Introduction to Pixar’s feature film catalog
Pixar Animation Studios has defined a generation of animated feature filmmaking, known for tight storytelling, emotional depth, and technical innovation. This guide lists Pixar’s theatrical features in release order, notable short films, how to find them today, and context around recurring collaborators and production milestones. It is designed as an evergreen reference for exploring what Pixar has released and how the films fit into the broader studio history.
What qualifies as a Pixar movie
At a high level, a Pixar theatrical feature is a feature-length animated film produced primarily by Pixar Animation Studios and released through Walt Disney Pictures theatrical distribution in most markets. This typically includes films from the main studio in Emeryville, California, under the leadership of longtime executives including Pete Docter, John Lasseter (until 2018), Andrew Stanton, and Brenda Chapman at various points. Short films such as those shown with theatrical releases and a handful of television specials produced with direct involvement from Pixar are generally included in the official catalog. Projects made primarily by other studios, even with Pixar creative input, are not considered core Pixar features.
List of Pixar theatrical features in order of release
The following table presents Pixar’s primary theatrical features by original release date, providing a concise overview of each film, its year, directors, and runtime. These are the films most consistently recognized as part of the official Pixar animated features lineup.
Features table
| Film | Release Year | Directors | Runtime (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Story | 1995 | John Lasseter | 81 |
| A Bug’s Life | 1998 | John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton | 95 |
| Toy Story 2 | 1999 | John Lasseter | 92 |
| Monsters, Inc. | 2001 | Pete Docter, David Silverman | 91 |
| Finding Nemo | 2003 | Andrew Stanton | 100 |
| The Incredibles | 2004 | Brad Bird | 115 |
| Cars | 2006 | John Lasseter | 117 |
| Ratatouille | 2007 | Brad Bird | 111 |
| WALL·E | 2008 | Andrew Stanton | 98 |
| Up | 2009 | Pete Docter96 | |
| Cars 2 | 2011 | John Lasseter | 112 |
| Brave | 2012 | Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman | 93 |
| Monsters University | 2013 | Dan Scanlon | 104 |
| Inside Out | 22015 | Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen | 95 |
| The Good Dinosaur | 2015 | Pete Docter, Peter Sohn | 93 |
| Coco | 2017 | Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina | 105 |
| Incredibles 2 | 2018 | Brad Bird | 118 |
| Toy Story 4 | 1999 | Josh Cooley | 100 |
| Toy Story 4 | 2019 | Josh Cooley | 100 |
| Onward | 2020 | Dan Scanlon | 102 |
| Soul | 2020 | Pete Docter, Kemp Powers | 100 |
| Luca | 2021 | Enrico Casarosa | 95 |
| Turning Red | 2022 | Domee Shi | 100 |
| Lightyear | 2022 | Angus MacLane | 105 |
| Elemental | 2023 | Peter Sohn | 102 |
| Wish | 2023 | Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn | 90 |
Notable Pixar short films and special projects
In addition to features, Pixar has produced many acclaimed short films, several of which debuted in theaters alongside feature releases. Shorts such as Luxo Jr., Tin Toy, and Bao are widely recognized for creativity and technical achievement. Some television specials, including Toy Story of Terror! and Toy Story That Time Forgot, are made with substantial involvement from Pixar and are often treated as part of the broader catalog for completeness, though they are not full-length features.
Where to watch Pixar films
Most Pixar features are available on streaming via Disney+ in many regions, with certain exceptions for recent releases that may remain on theatrical or premium platforms for a period. Select films are also available for purchase or rental on digital storefronts and on physical media such as Blu-ray and DVD. Regional availability and licensing windows can vary, so checking your local services is recommended.
Recurring voices, directors, and production notes
Several actors and creatives appear across multiple Pixar films. For example, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have leading roles in multiple entries; John Ratzenberger has cameos across many films; and directors such as Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Brad Bird have shaped much of the studio’s signature tone. Understanding these patterns can help when exploring the catalog thematically.