Summary
Pixaris 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 atPixar, it’s no surprise that there have been quite a few sequels, with more on the way likeToy Story 5andThe Incredibles 3.
Some of Pixar’s best movies are sequels, and whilst not all of them are memorable, or even worth a second watch, there are those that are as iconic as their predecessors, which goes to show that Disney Pixar still remains the king of animated movies.
8Cars 2
An Out of Place Sequel Where Mater Becomes a Spy for Some Reason
Pixar really tried to getCarsto 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 reallyjumps the shark on wheels, as Mater is for some reason an international super spy now.
Cars 2is 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 thatCarsisn’t exactly everyone’s favorite Pixar movie.
7Cars 3
Lightning McQueen Enters a Mid-Car Crisis
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 3shows a more vulnerable Lightning McQueen and does away with the weirdespionage adventuresof Mater.
Cars 3is still a strange sequel and a conclusion to a trilogy that nobody really asked for. Yet,Cars 3does some things well, and everyone remembers that intenseLogan-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.
6Finding Dory
The adorable and adventurous aquatic world fromFinding Nemoreturns, and this time, the focus is purely onthe 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.
Finding Doryis another of Pixar’s somewhat unnecessary sequels, and in reality, nothing really happens inFinding Dory. It’s a short and sweet tale about family and home, but outside of its core, there isn’t much to digest, andFinding Nemowas a superior and more tense adventure.
5Incredibles 2
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl Return, but Against Unexpected Villains
Fans had waited a long 14 years to seeThe Incrediblesreturn to the big screen. WithIncredibles 2, and director Brad Bird’s return, the expectations couldn’t be higher, but that was also the flaw of the fans.Incredibles 2wasn’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, whilstBob Parr tries to be a fatherinstead 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.
4Toy Story 4
Woody Reunites with Bo Peep and Discovers Purpose Outside of a Toy Box
Revisiting the world ofToy Storyis always risky, especially when each sequel excels at being brilliant.Toy Story 3left 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, butToy Story 4does a pretty good job at it, even if it is a tad unnecessary.
Toy Story 4deals 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 ofthe memories of Andy’s bedroom.Toy Story 4is highly emotional, as it deals with the themes of letting go.
3Inside Out 2
Riley’s New Emotions Cause Further Chaos and Familiarity
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 2deals with something everyone is familiar with, and puberty is front and center.Inside Out 2has 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.
2Toy Story 3
An Emotional and Intense Escape to Find Family
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 kidsplaying not-so-nice, the gang prepares a great escape to return to Andy’s before he heads off to college.
Toy Story 3is 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.
1Toy Story 2
Woody Finds New Friends, Whilst Buzz Attempts to Save an Old One
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 2excels asa sequel that almost wasn’t made.
Toy Story 2has 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.
