This week the SiftSquad is switching things up. We are still publishing a top 10 article but we are focusing on the top 10 movies in a particular franchise. With this being the first “Franchise Favorite” article, we are starting with the franchise of all franchises: Pixar. Each SiftPop contributor has picked their favorite Pixar movie to gush about and make a case for why it is in fact the number one Pixar movie of all time. We established the “top movie” based up all of the contributors voting. Only one can win! Let the battle begin!
Pixar has a legacy at this point that is undeniable, so it is only fitting to talk about a film that explores one’s legacy. Coco (2017) is the story of the young aspiring musician, Miguel and his defiance against an ancestral ban on music. His love of music transports him to the Land of the Dead in an effort to find his Great-Great Grandfather, a fabled singer and songwriter. While there are other films that have explored the Land of the Dead, there has never been a film that quite captured the vibrancy and celebration of Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) like Coco has. The stark contrast between the land of the living and the dead makes the journey to the Land of the Dead a special journey. Full of lush and luminous elements, the Land of the Dead pops out with it’s neon painted landscapes. The amount of detail added to each environment is just jaw dropping and will put you in a state of awe. Along with fantastic world building, there is something to be said about the amazing cast that was put together. Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel) provides the wonderment and heart that drives the film forward. His performance is full of life and emotion, an amount of heavy lifting that is admirable for a performer so young. Hector is a fantastic character who hides great vulnerability through his antics and schemes. The overall theme of celebrating life and remembering the loved ones that have passed is the heart and soul of this film. Coco doesn’t shy away from the feelings of loss and or the difficulties of trying to keep loved one’s legacies alive. This film hit close to home for me in more ways than one in that respect. The year prior to the film’s release our family suffered a great loss, when my Grandmother passed. The deep pit of sorrow felt from that person no longer being in your life is harsh and relentless. Even watching the trailer for this film I got the sense of what I was in store for. I sat on the film for some time and waited for it’s availability for rental. During and after the film I couldn’t help but cry, especially the scenes with Miguel and his Great Grandmother, Coco. It forced me to deal with my pain in a real and cathartic manner that I failed to do prior. The various relationships in the film and the value of remembering your loved ones moved me greatly, especially being part Mexican myself. For what this film has done for me personally and the terrific handling of it’s themes, Coco has a special place in my heart and is my favorite Pixar Film. (Joseph Vargas)
Pixar has produced several films over the years that have touched my heart in many ways. Films like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Wall-E, Up, and Inside Out are Pixar films that I hold near and dear; but there has been no film that Pixar has produced that has hit me as hard as Onward did. Some may say that this is recency bias, but this isn’t the case. Onward is a film that hits close to home for me on several personal levels that no film has ever done. It’s a film about family, brotherly love, letting go, becoming your own man, but most importantly it’s a movie about father and sons and a father’s impact reaching beyond the grave. This movie touched my heart in a deeply moving way in a time where I desperately needed it. That is why I consider Onward to now be my personal favorite Pixar film ever made. (Ben Davis)
The opening of Pixar’s best picture-nominated Up is perhaps the most iconic in their illustrious catalogue. One cannot hear one note of Michael Giacchino’s heartbreaking piano score without being reminded of images of lives lived and dreams dreamed. Yet beyond its lofty first minutes is a tender story of how circumstances wither us as much as age, and how the bitterness of isolation can be mended simply with the warmth of a helping hand. Truly the story of an aging man secluded in his home waiting to die could not be more relevant than it is in our current climate, and neither could its message of compassion and friendship. The relationship between the crotchety Carl and young, naive Russel is unusual for a Disney movie, one which begins with malice and a near parasitic nature and subtly over time grows into something almost paternal. There is a freshness to every aspect of this movie that gives it a unique sense of life, an interesting contrast to its elderly main character. Plot points occur at different moments than they regularly should, the structure is wild and free like the falls of Carl’s desire, and the many twists and turns are just icing on the cake. Pixar can sometimes be faulted with telling formulaic stories within the framework of highly imaginative concepts. Up is not an example of a great concept wasted on a so-so story. It’s a great film, an achievement for both the animation medium and popular entertainment in general. (Devan Meyer)
While Pixar is known for animating some truly amazing scenes, and creating worlds of grandeur and fascination, this film flourishes most with the food. Telling the story of a rat in Paris whose dream is to cook amazing dishes in one of Paris’ best restaurants, Ratatouille gives us a simple story of achieving a dream that many would think impossible. It’s just really lovely; honestly it just makes the heartstrings soar, and the tongues salivate. Although the protagonist is a rat, he has enough dimensions that many viewers would relate to him and his passion and those that don’t, would relate just as much to his human pal, Linguini, as someone who wants to do something with their life but has no drive. It’s universal, it’s exquisitely animated – it truly is Pixar. Not to be undone by the story and animation, however, the score for this Pixar picture is one that is so perfectly paired that as I’m writing this blurb, the main tune has been pleasantly playing through my head. While many would overlook this Pixar gem, Ratatouille is one that should always be near the top of everyone’s lists. Ageless, pretty, tasty and wonderful in every aspect, this is a great one to watch no matter the mood you’re in! (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
Normally I like to start out my movie reviews with a movie quote, but given the movie, I don’t think that is appropriate. Finding Nemo is arguably the most creative movie Pixar ever made. Between its characters, environments, situations, and animation, I am not sure which to fall in love with most. No matter what age you are, there is something for you in this movie. But the thing that I keep coming back to is the countless times I’ve heard these quotes used in real life in either a strictly comedic way or just by people who are reliving an experience. The amount of times that we’ve heard, “I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy. Come on, Squishy. Come on, little Squishy.” Or maybe, “We were like woah. And I was like woah. And you were like woooah.” And who could forget the iconic, “That’s a pretty big butt. Oh, look at me. I’m gonna touch the butt.” The more I think about how this has anchored itself into the public consciousness, the more I believe that this movie has transcended being the top Pixar movie and ascended even higher into our culture as a whole. Let’s remember this movie fondly together and until then… Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. (Aaron Schweitzer)
“I can’t stop Andy from growing up, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” In one dagger of a line, Woody encapsulates the entire message of the best Toy Story movie: Toy Story 2. While the original was groundbreaking and still a 10/10, the sequel came in and built on the character relationships to create something truly special. This movie examines how to find your place in the world – by the end, each of the main characters is solidified in knowing where they belong, and why. Ultimately, it comes down to where you have the most meaningful life and relationships, and for our favorite toys, that is with each other. Aside from that, this movie is as entertaining as anything else in the Pixar catalog. It’s hilarious and full of subtle pop culture references that fit seamlessly into the dialogue. Plus, this is one of my most-quoted movies of all time. While the two following installments may be more emotionally moving, I don’t think they are as narratively tight as this one is. Toy Story 2 is full of heart, messages, and entertainment value – it’s the full package. (Robert Bouffard)
Inside Out is a crowning jewel in the history of Pixar studios. A superb voice cast that was perfectly assembled, this crew excels in bringing the material to life and makes this movie a joy to write about. This film slowly peels back your defenses and drives right to your heart in an emotional journey that reminds us that every emotion has importance and we should not feel guilty for letting ourselves feel each one of them. It is impossible to watch this movie and not get emotional as it goes on. It would appear as though this film limits the range of emotions, but this process actually makes it easier to sympathize and understand with what is happening on the screen. This simplification actually allows the viewer to see the complexities that each basic feeling can hold. Add some cleverly placed humor and a ton of heart, and this movie becomes quite possibly the best movie that Pixar has made. (Kaleb Wolters)
Sober Frank here, and Wall-E is by far my Number 1 Pixar movie of all time, hence the soberness. When this film came out I got to see it early while managing a cinema. I saw it completely alone. When the movie was over I was amazed at how I was completely enveloped in the Wall-E world. Wall-E is a full time trash collecting robot and part time hoarder(and sometimes a free lance cannibal) who finds his out of his world love in the form of Eve an amateur botanist robot. After they meet, the relationship that forms is stronger than any other Pixar relationship (I’m looking at you, you Old Bastard!). Just leave it to Pixar to knock out a total home run where all the main characters can say are their names. There is just something about this movie that makes it stand apart from all the other Pixar movies. Honestly, it really just compels you to give it a standing ovation with how much they make you root for the characters! (Frank Kemp)
What would you expect from a world inhabited by monsters? Fire and darkness? Creepy buildings surrounded by spooky creations? The most wonderful part about Pixar’s delightful entry, Monsters, Inc., is the realization that their world is not much different from ours. In fact, it is quite oddly relatable! You get up, exercise, head to work, vie for the respect and recognition of your peers, and hopefully go out on a date at your local Benihana…I mean Harryhausen’s. The world that this film presents is one of the most unique and impressive in all of Pixar as there are such a range of creative characters that inhabit a world cleverly put together balancing the strange and ordinary. Honestly the world building would be enough to make Monsters, Inc a top tier Pixar film but then we get so much heart to fill this space. If you say you don’t melt every time you hear Boo call for “Kitty”, I don’t think you are alive at all! John Goodman’s Sully is one of the greatest of all Pixar characters as he can be scary when he needs to but he has a wonderful spirit full of charm and love. Then you have Billy Crystal’s Mike who is one of the most clever and funny of all Pixar creations. Oh wait, there’s more! Steve Buscemi is creepy and unnerving as the vile Randall while James Coburn gives a late career vocal performance as Waternoose who just might be more than a veteran monster and mentor. The story has twists and turns, the relationships have heart, and the music is perfect in the most Randy Newman way possible. This might be some early Pixar but it is also some all-time great Pixar. Perhaps the greatest! (Shane Conto)
Pixar gave us a superhero family to love with our whole hearts in the Parrs. Set in an alternate version of the 60s, Bob and Helen Parr are forced to live a mundane life after their alter egos(Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl) are sidelined from fighting after their destruction to the city becomes too much for society to justify. Bob gets bored with normal life and wants to taste what it was life in the good old days so he starts doing vigilante justice on the side. Everything seems to go smoothly until Bob gets a little bit over his head and the rest of the family has to come and rescue him and the world. The reason why I believe this film is the best is due to my love for the espionage, 007-esque styling, amazing 60s vibe and savvy jokes displayed throughout the film. All of this is captured in my favorite line “where is my super suit?!”. In addition to all the spy fun, Pixar perfectly captures the various aspects of family life: child neglect, marital issues, impotence fears, fashion faux pas (“no capes!”) and angsty preteens. It’s a fun ride, showing what life really looks like for superheros and what it’s like to have to hide what you were made for. The Incredibles truly holds up the literal definition of its name. (Chantal Ashford)
Honorable Mentions
Brave(#11)
Full disclosure: my red-haired, blue-eyed, Gaelic speaking wife, who also plays and sings in a Celtic band, adores “Brave” and everything about it. But I am my own man, dammit, and shall not be influenced by this! That being said, I really do love this movie, and I was surprised at some of the flak tossed its way. If you were a rebellious kid growing up (like me), tired of hearing things from your elders like “because I said so”, then this film might resonate with you. If you minded your parents, then Merida will likely come across as too strong or too stubborn for your taste. Film wise, it is gorgeous, the music is infectious and the characters are believable. I liked seeing a mom who was a strong woman while NOT being an evil-stepmother; I liked seeing some fantasy aspects brought to life from a new part of Europe (Scotland). And as for our heroine, Merida, she was the first Disney princess to end the movie without a significant other, and she broke the “look” of the beautiful starlets that had preceded her. If nothing else, this can spark conversations with your children about making good decisions and dealing with the consequences of the bad ones. (Donald Skidmore)
Cars(#12)
It’s easy to look at all of the movies in the Pixar catalogue and predict the public opinion on which movies are parked near the bottom of the list. I’m not gonna lie, I get where they’re coming from. When you have movies that will make you weep uncontrollably like Finding Nemo, and Toy Story 3, it’s easy to see why people dismiss it. However, I actually really appreciate Cars more than most. I find that it still has its Pixar charm while standing out from the others. Lightning McQueen is a professional race car, and he gets lost on a road trip to “The piston cup”. While getting lost he ends up destroying a town’s roads by the name of Radiator Springs, and must get it fixed before setting back off on his journey. While he’s forced to fix this town, he meets quite the cast of characters along the way. One of the standouts is Mater, the town’s tow truck voiced by Larry the Cable Guy. Depending on who you are, he is either the best thing about this movie, or the worst. I really love this character and even though his character is on Jar Jar Binks level of annoying in Cars 2, he’s just innocent and fun in this first movie. While Cars 2 has been a real parking boot on this franchise as a whole in many people’s minds, the original cars teaches kids how they should slow down and enjoy the little things. (Alex Henderson)
Also See:
Bug’s Life, The Good Dinosaur
How close was our top three to your personal top 3 Pixar movies? Tweet us your thoughts @siftpop on Twitter.