Over the span of 25 years, Pixar has released 24 feature films and created unforgettable tales filled with hundreds of beloved characters. Whether these characters come from proven franchises or successful one-offs, Pixar’s cast of creations have stood the test of time and are fondly remembered by fans all around the world.
Narrowing the best of the best down to just 10 is a daunting task, but it’s one the fans at Ranker were determined to take on. And while many of these characters hold a special place in the hearts of fans, only one can reign supreme.
Nemo (Finding Nemo)
While much of the story of Pixar’s Finding Nemo follows Marlin’s desperate search for his lost son, it’s the time spent with the said son that really resonates with fans. Nemo is taken from his home and forced to come to terms with strange places and unfamiliar faces.
Forced to live as a fish out of water — both figuratively and literally — Nemo learns many life lessons throughout his journey. He taught audiences of all ages how to embrace their own “lucky fin” and it’s these lessons that have helped Nemo remain such a popular character over the years.
Dory (Finding Nemo)
When it comes to Pixar characters, few are as original and memorable as Dory. Struggling to overcome her bouts of short-term memory loss, Dory delivers some of Finding Nemo's most iconic quotes while tagging along with Marlin for the journey of a lifetime.
While Marlin may be looking for his son, Dory is just looking for a friend. Her kindness and sincerity are traits that most people would like to see in themselves and in those around them, so it’s clear to see how Dory endeared herself to so many fans.
Rex (Toy Story)
While he may be nothing more than a minor character in the grand scheme of things, Rex always provides a few good laughs when he makes an appearance. His formidable appearance is quick to betray itself as his true nervous nature shines through.
As a crucial member of the toy community in Toy Story, Rex’s friendly banter with the other toys like Hamm help add insight into the way their world works. Just as there are few toys cooler than a terrifying T-Rex, there are even fewer toys as loveable as Rex himself.
Crush (Finding Nemo)
While Marlin may be the father figure in Finding Nemo, it doesn’t take long to realize that he’s making things up as he goes. Just like real parenthood, even adults sometimes need a calming presence in their lives, and Marlin finds that in the form of one of Finding Nemo's most likable characters: Crush.
Crush’s long lifespan and mellow attitude help him embrace the flow and allow things to happen as they may. Crush’s relationship with his son, Squirt, comes from a healthy place of mutual respect and is a contrast to the way Marlin feels the need to protect Nemo at all costs.
Carl Fredericksen (Up)
Carl Fredericksen is the unlikely protagonist of Up, that despite his outwardly grumpy appearance, managed to capture the hearts of audiences just minutes into the movie. Carl’s introduction demonstrates that his tough exterior is just an act to bury his emotions.
It’s hard not to sympathize with Carl’s story, and it serves to make everything that follows so much more meaningful. Even after he thought he’d seen it all and had nothing left to live for, Carl still had the adventure of a lifetime waiting for him.
WALL-E (WALL-E)
Over the years, Pixar has excelled in the art of telling compelling stories with little to no dialogue. Perhaps no character best represents this fact than WALL-E, the apparent sole survivor of a post-apocalyptic Earth.
While WALL-E is designed to be nothing more than a machine, it’s hard to shake the feeling that his endless scavenging feels in some odd way relatable. His pursuit of human concepts such as happiness, home, and love make him one of the most unforgettable characters in Pixar history and the undeniable best part of WALL-E, a movie that is otherwise quite disturbing and scary.
Mike Wazoswki (Monsters, Inc.)
First introduced in Monsters, Inc., it did not take long for fans to fall in love with Mike Wazowski. Mike is the one character who finds his world just as crazy as the viewers, and his antics are a joy to watch.
Although Monsters, Inc. was released nearly 20 years ago, Mike’s humorous personality has made a lasting impression. He has been the popular subject of online inside jokes and memes on social media to this day.
James P. Sullivan (Monsters, Inc.)
While his best friend, Mike, may be hesitant to embrace looking after the human child known as Boo, Sully, on the other hand, welcomes the challenge. Although the monsters have been made to believe she’s dangerous, Sully sees Boo for who she really is.
Sully proves to be the type of fatherly figure anyone would want in their life and it’s this fact that has left him in such high regard with many fans. While he may seem like a terrifying monster at first glance, he’s really just as soft as his fur suggests.
Remy (Ratatouille)
While small in stature, Remy’s big personality is an essential reason why Ratatouille was such a successful movie. Watching Remy balance the dynamic between living with his family and navigating the kitchen is an experience that would bring a smile to any face, even Anton Ego’s.
It's no secret that Disney heavily features some amazing dishes and food, so the lesson “Anyone can cook!” may seem simple on the surface, but resonated with many for good reason. Ratatouille is a story that encourages everyone to chase their passions, no matter how impossible they may seem, and viewers have Remy to thank for that.
Sheriff Woody (Toy Story)
Of all of Pixar’s critically acclaimed films, perhaps none had as big of a cultural impact as their very first project, Toy Story. Voiced by Tom Hanks, Sheriff Woody stars in a film series that perfectly captures the imaginative and magical feeling every kid had about their favorite toys at some point in time.
Tasked with protecting his own family of toys, Woody goes to great lengths to keep everyone safe, even an outsider from space like Buzz Lightyear. While he has his fair share of good and bad moments, it’s hard not to root for Woody in his endeavors, which helps make him the greatest Pixar character of all time.