release2018DirectorBrad Bird Incredibles 2 (2018) continues the story of the superhero Parr family. This time, Elastigirl takes the spotlight to help bring superheroes back into public favor, while Mr. Incredible stays home to manage the kids—especially baby Jack-Jack, whose powers are rapidly emerging. As a new villain called Screenslaver threatens the world, the family must reunite to stop the danger. The film blends action, humor, and themes of teamwork and parenting. 20. Toy Story 4 Release2019DirectorJosh Cooley Toy Story 4 (2019) follows Woody as he reunites with old friends and meets new ones—like Forky, a handmade toy struggling with his identity. During a road trip, Woody encounters Bo Peep, who now lives as a lost toy and shows him a different way of life. As Woody faces new choices, the film explores themes of purpose, change, and letting go. It's a heartfelt continuation and conclusion to the beloved Toy Story saga. 21. Onward Release2020DirectorDan Scanlon Onward (2020) is set in a suburban fantasy world where magic has faded. It follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on a quest to bring back their late father for one day using a magical spell. When the spell goes wrong and only his legs appear, they race against time to complete their mission. The film explores themes of family, loss, and discovering inner strength. 22. Soul Release2020DirectorPete Docter Soul (2020) follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz musician who unexpectedly finds himself in the afterlife just before his big break. In a realm called the Great Before, he meets 22, a soul who has never wanted to live on Earth. Together, they explore what it means to have purpose and passion. The film blends jazz, philosophy, and heartfelt storytelling to explore the meaning of life and finding joy in everyday moments. 23. Luca Release2021DirectorEnrico Casarosa Luca (2021) is set in a picturesque seaside town on the Italian Riviera. It follows Luca, a young sea monster curious about the human world. Along with his new friend Alberto, Luca experiences life on land while hiding their true identities. The film is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about friendship, acceptance, and embracing your true self. 24. Turning Red Release2022DirectorDomee Shi Turning Red (2022) is about Mei Lee, a confident 13-year-old girl who suddenly transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited or stressed. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence, family expectations, and friendship in Toronto, Mei learns to embrace her unique identity and emotions. The film humorously and warmly explores themes of growing up, self-acceptance, and cultural heritage. 25. Lightyear Release2022DirectorAngus MacLane Lightyear (2022) tells the origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the real-life space ranger who inspired the toy from the Toy Story films. The movie follows Buzz on a daring mission across the galaxy, facing cosmic threats and discovering what it truly means to be a hero. It blends action, exploration, and character growth, expanding the Toy Story universe with a fresh, epic tale. 26. Elemental Release2023DirectorPeter Sohn Elemental (2023) is set in a city where residents are made of the four elements: fire, water, land, and air. It follows Ember, a fiery and passionate young woman, and Wade, a laid-back water guy, as they navigate their differences and discover how their contrasting natures can create something beautiful together. The film explores themes of connection, acceptance, and embracing diversity. 27. Inside Out 2 Release2024DirectorKelsey Mann Inside Out 2 (2024) continues the story of Riley Andersen two years after her move to San Francisco. She has now entered high school. Her personified emotions oversee a newly formed element of her mind called her "Sense of Self" that houses feelings and memories shaping Riley's beliefs. Riley befriends Val and the other Fire Hawks at high school, while maintaining her friendship with Bree and Grace. 28. Elio Release2025DirectorMadeline Sharafian, Domee Shi & Adrian Molina Elio (2025) is a sci-fi adventure about an imaginative 11-year-old boy named Elio Solís who dreams of connecting with life beyond Earth. When his efforts to make contact with aliens surprisingly pay off, he’s beamed up to the “Communiverse,” a vibrant intergalactic council of alien species that mistakenly believes he’s Earth’s ambassador. Thrust into a cosmic misadventure, Elio must navigate strange new worlds, form unlikely friendships, and confront interstellar challenges while discovering his own identity and place in the universe.

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