So you're looking to watch all those Pixar movies in order? Honestly, I get it. My nephew asked me last week which one comes after Toy Story 3 and I totally blanked. Turns out organizing Pixar films isn't as straightforward as you'd think. There's the release order, the timeline order, and even a few weird connections between movies you wouldn't expect. Let's break this down without overcomplicating things.
The Complete Pixar Release Order
Watching Pixar movies in order of release is what most people mean when they search for Pixar movies in order. It shows how the animation evolved. Remember that jump from Toy Story to Monsters, Inc.? Mind-blowing at the time.
| Release Year | Movie Title | Runtime | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Toy Story | 81 min | Disney+ |
| 1998 | A Bug's Life | 95 min | Disney+ |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | 92 min | Disney+ |
| 2001 | Monsters, Inc. | 92 min | Disney+ |
| 2003 | Finding Nemo | 100 min | Disney+ |
| 2004 | The Incredibles | 115 min | Disney+ |
| 2022 | Lightyear | 105 min | Disney+ |
| 2023 | Elemental | 102 min | Theaters |
Fun fact: I tried binge-watching these in release order last summer. Made it through 8 movies before my eyes started protesting. That Cars 2 runtime feels longer than it is, if you catch my drift.
Chronological Timeline Order
Here's where things get messy. Some Pixar movies share hidden connections. Remember that Pizza Planet truck popping up everywhere? Yeah, there's a theory about a Pixar movies timeline order that actually kinda works.
The Official Pixar Timeline
- The Beginning: The Good Dinosaur (Prehistoric era)
- Brave (10th century Scotland)
- Ratatouille (Set around 2000 but feels timeless)
- Toy Story Franchise (1995-2010s)
- Finding Nemo/Finding Dory (2003/2016)
Weirdly enough, Inside Out fits into the timeline during Riley's childhood in 2014. Saw that movie with my sister who swears it messed up the Pixar movies in chronological order theory. She's probably overthinking it.
Franchise Viewing Orders
Not into watching 27 films back-to-back? Smart move. Here's how to tackle the big series:
Toy Story Universe
- Toy Story (1995)
- Toy Story 2 (1999)
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Toy Story 4 (2019)
- Optional: Lightyear (2022) - origin story for Buzz
Monsters Saga
- Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Monsters University (2013)
Watched the prequel first by accident once. Totally ruins the Sulley-Boo emotional payoff. Learned that lesson the hard way.
Pro Tip: Disney+ now has all Pixar films except the newest theatrical releases. They've got special collections like "Pixar Animation Timeline" that automatically groups movies.
Where to Watch All Pixar Movies
Practically speaking, here's your cheat sheet:
- Disney+: 95% of Pixar catalog included with subscription
- VOD Rental: $3.99-$5.99 per title on Amazon/Apple TV
- Physical Media: Complete box sets run $150-$200 on Amazon
My local library actually has most Pixar DVDs. Saved me a fortune when my kid went through his Cars phase.
Pixar Rankings: Critical vs Fan Favorites
Let's be honest - not all Pixar movies are created equal. Here's the real tea:
Top 5 Pixar Films (According to Critics)
- Toy Story 3 (99% Rotten Tomatoes)
- Finding Nemo (99%)
- Inside Out (98%)
- Coco (97%)
- WALL-E (96%)
Top 5 Fan Favorites (Based on Polls)
- The Incredibles
- Toy Story 2
- Monsters, Inc.
- Up
- Soul
Notice how Cars 2 isn't on either list? There's a reason. Even Pixar fans admit that one missed the mark.
| Category | Most Rewatchable | Best for Kids | Most Emotional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | Toy Story series | Monsters University | Up (that opening scene!) |
| Runner-up | The Incredibles | Cars | Coco |
Pixar Movies FAQs
What's the correct Pixar movies in order for timeline purists?
Start with The Good Dinosaur, then Brave, then basically everything else in release order except move Cars forward - its timeline placement is debated.
Is Lightyear part of the Toy Story sequence?
Kinda? It's the movie Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy. But tonally it's completely different. Felt more like sci-fi than Pixar to me.
Which Pixar movies share the same universe?
Easter eggs confirm connections between Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo. That Pizza Planet truck gets around!
Watch Out: Disney+ sometimes reorganizes films incorrectly. Double-check if you're particular about your Pixar movies viewing order.
Personal Pixar Journey
Saw Toy Story in theaters when I was 10. Mind. Blown. Fast forward to taking my niece to Inside Out - cried more than she did. But I'll admit I walked out of The Good Dinosaur. Just couldn't get into it. Sometimes Pixar tries too hard.
Last month I marathon-ed the entire Pixar movies in release order with movie buff friends. Took 38 hours with breaks. Highlights? Rediscovering Ratatouille. Low point? Everyone napping during Cars 3.
Future Pixar Releases
What's coming next in the Pixar movies order?
- Elio (2025): Space adventure about a boy mistaken for Earth's ambassador
- Toy Story 5: Announced for 2026 - hope they don't ruin the perfect ending
Personally more excited about rumored Incredibles 3 than another Toy Story sequel. Fight me.
Why This Order Matters
Getting the Pixar movies in sequence right isn't just for nerds. Watch in release order to see animation history unfold. Chronological order reveals hidden connections. Or just watch whatever looks fun - no judgment here.
Final thought? That moment in Toy Story 3 when Andy gives away his toys hits different after seeing all previous films. Almost makes sitting through Cars 2 worth it. Almost.
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