Ever since their formation in 1986, Pixar has been responsible for some of the greatest animated movies. The animation studio's vibrant cinematic offerings have engaged many viewers, with the colorful characters and highly imaginative scenarios providing much entertainment for audiences of all ages.
A significant aspect of these films' wide appeal is undoubtedly the game-changing moments within their narratives, which provide new perspectives on these much-loved tales on subsequent viewings. These plot twists are often reflected in the dialogue, with the characters' mind-blowing quotes changing the story entirely.
Yeti
"Abominable. Can you believe that? Do I look abominable to you? Why can't they call me the Adorable Snowman, or the Agreeable Snowman, for crying out loud? I'm a nice guy!"
2001's Monsters Inc. is full of many weird characters, but perhaps one of the most unusual is the Yeti. This quirky individual is teased throughout the movie as a menacing creature, however, when Mike and Sully eventually meet the monster, he reveals himself to be a much friendlier presence.
This quote subverts the audience's expectations of the Yeti entirely, as he seems amusingly confused by his fearsome reputation. His surprisingly kind-hearted nature also leads to one of the film's biggest reveals, with Mike and Sully learning that the "Abominable Snowman" was banished from Monsters Inc. upon discovering Waternoose's involvement in Randall's diabolical scheme.
TV Announcer
"Get your Buzz Lightyear action figure and save a galaxy near you! Available at all Al’s Toy Barn outlets in the tri-county area."
Considered one of the best small roles by an international star, the TV announcer plays a pivotal part in the first Toy Story movie. This character's excitable intonations can be heard as Buzz watches a toy commercial for a Buzz Lightyear action figure.
The TV announcer's words signify a game-changing moment for Buzz, as he learns Woody was correct in his insistence that he is a toy. The space ranger's beliefs are shattered by this shocking reveal, as the world he thought he knew changes before his very eyes. It's a line that changes Buzz's story completely, as the usually jovial electronic figure is left depressed by this unwanted revelation.
Charlie And Jenny
"Every day, we go out and lay out shells. And you found us. Oh, honey. You found us. And you know why you found us? Because you remembered. You remembered in your own Dory way."
Finding Dory provides a particularly emotional storyline, as Dory searches the ocean for her parents Charlie and Jenny. Upon succeeding in her mission, the scatter-brained fish is informed by the parents that she was following clues left by the pair all along.
This affectionate quote from Charlie and Jenny recontextualizes much of the Finding Dory movie, as the parents are revealed to have been instrumental in their own rescue. Charlie and Jenny's reunion with Dory relies on their knowledge regarding her mental state, and how the shells can be used as aids to help her remember, as they use their understanding of their daughter to manipulate the film's narrative off-screen.
Syndrome
"After you trashed the last one, I had to make some major modifications. Sure, it was difficult, but you are worth it. I mean, after all... I am your biggest fan."
Released in 2004, The Incredibles is an especially enjoyable film from Pixar and features one of the best movie families of all time. The film's primary antagonist, Syndrome, is responsible for one of Pixar's greatest plot twists, as he reveals to Mr. Incredible his identity as the fanboy he saved many years ago.
This groundbreaking line forms a major twist within the narrative, with the former self-proclaimed Incrediboy having turned to a life of crime following Bob's refusal to make him a sidekick. The supervillain's identity proves particularly shocking for Mr. Incredible, as the man he refused to take seriously as a child suddenly becomes a formidable foe.
Sully
"Uh-huh, and the fact that laughter has ten times the energy of scream had nothing to do with it."
For much of Monsters Inc's runtime, the plot revolves around the idea of a world run by the screams of children. This intriguing concept is turned completely on its head, however, as Mike and Sully make the remarkable discovery that laughter produces significantly more energy.
This quote signposts a crucial societal change for Monstropolis, with the city moving from its original power source of fear to being run entirely on the amusement of children. Sully's sarcastic remark towards Mike neatly communicates the impressive amount of energy produced from the kids' laughter, as Mike attempts to pass off the sudden surge in power as entirely of his own doing.
Charles Muntz
"Here they come, these bandits, and think the bird is theirs to take! But they soon find that this mountain is a very dangerous place…"
Considered one of Pixar's most evil villains, Charles Muntz is a key figure within the studio's 2009 offering Up. The inspirational explorer is revealed to be a cold-hearted hunter, with a chilling speech that is shocking for both audiences and Carl Fredricksen alike.
This eerie piece of dialogue neatly plays with viewers' expectations, with Charles having previously been portrayed as a heroic individual. With Charles' adventures having been a big influence behind the elderly widower's dream to journey to Paradise Falls, the traveler's inhumane actions alter everything Carl thought he knew, throwing into doubt the travel plans he formed with his deceased wife Ellie.
Andy
"He's brave like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you, ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what."
As the loyal owner of the toys featured within the franchise, Andy is at the heart of the first three Toy Story movies. Toy Story 3 introduces a significant change to the series' formula, however, as the movie's ending depicts Andy giving up his toy collection to Bonnie.
Andy's words come as a surprise to audience members, as the now-adult child has previously appeared unwilling to part with his toys, in particular Woody. It's a significant turning point for the franchise, which has previously revolved around the relationship between Andy and the iconic toy cowboy, bringing the Toy Story series into entirely new territory.
Dory
“Ha ha! I remembered! P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. I remembered it again!”
Regarded by fans as Finding Nemo's most likable character, Dory is an endearing presence throughout the movie's runtime. The usually forgetful blue tang fish delivers a crucial piece of information to Nemo's father Marlin, as she recalls the address scrawled across the diver's goggles.
This quote represents a crucial moment from Finding Nemo, as Dory remembers something for the first time. It also proves instrumental in Marlin's rescue of Nemo, with the goggles bearing the location of his missing son. Without Dory's help, the adult clownfish would have been unable to locate his offspring, marking this line as a pivotal moment within the narrative.
Anton Ego
"In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant."
Pixar has included many harsh antagonistic forces throughout their cinematic endeavors, but perhaps one of the strictest is Anton Ego. Appearing in Ratatouille, the restaurant critic is highly critical of the deceased Chef Gusteau's restaurant for much of the picture, until he delivers an especially surprising monologue towards the end of the movie.
Remy's delicious dish reminds Anton of his deceased mother's beloved meals, turning this seemingly cold and distant individual into a more sympathetic figure. This heartfelt speech by the critic delivers a renewed perspective on Anton Ego, as he learns to embrace the inclusive message behind Chef Gusteau's famous words.
Buzz/Woody
“He's not lost. Not anymore. To infinity…," "...And beyond…"
2019's Toy Story 4 is an eventful movie in many ways, however, it's the film's closing moments that lead to the most game-changing sequence. Buzz and Woody's final words of the movie mark a significant change for the franchise, with the pair reflecting on the cowboy's decision to stay with Bo Peep.
These words demonstrate the point where Woody gains independence from his owner, after having previously been determined to return to Bonnie. He makes the wise decision to follow his heart with his romantic partner Bo Peep, in a move that changes the Toy Story franchise forever, following Woody's previous reluctance to the notion of becoming a "lost toy."