17 highest grossing Pixar movies of all time

Pixar Animation Studios has created some of the most loved and commercially successful animated films in cinema history. Heartwarming tales to abstract narratives, their films have reached out to viewers of all ages. In this article, we discuss the 17 highest-grossing Pixar films of all time. Each of these films is a cultural phenomenon, leaving a mark on audiences around the world and cementing Pixar as a titan in the animation world.

1. Inside Out 2 ($652,980,194)

Inside Out 2 broke all Pixar records with a US gross exceeding $652 million. Based on the concept of personifying emotions as living beings, the sequel introduced new emotions and a more in-depth plot, as the protagonist Riley reaches her teenage years. Fans and critics raved about the film's ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, which makes this movie stand out as the biggest hit among Pixar's stellar collection till date.

2. Incredibles 2 ($608,581,744)

Incredibles 2 marked Pixar's triumphant return to the realm of toon superheroes. Taking in more than $608 million at the US box office, this sequel revived the Parr family, effortlessly bringing together action, humor and emotional moments. Director Brad Bird focused on Elastigirl's solo mission as well as on Mr. Incredible's hilarious issues with parenting, lending the plot a universal value. In turn, the film emerged as one of Pixar's best-grossing animated creations ever.

3. Finding Dory ($486,295,561)

Pixar hit gold with Finding Dory, a sweet sequel that spawned out of Finding Nemo. In the US, the film grossed over $486 million. The plot pertains to Dory's search for her family, despite her amnesiac condition. Dory's adventure is a lesson in perseverance. Ellen DeGeneres as the voice of Dory was globally appreciated for the charm and poignancy she gave to the character. The film's vibrant underwater world, coupled with emotionally charged storytelling, made the movie one of the best from Pixar, both in terms of reviews and box office sales.

4. Toy Story 4 ($434,038,008)

The fourth installment in the Toy Story franchise brought in over $434 million domestic dollars, proving the franchise had managed to retain its emotional punch over the years. The film was directed by Josh Cooley. It introduced a new fan favorite in Forky and gave Woody an emotional sendoff. The film's themes of self-discovery and letting go were a big reason it struck a chord with the audience. Toy Story 4 is much more than a nostalgic trip for an entire generation that gew up with the franchise. The movie cemented Pixar's position as the undisputed masters of animated films for all ages.

5. Toy Story 3 ($415,004,880)

The groundbreaking film earned over $415 million domestically, capturing the bittersweet experiences of growing up and returning to one's roots. Under the leadership of Lee Unkrich, Toy Story 3 was about high-stakes drama — notably the unforgettable incinerator scene and the heartfelt ending. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Toy Story 3 has become a cultural phenomenon and a crowning achievement for Pixar.

6. Inside Out ($356,461,711)

Audiences were amazed by Inside Out, which took the concept of depicting emotions to a new level. In the US, the film grossed over $356 million. Directed by Pete Docter, Inside Out has a unique story that depicts the inner workings of Riley's mind by imagining various emotions such as Joy, and Sadness as living beings. This movie received critical acclaim and an emotional response from viewers, peering into complex emotions. The film is a commercial as well as artistic triumph.

7. Finding Nemo ($339,714,978)

Grossing over $339 million domestically, Finding Nemo remains an integral part of Pixar's legacy. It is an underwater adventure brought alive by stunning visuals and has a great story of the journey of a clownfish who sets out to find his kidnapped son. With Andrew Stanton directing, the film created iconic characters like Dory and Crush and gave a voice to issues pertaining to family and resilience. Finding Nemo won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and set a high bar in animated storytelling.

8. Up ($293,004,164)

Up soared to the heights with its $293-million US gross, combining a wild adventure with moving storytelling. The film's opening montage showing Carl and Ellie's life is one of the most poignant things Pixar has crafted. The deep bond between Carl and the lovable child Russell, not forgetting Dug, brought a smile on every lip across age groups. Up did gain critical acclaim and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Th film bagged two Academy Awards, for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

9. Monsters University ($268,492,764)

A prequel to Monsters, Inc., the film grossed over $268 million in the US. In Monsters University, Mike and Sulley are shown to be best friends, having started off as rivals. The film was directed by Dan Scanlon and took the core elements of the previous release to narrate a story about teamwork and perseverance, yet maintaining humor and charm. More comedic than emotional, the college setting and bright colors made the film a crowd-pleaser for families and fans alike.

10. The Incredibles ($261,441,092)

The Incredibles, Pixar's first superhero movie, earned more than $261 million domestically. Directed by Brad Bird, the film changed the face of animated action films. Thrilling stunts, family dynamics, and witty dialogue combined to captivate audiences in the movie. The struggles of the Parr family in trying to balance normal life with superhero duties resonated in the minds of the audience. The Incredibles was a groundbreaking achievement that remains a fan favorite.

11. Monsters, Inc. ($255,873,250)

In the US, Monsters, Inc. collected over $255 million. The audience loved Monstropolis, brought alive by director Pete Docter's execution. In the film, monsters working at an energy company generate power through children's screams. The connection that monsters Sulley and Mike share with the little girl Boo added emotional value to the comical storyline and made the film a remarkable effort in Pixar's catalog. The film is one of the best examples to show that Pixar effectively mix humor with heartfelt storytelling.

12. Toy Story 2 ($245,852,179)

Grossing over $245 million domestically, Toy Story 2 elaborated on the world of the much-loved characters of the first film, and introduced others like Jessie and Bullseye. Directed by John Lasseter, this film had an excellent balance of humor and emotion, using the underlying themes of loyalty and belonging. The Pixar film reiterates that sequels can equal, if not surpass, their precursors in quality.

13. Cars ($244,082,982)

With a US domestic gross of more than $244 million, Cars won over young cinema-goers everywhere. Director John Lasseter guided the film that would see Lighting McQueen rise from being a self-focused racing champion into a team player. Through its beautiful animation and relatable characters that include Mater, Doc Hudson, and others, Pixar created an unusual entertainer, which would later become a franchise of sequels, spinoffs, and products.

14. Brave ($237,283,207)

The first Pixar film with a female protagonist, Brave was a commercial success, raking in over $237 million domestically. The medieval Scotland setting followed Merida on her journey of self discovery and reconciliation with her mother. Lush animation and focus on family dynamics are highlights of the film, which earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film was not in the line of storytelling Pixar had been doing till then, but showcased versatility on part of its creators.

15. WALL-E ($223,808,164)

WALL·E took in over $223 million at the US box office, mostly because of its cinematic tale of love and despair against a beat-up environment. Filmmaker Andrew Stanton's near-silent first act reiterated Pixar's slant at creating something unconventional and yet managing to regale every time. The love story of WALL·E and EVE, set against the backdrop of a dystopian future, deeply affected the viewers. Its critical as well as commercial success proved, once again, that Pixar is great at innovation.

16. Coco ($210,460,015)

Earning over $210 million at the box office, Coco dazzled on screen with its celebration of Mexican culture and power of the family. Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, the outstanding movie's visuals and story were appreciated worldwide. The sense of journey that Miguel experienced while navigating the Land of the Dead, and the film's themes of legacy and remembrance, made Coco a memorable watch. The film's quality is defined by its Academy Award win as Best Animated Feature.

17. Ratatouille ($206,445,654)

Grossing more than $206 million domestically, Ratatouille delivered a charming tale about following one's passion, no matter the odds. The film was directed by Brad Bird, whose unique premise about a rat who wants to be a chef captured the imagination. Meticulous in its attention to detail on animating food and Parisian culture, the film presented an appealing narrative that has made it one of the greatest works of Pixar. It is an iteration of the fact that Pixar can turn unconventional ideas into cinematic masterpieces.