Pixar has built its legacy not just on stunning animation and clever storytelling, but also on its ability to hit audiences right in the feelings. Over the years, the Oscar-winning studio has tackled difficult themes from midlife crises, death, to emotions, and they always connect with the audiences. No matter how old we are, Pixar films have a way of slipping past your defenses and delivering emotional scenes you didn't see coming. The next thing you know, you're scrambling for the tissues.
Here, we're ranking Pixar movies from the 2010s by just how emotionally devastating they are. The list boasts iconic sequels and also original films with the same common denominator: they are heartbreaking. They can be cathartic, joyful, or simply just sad. Let's take a look at these films from the renowned animation studio that hit hardest.
11 'Cars 2' (2011) Directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis
In Cars 2, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) heads overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix, sponsored by a clean energy mogul. He brings along his best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), who quickly becomes tangled in an unexpected espionage plot when he is mistaken for a secret agent.
While Cars 2 is a sequel to the heartfelt original, it swaps emotional depth for high-octane spectacle and spy-thriller antics. Its biggest emotional beats revolve around Mater's insecurities about being seen as useless, which touch on themes of self-worth and acceptance, but they're handled with a light touch and often undercut by slapstick humor. Compared to Pixar's usual emotional resonance, the film barely grazes the heartstrings. It's more interested in boasting its insanely star-studded voice cast and replicating the thrills of spy franchises. It's still a highly entertaining film, especially for its main target audience, but it's definitely different from the usual Pixar offerings.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Cars 2 G Animation Family Adventure Comedy 5.5/10 Release Date June 24, 2011 Runtime 106 minutes Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY Cast Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Eddie Izzard, John Turturro, Brent Musburger, Joe Mantegna, Thomas Kretschmann, Peter Jacobson, Bonnie Hunt, Darrell Waltrip, Franco Nero, David Hobbs, Patrick Walker, Tony Shalhoub, Jeff Garlin, Michel Michelis, Jason Isaacs, Lloyd Sherr, Bruce Campbell, Teresa Gallagher, Jenifer Lewis, Stanley Townsend, Velibor Topic Director John Lasseter Writers Ben Queen Producers Denise Ream Prequel(s) Cars Sequel(s) Cars 3 Main Genre Animation Budget $200 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 10 'Monsters University' (2013) Directed by Dan Scanlon
Monsters University takes audiences back to the college days of Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman). Despite being inseparable buddies as seen on Monsters Inc., the two clash immediately because they have different ideals. To become a top scarer, Mike relies on hard work and study, but Sulley thrives on his talent despite being lazy. They are involuntarily paired for the annual Scare Games where they have to work together to win.
This Pixar prequel is more about growing up and dealing with disappointment, which is a surprisingly mature message for a film targeted at younger audiences. Its most powerful message comes in the realization that sometimes dreams don't work out the way you planned, and that's okay. It's a heartfelt message, but compared to other Pixar films that deal with themes like family and friendship, this one is on the lighter side, especially because it's handled with a comedic tone. The film was a commercial and critical success, but on the Pixar heartbreak scale, it is placed a bit lower.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Monsters University G Animation Family Release Date June 19, 2013 Runtime 104 minutes Director Dan Scanlon Writers Dan Scanlon, Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY Cast Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Peter Sohn, Joel Murray, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley, Charlie Day, Alfred Molina, Tyler Labine, Nathan Fillion, Aubrey Plaza, Bobby Moynihan, Noah Johnston, Julia Sweeney, Bonnie Hunt, John Krasinski, Bill Hader, Beth Behrs, Bob Peterson, John Ratzenberger, Lori Alan, Carlos Alazraqui, Jack Angel Producers Andrew Stanton, John Lasseter, Kori Rae, Lee Unkrich Prequel(s) Monsters, Inc. Franchise(s) Disney Main Genre Animation Budget $200 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 9 'Incredibles 2' (2018) Directed by Brad Bird
Incredibles 2 sees the Parr family back in action when a wealthy tech mogul named Winston Deavor (Bob Odenkirk) offers to help re-legalize superheroes by putting Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) in the spotlight. While Helen is off saving the day and improving the image of Supers, Bob (Craig T. Nelson) stays home to care for the kids, dealing with Violet's boy troubles, Dash's math homework, and baby Jack-Jack's chaotic and unpredictable powers. Meanwhile, a mysterious villain known as Screenslaver (Catherine Keener) emerges.
This sequel is fun, sleek, and action-packed, making it one of the highest-grossing superhero films because it really connected with audiences. However, emotionally, it doesn't dig too deep. Most of the emotional core revolves around Bob adjusting to the role of full-time parent as well as the value of family. But audiences have seen that the Parr family is a strong unit, so all in all, it's a much more heartfelt affair than tear-jerking. Compared to Cars 2, the film deals with action and emotion better, but compared to most Pixar films, this one keeps things relatively light in terms of emotionally traumatizing the audiences.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Incredibles 2 PG Action Adventure Animation Family Release Date June 15, 2018 Runtime 118 minutes Director Brad Bird Writers Brad Bird Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY Cast Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, Jonathan Banks, Brad Bird, John Ratzenberger, Eli Fucile, Nicholas Bird, Bill Wise, Michael Bird, Sophia Bush, Phil LaMarr, Paul Eiding, Isabella Rossellini, Barry Bostwick, Adam Rodriguez, Jere Burns, Kimberly Adair Clark, Usher, Adam Gates, A.J. LoCascio Producers John Lasseter, John Walker Main Genre Animation Powered by Expand Collapse 8 'Finding Dory' (2016) Directed by Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane
Finding Dory follows the forgetful Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) as she begins having fragmented memories of her parents and becomes determined to find them. Her journey takes her across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute in California, where she's separated from her friends and must rely on a new group of sea creatures, like the grumpy octopus Hank (Ed O'Neill) and the nearsighted whale shark Destiny (Kaitlin Olson).
It's quite unimaginable that Finding Nemo has a sequel, but Finding Dory is actually also a gentle, poignant film that touches on family and belonging. Dory's confusion due to her short-term memory loss makes her feel like a burden to others and even makes her lose hope of ever finding her family. The film's climactic moment that sees Dory's reunion with her parents, who never stopped believing she'd return, is guaranteed to generate some tears in audiences. Nevertheless, the character's journey and the film's overall theme are quite similar to its predecessor that audiences may feel a familiar emotional devastation when watching this billion-dollar Pixar sequel.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Finding Dory PG Comedy Animation Adventure Release Date June 17, 2016 Runtime 97 Minutes Director Angus MacLane, Andrew Stanton Writers Andrew Stanton, Victoria Strouse Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming Cast Ellen DeGeneres, Idris Elba, Michael Sheen, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell, Kaitlin Olson, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton, Ed O'Neill, Dominic West, Hayden Rolence Prequel(s) Finding Nemo Franchise(s) Finding Nemo, Disney Budget 200 million USD Studio(s) Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Powered by Expand Collapse 7 'Cars 3' (2017) Directed by Brian Fee
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is no longer the young hotshot racer he once was in Cars 3. After a devastating crash while trying to keep up with a new generation of high-tech racers led by the cocky Jackson Storm (Armie Hammer), Lightning is forced to confront the possibility that his racing days may be over. With the help of an eager new trainer, Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), Lightning sets out to reclaim his place by redefining what winning means.
Cars 3 goes back to basics, no spy shenanigans and focuses on McQueen's journey. For kids, it's a fun, inspiring tale, but for the older crowd, there's something quietly heartbreaking about watching McQueen struggle with fading glory and realizing that his time may have passed. Basically, this is a midlife crisis movie packaged with colorful animation. The most touching moment comes not with a win, but when McQueen steps back and gives Cruz the spotlight, honoring the mentorship he once received from Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). It's a graceful character development for the once intolerable, juvenile racer and redefines his purpose beyond just racing.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Cars 3 G Animation Adventure Comedy Family Release Date June 16, 2017 Runtime 109minutes Director Brian Fee Writers Brian Fee, Ben Queen, Eyal Podell, Jonathon E. Stewart, Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming Cast Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Armie Hammer, Lea DeLaria, Nathan Fillion, Kerry Washington, Cheech Marin, Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Larry the Cable Guy, Margo Martindale, Tony Shalhoub, Jenifer Lewis Prequel(s) Cars, Cars 2 Sequel(s) Cars 4 Budget 175million$ Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 6 'Toy Story 4' (2019) Directed by Josh Cooley
Toy Story 4 finds Woody (Tom Hanks) navigating life with a new kid, Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw), who doesn't seem to need him the way Andy once did. When Bonnie creates Forky (Tony Hale), a toy spork struggling with his purpose, Woody takes it upon himself to protect him. Their journey leads them to a roadside antique shop, where Woody reunites with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (Annie Potts), now happily without an owner. This makes Woody rethink his journey and purpose.
For children and most longtime fans of the Toy Story series, Woody's journey may be nonsensical. He chooses to leave his owner and friends, and live his own life. But it's an incredibly mature development. Woody's entire identity has always been wrapped in being there for his kid, but in this final chapter, he accepts that it's okay to want something for himself. The final goodbye between Woody and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) hits especially hard for fans who've grown up with these characters for more than 20 years. It's a story about moving on, and the film's bittersweet tone makes it a surprisingly profound farewell.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Toy Story 4 G Family Adventure Animation Comedy Fantasy Release Date June 21, 2019 Runtime 100 minutes Director Josh Cooley Writers Andrew Stanton, Stephany Folsom Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY
When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.
Cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Madeleine McGraw, Christina Hendricks, Jordan Peele, Keanu Reeves, Ally Maki, Jay Hernandez, Lori Alan, Joan Cusack, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Emily Davis, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Blake Clark, June Squibb, Carl Weathers, Lila Sage Bromley, Don Rickles, Jeff Garlin, Maliah Bargas-Good Producers Galyn Susman, Jonas Rivera, Mark Nielsen Prequel(s) Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3 Sequel(s) Toy Story 5 Franchise(s) Toy Story Main Genre Animation Budget $175 million Studio(s) Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Executive Producer(s) Lee Unkrich Powered by Expand Collapse 5 'The Good Dinosaur' (2015) Directed by Peter Sohn
The Good Dinosaur imagines a world where the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs never hit Earth. The film centers on Arlo (Raymond Ochoa), a timid young Apatosaurus who struggles to find his place within his hardworking family. After a tragic accident claims the life of his father, Arlo is swept away by a river and must journey back home. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with a feral human boy named Spot (Jack Bright).
The Good Dinosaur is one of Pixar's most melancholic films, and one of the studio's best original offerings in recent memory. The film explores themes of grief, fear, and resilience, especially as Arlo copes with the loss of his father. The bond that forms between Arlo and Spot, despite them being from different species and unable to communicate with words, carries genuine warmth and heartbreak, especially in the one scene where they share stories of their lost families using sticks and sand. The silent farewell between them near the end is subtle but devastating. The film may not yet be ranked among Pixar's greats as the plot can feel simple, but its raw, darker emotional tone makes it gut-wrenching in its own right.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like The Good Dinosaur PG Family Animation Release Date November 25, 2015 Runtime 93MINUTES Director Peter Sohn Writers Bob Peterson, Enrico Casarosa Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming Cast Bill Hader, Neil Patrick Harris, Lucas Neff, John Lithgow, Frances McDormand, Judy Greer Franchise(s) Disney Budget $175-200 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 4 'Brave' (2012) Directed by Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews
Brave follows Merida (Kelly Macdonald), a fiery Scottish princess who resists the expectations placed upon her as a royal daughter. When her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), insists she follow tradition and marry a suitor for the good of the kingdom, Merida defies her and seeks out a way to change her fate. That choice leads her to a witch who gives her a spell that transforms her mother into a bear.
Brave deals with emotional issues in a quieter, more personal way than other Pixar movies, making it one of its underrated films. At its heart, it's about the rift that can form between a parent and child, and the sometimes painful journey toward reconciliation. The film captures the emotional frustration of feeling misunderstood by family, and the fear of losing them before having the chance to make things right. The film sees Merida and Queen Elinor's journey to understand each other. The final act, as Merida weeps at the thought of losing her mother forever, hits hard enough to leave a lasting impact. It's an issue that hits close to home as all children must have an argument with their parents, no matter how small the issue is.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Brave PG Animation Action Adventure Comedy Family Fantasy 9.0/10 Release Date June 21, 2012 Runtime 1h 33m Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming Cast Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd Director Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell Writers Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, Irene Mecchi Budget 185 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 3 'Coco' (2017) Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina
Coco follows Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), a young boy in Mexico who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, he finds himself transported to the Land of the Dead after stealing a guitar from the tomb of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). There, Miguel meets charming trickster Hector (Gael Garcia Bernal) and uncovers a generational secret about his family's true history.
Coco's brilliance lies in its themes of death, legacy, and death. The film weaves its plot and characters through their journey and music, leading to its most emotionally devastating moment. The scene where Miguel sings "Remember Me" to his fading great-grandmother Coco is almost impossible to get through dry-eyed. It's a scene that not only pleads for memory but also connection, giving the film its emotional punch. Aside from that, the film utilizes its Day of the Dead setting to its fullest effect, making it also a cultural celebration. A sequel is currently planned, and it's surely going to make us cry too.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Coco PG Animation Adventure Comedy Family History 8.7/10 Release Date October 27, 2017 Runtime 105 minutes Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
Cast Gael García Bernal, Alanna Ubach, Anthony Gonzalez, Selene Luna, Jaime Camil, Edward James Olmos, Renee Victor, Sofía Espinosa, Benjamin Bratt, natalia cordova-buckley, Alfonso Arau Director Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich Writers Lee Unkrich, Jason Katz, Matthew Aldrich Budget $175-225 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse 2 'Inside Out' (2015) Directed by Pete Docter
Inside Out goes inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), where five core emotions, Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling), navigate her reactions and memories. When Riley's family moves to a new city, her world changes drastically, and Joy and Sadness are accidentally swept away from Headquarters into her subconscious section of the mind, leaving the remaining emotions scrambling to help her cope.
It is a little too on the nose to have a movie about emotions play with audiences' emotions, but that's exactly what happened. For kids, this film would help them manage and understand their behavior, showing that sadness is not something to avoid, but something essential to processing change. For the older crowd, this film is a whiplash between hilarious and genuinely heartbreaking moments. The film's standout scene is when Riley's forgotten imaginary friend Bing Bong (Richard Kind) plunges into the Memory Dump, fading forever. Inside Out may be the only film that succeeded in conveying such a difficult concept in a relatable, moving way.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Inside Out PG Animation Family Adventure Drama Comedy 9.0/10 Release Date June 17, 2015 Runtime 95 minutes Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY
After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.
Cast Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paula Poundstone, Bobby Moynihan, Paula Pell, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Josh Cooley, Flea, John Ratzenberger, Carlos Alazraqui, Peter Sagal, Rashida Jones, Lori Alan, Gregg Berger, Veronika Bonell, John Cygan, Andrea Datzman Director Pete Docter Writers Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley, Ronnie del Carmen Producers Andrew Stanton, John Lasseter Sequel(s) Inside Out 2 Franchise(s) Disney Main Genre Animation Budget 175 million Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Powered by Expand Collapse