These films are typically forgotten among viewers and are practically never the first titles that come to mind. Yet they often share heartfelt, meaningful stories that push creative boundaries in ways that can positively influence future films. These Pixar movies may not be as popular as the studio’s greatest hits, but they deserve far more attention and recognition than they get.
Elio
Elio follows an 11-year-old boy who has always felt out of place on Earth. When he finds himself unexpectedly transported to the Communiverse, he is mistaken for Earth’s ambassador. It becomes his job to navigate interstellar politics and forge new bonds with aliens like Glordon, while his aunt Olga tries to make sense of the chaos back home.
Elio is one of Pixar’s newest films that hasn’t been as broadly received as other Pixar hits and even set a record for the studio’s worst-ever opening weekend. Despite that, the film stands out for its adventurous premise and exploration of identity and belonging. Elio’s journey is a near-perfect balance of humor and touching storytelling, making it both visually wonderful and heartfelt.
The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur centers on Arlo, a young Apatosaurus growing up on an alternate Earth where dinosaurs never went extinct. After a catastrophic flood separates him from his family and claims his father’s life, Arlo must venture across the land to find his way home. Along his journey, he crosses paths with a feral human boy named Spot, with whom he forms an unlikely bond as he becomes his companion and protector.
The film is one of Pixar’s most often-overlooked titles, but it stands out for its impressive visuals and a heartwarming story. Arlo’s journey offers a touching exploration of fear, grief, and courage, telling a meaningful story that is perfect for families and children of all ages.
A Bug’s Life
A Bug’s Life follows Flik, an inventive but socially awkward ant whose latest experiment accidentally ruins the colony’s food tribute to a menacing gang of grasshoppers led by Hopper. Determined to protect his community, Flik recruits what he thinks are warrior bugs, only to discover that they are a troupe of circus bugs. Unwilling to give up, Flik hatches a plan to outsmart the oppressors and reclaim the colony’s freedom.
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A Bug’s Life is Pixar’s second feature film and was a commercial success; however, it remains one of the studio’s hidden gems. The film stands out for its playful, inventive world-building and memorable, entertaining characters that come together to create a meaningful story about unity and courage.
Elemental
Elemental takes place in a city where beings made of fire, earth, water, and air live side by side. The story centers on Ember, a fiery and determined woman, and Wade, an easygoing water resident, as their paths cross in the most unexpected ways. As they challenge each other’s beliefs and perceptions about the separation between elements, they invite change in the city and in their lives.
Elemental’s greatest strength lies in its emotional nuance and inventive visual storytelling. Pixar’s use of elemental characters to explore themes of identity, cultural exploration, and connection creates a narrative that is touching and universal. It’s a rom-com that shares cultural heritage and the impact of prejudice, making it a resonant, unforgettable love story that deserves far more praise.
Onward
Onward centers on teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot in a suburban world where magic has faded into modern convenience. On Ian’s 16th birthday, the pair attempt to use a magical staff to bring back their late father for a day, but the spell only restores his lower half. Determined to complete the ritual before the day is over, they begin a quest to complete the spell.
The film excels at blending adventure with heartfelt family storytelling. Ian’s growth and Barley’s unwavering support are the foundation for the story’s themes of sibling bonds and self-discovery, while the modernized magical world offers fresh comedic and visual opportunities. Onward is a thrilling, heartwarming story that deserves every bit of praise it receives.
Lightyear
Lightyear follows Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear on a high-stakes mission far from Earth. After being stranded on a hostile planet with his crew, Buzz struggles to perfect hyperspace travel, only to realize that time dilation leaves him unaging while decades pass for everyone else, leading him to realize he must rely on a team to defeat a mysterious enemy and accept his new reality.
Audiences around the world know Buzz Lightyear from the hit series Toy Story, and Lightyear was made to be the origin story and film that Andy watched before buying the new toy. It stands out as a sci-fi adventure with emotional weight and a morally complex antagonist, exploring themes of obsession, loss, and personal growth.
Turning Red
Turning Red follows 13-year-old Meilin “Mei” Lee, a spirited Chinese-Canadian girl who unexpectedly learns that she has a magical inherited ability to transform into a giant red panda whenever her emotions spike. While she attempts to navigate this new magical transformation, she also must handle friendships, familial expectations, and puberty, all while pursuing her and her friends’ dream of attending a 4 Town concert.
The film is known for its fearless exploration of adolescence and identity, detailing every bit of awkwardness and heartfelt moments with authenticity. Turning Red may not be as widely talked about as other major Pixar films, but its blend of humor and heart makes it one of the best original films in recent years.
Luca
Luca follows a young sea monster, Luca Paguro, who lives a sheltered life beneath the Italian Riviera. When dry, he transforms into a human, allowing him to explore the nearby town of Portorosso with his adventurous friend Alberto. Together, they experience human life, forge new friendships, and take part in a competition, all while hiding their true identity from the townsfolk.
The animation is whimsical, and the supporting cast is memorable, making Luca a well-rounded film that embraces what it means to be different.
Luca captures the joy and uncertainty of youth while sharing his curiosity, bravery, and journey as he gradually learns to accept himself and finds his true calling. The animation is whimsical, and the supporting cast is memorable, making Luca a well-rounded film that embraces what it means to be different.
Brave
Brave follows Merida, a headstrong Scottish princess who rejects the pressure to marry and inadvertently casts a curse on her mother, transforming her into a bear. In order to undo the spell, Merida and her mother must overcome their differences and work together to reverse the curse before it becomes permanent.
The film stands out for its exploration of mother-daughter relationships, autonomy, and action rather than romance (in comparison to Disney princess movies). In Brave, Pixar blends fantasy with fleshed-out characters and Highland settings, creating a visually stunning masterpiece that is both moving and thrilling.
Soul
Soul centers on Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher and aspiring jazz musician, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a near-fatal accident separates his soul from his body. He finds himself in The Great Before, a realm filled with new souls who must discover their passions and traits before entering the world. There, he becomes the guide for 22, a soul resistant to life that Joe must inspire before escaping the afterlife.
The film stands out as a deeply emotional and meaningful film that questions life’s meaning, from finding one’s “spark” to small, everyday joys. Soul may not be as big as Pixar’s most well-known and talked about stories, but it absolutely deserves to be.