Ranking Every Pixar Movie Based on How Hard It Makes You Cry

Pixar films have a unique gift for blending heart, humor, and gut-punching emotion, turning animated stories into unforgettable experiences. Their ability to make you laugh one moment and sob the next is unmatched, resonating with kids and adults alike.

This list ranks all 28 Pixar movies based on their emotional impact, specifically how hard they hit your tear ducts. From subtle heartaches to soul-crushing moments, these films deliver raw feelings. Let’s dive into the tears, starting with the least weepy.

28. ‘Cars 2’ (2011)

Mater, the tow truck, takes center stage in a spy adventure with Lightning McQueen. This sequel leans into action and comedy, with little room for emotional depth. The focus on gadgets and races keeps tears at bay. It’s fun but lacks the heart of other Pixar films.

While ‘Cars 2’ entertains with its fast-paced plot, it’s the least likely to make you cry. Its light tone and minimal emotional stakes make it a dry-eyed entry.

27. ‘The Good Dinosaur’ (2015)

Arlo, a young dinosaur, befriends a human boy on a journey home. The film has sweet moments, like their bond over loss, but its simplistic story doesn’t dig deep. Visually stunning, it lacks the emotional punch of Pixar’s best.

‘The Good Dinosaur’ offers mild tugs at the heart, especially in Arlo’s family scenes, but it’s not a tearjerker. Its gentle vibe keeps the waterworks minimal.

26. ‘Cars 3’ (2017)

Lightning McQueen faces retirement and mentors a new racer. The theme of aging hits lightly, with a few poignant moments about moving on. The focus on racing and humor softens the emotional weight compared to Pixar’s heavier hitters.

‘Cars 3’ delivers a touch of nostalgia and bittersweet growth, but it’s not a sob-fest. Its upbeat tone keeps tears to a faint glimmer.

25. ‘Monsters University’ (2013)

This prequel follows Mike Wazowski’s college days, chasing his dream to be a scarer. The underdog story and friendship with Sulley spark some warmth, but the comedic tone keeps emotions light. It’s more about laughs than cries.

‘Monsters University’ has heart in its themes of hard work, yet it rarely moves you to tears. Its fun, nostalgic vibe stays tear-free for most.

24. ‘A Bug’s Life’ (1998)

Flik, an ant, rallies misfits to save his colony from grasshoppers. The story of courage and community has touching moments, like Flik’s acceptance, but its adventure-driven plot keeps emotions in check. The humor overshadows any deeper heartache.

‘A Bug’s Life’ offers mild emotional beats with its underdog tale. It’s charming but won’t leave you reaching for tissues.

23. ‘Cars’ (2006)

Lightning McQueen learns humility in a small town after a racing detour. The final race and Doc’s mentorship carry some emotional weight, but the film leans more into charm than heartbreak. Its nostalgic vibe feels warm rather than tearful.

‘Cars’ delivers a sweet lesson in friendship, with a light tug at the heart. It’s not a major crier, keeping emotions on the softer side.

22. ‘Brave’ (2012)

Merida, a fiery princess, mends her bond with her mother after a magical mishap. The mother-daughter reconciliation hits emotional notes, especially in the climactic scene, but the action-heavy plot dilutes the tears. The Scottish setting adds charm.

‘Brave’ stirs some feelings with its family focus, but it’s not a sob inducer. Its heartfelt moments are strong yet restrained, sparing the tissue box.

21. ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019)

Woody helps a new toy, Forky, while finding his own purpose. The bittersweet farewell and themes of change tug at the heart, but the lighter tone and new characters soften the impact. Woody’s journey still carries emotional weight.

‘Toy Story 4’ delivers a touching conclusion, with moments that might mist your eyes. It’s emotional but not as gut-wrenching as earlier entries.

20. ‘Finding Dory’ (2016)

Dory searches for her long-lost parents, joined by Nemo and Marlin. Her memories of family and moments of loneliness hit hard, but the comedic tone and happy resolution keep tears moderate. The ocean visuals dazzle, amplifying the heart.

‘Finding Dory’ stirs emotions with Dory’s quest, likely sparking a few tears. Its focus on belonging makes it moving, though not devastating.

19. ‘Lightyear’ (2022)

Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger, faces time-travel consequences in this sci-fi spin-off. Themes of sacrifice and friendship carry some weight, especially in Buzz’s final choice, but the action focus limits emotional depth. The sleek animation keeps it engaging.

‘Lightyear’ offers a few heartfelt moments, but it’s not a tearjerker. Its adventure-driven story keeps the sobs at bay, though it tugs lightly.

18. ‘Onward’ (2020)

Two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, embark on a quest to bring their dad back for a day. The father-son theme and final sacrifice hit hard, with moments of raw grief. The comedic tone balances the sadness, keeping it from overwhelming.

‘Onward’ delivers emotional punches, especially in its climax, likely sparking tears. Its focus on family loss makes it a strong, but not crushing, crier.

17. ‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

The Parr family balances superhero life with family struggles. Moments like Bob’s fear of losing his family and Helen’s vulnerability carry emotional weight, but the action-comedy vibe keeps tears in check. The retro style adds charm.

‘The Incredibles’ stirs feelings with its family-first heart, potentially causing misty eyes. Its thrilling pace ensures the emotion doesn’t linger too long.

16. ‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)

Helen takes the superhero lead while Bob tackles parenting. The family’s unity against challenges and moments of doubt hit emotionally, though the action focus tempers the sadness. The sleek animation and humor keep it uplifting.

‘Incredibles 2’ offers heartfelt family moments that might spark tears. Its blend of action and heart makes it moving but not a sob-fest.

15. ‘Toy Story’ (1995)

Woody and Buzz, rival toys, learn to work together to return to their kid, Andy. The fear of being forgotten and their growing bond carry subtle emotional weight. The lighthearted adventure keeps the tears minimal but present.

‘Toy Story’ tugs at the heart with its themes of loyalty, possibly misting your eyes. Its classic charm makes it emotional without overwhelming.

14. ‘Ratatouille’ (2007)

Remy, a rat, chases his dream to become a chef, bonding with a clumsy human, Linguini. The critic’s flashback and Remy’s family struggles hit emotional notes, but the comedic tone keeps it light. The Parisian setting adds warmth.

‘Ratatouille’ stirs feelings with its underdog story, likely sparking a tear or two. Its focus on passion and acceptance makes it gently moving.

13. ‘Monsters, Inc.’ (2001)

Sulley and Mike, monsters who scare kids for energy, bond with a human child, Boo. The farewell to Boo is a tearful highlight, though the film’s humor softens the blow. The vibrant world and heartfelt friendship amplify the emotion.

‘Monsters, Inc.’ delivers a poignant goodbye that’ll likely make you cry. Its warm tone keeps the tears from overwhelming, but the heart hits hard.

12. ‘Elemental’ (2023)

Ember, a fire element, and Wade, a water element, fall in love in a city of opposites. Their romance and family pressures, especially Ember’s sacrifice, pack an emotional punch. The vibrant visuals enhance the heartfelt moments.

‘Elemental’ stirs deep feelings with its love story, likely bringing tears. Its focus on identity and connection makes it a strong crier in Pixar’s lineup.

11. ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)

Marlin, a nervous clownfish, searches for his lost son, Nemo. The opening tragedy and Marlin’s desperate journey hit hard, with moments like Dory’s plea adding to the ache. The ocean adventure keeps the tone hopeful, balancing the sadness.

‘Finding Nemo’ delivers emotional gut-punches, especially for parents, sparking tears. Its themes of loss and love make it a tearjerker with heart.

10. ‘Toy Story 2’ (1999)

Woody faces a choice between his kid, Andy, and a toy collector’s museum. Jessie’s backstory about being abandoned is a tearful standout, paired with Woody’s loyalty to Andy. The adventure vibe keeps the emotion from overwhelming.

‘Toy Story 2’ hits with its themes of belonging, likely making you cry. Its heartfelt moments and nostalgic charm ensure a strong emotional pull.

9. ‘WALL-E’ (2008)

WALL-E, a lonely robot, falls for EVE while saving Earth’s future. The silent romance and WALL-E’s near-sacrifice are deeply moving, with his simple devotion breaking hearts. The dystopian setting adds weight to the emotional core.

‘WALL-E’ delivers quiet, devastating moments that spark tears. Its blend of love and hope makes it a powerful tearjerker for all ages.

8. ‘Turning Red’ (2022)

Mei, a teen, turns into a red panda when emotional, straining her bond with her mom. The mother-daughter conflict and Mei’s coming-of-age struggles hit hard, especially in the emotional climax. The vibrant animation amplifies the heart.

‘Turning Red’ brings tears with its raw family dynamics, likely leaving you misty-eyed. Its focus on identity and acceptance makes it a modern Pixar crier.

7. ‘Soul’ (2020)

Joe, a musician, explores life’s meaning after a near-death experience. The film’s reflections on purpose and small joys, paired with Joe’s bond with 22, hit deep. The quiet moments of realization are tear-inducing, with stunning visuals.

‘Soul’ delivers profound emotion, likely sparking heavy tears. Its themes of life’s value make it a moving, introspective tearjerker.

6. ‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)

Andy’s toys face a future without him as he heads to college. The incinerator scene and Andy’s goodbye to Woody are gut-wrenching, pushing emotions to the brink. The nostalgic weight of growing up amplifies every tear.

‘Toy Story 3’ is a tearful masterpiece, guaranteed to make you sob. Its focus on letting go ensures it’s one of Pixar’s most emotional films.

5. ‘Luca’ (2021)

Luca, a sea monster, befriends Alberto on land, chasing dreams of freedom. Their friendship and themes of acceptance, especially in the heartfelt farewell, hit hard. The Italian Riviera setting adds a warm, bittersweet glow to the emotion.

‘Luca’ delivers tender, tearful moments with its coming-of-age heart. Its focus on belonging and sacrifice makes it a strong Pixar crier.

4. ‘Coco’ (2017)

Miguel, a boy who loves music, journeys to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s past. The revelation about Héctor and the song “Remember Me” are devastating, tapping into family and memory. The vibrant visuals deepen the emotional blow.

‘Coco’ is a tearful triumph, guaranteed to leave you sobbing. Its celebration of heritage and love makes it a top-tier tearjerker.

3. ‘Inside Out’ (2015)

Riley’s emotions, led by Joy and Sadness, navigate her move to a new city. Bing Bong’s sacrifice and the acceptance of sadness as vital are heart-crushing moments. The colorful mind-world makes the emotions feel raw and universal.

‘Inside Out’ delivers devastating insights into growing up, sparking heavy tears. Its emotional depth and relatable themes make it a Pixar classic.

2. ‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)

Riley, now a teen, faces new emotions like Anxiety during hockey camp. The struggle to preserve her sense of self and the bittersweet growth hit hard, especially in the anxiety attack scene. The expanded mind-world amplifies the emotional stakes.

‘Inside Out 2’ pushes tears with its raw take on adolescence, likely leaving you wrecked. Its focus on mental health makes it a modern tearjerker.

1. ‘Up’ (2009)

Carl and Ellie’s love story kicks off with a montage that wrecks you in minutes, followed by Carl’s journey to honor her dream. The quiet grief and newfound family with Russell and Dug crush your heart. The vibrant adventure only deepens the tears.

‘Up’ is Pixar’s ultimate tearjerker, guaranteed to make you sob uncontrollably. Its blend of love, loss, and hope cements it as the most emotional masterpiece.

Which Pixar movie makes you cry the hardest, or did I miss a tearful gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!