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Pixar Movies in Order and Where to Watch Them

Selim Mia

Selim Mia

— 4 min read
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A row of Pixar movie DVDs neatly arranged on a living room shelf

If you want to watch Pixar movies, you can choose between watching them in the order they were released or by the timeline of their stories. This article lists all Pixar movies in release order, explains the difference between these viewing options, and shows where to stream or buy each movie. It also offers tips for family-friendly viewing to help you enjoy Pixar movies with kids or as a group.

What is the best order to watch Pixar movies?

You can watch Pixar movies either by their release order or by their chronological story order. Release order means watching them in the order they came out in theaters. This approach is straightforward and lets you see how Pixar’s animation and storytelling evolved over time. It’s also how most audiences first experienced these films.

Chronological story order arranges movies based on their fictional timelines. This is more complicated because most Pixar films don’t share the same universe or timeline. However, some connected films, like the "Toy Story" series or "Monsters University" and "Monsters, Inc.," follow clear story progressions.

For most viewers, especially families, watching by release order is simpler and respects the creators’ intended experience. If you want to explore links between characters or storylines, a chronological story order can add a new layer of interest.

What are all the Pixar movies in release order?

Here is every main Pixar feature film listed by their original release date:

  1. Toy Story (1995)
  2. A Bug’s Life (1998)
  3. Toy Story 2 (1999)
  4. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  5. Finding Nemo (2003)
  6. The Incredibles (2004)
  7. Cars (2006)
  8. Ratatouille (2007)
  9. WALL-E (2008)
  10. Up (2009)
  11. Toy Story 3 (2010)
  12. Cars 2 (2011)
  13. Brave (2012)
  14. Monsters University (2013)
  15. Inside Out (2015)
  16. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
  17. Finding Dory (2016)
  18. Cars 3 (2017)
  19. Coco (2017)
  20. Incredibles 2 (2018)
  21. Toy Story 4 (2019)
  22. Onward (2020)
  23. Soul (2020)
  24. Luca (2021)
  25. Turning Red (2022)
  26. Lightyear (2022)

This list includes all Pixar’s main theatrical releases up to now. Watching them this way shows how the studio’s style and themes have changed over time.

A stack of Pixar movie DVDs showing release years on their spines

Where can I watch each Pixar movie now?

Most Pixar movies stream on Disney+ because Disney owns Pixar. If you subscribe to Disney+, you’ll find almost all Pixar films there, from "Toy Story" to "Turning Red."

If you don’t have Disney+ or a film is temporarily missing, you can rent or buy digital copies on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. These options usually offer high-definition versions.

Physical DVDs and Blu-rays are widely available for every Pixar movie. Owning physical copies can be useful if you want to watch without internet or build a collection.

In summary:

  • Disney+ is the main streaming service for Pixar movies.
  • Digital rental and purchase options exist on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu.
  • DVDs and Blu-rays are available for offline viewing and ownership.

Can I watch Pixar movies in chronological story order?

Some Pixar movies form connected storylines that can be watched in chronological order. For example:

  • "Monsters University" is a prequel to "Monsters, Inc.," so you’d watch "Monsters University" first.
  • The "Toy Story" series follows a clear timeline from "Toy Story" through "Toy Story 4."
  • "Finding Dory" takes place after "Finding Nemo."
  • The "Cars" movies (1, 2, and 3) follow a consistent sequence matching their release order.

A suggested chronological story order for these connected films is:

  • Monsters University
  • Monsters, Inc.
  • Finding Nemo
  • Finding Dory
  • Toy Story
  • Toy Story 2
  • Toy Story 3
  • Toy Story 4
  • Cars
  • Cars 2
  • Cars 3

Most other Pixar movies, like "Inside Out," "Coco," or "Soul," are standalone stories and can be watched anytime.

If you want to follow character and story continuity, this order works. Otherwise, release order is simpler and still enjoyable.

What if a movie isn’t available on streaming services?

If a Pixar movie isn’t currently on your streaming service, here are your options:

  1. Rent or buy it digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, or Vudu. Rentals usually allow 24 to 48 hours of viewing after you start.
  2. Buy a DVD or Blu-ray. Physical copies are available through many retailers and allow offline viewing.
  3. Check your local library. Many libraries loan DVDs at low or no cost.
  4. Streaming availability can change, so if you’re not in a hurry, wait until the movie returns to your preferred platform.

These choices help you watch any Pixar movie regardless of streaming availability.

Are Pixar movies appropriate for all ages?

Pixar movies are generally family-friendly and aim to entertain both kids and adults. Most have G or PG ratings, meaning they’re suitable for children but often include themes or jokes adults will enjoy.

Some movies have content that might be intense or emotional for very young children. For example, "Inside Out" explores complex emotions that might need explanation. "Coco" deals with death in a gentle, culturally sensitive way.

"The Incredibles" and "Incredibles 2" have action scenes that may be intense for toddlers.

When watching with young kids, consider their sensitivity and the movie’s rating. Previewing films or reading parental guides can help you choose. Overall, Pixar films offer positive messages and creative storytelling appropriate for family viewing.

Conclusion

Decide whether you want to watch Pixar movies by their release dates or follow the connected storylines in chronological order. Use Disney+ for easy streaming access, or rent or buy movies from digital stores if needed. With these options, you can enjoy Pixar’s rich storytelling and animation at your own pace with family or friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Pixar movies available on Disney+?

Most Pixar movies are on Disney+, but availability can vary by region and sometimes change due to licensing. If a movie isn’t on Disney+, you can rent or buy it from digital stores.

Can I watch the Toy Story movies out of order?

You can, but watching "Toy Story" 1 through 4 in release order is best to follow the characters’ development properly.

Which Pixar movies are best for very young children?

Movies like "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo," and "Cars" are generally gentle and enjoyable for young kids. Others, like "Inside Out" or "The Good Dinosaur," might need some parental guidance.

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