The Worst Pixar Movies: From 'Lightyear' to 'Cars 2'

When it comes to animated movies, Pixar has consistently delivered a flurry of hits. Among these, there are a few that do not meet the high expectations set by the studio's prolific track record. Let's dive into a list of some of the less successful Pixar films, starting from a new and controversial entry, Lightyear.

Lightyear: A Controversial Entry in the Star Wars Franchise

Lightyear, released in 2022 and part of the Star Wars franchise, was met with mixed reviews. While it garnered some positive attention for its action sequences and compelling breakaway narrative from the broader Star Wars story, it also faced criticism for its plot and character development.

The Ten Worst Pixar Movies

10. Luca (2021): An Adapted Tale in the Small Italian Town of Portorosso

Luca, released in June 2021, is based on the 1954 film Creature from the Black Lagoon. The film follows Luca, a young sea monster herder, as he befriends an adventurous boy named Alberto. While the story is charming, the film's plot can be a bit confusing, leading to a lower critical reception.

9. Onward (2020): Two Elf Brothers on a Quest for Self-Confidence

Onward, released in February 2020, centers around two elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot. The film deals with themes of personal growth and family relationships, but the pandemic's timing affected its financial success. Critics praised the film's emotional journey, but its commercial performance was not as expected.

8. Finding Dory (2016): A Spin-Off Sequel with Lower Expectations

Finding Dory, the 2016 spin-off sequel to the highly successful Finding Nemo, was faced with the challenge of living up to its predecessor. While it received generally positive reviews for its emotional depth, it scored only 7.3 on IMDb, reflecting a drop in the franchise's critical reception.

7. Monsters University (2013): The Only Prequel and Its Limitations

Monsters University, the 2013 prequel to Monsters Inc., had the noble goal of exploring the origins of the characters. While it received positive reviews for its animation and humor, it fell short in critical acclaim, bringing in a score of 7.2 on IMDb.

6. A Bugs Life (1998): Inspired by a Classic Fable

A Bugs Life, based on the Aesop fable The Ant and the Grasshopper, follows the story of an ant named Flik and his quest to protect his colony from grasshoppers. While the animation is visually stunning, the story can be seen as lacking in depth, resulting in a score of 7.2.

5. The Incredibles (2004): Despite Its Quality, It Falls Short

The Incredibles, one of Pixar's earliest films, often overshadows its earlier entries in terms of critical acclaim and popularity. However, it still faces competition from other high-quality productions, bringing its score down to 7.1.

4. Brave (2012): Mixed Reviews Despite an Outstanding Soundtrack

Brave introduces Pixar's first female protagonist and is known for its excellent soundtrack. However, the story's pacing and overall execution led to mixed reviews, with the film scoring 7.1 on IMDb.

3. Cars 3 (2017): Originality and Plot Disappointment

Cars 3, the third installment in the Cars franchise, was criticized for its lack of originality and plot. Despite Brian Fee's directorial debut and an engaging storyline, the film did not live up to expectations, scoring 6.7.

2. The Good Dinosaur (2015): Great Animation and Poor Storytelling

The Good Dinosaur was praised for its animation style but fell flat due to its confusing plot and sometimes unintelligible dialogue. While the visuals were captivating, the storyline left many viewers unsatisfied, giving the film a score of 6.7.

1. Cars 2 (2011): The Worst Installment in the Cars Franchise

Cars 2, the second installment in the Cars series, is often considered the worst among the franchise. It received criticism for its convoluted plot and lack of the clear, engaging narrative that made the first film so beloved. The film's overall message was confusing, leading to a score of 6.1 on IMDb.

While these films may not have been as well-received as others from Pixar, they still offer unique stories and visual spectacles that many viewers can appreciate. Pixar's experimental nature and willingness to take risks with each project ensure that the studio always remains at the forefront of animated filmmaking.