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Is WALL-E the Best Pixar Movie Ever?

2008-04-25-walle_cube_lg-1.jpg

Last week I took the family to see the new Pixar movie WALL-E. I am a big fan of all things Pixar. I think we have just about every one of their movies on DVD. I'm happy to say that WALL-E did not disappoint. I loved it. I was moved by it. And I'd like to see it again. In fact I think it's my all-time favorite Pixar film. Seeing it made me think about how I would rank the Pixar movies. This is difficult, but here's my ranking:

1. WALL-E
The gushing critics are right. This is a classic. The romance between the robots seemed so real; their emotions so authentic. Good grief that sounds stupid, but you have to watch the movie to understand. It also made me want to recycle everything.

2. Finding Nemo
A movie where the dad is the hero. And it's just so beautiful.

3. Ratatouille
I love the concept of this movie and the way I feel after I view it. Food comes to life and the flaws in the characters make them so much deeper than the characters in most animated films.

4. Toy Story 2
How often is a sequel as good, or as I think, better than the original?

5. Cars
My kids got bored the first time we watched Cars in a theater. I thought Pixar's string of hits had come to an end. But then when we watched it on DVD the heart of the film and it's intentionally slow middle made sense to me. And I love the last scene where Lightning goes back for The King.

6. The Incredibles
I am a sucker for superheroes, but the bad attitude of the kids seemed over the top and the mid-life crisis content made it a little much for kids in my opinion. My kids still haven't seen it. But I liked the animation and the theme of a family learning to work together.

7. A Bug's Life
I like this movie a lot, but the animation and story doesn't seem as sophisticated as later Pixar films.

8. Toy Story
I will probably get in trouble with someone for ranking this so low. It was the first and it is really good. But compared to later films I don't think its as strong. And the fact that the toys "broke the rules" and appeared alive to Sid at the end sort of seemed to be, well, breaking the rules.

9. Monsters, Inc.
I haven't watched this one for a long time. It's another one that my kids haven't seen yet because I remember a few parts being a little too intense. So I put it in last place.

Well, there you have it. That's my ranking. I'd love to hear what yours would be and where you disagree with mine.

Posted by on July 7, 2008

Comments (37)

You got it wrong...

1. Wall-e
2. Toy Story
3. The Incredibles
4. Cars
5. Finding Nemo
6. Monsters, Inc.
7. Ratatouille
8. Toy Story 2
9. A Bugs Life

Posted by Hco | July 7, 2008 7:18 PM

is it because of our tendency of being appealed to newness that we like new, fresh ones better? i haven't seen wall-e, but i doubt it's way better than the incredibles or finding nemo.

Posted by Joe Lee | July 7, 2008 8:36 PM

1. Wall-e
2. Finding Nemo
3. Monsters, Inc.
4. Toy Story
5. The Incredibles
6. Toy Story 2
7. A Bugs Life
8. Cars
9. Ratatouille

Posted by cait | July 7, 2008 8:47 PM

1. Monsters Inc.
2. Toy Story 2
3. The Incredibles
4. Wall-E
5. Toy Story
6. Ratatouille
7. Finding Nemo
8. A Bug's Life
9. Cars

Of course, they're all great films, but you have to have favorites, right? Monsters Inc. will perpetually be my favorite because of the inspired pairing of Billy Crystal and John Goodman, and because I still think it is the most innovative concept they've ever come up with at Pixar (and that's saying a lot). I still like Cars and Bug's Life a lot, but they just didn't have as much of that Pixar magic, I don't think. They seemed...well, too normal.

Posted by Sam B. | July 7, 2008 9:49 PM

1. WALL-E
2. Finding Nemo
3. Cars
4. Ratatouille
5. The Incredible
6. Monsters, Inc.
7. Toy Story
8. Toy Story 2
9. A Bug's Life

Posted by D. Taylor Benton | July 7, 2008 10:16 PM

you made me want to see enchanted when you endorsed that... now i'm looking forward to catching wall-e! :)

Posted by meg | July 7, 2008 11:03 PM

Meg,

When did I ever say anything about "Enchanted"? I'm not a big fan of that movie. No offense, ladies!

Joshua

Posted by Joshua Harris | July 7, 2008 11:25 PM

1. wall-e (for its ingenuity. loved how there were few spoken lines, yet it was still hilarious)
2. Toy Story (classic. I can quote pretty much the whole thing from memory.)
3. Finding Nemo (funny lines, characters and many memories from the movie)
4. Monsters Inc. (brillant.)
5. Toy Story 2 (So good... but not a favorite due to a younger sister watching it 24/7 growing up)
6. Ratatouille (saw it. don't remember it.)
7. Bugs Life (BORING)

Never saw Cars or the Incredibles. I hear they were good though.

Posted by jess | July 7, 2008 11:36 PM

I'm surprised that no one mentioned the movie "Meet the Robinsons." Has anyone here seen it? I viewed it recently on HBO while I was at a hotel, and it really moved me. I definitely recommend it!

Posted by Steven | July 8, 2008 2:04 AM

Now the next question is how you would rank the Pixar animated short-films :)

My #1 vote remains with 'Geri's Game' - I love how it keeps me laughing each time I see it!

Posted by Steven Tran | July 8, 2008 2:17 AM

I don't think I can rank them, but I will say this: One's thought's about these great movies change when children come into the picture. Your blog post was actually thought provoking (I know that seems silly, as it was just about Pixar). My husband and I are about to have our first baby, and suddenly I'm remembering all these films with children in mind! For instance, I love The Incredibles, but those kids DO have pretty terrible attitudes at the beginning, and there are some pretty adult themes (Mom thinks dad is cheating on her at one point).
So I'll have to rethink what my list would be...although I agree that Wall-E is THE BEST, hands down. The story was moving, the animation incredible. Loved it :)

Posted by Katie | July 8, 2008 8:32 AM

Josh: I'm with you on Enchanted! Not a big fan.
And as Katie said, your evaluation criteria was quite provoking, I had never thought about the Pixar movies through the parental lens you used. I now will think twice before popping one of those movies in for a child.
I also consider WALL-E to be outstanding. Loved the themes and messages woven into the story. More than a few scenes gave me a "wow" feeling of wonder.

Posted by Nick | July 8, 2008 12:20 PM

I've actually only seen two on your list...SHOCKING! "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles." I find I have a greater respect for parents who screen movies for their children. My parents have for as long as I can remember (I'm 18), they're very careful to not show my younger sisters something beyond their age level, so that it means more/or they are
not bored when they're old enough to watch some movie with more mature content.

I thought it rather interesting how you commented on the two that I have seen. "Finding Nemo" I personally didn't like, because of how blatantly Nemo disobeys his Dad and he doesn't really apologize. Nemo just seems very rebellious. The Dad is great, but the example that Nemo puts out isn't something I or my parents would wish my younger sisters to see.

As for "The Incredibles," I loved it! I guess I hadn't really thought about the points you mentioned as being too mature/thematic/intense for younger people. I suppose I look at it as you get to see them work through their "mid-life crisis" together. Like you, I love how the whole family pulls together and how they're really close to eachother. Also, how a big importance is placed on marriage...you can't say that about everything out there. Plus, the parents are the good guys and not made to look like stupid oafs.

I've heard quite a few saying to go see "Wall-E." :-) I'll have to check it out.

I enjoyed your input on all of these Pixar movies. Sorry this is so long!

God bless!

Posted by Sydney | July 8, 2008 1:11 PM

I can not believe that you ranked Toy Story number eight!! What happened Josh did you go crazy for a second. Come on Toy Story is by far the Best Disney/Pixar movie ever. Well, anyway besides that terrible mess up the rest of your list is o.k. But I can't make a decision on Wall-E until i've seen it.

Five Solas and God Bless

Posted by Romans 11:33-36 | July 8, 2008 2:19 PM

Before I mention my favorite Pixar movies and why, Josh I'm not surprised you had Wall-E at the top of your list. I mean it just "screams" Apple everywhere in the movie and we all know of your affinity with Apple products. The new IPhone is coming out this week, right? :) (I hope the gentle ribbing is coming through.)

Toy Story. Sorry, call me old school, but this movie started it all. Then Monster's Inc, because I just crack up at Mike Wazowski and lastly The Incredibles because yeah I too am a sucker for superheroes.

Posted by Sara | July 8, 2008 4:53 PM

Josh -

I'm struggling with the fact that you ranked Finding Nemo at number two. Yes the dad is the hero. Very good.

But it's so (and I realize I'm on fragile ground here) gushy/smarmy. I guess when I watch a Pixar movie I'm looking for the hilarity factor, which might not be the best approach. Perhaps I'm just a Philistine after all.

Posted by Stephen Altrogge | July 8, 2008 4:55 PM

Monsters INC was the best movie ever made period, let alone by Pixar. Maybe you should watch it again...

Posted by Caleb | July 8, 2008 7:25 PM

That's almost the same as mine. I agree that the 2nd Toy story is better than the 1st. But I'd bump the Incredibles over Ratatouille. Though my younger siblings haven't seen it either because of the more intense action and attitudes. Us older kids and adults love it though!

And this house is all for Pixar too!

Oh, and Bug's Life would be on the bottom and Monsters above it. I like Boo better than Dot maybe. :o)

Now you need to rank the shorts! Those are almost as good as the movies themselves.

In HIM,
~Elizabeth

Posted by Elizabeth Joy | July 8, 2008 9:55 PM

My husband has been wanting to see WALL-E and I'm happy to hear that it sounds worth our while! Oh, and we LOVE Finding Nemo. We don't have kids yet but your comments about The Incredibles being "a little much" for kids reminded me of how much more we have to think about when judging movies in a few years...

btw, we are from AL but living in your area this summer. Sunday we visited your church and were tremendously blessed and ministered to from the moment we walked in the door by the people, the organization, the music, and your message. You have a treasure. We'll be back again this coming Sunday!

Posted by Kristi | July 9, 2008 5:53 AM

I've never seen Wall-E

1. Cars
2. Monster's Inc
3. A Bug's Life
4. Ratatouille
5. Finding Nemo
6. Toy Story 2
7. The Incredibles
8. Toy Story

Posted by Esther Field | July 9, 2008 12:05 PM

I'm sure you don't have tons of time on your hands... but if you have even just a moment, this review of the Incredibles really does give more depth to the movie and make it one of my favorites. (Which is hard among Pixar flicks.)

Posted by Jon Winslow | July 9, 2008 10:19 PM

I loved Wall*E. And it came out on my birthday, which was an amazing gift!

(I'm a girl, and I think Enchanted wasn't worth watching. Disney Princess stories do not edify me.)

Posted by Laedelas | July 9, 2008 10:36 PM

Wall-E totally looks like the robot from "Short Circuit"... minus the cheesy 80's style

Posted by patrick | July 10, 2008 8:48 AM

It was good to see you put Monsters Inc. in last place. It seems like anytime I tell someone that Monsters Inc. is the only Pixar film I don't like, they usually accuse me of being heart-less or something like that. Yeah the kid and the whole "Boo" thing are adorable, but this film lacks any real humor, and I really didn't care for the story either.

I think "A Bug's Life" is by far Pixar's most underrated film. In my opinion the story, and especially the humor, is one of Pixar's best.

As much as I enjoy the first Toy Story, I do agree with where you have it on your list. The whole "breaking the rules" thing always bugged me as well.

The Incredibles would have to be near the top of my list, but I don't have kids (yet) so I haven't exactly viewed these movies through your perspective.

I would have put Cars and Ratatouille lower on the list (though I did enjoy them both). Otherwise I think you put together a good list!

Posted by Justin | July 10, 2008 2:52 PM

Oh yea, oops! I'm so sorry, about the "Enchanted" comment. I must have read that on Carolyn McCulley's blog and got it mixed up in my mind. I read both of your sites fairly regularly. Oh boy, I'm so embarrassed... hehe. :) Meg

Posted by Meg | July 12, 2008 1:19 AM

I totally Agree with your original list, completely.

1. WALL*E: It made history in script writing. Robots happens to have feelings and this sets main plot of the romantic relationship. This movie rids the AI in robots and infuses a curious personality. The plot is simple and no-brainer to follow, the movie relies in non-verbal dialogue to drive the heart of the movie. Cutest of all Pixars too!
2. Finding Nemo: Out of the top three in my list, this plot is most suited for children. It highlights the father and son relationship and teaches us to be grateful. The movie is all about a pursuit and Stanton successfully ends it. One can easily point out where Stanton got his latest inspiration from. First sea, then space ... whats next?
3. Ratatouille: Brad's execution of the complex plot is superb. Food and rats happen to be at the extreme ends of our human likeness, Brad beautifully brings them so close together as if they were meant to be. Storyline would be at par with WALL*E and more directed towards adults. It also explores area of haute cuisine and manages to make your mouth water while they are at it.
...

the other movies are good too but the above are my all time favorites.

Posted by kent | July 13, 2008 4:36 AM

Josh, *sigh* you disappointed me...Finding Nemo as #2...sad. :)

1. Incredibles
2. Cars
3. Monstter's Inc
4. Toy Story 2
5. Toy Story
6. Ratatouille
7. Bugs Life
8. Finding Nemo
9. Wall-E (haven't seen it)

And yes...Meet The Robinson's was fantastic!!!!

Posted by YellerDaisies | July 13, 2008 3:37 PM

Kent,

You're a man of discernment and good taste! (grin)

Joshua

Posted by Joshua Harris | July 13, 2008 11:03 PM

Totally love the Incredibles - so deliciously politically incorrect. I haven't seen all these Pixar flix but I've seen some and nothing i've seen made me laugh so deeply as Incredibles.

Posted by em | July 14, 2008 3:10 AM

Haven't seen WALL-E yet, but I agree with your #2. Finding Nemo is the greatest animated film of all time.

And yes, those of you who didn't like Monsters, Inc. are indeed heartless. :)

Posted by D.J. Williams | July 15, 2008 12:17 PM

My list:

1. Wall-E
2. Finding Nemo
3. Ratatouille
4. Monsters Inc. -- when Sully thinks Boo has been trash-compacted and then finds her still alive, I totaly lose it and sob straight through to the end of the movie
5. The Incredibles

All the others are about at the same (6th) rank IMHO. They're fine--Cars especially--but not quite at the same level as my top 5. But Pixar movies are so great in general that there's not that big a gap between, say, #1 ad #2 or #3 and #4.

Pixar rules.

Diane

Posted by diane | July 19, 2008 1:36 AM

Haven't seen WALL-E yet, though it sounds like it might be a real winner, at least for folks who like subtlety. Of the rest, I have to really disagree!

1. Cars - Such a rich American cultural storyline.

2. The Incredibles - Maybe this should be #1. I was doubtful this movie was going to work, but the story is really well-crafted & deals with an important subject, differences and acceptance. So many folks feel like they have to hide their strengths (e.g. smart kids in school) just to be accepted.

3. Toy Story - It bugs me that there's no dad in the story, but that's the reality for a lot of kids today. A great plot.

4. Finding Nemo - I love aquariums, but was actually disappointed that it didn't look even prettier. The story, though, is very similar to one of my favorite books when I was a kid, Lorenzo.

5. Monsters, Inc. - I think it really connects with kids in how they see their world (vivid imagination, scared of the dark, etc.). A great, hilarious story.

6. Toy Story 2 - Neat but not quite as good as the first.

7. Ratatouille - OK, but was hoping for more in a Pixar movie set in France, seemed a bit formulaic.

8. A Bug's Life - Great for its time, but surpassed by newer films.

Posted by Gordon R. Vaughan | July 22, 2008 12:21 AM

Enough people have given their lists, so I won't add mine. However, I do think "A Bug's Life" is the least original story Pixar has ever come up with. ("Three Amigos," anybody?) Even so, bad Pixar is still good filmmaking.

Oh, and I loved WALL*E. It may very well be the best Pixar film yet.

Posted by Cap Stewart | July 22, 2008 9:26 PM

Cars, Cars, Cars.

I don't know much about the other films but my house is inundated with Cars paraphernelia.

My boys have Cars shoes (two different kinds), Cars pajamas, Cars shirts, Cars caps, a Cars racetrack, Cars pillowcases and sheets, Cars Hot Wheels, Cars stickers...

And we have twins, so we tend to buy two of everything.

Posted by Deron Arnold | July 25, 2008 7:42 AM

Monsters Inc. is probably my favorite, though I can definitely understand not showing to to younger kids. I really enjoy the mature (but clean) humor that it contains. Kid movies that have more than just kid humor are great!

Posted by David | July 27, 2008 8:41 PM

1. WALL-E
2. Monsters Inc.
3. Toy Story 2
4. The Incredibles
5. Ratatouille
6. Toy Story
7. Finding Nemo
8. A Bug's Life
9. Cars

Posted by Maulrat1967 | July 28, 2008 11:05 PM

Walle and Monsters Inc probably tie for me. Cars, Toy Story, and A Bug's Life (1 & 2) are my least favorites. Meet the Robsinsons is definitely at the top of my list too.
I'm really in love with Walle though, I was so close to tears towards the end. If anyone hasn't seen it, go for it, you won't be disappointed!

Posted by Samantha | July 29, 2008 3:54 PM

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