Pixar is notorious for consistently producing incredibly high-quality movies that are amongst some of the greatest animated films of all time. While that is certainly the case, even Pixar has some weaker movies and because of this, not every film has been a true critical success.
Whether it's because their stories were weaker, or that they didn't have quite as many strong characters, or just that they weren't quite up to the level of the studio's other movies, there inevitably has been some weaker Pixar films. This list will take a look at the 10 weakest movies in Pixar's history, according to IMDb.
The Incredibles 2 - 7.8
Much like Toy Story 4, The Incredibles 2 had the difficulty of having to follow up one of Pixar's greatest ever films as its predecessor. On top of this, because there was such a long gap of time between the two films, fans' expectations were incredibly high.
While this movie was a lot of fun and it did expand on the world that had already been created, it wasn't quite as focused on the family aspect that made the original so fun. Instead, the film put more attention on Mrs. Incredible, and while this was still great, it just wasn't quite as emotional.
Onward - 7.5 (2019)
Onward is Pixar's latest offering and one that brought quite diverse reviews. Some people absolutely loved it, and others felt it was a weak effort. There's no doubt this is a great adventure. It has tons of heart, a fantastic world, and some loveable characters, with Chris Pratt and Tom Holland playing their parts excellently.
For some people, this movie has just a little too much filler before it really gets to the big emotional payoff, and critics felt it was a little disappointing. While there's no doubt it wasn't as magical as other Pixar films, it is by no means a poor movie.
Finding Dory - 7.3 (2016)
Much like The Incredibles 2, Finding Dory suffers from trying to follow up on what came before it, and this is just something that it couldn't do. It arguably took Pixar too long to get this one out after the success of the original, and the fact that it is a very similar story didn't help.
While there's undoubtedly plenty of emotion in Dory's situation, mainly because of how she forgets things so quickly, and there are some fun new characters added, it doesn't have the same punch as the original. It's the same story, only this time played out all in the small space of an aquarium, and because of that, it doesn't have the same sense of adventure.
Monsters University - 7.3 (2013)
As is the case with the previous movie, Monsters University arguably came a little too long after the original and had too much pressure to live up to. This was a prequel and it meant that, emotionally, it wasn't as easy to connect, as everyone knows going into it that Sulley and Mike become best friends.
It felt more like a giant service to those fans of the original, by opening up the monster world a little more and bringing new characters into it. However, the story was nowhere near as emotional as the original, and because of this, it isn't a surprise to see this film on this list.
Cars - 7.1 (2006)
The Cars franchise is one that proved to be a big hit with young audiences, but not so much with critics. The original is the strongest out of the three because it has the best story. It's simple, but effective, with a hotshot racecar being brought down to Earth when he is forced to learn what he has got.
However, because the film is so on the money and obvious with its moral lesson, it didn't seem to connect as well on an emotional level as the other films in the franchise. However, these characters did become very popular with fans.
A Bug's Life - 7.2 (1998)
As one of Pixar's earliest creations, A Bug's Life hasn't quite stood the test of time against the high-quality movies that the company has pumped out over the years. At the time, the animation was groundbreaking and the characters were fun, but A Bug's Life doesn't have the same emotional pull of other Pixar films.
While the story is enjoyable and there's a lot of humor involved in the movie, it is nowhere near as detailed and heartwarming as other Pixar films in the company's impressive library.
Brave - 7.1 (2012)
Brave was Pixar's first (and currently only) attempt at a classic princess story, and for the most part, it is a very entertaining movie. It is a real stereotype breaker, with Merida not being the classic princess that is usually portrayed. She doesn't want fancy dresses or huge balls, instead, she wants horseback riding and archery.
However, the film loses its way slightly by blending in too many plot ideas into the same movie. While it's a princess film, it is also about a mother and daughter bond. It's mystical, it has a rescue mission, and giant bears! Had Pixar picked just one angle and attacked it fully, this film would have been stronger.
Cars 3 - 6.7 (2017)
Cars 3 was the final installment in this popular franchise and it returned the focus back to the racing world, which is exactly where the franchise belongs. It was a strong story, with Lightning McQueen being over the hill and a little too old and the difficulties he has in dealing with this fact.
However, the main reason this film wasn't as big of a hit is because a lot of people had seemingly grown a little tired of the franchise by this point. The characters weren't as well layered as others from Pixar and it was also a far more serious movie than the company traditionally makes.
The Good Dinosaur - 6.7 (2015)
The Good Dinosaur offered some absolutely stunning visuals, with this movie playing host to some of Pixar's best animation work. However, the plot itself wasn't the strongest and the two lead characters, Spot and Arlo, weren't quite as loveable and endearing as some of Pixar's other beloved creations.
The story just didn't quite bring the same level of detail and heart that Pixar is notorious for. Things felt a little too simplistic and paint by number in this, and while it was no doubt a big hit with younger audiences, due to the charm of the characters and visuals, it didn't connect the same with adults.
Cars 2 - 6.1 (2011)
When it comes to Pixar's weakest movie, it is Cars 2 that had the lowest rating, meaning that all three films from this franchise made the list. While the characters certainly proved to be popular in this franchise, it was the story that was really lacking, particularly in this one.
The decision was made for Mater to take on the lead role here in what was effectively a spy movie. Pixar was clearly trying to ensure that the story was unique and different from the original, but unfortunately, the spy idea didn't quite connect. Plus, with Mater as the lead character, the comedic relief moments didn't connect as well, which also hurt the film.