TheNorm's Top 5 PIXAR films

There is no denying that PIXAR has become a powerhouse of both animation and storytelling. With no sign of slowing down or losing traction in quality. Granted, they are not necessarily the absolute best in their field nor the most universal (arguably), but they have made a lasting impact nonetheless. I can still remember when their very first film, Toy Story, hit theaters when I was eleven years old. It still ranks as the one movie I have seen in theaters the most number of times, seven in case you were wondering. Over the nearly twenty years of their existence, PIXAR has released many great and memorable films. Here are just a few of them that means the most to me. 

This is TheNorm's Top 5 PIXAR Films. 

#5 

Toy Story 3 

I consider this film to be PIXAR's magnum opus. The one that definitely proved that no story is too challenging or too risky for PIXAR. This is the movie that presented the most challenging narrative for PIXAR, and they pulled it off with flying colors. Not just in terms of story and characterization, but especially in theme and message. Very few family-oriented films have tackled the philosophical questions presented in this movie, and it deserves all the applause it could possibly receive. There is a reason why this film was nominated for both Best Animated Feature and Best Picture at the Oscars. 

Some of you are likely wondering why it is so low on my list. Well, it mainly has to do with the fact that it's a sequel. While this film is still enjoyable on its own, I advise seeing the first two films before watching this one. Much like the Avengers films, Toy Story 3 banks some of its charm on expecting its audience to have seen the first two films. Thereby having already fallen in love with these characters and their world. While you could technically still enjoy this movie by itself, I advise starting with the first two before jumping into this one. 

#4 

WALL-E

PIXAR's most visually striking film. Under the guidance of cinematographer Roger Deakins acting as a visual consultant, WALL-E delivers gorgeous imagery that leaves you breathless. It's narrative about the potential future of humanity is on par with the likes of Asimov. All of which centers around the relationship of the main robot characters, EVE and WALL-E, who are some of the most adorable and lovable robots ever put to the silver screen. Which, I assure you, has nothing to do with the fact that EVE looks like an iPod, and WALL-E looks lie ET. Okay, maybe it does a little bit. 

What keeps this beautiful film from getting hight on my list is, while I still adore it, It's merely not my favorite movie about robots. Yes, this list is about judging PIXAR films, but I still prefer many different films about cyborgs nonetheless. While WALL-E is on my mental list of favorite robot characters, he's just not very high on said list. Even so, I hope this does not make you beautiful readers think any less of this gorgeous movie. 

#3 

Monsters, Inc 

One of the things that make PIXAR stand out is their talent for telling stories from the perspective of parents. Nowhere else is that more evident than in Monsters, Inc. A tale of friendship, love, truth, corporate greed, and the power of laughter (both literally and figuratively). Each and every character feels three dimensional and more human than you might expect. The chemistry between the lead monster and the baby girl is adorable and engrossing. The commentary on unethical business practices and the dangers of single-mindedness is more resonating than in any other film tackling this issue I can think of. It's a near-perfect blend of family entertainment with mature themes. 

While I do love this film, it lands in the #3 spot merely for preferential reasons. I enjoy returning to this film, but not as much as the next two films on my list. 

#2 

Toy Story 2 

This is the movie that absolutely proved to me that PIXAR is genuinely all about the story. Typically when tackling a sequel, there is a tendency to assume that it must be as much like the first film as possible. Consider Men In Black 2 and Ghostbusters 2, for example. However, with Toy Story 2, PIXAR avoided falling into that pit and did everything right. They upped the steaks, expanded the lore, introduced more equally compelling characters, and delved deeper into mature themes such as the nature of existence. Plus, watching Buzz confront another version of his former delusional self was just plain funny! This film showed me that PIXAR meant business when it came to quality in the narrative, and I have appreciated it ever since.  Which, incidentally, brings me to what I consider to be my absolute favorite PIXAR film. 

#1 

Ratatouille

There are plenty of movies that follow the "anyone can be anything" message, but none of them are quite as resonating or as literal as Ratatouille. Which is, for my money, my absolute favorite PIXAR film, because it defines PIXAR in a nutshell. Taking something so unusual and unexpected (in this case, a Rat with a talent for cooking) and creating a provocative story around it. Throw in there some commentary about class, natural ability, and optimism, and you've got a recipe for a damn good film. Not to mention one of the best monologues about criticism from the late Peter O'Toole. Also, this movie always makes me hungry. 

There you have it, folks. My Top 5 PIXAR Films. Tune in soon for my Bottom 5. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.