Summary
- Some Pixar sequels are iconic, but others like Cars 2 stray too far from the original charm.
- Toy Story 4 deals with deep emotions and letting go, adding layers to beloved characters.
- The Incredibles 2 focuses on Elastigirl, surprising fans with a unique narrative and character development.
Pixar is filled with original ideas, and some of its movies are the best in animated history, providing audiences with an array of emotions for children and adults alike to enjoy. Yet, with some iconic franchises taking hold at Pixar, it’s no surprise that there have been quite a few sequels, with more on the way like Toy Story 5 and The Incredibles 3.
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8 Cars 2
An Out of Place Sequel Where Mater Becomes a Spy for Some Reason
- Release Date: June 24, 2011
- Director: John Lasseter
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 39%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 49%
Pixar really tried to get Cars to work as a franchise, and the returning cast of Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other characters from Radiator Springs, is met with a lukewarm reception for a few reasons. Not only is this one of Pixar’s properties that didn’t need a sequel, but it’s also one that really jumps the shark on wheels, as Mater is for some reason an international super spy now.
Cars 2 is a strange one, as Lightning McQueen’s journey as the greatest racer in the world is second place to Mater’s story involving espionage and car murders. It’s an odd sequel, especially when one considers that Cars isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite Pixar movie.
7 Cars 3
Lightning McQueen Enters a Mid-Car Crisis
- Release Date: June 16, 2017
- Director: Brian Fee
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 69%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 68%
As Lightning McQueen finds himself left behind in the dust with a new generation of rapid-fast cars, he must contend with retiring from the sport he loves, and accept that sometimes it’s better to help the new generation, than to keep coming in last place. Cars 3 shows a more vulnerable Lightning McQueen and does away with the weird espionage adventures of Mater.
Cars 3 is still a strange sequel and a conclusion to a trilogy that nobody really asked for. Yet, Cars 3 does some things well, and everyone remembers that intense Logan-esque teaser trailer that involves Lightning McQueen’s near-fatal crash. The movie itself, however, is more upbeat and feels familiar with the mentor/student relationship of McQueen and Doc Hudson with Cruz Ramirez taking the role of the student.
6 Finding Dory
- Release Date: June 17, 2016
- Director: Andrew Stanton
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 94%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%
The adorable and adventurous aquatic world from Finding Nemo returns, and this time, the focus is purely on the blue tang fish Dory. With Dory’s forgetful memory, she attempts to recollect about her childhood to embark on an adventure that will see her reunited with her parents, and interact with new species of aquatic life, and navigate the dangers of captivity.
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Finding Dory is another of Pixar’s somewhat unnecessary sequels, and in reality, nothing really happens in Finding Dory. It’s a short and sweet tale about family and home, but outside of its core, there isn’t much to digest, and Finding Nemo was a superior and more tense adventure.
5 Incredibles 2
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl Return, but Against Unexpected Villains
- Release Date: June 15, 2018
- Director: Brad Bird
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 93%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 84%
Fans had waited a long 14 years to see The Incredibles return to the big screen. With Incredibles 2, and director Brad Bird’s return, the expectations couldn’t be higher, but that was also the flaw of the fans. Incredibles 2 wasn’t really what fans expected, and somehow the most demanded sequel arguably of all time, ended up being underwhelming and forgotten.
The focus purely on Elastigirl whilst Mr. Incredible becomes a stay-at-home dad was a risky narrative choice, but one that worked fairly well, especially to see Elastigirl in the spotlight, whilst Bob Parr tries to be a father instead of a superhero. It was a fun switch-up, but the movie seemed to have forgotten the world-building and character motivations that made the first film such a classic.
4 Toy Story 4
Woody Reunites with Bo Peep and Discovers Purpose Outside of a Toy Box
- Release Date: June 21, 2019
- Director: Josh Cooley
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94%
Revisiting the world of Toy Story is always risky, especially when each sequel excels at being brilliant. Toy Story 3 left the franchise on such a high note, that it was always going to be difficult to tell yet another emotional story with everyone’s favorite toys, but Toy Story 4 does a pretty good job at it, even if it is a tad unnecessary.
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Toy Story 4 deals with the imagination of children, and how their playful behavior can create toys from nothing. All the while, Woody struggles with a lack of importance, until he finds his long-lost friend, Bo Peep, and discovers a world outside of the memories of Andy’s bedroom. Toy Story 4 is highly emotional, as it deals with the themes of letting go.
3 Inside Out 2
Riley's New Emotions Cause Further Chaos and Familiarity
- Release Date: June 14, 2024
- Director: Kelsey Mann
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 91%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
Audiences are returned to the head of Riley, where she’s about to face new emotions that will challenge her every thought and action. With a new cast of emotions, like Anxiety taking hold of control, the classics of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, are pushed out into their own adventure.
Inside Out 2 deals with something everyone is familiar with, and puberty is front and center. Inside Out 2 has laughter and heart, and it proves how effective Pixar is at telling emotional stories, as well as dealing with the ugliness that comes with negative emotions and the teenage years.
2 Toy Story 3
An Emotional and Intense Escape to Find Family
- Release Date: June 18, 2010
- Director: Lee Unkrich
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 98%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 90%
It’s been 11 years since audiences saw the icons of Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of Andy’s toys. Audiences and Andy have grown up, and the toys have been all but forgotten, and they end up as toys for a daycare center. With the kids playing not-so-nice, the gang prepares a great escape to return to Andy’s before he heads off to college.
Toy Story 3 is one of the most emotional animated movies out there, and it’s a three-quel that deserves to be made. The messages told are heartwarming, and the character interactions are better than ever. It’s always a good time to see Woody and Buzz Lightyear interact together, showcasing their growth as best friends.
1 Toy Story 2
Woody Finds New Friends, Whilst Buzz Attempts to Save an Old One
- Release Date: November 24, 1999
- Director: Ash Brannon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich
- Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 100%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
When Woody is stolen by Al McWhiggin, a classic toy fanatic, Buzz Lightyear must band together with his friends from Andy’s bedroom to rescue him. All the while, Woody discovers his own importance as a valuable collectible, and not just as Andy’s toy. With new friends and new dilemmas, Toy Story 2 excels as a sequel that almost wasn’t made.
Toy Story 2 has everything a sequel needs. It’s animated, colorful, and a whole lot of fun. It’s a Hollywood sequel that excels above its predecessor, and its heart, jokes, and wisdom all blend into a memorable movie that shows just how good Pixar can be at making sequels.
Toy Story 5 and The Incredibles 3 are in development at Pixar.
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